NFL Player News

Waddle recorded 10 receptions on 13 targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Jaguars.

Waddle enjoyed the return of Tua Tagovailoa and immediately showed rapport with his young quarterback. The duo connected for touchdowns of six and two yards -- Waddle's first trips to the end zone since Week 1. Despite the strong production, Waddle didn't work down the field regularly, as his longest reception of the contest went for just 14 yards. To continue to produce, he'll likely have to see considerable volume, which could become a bit more complicated once DeVante Parker (shoulder) is able to retake the field. Even so, Waddle's performance Sunday was encouraging after he had combined to record only five receptions for 64 yards across his last two games.

Toney won't return to Sunday's game against the Rams due to an ankle injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

With Kenny Golladay (knee) and Darius Slayton (hamstring) inactive, Toney was heavily utilized on the Giants' first drive of the game, hauling in all three targets for 36 yards. On the final reception, though, Toney made a juke on the play before limping to the sideline and going to the locker room. He dealt with an ankle injury during Week 6 prep, so it appears he may have aggravated the issue. Now down three of its top wide receivers, New York is down to Sterling Shepard, John Ross, Collin Johnson, C.J. Board and Dante Pettis as those available at the position.

Bateman (groin) is expected to serve as one of the Ravens' three starting receivers in Sunday's game against the Chargers, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Fresh off being reinstated from injured reserve a day earlier, Bateman, a rookie first-round selection, looks poised to make his NFL debut in a starting role alongside Marquise Brown and Devin Duvernay. One of Bateman and Duvernay will likely lose out on reps with the starters once Sammy Watkins (thigh) is deemed ready to play again.

Strachan (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Texans.

Strachan had been active for each of the Colts' last two games but did not log any snaps. With the return of T.Y. Hilton, he'll likely find it even harder to find a role moving forward.

Brown (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

After missing Washington's Week 5 loss to the Saints, Brown managed limited participation in practices Wednesday through Friday and was listed as questionable heading into the weekend before gaining clearance ahead of Sunday's matchup. With Curtis Samuel (groin) and Cam Sims (hamstring) both inactive for Week 6, Brown could step into a top-three role at receiver alongside Terry McLaurin and Adam Humphries.

Perriman (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Perriman has yet to play for the Bears this season and he seems to be buried on the depth chart at wide receiver. His next chance to play would come next week at Tampa Bay, though he's not likely to see the field unless there are a rash of injuries at the position.

Grant (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Grant was limited in practice Thursday, but the injury wasn't serious enough to keep him out of this game. He's not expected to hold a big role on offense, however, as he only has two receptions this year.

Benson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.

Benson has served as a depth receiver in every game for the Lions to this point in the campaign, racking up a total of six receptions for 55 yards. However, Geronimo Allison was elevated from the practice squad prior to the team's Week 6 matchup, which will force Benson to the inactive list.

Slayton (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Slayton took a questionable designation into the weekend after he was a limited participant in practices Wednesday through Friday, but he ultimately didn't make enough progress to avoid a third straight absence. With Kenny Golladay (knee) also inactive for Week 6, Sterling Shepard and Kadarius Toney should be locked into full-time starting roles, with the likes of Collin Johnson, C.J. Board and John Ross expected to rotate in alongside them in three-receiver sets.

Smith is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Smith was a healthy scratch for the first five games of the season, but he's active for Sunday and is set to make his professional debut. The rookie sixth-round pick is unlikely to be much of a factor in the offense since Carolina's receiving corps is currently in full health, though he could be a factor in the return game.