NFL Player News

Waddle (ankle) brought in two of five targets for 31 yards and rushed once for nine yards in the Dolphins' 26-7 wild-card loss to the Chiefs on Saturday night.

Waddle was able to suit up after putting in three limited practices during the week following a two-game absence to close out the regular season. However, as his final numbers indicate, the third-year pro wasn't able to make any appreciable impact in the frigid temperatures. The disappointing conclusion to a once promising season aside, Waddle once again thrived as an ideal complement to Tyreek Hill in 2023, posting a 72-1,014-4 line during the regular season over 104 targets -- his third 1,000-yard tally in as many NFL campaigns -- and adding three carries for 12 yards across 14 games. With Waddle heading into the final year of his contract in 2024, the potential for an extension for the 2021 first-round pick figures to be the subject of plenty of discussion this offseason.

Hill secured five of eight targets for 62 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 26-7 wild-card loss to the Chiefs on Saturday night.

Hill's much-ballyhooed return to Arrowhead Stadium did have one standout moment, a 53-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter that served as the Dolphins' first points of the night. However, the perennial Pro Bowler was otherwise impressively shut down by the Chiefs' secondary, netting just nine yards on his four other catches. Hill also spent some time on the sideline late in the fourth quarter, although there was no report of an injury. Despite the highly disappointing end to what once appeared to be a potential Super Bowl season for the Dolphins, Hill arguably profiled as the best receiver in the league while establishing new career highs during the regular season in receiving yards (1,799) and targets (171), as well as tying the career-best 119 receptions he'd recorded in one additional game in 2022.

Metchie recorded three receptions on three targets for 44 yards in Saturday's 45-14 win over the Browns.

Metchie has seen a boost in role to close the regular season and in the first game of the postseason due to Houston dealing with ongoing injuries to its receiving corps. Noah Brown (shoulder) exited early in the first quarter of Saturday's win and didn't return, allowing Metchie to see three targets for the third time in his last four games. Saturday's production marked his highest yardage total of the campaign, which came primarily from a 27-yard catch late in the first quarter to set up a touchdown two plays later. If Brown remains sidelined for the Texans' divisional-round matchup, Metchie should continue to see an uptick in involvement in the offense.

Cooper recorded four receptions on five targets for 59 yards in Saturday's 45-14 loss to the Texans.

Cooper missed the final two games of the regular season with a heel injury, but he managed to retake the field for the wild-card round matchup. He wasn't particularly impactful, finishing third on the team in yards and fourth in receptions. While it was something of a sour ending to the season for Cooper, he posted a career-best 1,250 yards receiving yards in the regular season and has surpassed 1,000 yards in four of his last five campaigns.

Collins recorded six catches on seven targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 45-14 win over the Browns.

Collins was the clear leader of the Texans' receiving corps as Noah Brown (shoulder) was forced out of the game early and did not return. Collins continued to show impressive rapport with C.J. Stroud, as the duo connected on long gains of 38 and 21 yards in addition to a 15-yard touchdown. He narrowly missed out on a bigger day, as Stroud overthrew him when he broke behind the Cleveland defense midway through the second quarter for what would have been a 59-yard touchdown. Regardless, it was an impressive performance, and Collins will continue to lead Houston's receiving corps in its divisional-round matchup.

Ross (hamstring) is inactive for Saturday's wild-card game against Miami.

Ross hurt his hamstring in Week 18 against the Chargers and logged a DNP/LP/LP progression during practice this week. Despite the pair of limited sessions, he has been deemed unable to play in the opening round of the postseason. Ross isn't typically a major part of KC's passing game, but his absence may open up a few more offensive snaps for Mecole Hardman and/or Richie James.

Toney (hip/ankle) is listed as inactive for Saturday's wild-card game against the Dolphins.

Toney sat out Weeks 16 and 17 due to a strained hip before an ankle injury began to be listed next to his name during Week 18 prep. He missed all three contests, but his ability to practice in a limited capacity this week gave him a chance to return to action. That won't come to pass for Toney, meaning the Chiefs will lean on Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman and Richie James at wide receiver in their postseason opener.

Waddle (ankle) is listed as active for Saturday's wild-card game against the Chiefs.

Waddle, who has missed two straight games due to a high-ankle sprain, logged limited listings Tuesday through Thursday before being deemed questionable for Saturday's contest. With his availability confirmed, Waddle is in line to reclaim a key role in Miami's passing offense in the absence of any in-game setbacks or limitations alongside fellow starting wideout Tyreek Hill. The duo will have to contend with frigid playing conditions in Kansas City, a variable that has a chance to hamper the upside of the Dolphins' passing attack in the team's postseason opener.

Brown (shoulder) won't return to Saturday's wild-card game versus the Browns.

Brown was targeted once on a deep ball from quarterback C.J. Stroud on the Texans' first drive of the contest that he broke up to avoid an interception. In the process, Brown sustained a shoulder injury that won't allow any more game action Saturday. Stroud thus will turn to Nico Collins, Robert Woods, John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson at wide receiver for the rest of the team's playoff opener.

Brown suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday's wild-card game against the Browns.

Brown sat out Week 18 at Indianapolis due to a back issue that capped him to one limited practice in advance of the Texans' playoff opener. After being deemed active Saturday and then targeted once by quarterback C.J. Stroud on Houston's first possession, Brown now is tending to a new health concern. As long as Brown is sidelined, Nico Collins, Robert Woods, John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson will be the wide receivers available to the offense.