NFL Player News

Thompkins will serve as the Panthers' top return man during Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official website reports.

With Raheem Blackshear (chest) unavailable, Thompkins' role is set to increase. Thompkins totaled 327 kick-return and 234 punt-return yards for the Buccaneers last season, and he had 46 kick-return and 15 punt-return yards in place of Blackshear last week.

Conley (coach's decision) is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.

The Jets will keep five receivers active ahead of Corley, who will be a healthy scratch for the second week in a row. The third-round pick out of Western Kentucky has been a major disappointment during his rookie season, having played just 80 snaps on offense while being inactive for six of the Jets' first 14 games in coach's decisions.

Sims (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins.

Sims is a depth receiver behind a group of healthy starters and reserves in Nico Collins, Tank Dell, John Metchie, Robert Woods and Xavier Hutchinson. Even when Collins was out for five weeks with a hamstring injury, Sims only played on eight offensive snaps.

Shepard, who is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Chargers due to a foot injury, is expected to suit up, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Shepard popped up on the injury report Wednesday due to a foot issue and didn't practice in either of Tampa Bay's first two sessions this week. However, he was able to participate in a limited fashion Friday, and he's expected to be officially cleared to play Sunday when the Buccaneers post their inactive list 90 minutes before the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Shepard has increased his production since the Buccaneers' Week 11 bye, tallying 13 receptions for 121 yards over the team's past three contests.

McConkey (knee/shoulder), who is questionable for Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay, will need to have a successful pregame workout in order to suit up, but the Chargers are optimistic he'll be able to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

McConkey was viewed as a game-time call last Sunday against Kansas City and didn't end up playing, and his status again looks like it could come down to the wire in Week 15. Like last week, the rookie wideout logged a trio of limited practices and entered the weekend with a questionable designation. However, the Chargers seem hopeful about McConkey being able to return to action against the Buccaneers, and fantasy managers will have a bit more leeway to wait things out since the Chargers' Week 15 contest begins at 4:25 p.m. ET as opposed to last Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. If McConkey ends up being ruled out, Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer would likely lead Los Angeles' receiver corps.

The Jets elevated Smith from their practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's game versus Jacksonville, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Smith has been with New York's practice squad throughout the campaign, and Sunday will mark his first elevation. If he plays Sunday, the 26-year-old wideout will be making his NFL debut. Smith's elevation comes after fellow receiver Irvin Charles (knee) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

Downs, who is questionable for Sunday's matchup against Denver due to a shoulder injury, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Downs missed Indianapolis' win over New England in Week 13 due to a shoulder issue, but the Colts' Week 14 bye provided him extra time to recover. After ending this week with a pair of full practice sessions, he should be able to return to action against the Broncos in a critical contest for Indianapolis' playoff chances. Downs' presence would be a big boost to the Colts, as he typically serves as both the team's No. 2 wideout and top punt returner.

Wilson has been downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers due to an illness.

A decision on Wilson's status will be made closer to Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. However, even if deemed available, Wilson is unlikely to play a significant role behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson.

Crowder (calf) has been activated from injured reserve Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports, but he remains questionable to suit up.

Crowder hasn't played since Week 3 due to a calf injury, but he's now in line to return to the gridiron. The 31-year-old wideout will likely serve as the Commanders' top punt returner Sunday, assuming he's active.

Brown (kidney) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

This was purely a transactional move, as Brown is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a kidney injury back in Week 13. The Commanders activated Jamison Crowder (calf) off injured reserve, but expect Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus to get first crack at filling the role opposite Terry McLaurin in the team's passing attack.