NFL Player News

Jefferson didn't catch a pass on two targets during Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Commanders.

The Falcons acquired Jefferson via trade with the Rams on Tuesday, and the 2020 second-round pick was thrown right into the fire Sunday. It's encouraging that he drew two targets after being with the team for only a few days, but it's unclear what his role will be moving forward. Drake London is the clear No. 1 wideout in Atlanta, but behind him, a plethora of guys are competing for snaps. In Week 6, KhaDarel Hodge (29), Mack Hollins (28), Scotty Miller (28) and Jefferson (22) all had similar snap counts.

Miller caught one of two targets for four yards during Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Commanders.

The Falcons were surprisingly pass-happy against Washington, which allowed Miller to play a season-high 28 offensive snaps. His production was still muted, so he doesn't have much fantasy value for the moment. However, he is a player to keep an eye on, as he appears to be closing in on the No. 2 wideout role currently occupied by Mack Hollins. Hollins has seen fewer snaps over the last two weeks while Miller's role has increased, but it'll be difficult for either player to carve out strong production as long as Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London are available.

Hollins caught three of four targets for 41 yards during Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Commanders.

Hollins has played fewer than 30 offensive snaps in back-to-back games after totaling 180 through the first four weeks of the season. Despite seeing a drop in playing time, the wideout has still been a part of the passing attack, securing five receptions (six targets) for 70 yards over the past two games. However, that's not enough production to crack fantasy relevancy in standard leagues. The Falcons' run-heavy offense has actually been airing it out recently, but Hollins remains, at best, the fourth or fifth option in the passing attack.

Thornton logged 25 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the Raiders en route to catching one of his two targets for six yards, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Thornton, who had been on IR with a shoulder injury, was activated ahead of Week 6 action and worked as the Patriots' No. 3 wide receiver in the contest, with both JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) and Demario Douglas (concussion) out. Looking ahead, Thornton could potentially emerge as a deep threat for the team, but with DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne also in the WR mix, the 2022 second-rounder doesn't currently have a path to steady weekly volume.

Parker was on the field for 45 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the Raiders, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Given that JuJu Smith-Schuster and Demario Douglas were both out with concussions, Parker and Kendrick Bourne headed the Patriots' Week 6 WR corps, but Parker wound up with just one catch on three targets for seven yards. With Smith-Schuster and Douglas candidates to return in Week 7 and Tyquan Thornton also in the mix, Parker looks like a speculative lineup option ahead of this Sunday's game against the Bills. In five games this season, the 2015 first-rounder has caught 13 of his 22 targets for 136 yards, a rate of production that limits his fantasy value to deeper formats.

Hyatt caught three of four targets for 21 yards in Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Bills.

Hyatt played on 73 percent of New York's offensive snaps, the highest mark of his career thus far. His three catches also were a campaign high, though he was able to turn the receptions into only 21 yards. The rookie looked like he could emerge as the Giants' much-needed deep threat when he caught two passes for 89 yards Week 2 against Arizona, but his other five receptions this season have gone for just 31 combined yards. While the increased snap count Sunday is an encouraging sign for his outlook going forward, the Giants' passing game as a whole has struggled this season, and Hyatt has yet to put up the type of production that should inspire confidence in fantasy managers.

The Steelers announced Monday that Johnson (hamstring) has been designated to return from injured reserve.

The transaction opens up Johnson's 21-day practice window in which he can work out with teammates without counting against the 53-man roster. At any time in that span, Pittsburgh can fully activate Johnson, which would make him eligible to retake the field as early as Sunday versus the Rams. The veteran wideout has missed four games so far due to a right hamstring injury sustained Week 1.

Hardman didn't catch either of his two targets in Sunday's 20-14 win over the Eagles.

Trade rumors have been swirling around Hardman due to his lack of playing time, and while he got back on the field after being a healthy scratch for the previous game, Hardman remains stuck on one catch for the season. With a bye in Week 7, the Jets will have extra time to explore trade options for the little-used receiver, should they opt to go that route.

Cobb didn't catch any of his three targets but scored a two-point conversion in Sunday's 20-14 win over the Eagles.

After Breece Hall's eight-yard rushing touchdown gave New York its first lead at 18-14 with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, Cobb helped the Jets stretch their advantage to six points by catching a two-point conversion over the middle on an extended play. With just three catches on the season, Cobb remains off the fantasy radar.

Gipson (ankle) rushed once for 18 yards in Sunday's 20-14 win over the Eagles.

Gipson suited up after hurting his ankle in practice during the week. The electric return man didn't get a chance to make any returns on special teams, perhaps due to the ankle injury, but Gipson looked spry on his only offensive touch, which produced the longest rushing play for either team.