NFL Player News

Smith failed to secure his lone target during Sunday's 27-22 win over Baltimore.

Smith has had limited involvement in the passing game during his first season with the Steelers, but he's been especially unproductive recently, securing just five of 10 targets for 31 yards while rushing twice for seven yards over his last five appearances. It's not yet clear whether Darnell Washington (concussion) will be forced to miss additional time after exiting Sunday's win, but Smith would still be battling Pat Freiermuth for snaps and targets if Washington is sidelined.

Austin secured one of two targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.

Austin was held without a catch last week against Buffalo for the first time in the 2025 campaign, but he bounced back in Week 14 by logging a deep reception in the third quarter. The 2022 fourth-rounder has been inconsistent this year, but he's recorded double-digit receiving yards in five of his last seven appearances, securing 17 of 19 targets for 170 yards during that time. Austin hasn't found his way into the end zone since Week 3, however.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer noted Monday that Lamb, who sustained a concussion during the Cowboys' loss to the Lions this past Thursday, is "doing good. Progressing nicely," Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

With added recovery time ahead of Week 15, Lamb is trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Vikings approaches. The star wideout's progress through the concussion protocol will begin to come into focus when the team's next official injury report is posted Wednesday.

Johnson rushed twice for four yards during Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.

The Steelers' running game failed to make much of an impact in Week 14, as Kenneth Gainwell led the team with four carries for 15 yards and a touchdown, while Jaylen Warren produced an inefficient 13 yards on eight carries. However, those two backs saw a nearly even split of playing time, with Warren playing 50 percent of the offensive snaps and Gainwell playing 48 percent. Johnson was once again the clear No. 3 back, as he was on the field for just three offensive snaps against Baltimore. The rookie has been limited to single-digit snaps in each of his last five appearances, and he's rushed 12 times for 29 yards while securing his lone target for nine yards during that time.

Wilson (knee) is eligible to come off IR this week, but coach Aaron Glenn noted Monday that a determination regarding the wideout's status hinges on a medical decision between Wilson and the Jets doctors, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Wilson last saw game action in Week 10, but it remains unclear if or when he'll return to the lineup as Jets' last four games approach. With the team 3-10 and out of playoff contention, there's no reason to hurry Wilson back, and if he remains sidelined this coming Sunday against the Jaguars, John Metchie, Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Williams would continue to lead New York's WR corps.

Coach Aaron Glenn noted Monday that the Jets are still gathering information on the health and availability of Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee), Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Fields was inactive for Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins, and Taylor lasted only two series in the contest because of a groin injury before being replaced by rookie Brady Cook. In terms of the Jets' QB plans for a Week 15 game against the Jaguars, Glenn indicated Monday that the team will "have to see what guys are healthy enough to go out there and give us a chance to win." The team's signal-caller situation likely won't gain any clarity until at least Wednesday, when the Jets' next practice/injury report is posted.

Hopkins was held without a catch on one target Sunday against the Steelers.

Hopkins played just 13 snaps, his lowest total since Week 10. The Ravens leaned on two-wide sets featuring Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman while also deploying multiple tight ends along with fullback Patrick Ricard. That ultimately squeezed Hopkins out of the game plan Sunday. Hopkins has not drawn more than four targets in any game this season and has not scored a touchdown since Week 2. Baltimore plays at Cincinnati in Week 15.

Bateman caught two of three targets for 23 yards Sunday against the Steelers.

Bateman, who missed two weeks with an ankle injury, was more involved Sunday than he was in his Week 13 return, and his snap count jumped from 44 to 69. It didn't translate to a major jump in usage though, as he still drew just three targets. His one target that went incomplete was a crucial third down in the red zone that ended a drive and forced Baltimore to settle for a field goal. Bateman's production has fallen off sharply from his career year in 2024 when he had 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. Through 11 games, Bateman has 18 catches on 36 targets for 217 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens offense as a whole has struggled relative to 2024, in large part due to Lamar Jackson being at less than 100 percent in recent weeks.

Hutchinson did not catch either of his two targets in Sunday's 20-10 win over Kansas City in Week 14.

Hutchinson was held to zero catches for the third time in the last five games. He had some moments earlier in the season, but Houston's passing attack now runs through Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and rookie Jayden Higgins. Hutchinson has 26 receptions on 41 targets for 303 yards and three touchdowns, all of which are career highs for the third-year veteran.

Stover was not targeted in Sunday's 20-10 win over Kansas City in Week 14.

Stover's did get a carry on a 4th-and-1 in the red zone, but the play was wiped out by an offside penalty. Houston settled for a field goal instead. It was the fourth time in the last two games that the Texans used Stover as a runner, but unless he gets used at the goal line, that usage won't provide him with any fantasy appeal.