NFL Player News

Smith caught his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 24-22 win over Dallas.

Smith also returned three kickoffs for 73 yards, taking over as the kick returner with Trenton Cannon (foot) sitting. The Jets clearly like what they have in the 23-year-old wide receiver, but Smith's role will have to grow substantially before he gains any real fantasy value.

Montgomery didn't record a carry but caught all three of his targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 24-22 win over Dallas.

Montgomery has recorded more than three touches only once all season. That was in Week 2, when Le'Veon Bell came in questionable with a shoulder injury and Montgomery spelled him with six touches. In other words, owners can continue to ignore Montgomery as long as Bell's out there.

Shepard (concussion) was cleared to take part in individual drills during Monday's light practice session, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Working back from his second concussion of the season, Shepard is still unlikely to gain clearance to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals, but his presence on the field offers optimism that he'll be able to avoid injured reserve. Perhaps out of recognition that Shepard will likely be sidelined for the second game in a row, the Giants re-signed Bennie Fowler on Monday to provide additional depth at receiver.

Crowder caught six of nine targets for 98 yards in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Cowboys.

After turning 17 targets into 14 catches for 99 yards in the Jets' opener, Crowder saw his numbers tumble while Sam Darnold was sidelined with mono, but the QB made the former Washington wideout his top target once again in his return. Crowder figures to see strong volume the rest of the way as the possession complement to downfield threat Robby Anderson, but the entire Jets passing game faces a tough challenge Week 7 against the Patriots.

Anderson caught five of eight targets for 125 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Cowboys.

Most of the damage came on a 92-yard TD strike in the second quarter -- the second-longest play from scrimmage in Jets franchise history. Anderson managed only eight catches for 108 yards in three games while Sam Darnold was sidelined with mononucleosis, but the QB's return to the lineup paid immediate dividends for the team's top downfield threat. Anderson will have difficulty making the same kind of impact Week 7 against the Patriots' extremely stingy defense, however.

Shepard (concussion) may be out for a while, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Shepard suffered concussions in Weeks 1 and 5, with the injuries occurring less than a month apart. He already missed last Thursday's 35-14 loss to the Patriots, and he's now in danger of missing a Week 7 game against the Cardinals on Sunday. With Shepard's availability in doubt, the Giants have re-signed Bennie Fowler to help with depth at wide receiver. Golden Tate and Darius Slayton both played 98 percent of snaps on offense in the Thursday loss, while Cody Latimer (46 percent) and Cody Core (34 percent) mixed in behind.

Cooper was diagnosed with a thigh bruise after exiting Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Jets, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

While often painful, the injury doesn't typically require a long-term absence, so Cooper could try to make it back for a Week 7 matchup with the Eagles. Listed on the practice report with ankle and quadriceps injuries last week, Cooper was removed from the loss to the Jets in the first quarter, finishing with one catch for three yards on three snaps. His absence freed up extra work for Tavon Austin (93 percent snap share) and Cedrick Wilson (61 percent), with the two players combining for 10 catches and 110 yards on 12 targets.

Coutee caught four of six targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 31-24 win over the Chiefs in Week 6.

With Kenny Stills (hamstring) unavailable for a second straight week, Coutee played a season-high 47 snaps in the win. He's caught seven of 10 targets for 111 yards as the fill-in No. 3 wideout. As the Texans prepare for a Week 7 meeting with the division-rival Colts, Wednesday's practice session will provide the first read as to whether Coutee or Stills will be third option behind DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller.

James did not receive a target in Sunday's 20-7 win over the Rams.

James remained exclusive to the special teams unit for the second consecutive week. The 24-year-old may have an opportunity to re-enter the receiving corps after Deebo Samuel (quadriceps) suffered an injury late in this contest. Kendrick Bourne (who had a catch Sunday) could also enter the fray, but neither wideout provides the upside of the receiver he could potentially replace, especially in a run-heavy offense. It's probably safe to leave James on waivers heading into Week 7.

Bourne caught his only target for 11 yards in Sunday's 20-7 win over the Rams.

Bourne was a non-factor from a fantasy perspective in this contest. Deebo Samuel (quadriceps) had to leave Sunday's win in the second half, and the severity of the wideout's injury is currently unknown. If he is forced to miss any time, Bourne could be elevated to No 3 on the depth chart. That said, the 49ers -- backed by their stout defense -- seem content running the ball down the opposition's throats, so even if Bourne's role expands, he probably wouldn't gain much fantasy value.