NFL Player News

Austin logged 44 of the Saints' 68 snaps on offense and recorded one catch for five yards on five targets in Sunday's 14-11 win over the Giants.

Austin has handled snap shares north of 60 percent in each of the Saints' last three games, essentially making him the team's No. 2 wideout during that time. Despite seeing steady playing time, Austin hasn't made much of an imprint on the box score, producing a 5-54-0 receiving line on 10 targets to go with nine rushing yards during that stretch.

Wilson took the field for 25 of the Saints' 68 snaps on offense and finished with an 18-yard reception on his lone target in Sunday's 14-11 win over the Giants.

Wilson served as New Orleans' No. 3 wideout in Week 14, narrowly edging out Dante Pettis (21 snaps) in playing time. Though the losses of Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) have opened up more opportunities in the Saints' wideout corps, Wilson hasn't been able to capitalize. Since accruing a season-best 6-57-1 receiving line on seven targets in Week 7 against Denver, Wilson has managed just four catches for 71 yards and no touchdowns on five targets over his subsequent four appearances.

Pettis took the field for 21 of the Saints' 68 snaps on offense and was unable to reel in either of his two targets in Sunday's 14-11 win over the Giants.

Pettis was held without a catch for the first time in four appearances with the Saints and finished fourth in snaps among New Orleans receivers, trailing Marquez Valdes-Scantling (48), Kevin Austin (44) and Cedrick Wilson (25). The 29-year-old is unlikely to see his role grow dramatically over the final four games of the season, though he'll at least have some security after the Saints gave him a permanent spot on the roster by signing him off the practice squad last week.

Miller (head) isn't listed on Tampa Bay's injury report Wednesday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Miller was evaluated for a concussion near the end of Sunday's game against Las Vegas, but he appears to have come out clean given his lack of a designation on the first practice report of this week. Miller should thus be fine to resume his regular role as a depth wideout while also working on special teams Sunday versus the Chargers.

Means (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Means is in the midst of his second week of practice since the Saints opened his 21-day evaluation window Dec. 4. The rookie wideout hasn't played since Week 8 with an ankle sprain, but if he's able to upgrade to full participation in practice by Friday, he could have a decent chance at getting cleared to suit up this Sunday against the Commanders. Through his first seven NFL games, Means produced a 9-118-1 receiving line on 15 targets.

Covey (neck) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Covey hurt his neck Week 13 against Baltimore and missed this past Sunday's victory versus Carolina. By beginning this week with a limited practice session, Covey could potentially return to action Sunday against Pittsburgh. If Covey can play, his impact would likely be felt mostly on special teams, as he has worked as Philadelphia's lead punt returner while seeing limited snaps on offense.

Whittington (shoulder) is listed questionable for Thursday's game against the 49ers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Whittington popped up on the Rams' injury report with a shoulder issue Monday and was also listed as a non-participant for Tuesday's walk-through session. However, he logged a limited practice Wednesday and has a chance of suiting up Thursday. If Whittington can't play against San Francisco, however, Blake Corum could handle kick-return duties for Los Angeles.

Hutchinson (shoulder) practiced in full Wednesday.

Hutchinson missed Week 13 with the injury, but Houston is now coming off its bye week, and he appears ready to play Sunday against the Dolphins. With Nico Collins back healthy alongside Tank Dell, Hutchinson will vie for wideout snaps with John Metchie and Robert Woods.

Carter (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

It effectively ends Carter's 2024 season, as he'll be required to miss the team's final four contests after he was injured in Chicago's Week 14 loss to the 49ers. Carter finishes the year with nine catches for 72 yards on 14 targets. His main contributions came on special teams, where Carter returned 15 kickoffs for 479 yards and 17 punts for 158 yards. Carter also lost one fumble. Josh Blackwell took over punt-return duties following Carter's injury.

The Jets placed Charles (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, Ethan Greenberg of the team's official site reports.

The move was a foregone conclusion, as Charles suffered an ACL injury Sunday against Miami and won't return to action this season. He finishes the campaign with no catches on one target over nine offensive snaps. Charles' absence will be primarily felt on special teams, as he was a key part of that unit for New York this season.