NFL Player News

Schultz recorded one catch on two targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 45-14 win over the Browns.

Schultz had a limited role in the offense, as he matched his lowest target total in any game of the regular season. He had a drop early in the first quarter but redeemed himself with a long 37-yard touchdown reception just before halftime. The Texans held a three-score lead for much of the final two quarters, limiting passing volume for the entire team. He should have a chance to be more involved in Houston's divisional-round matchup.

Njoku recorded seven receptions on 11 targets for 93 yards in Saturday's 45-14 loss to the Texans.

Njoku was one of the few bright spots in Saturday's loss, as he led the team in targets and yards. His biggest contribution of the day came on a 45-yard catch late in the first quarter, which helped set up Cleveland's first touchdown. Including the last four games of the regular season, Njoku has topped 90 yards in four of his last five contests and had comfortably the most productive campaign of his career. He remains under contract with the Browns for two additional years and should play a key role in the offense in 2024.

Mitchell (hand) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Mitchell had already been ruled out for Sunday's wild-card game against the Rams due to a hand injury, but it now seems as if this issue will hold him out for the remainder of the year. In a corresponding move, Detroit signed Anthony Firkser to its active roster to ensure some extra depth at tight end going forward.

The Lions signed Firkser to their active roster Saturday.

Firkser's signing could be an indication that Detroit is preparing to be without rookie sensation Sam LaPorta in Sunday's affair. If the Lions are without LaPorta in the wild-card round, Firkser would likely serve as the team's top backup tight end behind Brock Wright.

Heyward secured 23 of 34 targets for 167 yards while rushing once for no yards over 17 games during the 2023 season.

Heyward had some slightly encouraging performances in the middle of the regular season, as he topped 20 receiving yards in four of five appearances when Pat Freiermuth was sidelined due to an injury. However, Heyward was held to just four receiving yards over the final four games of the season and didn't have enough of an impact to warrant fantasy consideration. While he's topped 150 receiving yards in his first two professional seasons, it seems unlikely that he'll be consistent enough to be a fantasy-relevant option in season-long formats in 2024.

Washington secured seven of 10 targets for 61 yards over 17 games during the 2023 season.

Washington drew solid reviews during training camp ahead of his rookie season, but he was unable to carve out much of a role in the Steelers' passing game, even with Pat Freiermuth missing five games due to an injury. Washington was on the field for 48 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but he didn't record more than 12 receiving yards in any of his appearances. Although his lack of targets was discouraging, it was a positive sign to see him carve out his fair share of playing time, and he'll look to take a step forward in 2024.

Andrews (ankle) took part in individual drills Friday but didn't participate in team drills after being designated to return from injured reserve earlier in the day, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Baltimore isn't publishing injury reports while on bye during the wild-card round, but Andrews would have received a limited designation in Friday's practice. The tight end reportedly looked fine running routes and cutting during individual drills, nearly two months after hurting his ankle Nov. 16 against the Bengals. How he fares in practice next week will likely determine Andrews' availability for the Divisional Round, but Friday's developments certainly marked a major step in the right direction.

Mitchell (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's wild-card round game against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Mitchell's practice participation trended in the wrong direction throughout the week, and he won't play Sunday after failing to practice in any capacity Friday. Starting tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) practiced without limitations Friday, so there's optimism over LaPorta's availability despite his questionable tag, and Brock Wright will be available for the first time since Week 15 after having recovered from a hip injury.

LaPorta (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card game against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

LaPorta seemed like a player in danger of missing time due to the awkward manner in which his left knee bent this past Sunday against the Vikings. Officially diagnosed with a hyperextension and bone bruise in that knee, he didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press after the latter session that he handled some reps and was optimistic about playing this weekend. In his return to drills Friday, LaPorta was seen jogging with a large brace on the knee in question, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, and the rookie tight end eventually went down as a full participant. Still, LaPorta's status won't be confirmed until approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Knox (illness) doesn't carry a designation ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Steelers.

An illness sidelined Knox for Thursday's practice, but the tight end's return to a full session Friday sets the stage for him to be available for Buffalo's playoff opener. With wideout Gabe Davis (knee) ruled out for the contest, Knox will have a chance to make his mark Sunday alongside fellow TE Dalton Kincaid and top WR Stefon Diggs, especially if inclement weather at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, according to Patrick Warren of the team's official site, results in a game plan that leans on the run and a less aggressive passing attack.