NFL Player News

Atwell played six snaps and didn't record a target during Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions.

Despite being held out through the entire preseason, Atwell barely took the field Sunday, even after Puka Nacua (knee) left the game. Tyler Johnson (5-79-0) took over as the tertiary wideout and was on the field for 51 snaps, which signals that he'll likely step in as the No. 3 wide receiver behind Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson if Nacua misses time. Atwell's role seems set as a depth option for head coach Sean McVay, and an increased workload seems unlikely against the Cardinals in Week 2.

Johnson caught five of his seven targets for 79 yards during Sunday night's 26-20 loss to the Lions.

Johnson took full advantage of his increased opportunities, as he saw more playing time with Puka Nacua (knee) missing the second half of Sunday night's affair. The first-year Ram caught four of his five passes in the second half, including a 63-yarder that helped set up a scoring drive for Los Angeles. Johnson played over other options such as Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell, likely indicating that he'll have a fairly large role in the Rams offense as long as Nacua remains sidelined.

Hyatt didn't catch his only target in a Week 1 loss to Minnesota on Sunday.

Hyatt logged only 16 offensive snaps in the defeat, which was well behind fellow wideouts Malik Nabers (71), Darius Slayton (51) and Wan'Dale Robinson (48). That provides pretty clear evidence of where Hyatt is on the depth chart right now, though he could see significantly more opportunity Week 2 versus Washington on Sunday if Slayton is unable to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in time for the contest.

Nacua (knee) is considered week-to-week Monday after aggravating the right knee injury he dealt with during the preseason in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Lions, and he's scheduled to undergo further testing, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Nacua seems likely to miss at least the Rams' road matchup against Arizona in Week 2 as he works to recover from his aggravated knee injury, though the second-year pro may not receive a clear recovery timetable until after the conclusion of his remaining medical tests. Head coach Sean McVay previously called the injury that sidelined Nacua in training camp a bursa sac issue. As long as Nacua remains sidelined, Cooper Kupp will stand to benefit from increased target volume as the definitive No. 1 target for quarterback Matthew Stafford, while Demarcus Robinson will figure to step up as the No. 2 WR. Tyler Johnson could step into the No. 3 spot after he played 66 percent of offensive snaps Sunday against Detroit.

Mooney caught one of three targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers.

Mooney operated as the No. 2 wideout, playing 53 of 56 offensive snaps. However, Mooney and Drake London (two receptions for 15 yards) were kept quiet, as Ray-Ray McCloud led Atlanta's wideouts in receiving. Mooney's snap share is promising, but the Falcons' offense will need to find their rhythm for Mooney to generate fantasy-relevant numbers. This was Kirk Cousins' first game since his Achilles injury, as the veteran surprisingly didn't see any action during the preseason. Cousins' comfort level in OC Zac Robinson's scheme will likely be the key factor in Mooney's fantasy value this season.

McCloud caught four of seven targets for 52 yards during Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers. He also returned two kickoffs for 56 yards.

McCloud surprisingly had more targets and receptions than No. 1 wideout Drake London, who finished with two catches on three targets for 15 yards. McCloud played 30 offensive snaps, operating as the WR3 behind London (56) and Darnell Mooney (53). Given his snap share, McCloud isn't likely to lead Atlanta in receiving regularly but should continue to see a handful of targets per game, especially if opposing defenses divert most of their attention to London. McCloud's career-high numbers came in 2021 when playing for the Steelers, totaling 39 receptions (66 targets) for 277 yards. The veteran has caught only one touchdown in his seven-year career.

Olszewski expected to miss "weeks" after sustaining a groin injury during warmups before Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Vikings, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Olszewski has been dealing with a groin issue since mid-August, and after aggravating it Sunday, it appears he'll miss some time. It's currently unclear how many weeks Olszewski is expected to miss, but until the Bemidji State product recovers, expect Tyrone Tracy and Darius Slayton (concussion) to assume the Giants' kick- and punt-return duties, respectively.

Coach Shane Steichen said Monday the Colts will monitor Downs (ankle) heading into the team's Week 2 road matchup against the Packers, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Downs was held out of Indianapolis' 29-27 loss to the Texans on Sunday, but it sounds like he could have a chance to return Week 2 at Green Bay. With Downs sidelined, Alec Pierce was able to translate his increased opportunities into a huge impact, securing all three of his targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. Even if Downs is healthy Week 2, Pierce's impressive performance leaves the Colts with a crowded wide receiver room, with Michael Pittman atop the depth chart and rookie second-round pick Adonai Mitchell having drawn five targets Week 1.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday he's "hopeful" that Addison (ankle) will be available versus the 49ers in Week 2, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

O'Connell said that Addison, who was forced out of Sunday's win over the Giants in the third quarter, is dealing with "significant soreness" in his right ankle. Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports that O'Connell also said the Vikings will be "smart" with Addison and that the second-year wideout's availability will depend on how he responds to treatment. If Addison does have to miss any time, an increased role behind Justin Jefferson could fall to Jalen Nailor, who scored a 21-yard touchdown on his only reception Week 1.

Nailor had one reception (on one target) for a 21-yard touchdown in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Nailor played just 26 of 55 snaps on offense and was out-snapped by Brandon Powell (30 snaps) even though he had clearly won the No. 3 receiver role in the preseason. The Vikings may have capped Nailor's snaps after he had a sore ankle that limited him in practice last week. If he's fully healthy, he could have a much larger role in the offense next week against the 49ers if Jordan Addison misses time with an ankle injury.