NFL Player News

Smith could take on an expanded role in the Jets' receiver corps Thursday against the Ravens, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Smith is facing a notable opportunity with Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) listed as doubtful and top receiving tight end Ryan Griffin (ankle) ruled out. The second-year pro boasts big-play ability -- he's averaged 16.0 yards per catch for his career -- but he doesn't normally draw consistent enough target volume to warrant fantasy consideration. With more snaps likely headed his way Thursday, Smith's fantasy upside could be higher than usual, though his floor is still dangerously low.

Isabella was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder issue.

For the season, Isabella has delivered only eight catches for 185 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets, with the majority of the production coming on two plays: an 88-yard score in Week 9 and a 55-yard catch in Week 10. With his health compromised, Isabella is even more difficult to trust for output, especially with a matchup with the Browns' eighth-ranked pass defense (217.8 yards per game) on tap Sunday.

Watson is expected to step into a regular role in the Buccaneers' three-receiver sets for as long as Mike Evans (hamstring) is sidelined, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

After Evans (hamstring) exited early in the Week 14 win over the Colts, Watson was pressed into a larger role and responded with the best stat line of his career, finishing the day with five catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. The second-year pro's performance looks to have thrust him ahead of the banged-up Scott Miller (hamstring) on the depth chart, positioning Watson to work alongside Chris Godwin and Breshad Perriman in Week 15 against the Lions while Evans likely sits. While coach Bruce Arians indicated Evans isn't a candidate for injured reserve at this stage, the star receiver is still at real risk of missing the final three games, potentially giving Watson a decent window to put himself on the fantasy radar.

Williams (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Williams was limited last Wednesday and Thursday with the same issue, but he practiced fully Friday and approached the eventual Week 14 win over Jacksonville free of an injury designation. Look for a similar pattern to occur this week as Sunday's game against the Vikings approaches. The wideout logged 43 of the Chargers' 60 offensive snaps in the blowout victory against the Jaguars, catching two of his three targets for 63 yards and his first touchdown of the season.

Kirk was limited at practice Wednesday due to an ankle issue.

Kirk was sidelined Weeks 5, 6 and 7 due to an ankle injury, which appears to be affecting him yet again. Nevertheless, the second-year wideout was able to handle some reps Wednesday, so he's putting himself in a position to be available Sunday against the Browns, when he'll look to take advantage of the 8.8 targets per game he's averaged for the season.

Arcega-Whiteside (leg) isn't listed on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

Arcega-Whiteside missed a number of snaps during Monday's overtime win against the Giants, but he looks like he'll be good to go for Week 15. Per Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Arcega-Whiteside relayed he wasn't on the field due to cramps but felt OK after receiving IV treatment. Afterward, coach Doug Pederson told Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal that he expected Arcega-Whiteside to be available for Sunday's game at Washington. Assuming no setbacks, Arcega-Whiteside is on pace to do just that with no designation.

Thielen (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Thielen's limited session signifies his first practice activity of any kind since Nov. 30. Barring any setbacks, the veteran wideout is trending toward suiting up Sunday against the Chargers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Thielen will have two more opportunities to practice in full and shed his injury designation for Week 15.

Agholor (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

Agholor told Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News on Wednesday that his knee injury originates from the Week 6 matchup with the Vikings, and he aggravated the issue Week 11 against the Patriots. While he's missed two of the last three games as a result, Agholor is "trying to take care of it" in order to return to action this weekend. Clearly, his home is the rehab room at the moment, and Agholor may need to step foot on the practice field Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to suit up Sunday in Washington.

Smith-Schuster (knee) practiced fully Wednesday.

Smith-Schuster's ability to take every rep in the Steelers' first practice of Week 15 sets the stage for him to play Sunday against the Bills after missing the previous three games. The wideout's status will continue to be worth tracking as the week rolls along just to ensure he practice activity doesn't take a step back, but he's currently in line to enter the weekend minus an injury designation.

Harry (hip) practiced fully Wednesday.

Harry's status for Sunday's game against the Bengals isn't in doubt, but his snap and target shares aren't especially dependable enough at this stage of his career. The rookie first-round isn't much more than a fantasy dart, at least in the short term.