NFL Player News

Johnson practiced Monday for the first time since the Texans claimed him off waivers, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Johnson, who was on the receiving end of passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud during Monday morning's session, is embracing a fresh start in Houston after a rocky seven-week tenure with the Ravens. The Texans have a glaring need at wideout with Stefon Diggs (knee) and Tank Dell (knee) on injured reserve. That suggests Johnson could have a significant role in the playoffs -- Houston is locked in as the fourth seed in the AFC and will host a first-round playoff game -- but the first order of business is finding chemistry with Stroud. Much of that chemistry may have to be established in practice settings, as it's unclear how much playing time Stroud will get in Week 18 against the Titans.

Patrick did not garner a target while reeling in a two-point conversion in Monday night's 40-34 win over the 49ers.

Patrick went without a catch for the second week in a row, though he did secure a two-point conversion on a pass from Jared Goff early in the third quarter. After compiling 19 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns over a five-game stretch in November and December, Patrick has seen his production nearly vanish as the Lions have launched into the stretch run of the regular season. He remains their No. 3 wide receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but Patrick is clearly not a major cog in Detroit's impressive offense.

Samuel brought in his only target for a five-yard touchdown while adding 16 rushing yards on three attempts in Monday's 40-34 loss to the Lions.

Samuel saw his usage drop back down to levels seen during his horrid second-half slump, but a short touchdown grab helped salvage what would have been a rough fantasy outing. The underperforming superstar carries a 51-670-3 receiving line into the final week of the regular season to go along with 134 rushing yards and a fourth score in 15 starts this year. Samuel will have one more chance to up his offseason free agency bid in Sunday's road tilt against the Cardinals.

Jennings finished with seven receptions (on 10 targets) for 67 yards in Monday's 40-34 loss to the Lions.

Jennings turned in another routine performance that would have pleased those playing in PPR and deeper fantasy formats. The veteran starter's stats seem dwarfed in a game that featured two 100-yard receivers for San Francisco. Jennings inched closer to his first 1,000-yard campaign Monday, needing just 77 receiving yards against the Cardinals in Week 18 in order to accomplish the feat.

St. Brown brought in eight of 10 targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 40-34 win over the 49ers on Monday night.

St. Brown led the Lions in receptions and targets on the night while also recording a receiving touchdown for the third straight game on a four-yard grab late in the third quarter. However, St. Brown also played a key role in another Lions score, feeding the ball to Jameson Williams on an early second-quarter hook and ladder the latter turned into a 42-yard touchdown. St. Brown has at least five receptions in nine consecutive contests heading into the Week 18 home clash against the Vikings that will determine the winner of the NFC North and NFC's No. 1 seed.

Pearsall finished with eight receptions on 10 targets for 141 yards and a touchdown while adding six rushing yards on two attempts in Monday's 40-34 loss to Detroit.

Pearsall experienced a true fantasy breakout after weeks of inconsistent play over the second half of the season. The first-round pick finished behind only fellow rookie wideout Malik Nabers (7-171-2) for top honors in receiving yards for Week 17. The unfortunate news for Pearsall's potential managers Week 18 is that starting quarterback Brock Purdy exited Monday's contest with an injury to his throwing elbow, which could jeopardize his availability for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cardinals. Either way, Pearsall's strong play on MNF is a bright sign for the wideout's future as the 49ers look ahead to the 2025 campaign.

Williams brought in five of eight targets for 77 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 40-34 win over the 49ers on Monday night. He also netted minus-2 yards on two carries but scored a rushing touchdown.

Williams led the Lions in receiving yards and scored a receiving touchdown for the third straight game on a 42-yard hook and lateral in conjunction with Amon-Ra St. Brown early in the second quarter. Prior to that play, which saw Williams turn the corner and speed up the right sideline for a touchdown, the 2022 first-round pick had turned on the jets to record the second rushing score of his career on a three-yard run around left end to erase an early 7-0 deficit. Williams' speed has increasingly become a factor down the stretch, and he now has 17 catches of 20-plus yards heading into the Week 18 showdown against the Vikings that will decide the NFC North crown and conference's No. 1 seed.

Boyd recorded two receptions (on four targets) for 14 yards in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jaguars.

Boyd was on the field for 80 percent of offensive snaps despite failing to practice at any point throughout the week while dealing with a foot injury. Though he was able to play through the issue, Boyd's production remained limited. He now has fewer than 20 yards or fewer in three of his last four contests.

Dortch recorded three catches on three targets for 18 yards, one kick return for 28 yards and two punt returns for 15 yards during Saturday's 13-9 loss to the Rams.

Aside from a 60-yard outburst in Week 15 against the Patriots, Dortch hasn't surpassed 20 receiving yards since Week 6. Marvin Harrison and Michael Wilson typically handle the majority of wideout snaps, leaving Dortch to compete with Zay Jones for leftovers.

Erickson reverted to New England's practice squad Monday.

Erickson played 11 snaps during Saturday's loss versus the Chargers and returned three kicks for 90 yards and also ran back a punt for 15 yards. He could be elevated once again for the team's Week 18 matchup versus the Bills.