NFL Player News

Smith did not have a catch in Sunday's win against the Giants. He was targeted twice.

Smith's playing time held firm -- he saw 26 of the Saints' 70 offensive snaps in New York -- but he was held without a catch for the second consecutive week. The rookie has just one catch all season, and while he remains an interesting option in dynasty leagues, he probably does not need to be owned in most re-draft leagues.

Samuel (chest) returned to practice Monday.

Samuel had a procedure to address an irregular heartbeat shortly before the start of the season and hasn't been able to practice or play in any games. He's back on the practice field after a Week 4 bye, potentially aiming to return for Sunday's game against the Giants. Samuel likely will operate as the fifth wide receiver in Carolina's offense, working behind Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith, Jarius Wright and D.J. Moore.

Shepard caught all 10 of his targets for 77 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Saints.

Shepard drew the softer cornerback matchup and took advantage, though his longest catch was only 23 yards. With tight end Evan Engram out, the Giants' receiving tree is narrow, and Shepard will continue to have a significant role.

Beckham caught seven of 11 targets for 60 yards against the Saints on Sunday. He also had one carry for 10 yards.

It wasn't much by Beckham's standards in part because Eli Manning was throwing mostly short passes. Beckham's usage is good, and he's too talented not to break a big play sooner or later.

Valdes-Scantling caught one pass for 38 yards in Sunday's victory over the Bills.

After totaling just 20 snaps on offense in his first three games, Valdes-Scantling started Sunday in place of an injured Randall Cobb (hamstring) and was on the field for a healthy 54 plays. He drew just three passes in his direction, but he was able to haul in a long one from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Looking toward Week 5, Valdes-Scantling will have an opportunity to see an elevated snap count again, as the availability of both Cobb and Geronimo Allison (concussion) will be in question until later in the week.

Montgomery had five carries for 18 yards and two receptions for 56 yards in Sunday's victory over the Bills.

Montgomery played 20 snaps Sunday, the third most among Packers running backs, but that was still enough for him to make an impact, most of which came on a 43-yard reception. The Packers have split the snaps among Montgomery, Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones fairly evenly since Jones made his season debut in Week 3, and all have been effective, so that plan could continue in order to give defenses multiple looks and keep all three backs fresh and healthy.

Pryor wasn't targeted in Sunday's 31-12 loss to Jacksonville.

Perhaps the numerous lower-body injuries he battled in practice during the week factored into this poor performance, even though Pryor didn't carry an injury designation on game day. Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse each saw at least five targets, suggesting Pryor has sunk to a distant fourth on the depth chart now that Kearse is healthy. The big-bodied receiver will look to bounce back against the Broncos in Week 5.

Washington caught two of four targets for 10 yards during Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Ravens.

This was another disappointing showing for Washington, despite the offense relying heavily on the passing game, throwing 47 times compared to just 11 rushes. For now, it seems Washington has slipped behind Ryan Switzer on the depth chart and cannot be trusted, even in an attractive Week 5 matchup against the Falcons.

Humphries brought in six of seven targets for 36 yards in the Buccaneers' 48-10 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Humphries saw a season-high reception and target total in the blowout defeat, although his looks came within close proximity of the line of scrimmage. While the trusted possession receiver drew more attention than fellow wideout Chris Godwin against the Bears, the latter offers considerably more upside and figures to keep Humphries in a modest, safety-valve type of role for the balance of the season. Through four games, Humphries is averaging a career-low 7.8 yards per reception.

Godwin brought in both of his targets for 22 yards in the Buccaneers' 48-10 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Godwin saw his role decrease in the blowout defeat, as his reception and target totals were his lowest of the season. The second-year wideout also failed to get into the end zone for the first time in four games, but his stock remains bullish, particularly with a Week 6 matchup against the Falcons following a Week 5 bye.