NFL Player News

Coach Brandon Staley expects Allen (illness) to clear COVID-19 protocols in time to play Thursday against the Chiefs, Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register reports.

Allen will need to be removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list in order to suit up, but Staley's optimistic that will happen barring any setbacks. Quarterback Justin Herbert didn't have any trouble carving up the Giants secondary in Allen's absence Sunday, tossing touchdowns to Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer and Jared Cook en route to a 37-21 win.

Palmer caught five passes for 66 yards and one touchdown on seven targets against the Giants on Sunday.

Palmer led the Chargers with seven targets against the Giants, stepping up in place of usual lead target Keenan Allen, who was out due to COVID protocols. Palmer appeared to be Allen's main backup throughout the year, and this game both confirms that status and Palmer's readiness to step up in instances during which Allen is out. Palmer will likely revert to the WR4 role once Allen returns to the field, and Allen is expected to play against the Chiefs in Week 15.

Williams caught six passes for 61 yards on six targets against the Giants on Sunday.

Williams' fantasy investors might be disappointed to see each of Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer and Jared Cook catch a touchdown pass in this game, leaving Williams with just one touchdown in his last eight appearances, but Williams did well for himself considering he saw the most of top Giants corner James Bradberry. Williams is a candidate to see targets early and often as the Chargers face the Chiefs for a high-stakes rematch in Week 15.

Goodwin (foot) is listed as inactive Sunday at Green Bay.

Since injuring his foot on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit, Goodwin has logged only one limited practice and now will sit out for a second straight contest. With the nine-year pro sidelined, the Bears will roll with Allen Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Damiere Byrd and Jakeem Grant at wide receiver.

Cole caught one of six targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 30-9 loss to New Orleans.

Cole got the start on the outside with both Corey Davis (groin) and Elijah Moore (quadriceps) sidelined, but he didn't do much with the opportunity. While he should maintain the starting role in Week 15 against the Dolphins, getting open won't be easy against star cornerback Xavien Howard.

Crowder caught three of six targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 30-9 loss to the Saints.

Crowder didn't step up in the absence of Corey Davis (groin) and Elijah Moore (quadriceps), instead watching Braxton Berrios lead the team with six catches for 52 yards on 10 targets. The veteran slot receiver will look to bounce back in Week 15 against the Dolphins, whom he burned for 44 yards and a touchdown in Week 11.

Brown had five receptions (eight targets) for 41 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to Cleveland.

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley took over for Lamar Jackson early in the contest after Baltimore's star and leader had to be carted off with an apparent ankle injury. Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman both eclipsed the century mark in receiving yards, but Brown was unable to break loose with either quarterback under center. The speedy wideout is in a bit of funk, averaging just 46 yards with no touchdowns over his last four contests. Hollywood is still on pace to break the 1,000-yard mark with 866 yards through 12 games this season.

Bateman caught seven of eight targets for 103 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Browns.

Lamar Jackson (ankle) went down early in this contest, so backup Tyler Huntley took over and produced well from the pocket. The change of styles under center resulted in the first-round wideout's best game of the season. Perhaps this outing can kickstart the talented rookie's campaign -- regardless of who is under center against the Packers next Sunday -- as he produced just 301 yards on 25 receptions with no touchdowns in his previous seven contests.

Berrios caught six of 10 targets for 52 yards in Sunday's 30-9 loss to New Orleans.

Berrios led the Jets in targets, catches and receiving yards, as he took on a more prominent role with Corey Davis (groin) and Elijah Moore (quadriceps) both sidelined. Davis is done for the season and Moore won't be back until Week 17 at the earliest, so Berrios should continue to serve as one of the top targets for scuffling rookie quarterback Zach Wilson in Week 15 against Miami.

Samuel (groin) caught neither of his two targets against Dallas on Sunday.

Samuel was an effective, versatile player in Carolina before the 2021 season, so his struggles with Washington are likely largely attributable to the groin injury he's been playing through. Naturally, that's no solace for fantasy managers. Nevertheless, Samuel may have a golden opportunity for more work in Week 15 if Terry McLaurin (concussion) is unable to play against the Eagles.