NFL Player News
-
Ja'Lynn Polk WR | NO
Patriots' Ja'Lynn Polk: Catches TD in Week 10
Polk, who was on the field for 26 of a possible 64 snaps on offense in Sunday's 19-3 win over the Bears, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, caught his only target in the contest for a two-yard TD.
The rookie was in the Patriots' starting lineup along with -Kayshon Boutte, but Polk continues to see limited volume. That said, it's plausible that the 2024 second-rounder could pick up the pace in terms of his usage and production as the season rolls along, with the team's focus being on the future.
-
Steven Sims WR | ARI
Texans' Steven Sims: Special teams contributor in loss
Sims returned three punts for 43 yards in Sunday's 26-23 loss to Detroit.
Sims served as Houston's primary return specialist for the second consecutive week, although he didn't record a kickoff return. He played just two snaps on offense and has lined up on that side of the ball just 10 times in 2024. With Nico Collins (IR, hamstring) on the verge of returning, likely in Week 11, Sims' spot on the gameday roster may be in jeopardy.
-
Xavier Hutchinson WR | HOU
Texans' Xavier Hutchinson: Season-high four targets
Hutchinson caught two of four targets for six yards in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Lions in Week 10.
The targets were a season high for Hutchinson, who topped Houston's wideouts with 57 snaps. It was the second consecutive week he's paced the group in playing time -- primarily due to injuries to Nico Collins (IR, hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (IR, knee) -- but it hasn't translated into anything useful for fantasy rosters. Hutchinson has two catches on seven targets for six yards in those two games. If anyone has emerged as a threat, it's John Metchie, who has eight catches on 12 targets for 103 yards and one touchdown over that time. Collins is likely to return in Week 11, which will put a damper on the playing time for either Hutchinson or Metchie, or both.
-
Robert Woods WR | PIT
Texans' Robert Woods: Takes back seat to young WRs
Woods caught one of three targets for one yard in Sunday's 26-23 loss to Detroit in Week 10.
Woods, who logged 24 snaps, once again served as the fourth wideout, as younger receivers Xavier Hutchinson (57 snaps), Tank Dell (51) and John Metchie (44) have become the primary targets with Nico Collins (IR, hamstring) and Stefon Diggs (IR, knee) unavailable. Collins, who was designated to return but was inactive Sunday, could suit up in Week 11 against Dallas, which would further erode Woods' on-field presence. Woods has eight catches on 13 targets for 91 yards and no touchdowns over eight games played this season.
-
Calvin Austin III WR | NYG
Steelers' Calvin Austin: Little production on six targets
Austin recorded two receptions on six targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 28-27 win over the Commanders.
Austin saw a season-high six targets, and he delivered a pivotal 13-yard gain on the Steelers' game-winning drive. However, his role is likely to be in flux given the addition of Mike Williams, who took on a limited snap count in his team debut against the Commanders. Even with a lack of other receiving options early this season, Austin has topped 50 receiving yards only twice in nine games.
-
Gabe Davis WR | BUF
Jaguars' Gabe Davis: One catch against Vikings
Davis recorded one reception on four targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 12-7 loss to the Vikings.
Davis returned from a one-game absence caused by a shoulder injury and finished second on the team in targets. However, the Jaguars' passing attack was abysmal with Mac Jones under center, leaving Davis little chance to produce meaningfully. He also wasn't particularly productive with Trevor Lawrence leading the offense, as Davis has reached 50 receiving yards only once on the campaign.
-
John Metchie III WR | CAR
Texans' John Metchie: Breaks out against Lions
Metchie recorded five receptions on six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Lions.
Metchie enjoyed the most productive game of his career and paced the Texans with 74 receiving yards. He was particularly impressive on a possession just before halftime, initially hauling in a deep 25-yard pass before capping the drive with a 15-yard touchdown reception -- the first of his career. While Nico Collins (hamstring) is likely to be back in Week 11 against the Cowboys, Metchie could have the chance to earn a larger role across the second half of the season due to the underwhelming showings from Tank Dell.
-
Jameson Williams WR | DET
Lions' Jameson Williams: Gains 53 yards in return
Williams (suspension) recorded three receptions (on five targets) for 53 yards in Sunday's 26-23 win over the Texans.
Williams was reinstated following a two-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing substances. The 2022 first-round selection resumed his role opposite star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams is more of a boom-or-bust asset compared to some of his talented teammates, giving the receiver some deep-league appeal heading into next Sunday's tilt against Jacksonville.
-
DeVonta Smith WR | PHI
Eagles' DeVonta Smith: Quiet game in lopsided win
Smith was limited to two receptions (three targets) for 14 yards in Sunday's 34-6 win over Dallas.
Smith took a backseat to star wideout A.J. Brown (5-109-0) in a game that saw the Eagles lead from start to finish. The 25-year-old Smith was coming off a pair of 85-plus yard performances with touchdowns in each, so fantasy managers shouldn't be discouraged by Sunday's negative game script. Expect Smith to be more involved in an important NFC East matchup against the Commanders on Thursday Night Football in Week 11.
-
Tank Dell WR | HOU
Texans' Tank Dell: Earns nine targets
Dell recorded five receptions on nine targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Lions.
Dell had another game as the Texans' top pass-catching option with Nico Collins (hamstring) sidelined for another week. However, Dell failed to convert his opportunity, turning in a long reception of just 13 yards while also recording only one reception across the final two quarters. Overall, his disappointing season continued, as he's been held below 50 receiving yards in six of nine contests.