NFL Player News

Coutee (hamstring) said he expects to return for Sunday's game at Washington, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official website reports.

Coutee had an optimistic outlook after returning from a bye week to participate in Monday's practice, though he previously said he won't return until his hamstring is 100 percent healthy. The rookie slot receiver has been dealing with the injury since early August, necessitating a three-game absence to start his career and a two-game absence after he aggravated the issue during a Week 7 win over Jacksonville. Speaking after Monday's session, coach Bill O'Brien said there's a "strong possibility" Coutee will make it back for Sunday's game against the Redskins. Fantasy players should note how targets are divided behind lead dog DeAndre Hopkins, with Demaryius Thomas and Coutee candidates to handle steady workloads in an offense that hasn't gotten much help from its running backs and tight ends.

Smith (knee) said he has resumed running and is feeling much better, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Despite his optimistic statement, Smith was held out of practice Tuesday after missing the past three games. He does have three more chances to practice before the Panthers play in Detroit on Sunday, but him ultimately sitting out another game wouldn't surprise many people. D.J. Moore started each of the past three contests, catching 10 of 13 targets for 126 yards while adding 76 yards on four carries.

Diggs (ribs) said he will return for Sunday's game in Chicago, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Diggs missed Week 9 against the Lions and then got extra rest during a Week 10 bye. After returning to practice Monday without incident, he should be at least a limited participant when the Vikings release their initial injury report Wednesday. Assuming he's able to play, Diggs will face a stout Chicago defense that's allowing just 6.8 yards per pass attempt.

Smith (knee) isn't practicing Tuesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The Panthers are starting practice for Week 11 a day early in the wake of last Thursday's blowout loss to the Steelers. Smith appears to be in danger of missing a fourth consecutive game, but he'll still have three more chances to get some work in before Sunday's game at Detroit. Another absence likely would allow D.J. Moore to start again.

James was not targeted in Monday's 27-23 loss to the Giants.

James made a splash last week with a 60-yard performance against the Raiders, but he was absent from the offensive gameplan against the Giants, even with Pierre Garcon (knee) missing the contest. The speedy wideout has some big-play ability, but he is simply too far down the depth chart to warrant fantasy consideration.

Pettis had four catches (six targets) for 12 yards in Monday's 27-23 loss to the Giants.

The four catches and six targets were both season highs for the rookie wideout, but the 12 yards were certainly underwhelming. Still, Pettis' target spike may be a sign that the 2-8 49ers are willing to see what their second-round pick has to offer down the stretch. It will be interesting to see how the 23-year-old is used following the team's Week 11 bye, especially if Pierre Garcon (knee) is able to return. For now, there is no reason to jump the gun with Pettis in the majority of fantasy formats.

Taylor brought in his only target for 12 yards in Monday's 27-23 loss to the Giants.

Taylor was a healthy scratch last week, but he re-entered the wide receiver rotation with Pierre Garcon (knee) sitting this one out. The 24-year-old started the season as the 49ers' primary slot man, but his recent limited usage indicates that the team is going to give other options a larger look moving forward. Taylor will be off the fantasy radar when San Francisco returns to action Week 13 following its bye.

Bourne caught four passes (seven targets) for 33 yards in Monday's 27-23 loss to the Giants.

Bourne entered the starting lineup in place of Pierre Garcon (knee), finishing second in targets for the 49ers. The high usage didn't result in a useful fantasy line, highlighting the 23-year-old's low upside in standard leagues. With San Francisco's bye week on tap, Bourne could find himself in a backup role if Garcon can heal up with the extra rest.

Shepard caught two of his three targets for nine yards, but one of them was the game-winning touchdown against the 49ers on Monday night. He also had one carry for 27 yards.

The Giants are a low-octane offense with Eli Manning under center, and Odell Beckham and Saquon Barkley are the top priorities. Shepard and Evan Engram are next in line, but sometimes there's not enough to go around.

Goodwin caught four of five targets for 69 yards in Monday night's 27-23 loss to the Giants.

Goodwin had a nice night, but will be disappointed by the result of his lone missed target, which bounced off his hands and was intercepted. Besides that miscue, Monday marked Goodwin's best performance since San Francisco's last Monday night game, which came in Week 6 versus Green Bay. The 27-year-old had to be checked out for concussion symptoms after getting hit in the head twice over the span of three plays, but the fact that he remained in the game bodes well for his availability for the 49ers' next contest, especially with the bye week on tap.