NFL Player News

Miller brought in four of six targets for 38 yards during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.

Kept in proverbial mothballs for most of the regular season, Miller was due for a bump in volume Sunday with fellow downfield threats Cyril Grayson (hamstring) and Breshad Perriman (hip) out of action. The extra opportunity did come his way in the form of a season-high target tally, and the in-game ribs injury suffered by Tyler Johnson also played a part in Miller's enhanced involvement. With a mostly forgettable 2021 now behind him, the Bowling Green product will look to carve out a more consistent role in 2022.

Evans secured eight of 16 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday.

With Tom Brady clearly bothered by an aggressive Rams front for most of the afternoon, Evans' efficiency became a victim of some hurried throws and tight coverage for a good chunk of the contest. However, he delivered what would have been remembered as the igniter of one of the most memorable comebacks in NFL postseason history when he cleanly beat Jalen Ramsey in one-on-one coverage down the right side for a 55-yard touchdown grab with 3:20 remaining to bring the Buccaneers within seven. Evans' 100-yard effort puts a bow on another spectacular season for the eight-year veteran, during which he racked up a career-high 14 touchdowns alongside tallies of 74 receptions and 1,035 yards across 16 games before posting a 17-236-2 line on 26 targets in two playoff contests.

Darden (concussion) won't return to Sunday's divisional-round matchup against the Rams, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Darden was hurt after taking a hit on a punt return during the fourth quarter, and he'll be unable to return for the final few minutes of the game. If the Buccaneers advance in the playoffs, Darden will have several steps to clear if he hopes to play in the NFC Championship Game.

Johnson sustained a rib injury during Sunday's divisional-round game against the Rams, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Before he exited in the second half, Johnson gathered in three of six targets for 15 yards. With the second-year wide receiver sidelined, Cyril Grayson (hamstring) and Breshad Perriman (hip) inactive and Chris Godwin (knee) on injured reserve, the Buccaneers are down to Mike Evans, Scotty Miller and John Brown at the position.

Darden (head) left Sunday's divisional contest against the Rams and is being evaluated for a concussion, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Darden suffered the injury after being struck by Ben Skowronek on a punt return. If Darden is unable to return, Tyler Johnson will likely take over kick return duties while Scotty Miller handles punts. His absence shouldn't impact Tampa Bay's offensive plan.

Aiyuk was held without a carry or reception while receiving one target in Saturday's 13-10 win over Green Bay.

This was a slogging and treacherous contest as both teams battled a combination of great defensive play and the freezing elements of Lambeau Field. Aiyuk was one of the first wideouts to be targeted by Jimmy Garoppolo in the opening offensive drive of the game, but the wideout had the ball knocked loose on what was initially ruled a catch and fumble. The 23-year-old was not targeted for the remainder of the game, but that likely had more to do with Garoppolo's (thumb/shoulder) lackluster play. With next week's tilt being played either in Los Angeles or in the usually warm Tampa Bay climate, Aiyuk could be in line for a bounce-back performance while also possibly carrying a sleeper price tag in DFS formats after this week's zero burger.

Lazard brought in his only target for six yards during the Packers' 13-10 loss to the 49ers in their NFC divisional-round matchup Saturday night.

Lazard came into the contest with some expectation of a possible bump in downfield targets with Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) sidelined, but those never materialized in the disappointing end to what had seemed like a potential championship season for the Packers. The fourth-year pro did enjoy a serviceable regular season, establishing new career highs in receptions (40), receiving yards (513) and touchdowns (eight) across 15 games. Lazard will be a restricted free agent come the start of the new league year, and it remains to be seen what level of qualifying offer, assuming there is one, Green Bay will extend to the 26-year-old.

Samuel will need to undergo further tests after suffering a right ankle injury in the closing moments of Saturday's 13-10 divisional-round win over the Packers, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.

Samuel amassed 44 yards on three receptions (four targets) and 39 rushing yards on 10 attempts in the 13-10 win over Green Bay. Samuel suffered the apparent ankle injury on his last rush attempt to get kicker Robbie Gould a few yards closer to nailing the game-winning field goal. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was optimistic after the game, citing Deebo's ability to celebrate and jump around with his teammates in elation after the upset victory. We will wait for the official medical report leading up to next week's practices to find out Samuel's availability for the NFC Championship Game against the winner of Sunday's Rams-Buccaneers matchup.

Adams secured nine of 11 targets for 90 yards during the Packers' 13-10 divisional-round loss to the 49ers on Saturday night.

Adams drew even with Aaron Jones for the team lead in receptions while pacing the team in targets. The standout receiver was particularly productive early, recording the game's first catch (14 yards), adding 10- and 11-yard receptions on that opening drive, and contributing another pair of grabs for 15 yards before halftime. The abrupt and disappointing finish to the Packers' season doesn't take away from Adams' eye-popping accomplishments this past regular season, one that saw him produce a franchise-record 1,553 receiving yards on 123 receptions, figures he complemented with 11 touchdowns.

Higgins recorded seven receptions on nine targets for 96 yards in Saturday's 19-16 divisional-round win over the Titans.

Higgins bounced back from a poor performance in the wild-card round to lead the team with nine targets. He was out-gained by Ja'Marr Chase but still managed five receptions that went for double-digit gains -- the longest of which was for 22 yards. Higgins now has at least one catch that has gone for 20 or more yards in six of last eight games as the Bengals head into the AFC Championship Game.