NFL Player News

Samuel caught one of three targets for 11 yards and rushed three times for nine yards in Sunday's 24-23 loss to Arizona.

Samuel was held to a season-low 20 combined yards as Arizona's defense keyed its focus in on the dual-position star. Brandon Aiyuk (8-147-0) and George Kittle (8-64-1) did the heavy lifting for San Francisco in the passing game while the team fell short in a favored matchup. The 28-year-old Samuel had been a steady producer prior to Sunday's dud, so fantasy managers shouldn't fret as the team looks to hit the reset button quickly ahead of a Week 6 matchup against Seattle on Thursday Night Football.

Metcalf finished with four receptions (seven targets) for 55 yards with a lost fumble in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants.

Metcalf had been dealing with a hand injury during practice this week, but he was cleared along with starting running back Kenneth Walker (oblique) prior to Sunday's kickoff. The 26-year-old Metcalf turned in a modest receiving line, but he coughed up his second fumble in as many weeks to hurt fantasy managers. Metcalf was coming off of three consecutive games with 100 or more receiving yards, so GMs should stick with the fantasy stud against the 49ers on Thursday despite the poor results in Week 5.

Aiyuk corralled eight of 12 targets for 147 yards in Sunday's 24-23 win over Arizona.

Aiyuk finally delivered for fantasy managers after a slow start following his offseason contract dispute. The dynamic wideout saw both his usage (12 targets) and production reach new highs after failing to reach 50 yards receiving in any of his previous five contests if you include the Super Bowl. Aiyuk will attempt tp keep the momentum from his gaudy performance Sunday rolling into the 49ers' next tilt against the Seahawks on Thursday.

Bourne brought in his only target for six yards in the Patriots' 15-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

The veteran wideout made his return to the field following his late-October 2023 ACL tear, but he had a minimal role overall in his taste of game action. Given the Patriots' dearth of reliable pass-catching options, Bourne, who had a 37-406-4 line in eight regular-season games before suffering his injury last season, should quickly see his role in the air attack expand as he develops chemistry with both Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye.

Robinson caught six of nine targets for 36 yards and a touchdown while adding a four-yard rush in Sunday's 29-20 win over the Seahawks.

Robinson tied the game at a touchdown apiece with a seven-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. This was the fourth consecutive game with more than 60 receiving yards or a touchdown for Robinson, who has carved out a significant role in the Giants' offense out of the slot. Robinson's role wasn't significantly affected by the absence of sensational rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion), but Darius Slayton turned into the team's top pass catcher with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets. Robinson's Week 6 outlook against the Bengals is unlikely to be affected significantly by Nabers' availability or lack thereof.

Slayton caught eight of 11 targets for 122 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-20 win over the Seahawks.

Slayton stepped up in the absence of Malik Nabers (concussion), matching the 122 yards Slayton posted in the first four games of the season. Most of his production came during a third-quarter drive on which Slayton made a 41-yard catch down the right sideline, then scored a 30-yard touchdown on the left side three plays later. Slayton should maintain a starting role on the outside for Week 6 against the Bengals regardless of Nabers' status, but Slayton's target share would likely dip if Nabers gains clearance to return.

Coker caught all four of his targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Bears.

The Holy Cross product was the biggest beneficiary of Xavier Legette's (shoulder) absence during Sunday's loss, as Coker caught all three of his targets for 37 yards in the second half. With Jonathan Mingo's struggles and injuries to both Legette and Adam Thielen (hamstring), Coker could have an opportunity to see increased offensive work as the season progresses, especially if he continues to perform as he did in Week 5. Expect the rookie to serve as Carolina's No. 3 wide receiver in Week 6 when the Panthers take on the Falcons.

Mingo caught two of his five targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Bears.

Mingo tied Ja'Tavion Sanders for the second-most targets on the team and saw increased snaps in the second half while Xavier Legette (shoulder) was sidelined during Sunday's loss. However, it didn't lead to increased production, as the second-year wideout was able to haul in just two of his five targets. If Legette is forced to miss Carolina's Week 6 matchup against the Falcons, Mingo could have a chance to break out and serve as the Panthers' No. 2 wide receiver.

Douglas secured six of nine targets for 59 yards in the Patriots' 15-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

All three components of Douglas' receiving line were team highs. Douglas benefitted from the absence of No. 2 receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) and wasn't impacted by the season debut of veteran Kendrick Bourne (knee), who drew a sole target. Bourne will naturally be more involved in coming weeks, but Douglas has outperformed Osborn thus far this season and should therefore retain a solid role under any circumstance during a Week 6 home matchup against the Texans.

Higgins caught nine of 14 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens.

The scores were his first of the season, as Higgins hauled in an 11-yard toss from Joe Burrow in the second quarter and a five-yard strike in the third. Higgins has an 18-182-2 line on 30 targets over three games since returning from a hamstring strain that cost him the first two contests of 2024, and with the Bengals' defense struggling, he could be busy again in Week 6 against the Giants.