NFL Player News

Wilcox had one catch on two targets for 10 yards in Sunday's win over the Browns.

Wilcox provided more value with his run-blocking than with his receiving skills, netting those two targets on 48 snaps while filling in for the injured Hayden Hurst. Hurst remains week-to-week, so Wilcox could be in line for another start this Sunday against the Bucs.

Vannett caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's Week 14 loss to the Eagles.

Vannett's first catch since joining New York came late in the fourth quarter on a nine-yard toss from Tyrod Taylor. At that point, the game was already out of reach for the Giants, and starting tight end Daniel Bellinger had been pulled with a rib injury. Bellinger's status for Week 15 is uncertain due to the issue, and Vannett would likely step into the starting role if the rookie is unable to play against Washington on Sunday.

Giants coach Brian Daboll indicated Monday that Bellinger is "pretty sore" after leaving Sunday's loss to Philadelphia early due to a rib injury, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Bellinger hurt his ribs in the second quarter of Sunday's contest when taking a hit after making a catch. He was able to stay in the game but ultimately was pulled in the fourth period. There appears to be some concern about his status for Week 15, though a clearer picture of his availability may be shown by this week's practice reports. If Bellinger misses Sunday's game against Washington, Nick Vannett likely would take over the starting role.

Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Hurst (calf) remains week-to-week, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Hurst sat out Week 14 due to a calf injury he suffered during the Bengals' Week 13 win over the Chiefs. It doesn't sound like he's made much progress at this point, but Wednesday's initial injury report could provide some clarity on his status. Hurst didn't practice at all last week, so any participation during Week 15 prep will be be a step in the right direction.

Gentry failed to secure his lone target during the Steelers' 16-14 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

Gentry was on the field for a season-high 74 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps last week, but he played just 45 percent of the snaps against Baltimore, which is more in line with his usual marks. The 26-year-old has been mainly used in a blocking capacity this year, and he doesn't have much fantasy relevance.

Likely was not targeted on 16 snaps Sunday against the Steelers.

In fairness to Likely, his chances of producing Sunday were slim with Baltimore starting Tyler Huntley at quarterback, and his chances got slimmer when the Ravens had to turn to undrafted rookie Anthony Brown to lead the offense. Baltimore attempted 17 passes on the day and only five passes after Huntley (concussion) went out. Likely drew four targets on 18 snaps against Denver in Week 13 with Huntley at the helm for the majority of the game. If the Ravens have to start Brown in Week 15 against Cleveland, it could be a very run-heavy game plan that would not lead to a high volume of opportunities for Likely.

Freiermuth secured three of six targets for 33 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 16-14 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

While Freiermuth had his lowest yardage total since Week 5 during Sunday's narrow loss to Baltimore, he managed to reach the end zone for the first time since Week 2. However, the 24-year-old has seen a slight decrease in playing time recently, while Zach Gentry's snap count has increased. Despite the similar snap counts of late, Freiermuth has been much more involved in Pittsburgh's passing game. Over his five appearances since the Steelers' Week 9 bye, the 2021 second-rounder has secured 21 of 34 targets for 263 yards and a touchdown.

Smythe was not targeted during Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Chargers.

Smythe logged his fifth game of the season without a target during Sunday night's loss. Elsewhere, Mike Gesicki drew two targets but went without a catch for the third straight game. The tight end position has been one to avoid for Miami in recent weeks, and that same maxim could serve fantasy managers well heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Bills.

Gesicki could not secure either of his two targets during Sunday night's 23-17 loss to the Chargers.

Gesicki hasn't recorded a single yard from scrimmage since mid-November, a trend that was established even before Tua Tagovailoa's recent two-game slump. Regardless of his athletic traits and big-play ability, Gesicki's recent floor puts him outside the fantasy radar in most formats heading into a tough Week 15 matchup against the Bills.

Thomas caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Seahawks.

Thomas has now made multiple receptions in three straight games. Although he's totaled just 56 yards over that span, he's at least occasionally helped Carolina connect on underneath throws.