NFL Player News

Washington caught two of four targets for 80 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 23-17 loss to Washington.

Washington broke a tackle following a medium-length reception and stretched it into a 50-yard touchdown toward the end of the second quarter. That play enabled him to finish atop Pittsburgh's receiving corps in yards despite catching only one other pass Monday. Although he had more than 40 receiving yards just once this season prior to Week 13, Washington's efficient outing now has his stock rising some ahead of Sunday's game in Buffalo.

McLaurin caught two of six targets for 14 yards in Monday's 23-17 win over the Steelers.

McLaurin had his worst game in arguably Washington's biggest win of the season. The speedster was always bound to draw considerable attention from Pittsburgh's secondary, but after having posted at least 80 yards in five straight outings entering Monday, McLaurin's dud performance still was hard to foresee. As one of the league's more consistent producers through the air, McLaurin will aim to get back on track Week 14 versus the 49ers.

Johnson caught eight of 12 targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 23-17 loss to Washington.

Johnson's performance was highlighted by his three-yard touchdown to open the game's scoring in the second quarter. Although he struggled with drops for the second game in a row, Johnson still led Pittsburgh in receptions and targets. The shifty wideout has now commanded double-digit looks in five straight games, catching at least six passes in all of those outings and topping 70 yards four times as well. With such high involvement in a dangerous offense, Johnson should remain a quality option despite facing a tough Bills defense Week 14.

Beasley left Monday's matchup with the 49ers in order to be evaluated for a head injury.

Beasley sustained the injury early in the first quarter. The severity of the issue is unknown at this time, but he'll need to pass the medical staff's tests in order to return. The veteran pass catcher recorded two receptions for 34 yards prior to exiting.

Taylor (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday night's matchup against the Bills.

Week 13 marks Taylor's first healthy scratch of the 2020 campaign, with River Cracraft being inserted above him as the 49ers' No. 5 WR option. Given varying availability of San Francisco's top receivers from week to week, the 26-year-old Taylor has been sporadically involved this season. He has posted six different appearances with 20-plus offensive snaps but has logged six or fewer in five other contests.

Agnew caught both targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 34-30 victory over Chicago.

The release of Marvin Hall opened up some snaps for other receivers, but it was Mohamed Sanu (40 snaps) and Quintez Cephus (31) who saw the most playing time besides Marvin Jones (64) and Danny Amendola (33). Agnew (16), meanwhile, remained a key cog on special teams but actually saw less offensive playing time than he has in either of the past two weeks. Considering his offensive role should only shrink further with the possible return of Kenny Golladay (hip) in the near future, Agnew does not seem headed for fantasy relevance down the stretch of the 2020 campaign.

Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that Moore, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, is trending in the right direction in terms of rehabbing his ankle, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Moore appears to have made the most of Carolina's bye week while working to recover from his sprained ankle, but it'll be a moot point as far as his Week 14 availability goes unless he can also return from the COVID list. If Moore is deemed a close contact and is able to return negative tests for five consecutive days, he could be eligible to return in time for Sunday's game against the Broncos. Fellow starting wideout Curtis Samuel (undisclosed) also hit the COVID list Monday.

Mickens was waived by the Buccaneers on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 26-year-old work as Tampa Bay's return man for the first half of the season, but he missed the three games preceding the Week 13 bye while on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Mickens could be a candidate for the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Erickson caught two of three targets for 17 yards, returned one kickoff for 24 yards and two punts for 13 yards during Sunday's 19-7 loss to Miami.

The 28-year-old played a season-high 19 offensive snaps Sunday, which is the first time all season he's logged double digits in that category. Erickson hasn't been involved much offensively in 2020, but he should continue to see work in the return game for the Bengals.

Samuel (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday as a close contact, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Samuel will be required to isolate in quarantine as a result of his placement on the COVID list, but as long as he's able to continue returning negative test results, he could gain clearance in time for Sunday's game against the Broncos. It remains to be seen whether the same can be said for fellow starting wideout D.J. Moore (ankle).