NFL Player News

Rashod Bateman was not targeted on 27 snaps in Saturday's loss to the Steelers.

With Tyler Huntley in at quarterback and Lamar Jackson resting for the postseason, Baltimore's passing game was always going to look different in Week 18. That proved to be true, as running back Justice Hill led the team with twice as many targets (10) as any other Baltimore pass catcher. Huntley averages just 6.1 yards downfield on his throws while Bateman's average depth of target checks in at 14.1 yards, so his routes were not run in areas of the field that Huntley often looks to throw. Prior to Week 18, Bateman had averaged five targets per game over his last five outings, catching 12 of them for 152 yards and no touchdowns. Bateman and the Ravens will be idle this week before returning to action in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Doubs (chest) is day-to-day after leaving Sunday's game against the Bears, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Doubs was injured when he was unable to come down with a would-be touchdown grab in the first quarter versus Chicago. The wideout spent part of the game being evaluated at the local hospital but was able to return to the locker room before the end of the contest. Green Bay's wideout depth chart is deep, even with Doubs and Christian Watson (hamstring) banged up. Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath soaked up the receiver work Sunday.

Melton had five receptions for 62 yards and two carries for 14 yards in Sunday's 17-9 victory over the Bears.

Melton did not start Sunday's contest, but he wound up leading Packers wideouts with 45 snaps and tying for the team lead in targets. He made a major mark late in the campaign, tallying 22 targets, 15 receptions, 211 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown, three carries and 21 rushing yards over the final three weeks of the regular season. His prospects continue to hinge on the availability of those above him on the depth chart, but he has proven he can be relied upon when called on.

Johnson secured two of three targets for eight yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 21-20 victory against San Francisco.

With the Rams resting players, Johnson was activated from the practice squad for the second time this season and made his first appearance in a game since 2022 count. Carson Wentz threw a dart to Johnson in the back of the end zone on a crucial third down, giving Johnson an eight-yard touchdown catch, his first score since his rookie campaign with Tampa Bay in 2020. The Rams are firmly entrenched with Cooper Kupp (coach's decision), Puka Nacua and Demarcus Robinson as their starters and have Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek and Austin Trammell as backups, so Johnson's time on the main roster this season is likely over barring an injury in the playoffs.

Atwell caught two of four targets for seven yards and rushed once for minus-4 yards during Sunday's 21-20 victory against San Francisco. He also recorded a two-point conversion.

With Cooper Kupp (coach's decision) out and Puka Nacua and Demarcus Robinson's time on the field capped to keep them healthy for the playoffs, Atwell took the field for 64 of the Rams' 67 snaps on offense, his highest snap share since Week 8 against the Cowboys. Despite the increased role, Atwell managed only a pair of short gains on his two catches, and another pass attempt from quarterback Carson Wentz went straight through Atwell's hands and was intercepted by 49ers safety Tayler Hawkins. While a 39-483-3 receiving line over 16 games this season is an improvement over the Louisville product's rookie campaign, it still has to be considered a disappointment given the expectation of a much bigger role for Atwell. The rise of Robinson in recent weeks as a starter alongside Kupp and Nacua has relegated Atwell to a backup role entering the playoffs.

Davis (knee) was diagnosed Modnay with a sprained PCL, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The injury isn't considered major, Rapoport adds, while noting that Davis' status for Sunday's wild-card playoff game against the Steelers has yet to be determined. Davis exited in the first half of this past Sunday's win over the Dolphins and was ruled out at halftime, returning to the sideline in street clothes to watch the rest of the game. Khalil Shakir and Trent Sherfield took on larger offensive roles in Davis' absence and would do so again if Davis sits out the playoff opener.

Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Williams (ankle/illness) is expected to be good to play Sunday against the Rams, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Williams missed practice last Wednesday with an ankle injury and then came down with an illness Thursday. He sat out the Week 18 finale against the Vikings but is expected to practice this week leading up to Sunday's playoff game. Williams could take on a bigger target workload if Sam LaPorta (knee) is unable to play.

Winston signed a reserve/future contract with the Seahawks on Monday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Winston first came into the league with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State in 2020 and ultimately found his way to Seattle in 2022. The 27-year-old appeared in one game with the Seahawks this past season, seeing two snaps on offense, but not getting a target. He'll now have an opportunity to make a bigger impact with the franchise next year.

Luther signed a reserve/future contract with the Patriots on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Luther ended up on New England's practice squad this season after initially joining the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Gardner-Webb. Although he was unable to make it to the 53-man roster this year, he'll now get another opportunity with the team for next season.

Tolbert caught two of three targets for eight yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-10 romp over the Commanders.

The second-year wideout connected with Dak Prescott on a three-yard TD to open the scoring in the first quarter. Tolbert saw a limited role in the offense during the regular season, essentially splitting the No. 3 role with Michael Gallup behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, but he showed significant improvement from his disappointing rookie campaign and caught 22 of 36 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns over 17 games. Tolbert will look to make a postseason splash when the Cowboys face the Packers in the wild-card round Sunday.