NFL Player News

James (hamstring) could be activated off injured reserve this week, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

James has yet to hit the field this season after suffering the injury prior to the team's Week 1 matchup against the Cardinals. He also had an injury-plagued offseason, as he missed all of training camp with a wrist injury. That said, even if he's activated, James is likely to be buried on the receiver depth chart.

Pettis is expected to be at practice Wednesday after suffering a knee injury during Sunday's loss to the Eagles, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 24-year-old returned to the field after leaving the game with the injury, and it appears he didn't further aggravate the issue. Pettis returned one punt for six yards and didn't play an offensive snap during the contest.

Watson (chest) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report.

Watson led all Bucs wide receivers in offensive snap share (74 percent, or 56 of 76) this past Sunday against the Chargers, turning them into four receptions for 40 yards on six targets. He benefitted from the absence of Chris Godwin (hamstring) -- who isn't expected to play this Thursday in Chicago -- and Mike Evans left Sunday's game for a spell to tend to his ankle injury. If the Bucs have a similar situation Week 5 as they did last week, Watson will be the No. 3 WR behind Evans and Scotty Miller (hip/groin).

Godwin (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report.

Godwin joined Mike Evans (ankle), Scotty Miller (hip/groin) and Justin Watson (chest) as DNPs to kick off Week 5 prep. There's an expectation Godwin doesn't suit up Thursday at Chicago, but it'd be a great sign for his health if he's able to get back on the practice field this week. In Godwin's stead, Miller racked up five catches (on seven targets) for 83 yards and one touchdown Sunday versus the Chargers.

Dulin did not have a reception nor a target in Sunday's win at Chicago. He played on 18 of the offense's 72 snaps.

With Michael Pittman and Parris Campbell placed on IR, there was a chance that Dulin could emerge as the third receiver. However, Marcus Johnson played on 34 snaps and essentially overtook Fountain and Ashton Dulin as the No. 3 receiver even though he was just recently added to the active roster. Johnson had just one target, however, as it looks like the Colts will utilize tight ends in the passing game more than third and fourth receivers.

Conley caught three of four targets for 44 yards in Sunday's 33-25 loss to the Bengals.

The 27-year-old played only 21 offensive snaps during the contest, though his production remained in line with his numbers from previous weeks thanks to a 33-yard reception during the fourth quarter. Conley hasn't been involved enough in Jacksonville's offense through four games to warrant fantasy consideration, especially now that DJ Chark (chest) is back from injury.

Fountain had just one target and did not have a reception in Sunday's win at Chicago. He played on 15 of the offense's 72 snaps.

Meanwhile, Marcus Johnson played on 34 snaps and essentially overtook Fountain and Ashton Dulin as the No. 3 receiver even though he was just recently added to the active roster. Johnson had just one target, however, as it looks like the Colts will utilize tight ends in the passing game more than third and fourth receivers after injuries to Michael Pittman and Parris Campbell.

Miller (hip) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's injury report.

The same can be said for Mike Evans (ankle), Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Justin Watson (chest). Godwin himself isn't expected to return for Thursday's game at Chicago, so Miller likely will take over slot duties in the Bucs offense if he's active Week 5. This past Sunday against the Chargers, Miller managed five catches (on seven targets) for 83 yards and one touchdown.

Cole caught four of five targets for 46 yards during Sunday's 33-25 loss to the Bengals.

The 27-year-old has surprisingly been a model of consistency through four games, totaling at least four receptions and 40-plus yards in each contest. However, his season-high marks of six catches and 58 yards offers a fairly limited ceiling if he doesn't reach the end zone. Cole's snap share pegs him as Jacksonville's No. 2 wide receiver, but rookie Laviska Shenault has been the more explosive option in the offense behind top wideout DJ Chark.

Evans (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Monday's walk-through practice, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

A sprained right ankle that the wideout suffered in Sunday's win over the Chargers is the culprit. Now, it remains to be seen if he's able to recover in time to suit up Thursday night against Chicago. With Monday being used as a recovery day for many of the Bucs' banged-up players, what Evans is able to do on the field Tuesday should shed more light on his Week 5 status.