NFL Player News

Aiyuk had three receptions (on six targets) for 49 yards in a 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

Aiyuk made an impact on a couple of lengthy receptions in Sunday's narrow loss, but it wasn't enough to stop Patrick Mahomes and company from winning back-to-back Lombardi Trophies. Aiyuk's fantasy season was a success after posting a 75-1,342-7 receiving line across 16 starts with San Francisco. Now entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, another season of strong output from the dynamic wideout should be expected as Aiyuk looks to earn his first big-bank contract.

Samuel (hamstring) finished with three receptions (on 11 targets) for 33 yards while rushing three times for eight yards in Sunday's 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

Samuel went down clutching his hamstring early in the second half and had to miss roughly five minutes of game time while being examined on the sideline. The physical wideout eventually returned and got involved on a couple of short gains in the fourth quarter to help San Francisco keep its Lombardi hopes alive. Samuel's heroic effort was still not enough to topple the reigning champs after the 49ers fell to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl for the second time in five seasons. The 27-year-old produced strong results from a fantasy standpoint in 2023, scoring 12 total touchdowns while going over 1,000 yards from scrimmage for the second time as a pro. Samuel will have to lick his wounds this offseason before running it back with San Francisco for the second year of a three-year, $71.5 million contract extension that he signed in 2022.

Hardman recorded three receptions (on three targets) for 57 yards in Sunday's 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

Hardman was acquired by the Chiefs at the trade deadline but was sidelined by a thumb injury for most of the remaining games in the regular season. He also played a minimal role in the playoffs, including the AFC Championship Game, when he was on the field for only one offensive snap. However, Hardman came through on the biggest stage, catching a three-yard touchdown in overtime to deliver a walk-off Super Bowl win for the Chiefs. He also tallied a 52-yard catch early in the second quarter, accounting for the team's longest play from scrimmage. Hardman will hit free agency this offseason, and he'll likely find a short-term deal as a depth pass-catching option.

Rice recorded six receptions (on eight targets) for 39 yards in Sunday's 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. He added two rushes for five yards.

Rice finished second on the team in targets behind Travis Kelce, which turned into an uninspiring yardage total. However, Rice notched a pair of impactful receptions on the Chiefs' game-winning drive in overtime, the latter of which was a 13-yard gain on third down to get the offense into 49ers territory. The effort concluded a strong second half of the season for the rookie pass catcher, as he commanded at least eight targets in eight of Kansas City's last 10 games including playoffs. Rice will be a key part of the offense in 2024 and should share the top pass-catching role with Travis Kelce.

Peoples-Jones caught 13 passes (on 25 targets) for 155 yards over 15 regular-season games in 2023.

Peoples-Jones began the year as a near every-down player in Cleveland, where he produced 97 yards in seven games. Upon being dealt to Detroit, the Michigan product only topped 20 percent of the offensive snaps in one game when Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond (knee) got banged up. Peoples-Jones then was barely used in the playoffs, not seeing a single target or more than six offensive snaps in any of three games. Now set to become an unrestricted free agent, he may need to find a new team to help him rediscover his 2022 form when he totaled 839 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 17 games.

Raymond (knee) caught 35 passes (on 44 targets) for 489 yards with one touchdown while rushing seven times for 75 yards over 17 regular-season games in 2023.

While he didn't reach the four touchdowns he scored in 2021 or the 652 yards he totaled in 2022, Raymond put together yet another respectable season as a tertiary option in Detroit's high-flying offense while pitching in at punt returner as well. He rarely needed much playing time to do it, either, given that Raymond topped 30 percent of the offensive snaps in just six games and had more than four targets only twice. With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson surprisingly coming back as Detroit's offensive coordinator, Raymond -- who remains under contract through 2025 -- should be back next season as an interesting gadget player on offense and a key player on special teams.

Reynolds caught 40 of 64 targets for 608 yards and five touchdowns over 17 regular-season games in 2023.

After averaging 56.8 yards with three touchdowns over the first six games of the year, Reynolds only collected 26.4 yards per game since that point. Part of his dip in production was tied to the return and then slight ascension of Jameson Williams, who missed the first four games of the year due to a gambling-related suspension but saw increased playing time as the year went on. While Reynolds is now set to become an unrestricted free agent, he will likely remain a fantasy afterthought wherever he lands.

Williams caught 24 passes (on 42 targets) for 354 yards and two touchdowns while rushing three times for 29 yards and one touchdown over 12 regular-season games in 2023.

While Williams -- who missed the first four games of the year due to a gambling-related suspension -- has not truly lived up to his first-round pedigree through two seasons, he seems to be making strides in the right direction. After starting the season consistently logging less than half of the offensive snaps, the Alabama product finished the year seeing at least two-thirds of them while serving as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams then made a number of catches over three playoff games, ultimately putting together a two-touchdown performance in a loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. Unless Detroit brings in significant competition at wide receiver, Williams could be in store for a breakout 2024 campaign as an ascending talent within a high-scoring offense.

Samuel (hamstring) returned to Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Samuel went down with a non-contact injury midway through the third quarter but wasn't forced to miss any time. He'll return to his typical role in the 49ers offense.

Samuel is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chiefs due to a hamstring injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Samuel pulled up in the middle of a route in the third quarter and received attention from the trainers on the field. He was able to walk to the sideline without assistance and has since been examined in the blue tent. His absence would be a big blow to the San Francisco offense, with Jauan Jennings likely to be asked to step up in Samuel's absence.