NFL Player News

Beckham (knee) is questionable to return to Super Bowl LVI against the Bengals on Sunday.

Beckham suffered a non-contact left knee injury late in the second half and was helped to the locker room shortly after. Ben Skowronek took on additional playing time after the 29-year-old's departure and should continue to see an uptick in snaps if Beckham is unable to return.

Beckham went to the locker room late in the first half of Super Bowl LVI against the Bengals on Sunday after suffering an apparent non-contact left knee injury, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Beckham dropped a pass with just under four minutes remaining in the second quarter, and he went down clutching his left knee. He was able to walk off the field with assistance from the medical staff, but he was escorted to the locker room after being briefly examined on the sidelines. He was productive prior to his departure, as he secured two of three targets for 52 yards and a touchdown. If Beckham is unable to return, Ben Skowronek should see increased playing time.

Thomas, who was rehabilitating his left ankle injury in New York for most of the 2021 season, has returned to New Orleans and is expected to play next year, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports.

It seemed almost a foregone conclusion Thomas' tenure with the Saints would be coming to a close this offseason considering the organization's significant hierarchy upheaval, a looming cap-room crisis and what had been by all accounts a rather frigid relationship between the two-time All-Pro wide receiver and the franchise since the former underwent a second surgery on his ankle in July. While it's entirely possible the Saints could still look to deal Thomas given so much uncertainty regarding the direction of the franchise post Sean Payton, Rapoport's report seemed to indicate the team would prefer to keep the soon-to-be 29-year-old around. That's a significant statement given a breakup seemed inevitable six months ago, but it's also fair to point out that plans may change depending on how the Saints operate this offseason with negative $72 million in cap room.

Taylor was elevated to the Bengals' active roster Saturday.

This comes as no surprise as Sunday's final game of the season will mark Taylor's eighth straight with the Bengals' active roster. Primarily the team's punt returner, Taylor has just two receptions since Week 15, though that does not include a critical two-point reception in the AFC Championship Game.

Kupp was named the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year on Thursday.

Kupp led receivers in all major categories, including receptions, yards and targets. He was also remarkably consistent, as he posted no performances with fewer than 64 yards or five receptions. In contrast to past seasons, Kupp combined both superior volume with big plays, as he averaged 13.4 yards per reception and also chipped in 30 catches that went for gains of 20 or more yards. Next up, Kupp will look to add the ultimate award and help lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory over the Bengals on Sunday.

Jefferson (knee) was listed as a full participant at Thursday's practice, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

This marks Jefferson's first uncapped session since aggravating a knee injury during the Rams' win in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers on Jan. 30. Now that he's set for Sunday's Super Bowl LVI matchup with the Bengals, he'll settle in behind Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham as L.A.'s third wide receiver, which has amounted to a 25-394-3 line on 45 targets in 10 contests (including playoffs) with Beckham in the fold.

Morgan (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Morgan practiced in a limited capacity all last week, but it appears that he's now back to full health. As per usual, Morgan stands to operate primarily on special teams during the Super Bowl.

Jefferson (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's walk-through practice, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Jefferson so far has been listed as limited on three of the Rams' four injury reports in advance of Super Bowl LVI (he sat out last Friday's session). A knee injury is to blame and also affected his practice reps ahead of the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 30. How Jefferson fares in practice Thursday and Friday likely will determine whether or not he has a designation for Sunday's game versus the Bengals.

Woods (knee) has been rehabbing from surgery with an eye toward returning for minicamp in May or June, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Woods seems to be making good progress since tearing his ACL in mid-November, though the timing of the injury makes a return for minicamp rather ambitious. He's stuck around with the team throughout much of the Rams' playoff run, helping young wideout Van Jefferson and midseason addition Odell Beckham get more comfortable in the Los Angeles offense. On March 20, Woods will receive a $3.5 million roster bonus, at which point his $10 million base salary also becomes guaranteed, per Spotrac.com. With his place on the Rams thus secure for at least one more season, Woods will focus on rehab this offseason before eventually rejoining an offense led by head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford and fellow wideout Cooper Kupp.

Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El spoke highly of Cephus (collarbone) when discussing Detroit's search for a true No. 1 option to handle the X role on the outside, Tim Twentyman of the team's official site reports. "I feel like Q was really taking some strides before he got hurt," Randle El said last week at the Senior Bowl. "You see flashes in Q for sure because Q just has this unbelievable - like he can get off the field and jump. Being able to just put it up (to him) and make a play. You see him go up one hand and be able to come down with it."

The Lions are well-stocked with short-range weaponry but are lacking in downfield targets, especially with Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond set to become unrestricted free agents. However, Cephus clearly impressed his coaches when healthy last season, and it seems like he could have a chance to claim a starting role in 2022. While it's possible that a large offseason investment via the draft or free agency could prevent that from happening, Cephus at least seems likely to be a key part of the rotation going forward.