NFL Player News

Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said Thursday that Collins will likely assume a more prominent role in the Houston passing attack Sunday against the Chargers while Brandin Cooks (illness) is on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Cooks wasn't able to clear the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocols in advance of the Week 16 contest, while Danny Amendola (knee) was activated from injured reserve but will be inactive Sunday. That leaves Houston with few established options at receiver heading into the game, with Collins presumably the top candidate to serve as the Texans' de facto No. 1 receiver. Collins demonstrated a rapport with Davis Mills in the Week 14 loss to Seattle (five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown), but the rookie wideout dropped down to four targets in the Week 15 win over the Jaguars while the Texans leaned more heavily on the ground game. Assuming the favored Chargers are able to sit on a lead for most of the day, the Texans will be forced into catchup mode, potentially making Collins a sneaky play in fantasy playoff matchups.

The Raiders placed Edwards on the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota was also added to the list Sunday, leaving both players unavailable for the Week 16 matchup. Wideout Dillon Stoner was elevated from the practice squad to provide depth at the position with Edwards away from the team.

Smith-Marsette (coach's decision) is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams.

After playing a career-high 48 percent of the offensive snaps and providing one of Minnesota's two touchdowns in its 17-9 win over Chicago in Week 15, Smith-Marsette won't suit up Sunday with fellow wideouts Adam Thielen (ankle), Dede Westbrook (reserve/COVID-19 list) and Dan Chisena (reserve/COVID-19 list) all returning to action this weekend. Currently sixth on the depth chart at receiver, Smith-Marsette could be inactive for the rest of the season so long as the top five options are all available.

Raymond (shoulder) will play Sunday against the Falcons.

Raymond was able to practice in a limited capacity all week, so his ability to suit up isn't unexpected. Raymond has had an inconsistent season with spiked weeks occasionally, but mostly subpar results. With Jared Goff on the COVID list and Tim Boyle drawing the start, Raymond's chances of a better-than-usual outings are reduced. The last time Boyle started in Week 11 against the Browns, Raymond played 70 percent of the snaps on offense and tallied one target with no receptions.

Harry (hip) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Bills.

With Nelson Agholor (concussion) out, Harry has an opportunity to see some added Week 16 looks, but among New England's wideouts, Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne profile as higher-percentage fantasy options versus Buffalo.

Toney (oblique/quadriceps) is listed as active Sunday at Philadelphia.

After completing a recent stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Toney still had some concerns with the oblique and quad issues that sidelined him Weeks 12 through 14, managing a limited practice Friday and earning a questionable tag for Week 16 action. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier Sunday that Toney was slated to return, and indeed that has come to pass. Considering he's putting an end to a four-game absence, there's a chance Toney is eased in, but he'll only have to contend for targets with fellow wide receivers Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, Pharoh Cooper and David Sills with five position mates out of commission.

Crowder (calf) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Crowder was considered doubtful after sitting out practice this week, so it's no surprise he's sitting out Sunday. Braxton Berrios should step up as New York's primary slot wideout, while Keelan Cole and Denzel Mims operate as the top two receivers.

Moore (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Moore was listed as questionable heading into the weekend after not practicing Wednesday and Thursday before returning to the field in a limited fashion Friday. Though he didn't log a full practice this week, the Panthers haven't indicated that Moore will be subject to a lighter workload as a result. He'll likely be sharing the field with both Cam Newton and Sam Darnold at various points during Sunday's game, as head coach Matt Rhule indicated that both quarterbacks will pick up snaps.

Reynolds (thigh) is listed active Sunday in Atlanta.

As he did last week, Reynolds followed up three straight limited listings on injury reports and a questionable designation with active standing once game day arrived. Only this time, he'll be operating with Tim Boyle instead of Jared Goff (illness), who remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list. In his only NFL start back in Week 11 at Cleveland, Boyle mustered 77 yards on 23 pass attempts, so Reynolds and the rest of the Lions receivers may be in store for subdued performances.

Duvernay (ankle) won't play Sunday against the Bengals.

As expected, Duvernay has been ruled out for this contest after he couldn't practice during the entire week. This is his first absence of the season. Marquise Brown and Rashod Bateman should serve as Baltimore's top two wideouts with Sammy Watkins (undisclosed) on the COVID list, leaving James Proche, Miles Boykin and Tylan Wallace to round out the receiving corps.