NFL Player News

Metcalf (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

The Seahawks tacked Metcalf onto their Week 17 injury report Thursday as a non-participant due to a back issue. Coach Pete Carroll clarified the nature of the concern Friday, calling it lower-back tightness, per Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle, which kept Metcalf off the practice field to end the week and also left him questionable for Sunday's contest. At the same time, Carroll relayed an expectation that Metcalf would be available this weekend, and that's come to pass. Metcalf thus will be facing a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed the eighth-most yards per target (8.6) to opposing wide receivers this season.

Dowell (knee) is out for the rest of Sunday's game at Houston, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Dowell sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday's contest that was apparently serious enough to keep him out for the rest of the game. Mason Kinsey could see a few extra snaps in the slot as a result.

Parker exited Sunday's game against the Bills with a rib injury.

Before leaving the contest, Parker caught one of his two targets for 15 yards. While he's sidelined Sunday, Demario Douglas, Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton are available to handle the Patriots' WR duties.

Agnew hurt his ankle in the first half of Sunday's game against Carolina and is questionable to return, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Agnew was hurt after being tackled on a 48-yard reception late in the second quarter. He limped off the field with trainers and immediately headed into the medical tent. If Agnew is unable to return to the matchup, the Jaguars would need to replace him not only on offense but also on special teams, as he's been working as the team's primary kick and punt returner.

Brown exited Sunday's game against the Titans with a hip injury.

Before leaving the contest, Brown caught one of his two targets for eight yards. In his absence, Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie are available to handle added WR snaps behind Nico Collins.

Slater (hamstring) is available for Sunday's tilt against the Bills.

Slater is returning from a one-game absence due to a hamstring issue. Look for him to take on his usual responsibilities as the Patriots' special teams anchor, assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Marshall (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Jaguars.

Marshall will sit for the seventh consecutive game as he continues to struggle to carve out a role in Carolina. He'll work to earn a chance to suit up again in Week 18.

Strachan (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Jaguars.

Strachan will be a healthy scratch for the third consecutive week as the Panthers choose to dress just four wide receivers. The Charleston product will have one more chance to suit up with Carolina this season in Week 18.

Montgomery is active for Sunday's game versus the Raiders.

Montgomery operated as the de facto third wide receiver in Week 16 with Michael Pittman out, but his role will probably shrink significantly with Pittman returning to action. Assuming nobody ahead of him gets hurt in Week 17, he figures to see just a handful of snaps at most.

Flowers (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

The rookie wideout carried a questionable designation into Sunday after the calf injury kept him from practicing Wednesday and Thursday before he returned to the field Friday as a limited participant. Despite the light practice activity this week, Flowers won't be forced to miss the first game of his career, though the Ravens' decision to keep a sixth receiver (Laquon Treadwell) active for Week 17 could hint that the former might have his snaps managed. Flowers drew a season-high 13 targets in the Ravens' Week 16 win over the 49ers, hauling in nine passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.