NFL Player News

The Vikings elevated Jackson to their active roster Saturday.

The rookie wide receiver out of Western Kentucky is joining an active roster for the first time in his young career, and he'll give the Vikings' some extra depth at WR due to Jalen Nailor (concussion) missing the Week 16 affair. Jackson likely won't see many snaps on offense, but he could very well add value to Minnesota's special teams unit Sunday.

Chase (shoulder), who is inactive Saturday at Pittsburgh, may be in danger of sitting out the Bengals' Week 17 game Dec. 31 in Kansas City, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Chase didn't practice at all during Week 16 prep due to the AC joint sprain that he sustained in his right shoulder last Saturday against the Vikings. It thus came as no surprise that the Bengals ruled him out for this Saturday's game, and Rapoport reported that Chase's injury is "more of the 2-to-4 week variety." Chase thus seems more likely to return Week 18 or even in the wild-card round, assuming Cincinnati secures a playoff spot.

Smith (knee) doesn't have a designation for Monday's contest against the Giants.

Despite logging just one limited practice (Saturday) during Week 16 prep, Smith will play through his knee issue and avoid missing the first game of his three-year career. He confirmed as much to Zach Berman of The Athletic earlier Saturday, saying, "If I can go, I'm going to go." Smith thus will be facing a Giants defense Monday that has allowed the sixth-most catches (195) to opposing wide receivers in 14 games this season.

Hardman (thumb) has been ruled out for Monday's game versus the Raiders.

Hardman has spent the requisite four games on injured reserve following surgery to repair his sprained right thumb back in late November. As such, the Chiefs opened his practice window Thursday, but he managed three straight limited sessions, which wasn't enough to be activated to the active roster. Hardman's next chance for game action is Sunday, Dec. 31 against the Bengals.

The Packers elevated Melton to their active roster Saturday.

The second-year pro's elevation is likely a sign that Green Bay is preparing to be without its top wideout in Christian Watson (hamstring) for the third consecutive week. Melton was able to haul in one of his two targets for seven yards in the team's Week 16 loss, and he'll add depth to the Packers' wide receiver room Sunday.

Toney (hip) is out for Monday's game against the Raiders, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Toney failed to practice in any capacity during the week, so the fact that he's been ruled out doesn't come as a significant surprise. Marquez Valdes-Scantling should have a chance to step up in Toney's absence, while Richie James could also see his snap count rise.

Toney (hip) was not spotted at Saturday's practice, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Toney has now failed to log any activity in practice this week ahead of Monday's matchup against Las Vegas. While his status isn't official, he's trending toward an absence, which could increase the roles of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and perhaps Richie James.

Smith (knee) returned to practice Saturday, Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Smith was unable to participate in either of the team's first two sessions of the week leading up to Monday's matchup against the Giants. He's reportedly received extensive treatment on his bone bruise and is pushing hard to suit up for the game. Smith's status could come down to a game-time call as a result, but it was certainly a positive that he was able to get back on the practice field.

The Colts elevated Fernea to the active roster Saturday.

Fernea made his season debut in Week 15 against the Steelers and played exclusively on special teams. With Michael Pittman's (shoulder) status up in the air, Fernea could see some run on offense Sunday against the Falcons, but he isn't expected to play a significant statistical role.

Bowden compiled zero targets during Thursday's 30-22 defeat versus the Rams.

Bowden's playing time came back down to earth, as he played just 22 percent of offensive snaps Week 16 after playing between 57 to 77 percent of snaps in each of the previous four contests. The 26-year-old had helped fill in for the absence of starting wideout and starting slot receiver Rashid Shaheed, who missed two games in a row with a thigh injury before returning Week 15. But, the latter wideout saw his playing time take a significant jump Thursday, as he caught five of nine targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Bowden failed to log a target for the first time in the last five games, as Saints quarterback Derek Carr was clearly locked in on Shaheed, top wideout Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson. This trio was targeted on 29 of Carr's 40 passing attempts, and rookie wideout A.T. Perry was the recipient of a 35-yard touchdown during the team's comeback attempt late in the fourth quarter. It's unlikely that Bowden will play much of a factor as the Saints continue pushing for a playoff spot over the final two weeks of the regular season.