NFL Player News

Johnston secured three of six targets for 18 yards in the Chargers' 34-27 win over the Broncos on Thursday night.

Johnston played a minor role as his final line implies, finishing the night with the sixth-fewest receiving yards on the Chargers. The second-year speedster had put together back-to-back five-catch, one-touchdown efforts in his previous two games, so Thursday's modest and scoreless line represented a notable downturn. Johnston will look to take advantage of the Patriots' non-Christian Gonzalez inconsistent secondary coverage during a Week 17 road matchup in New England on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Palmer secured three of six targets for 41 yards and caught a two-point conversion pass in the Chargers' 34-27 win over the Broncos on Thursday night.

The veteran wideout was second to Ladd McConkey in both receptions and receiving yards while tying for the team lead in targets. Palmer's two-point conversion grab also was important, as it gave the Chargers a three-point lead early in the fourth quarter following a Derius Davis' go-ahead 19-yard touchdown grab. Palmer remains a clear complementary option in Los Angeles' passing attack and has yet to surpass 78 receiving yards in any game, but he could see some additional opportunities in a Week 17 road clash against the Patriots on Saturday, Dec. 28 if New England's standout cornerback Christian Gonzalez spends the majority of his time on McConkey.

McConkey secured all six targets for 87 yards in the Chargers' 34-27 win over the Broncos on Thursday night.

McConkey set the pace in receptions and receiving yards while sharing the team lead in targets with fellow receivers Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston. The rookie wideout's final catch of the night came early in the fourth quarter but was a critical one, as his 17-yard grab took the ball down to the Broncos' 19-yard line and Justin Herbert threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Derius Davis on the next play to give the Chargers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. McConkey has come on strong down the stretch, as he'll head into a Week 17 road matchup against the Patriots on Saturday, Dec. 28 with at least six receptions and 83 receiving yards in four of the last five contests.

Brooks (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Wilson wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so it appears his knee injury is a new one. It's not clear how severe the injury is, but Friday's practice report will give a better idea of his status heading into Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. The 2023 seventh-round pick caught the first touchdown pass of his NFL career this past Sunday against the Panthers.

Palmer (illness) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's injury report.

Palmer hasn't registered a catch over his last three games and it appears he is now under the weather. It's unclear what sort of ailment he's working through, but Friday's practice report should provide clarity on Palmer's status heading into Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Metcalf (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Metcalf followed up Wednesday's absence with full participation one day later, setting him up to continue to play through a shoulder issue for a fourth consecutive contest. In the previous three outings, he gathered in 11 of 18 targets for 143 yards and no touchdowns.

Waddle (knee) didn't practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waddle also missed practice Wednesday, which sets the stage for Friday's session to loom large in terms of the wideout's chances of playing Sunday against the 49ers. If Waddle -- who head coach Mike McDaniel has called day-to-day -- is unavailable this weekend, Malik Washington would be in line to see an expanded role behind top WR Tyreek Hill.

Hill (wrist/rest) was a full practice participant Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill has been playing through the same wrist injury for most of the season without missing a game. He caught just two of seven targets for 36 yards in a 20-12 loss to Houston last week, after briefly flashing his 2022-23 level of production Weeks 13 and 14 (16 catches for 198 yards and two TDs). The real question for Miami at wide receiver is Jaylen Waddle, who suffered a knee injury Sunday and hasn't practiced since.

Means (ankle) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's injury report.

Means was designated to return from injured reserve Dec. 4, but he has either been a DNP or limited practice participant since. The rookie fifth-round pick would have to log multiple full practices in order to be activated off IR, and it doesn't appear likely that he'll be able to play against the Packers on Monday.

Brown (knee/rest) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Brown was listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's walk-through due to rest, so having his knee included as a reason for practice restrictions one day later indicates his health is compromised somewhat. The wideout was on the receiving end of an apparent hip-drop tackle and was slow to get to his feet late in this past Sunday's win against the Steelers. With an injury now evident, Brown's status will be monitored in advance of Sunday's Week 16 road matchup versus the Commanders.