NFL Player News

Douglas (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Colts.

After being deemed a limited participant on all three of New England's practice reports this week, Douglas headed into the weekend listed as questionable. With his active status confirmed, the 2023 sixth-rounder -- who tops New England's WR corps in catches (48), receiving yards (477) and targets (66) -- will have an opportunity to remain a key target for QB Drake Maye, which puts the wideout on the Week 13 PPR radar. Over his last four contests, Douglas has combined for 20 catches (on 27 targets) for 206 yards.

Pierce (foot) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Following back-to-back 'DNP' listings, Pierce was deemed a full participant in his return to practice Friday before approaching Sunday's contest listed as questionable. With his availability versus New England confirmed, barring any setbacks, Pierce should play a key role in the Colts' passing offense alongside Michael Pittman and Adonai Mitchell, with fellow wideouts Josh Downs (shoulder) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) both inactive. Though he's been a hit-or-miss fantasy option of late, the absence of Downs could provide Pierce (who overall has compiled a 27/629/4 receiving line on 48 targets through 12 games) with added Week 13 opportunities.

Brown (shoulder) is scheduled for a checkup with his surgeon during Week 15 and could receive clearance to resume practicing thereafter, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Brown has been out all season after suffering a sternoclavicular joint injury to his left shoulder in the Chiefs' Aug. 10 preseason opener and then undergoing surgery in mid-September. Though initial reports after his surgery was performed suggested that Brown would likely miss the entire regular season, the wideout has seemingly avoided any setbacks thus far in the recovery process and looks like he'll have a chance to get in a few tune-up games before the playoffs get underway. If Brown's surgeon is satisfied with the health of his shoulder following the upcoming checkup, the Chiefs will likely open the receiver's 21-day practice window before mapping out a target date for his season debut. Rapoport notes that Brown could be ready for game action as soon as Week 16, when the Chiefs host the Texans on Dec. 21.

Douglas (ankle) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday against the Colts, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Douglas was listed as a limited participant on all three of the Patriots' practice reports this week, but the team is apparently confident that he'll be able to play through the ankle issue Sunday. Official confirmation on Douglas' status will arrive when New England releases its inactive list around 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Since Drake Maye took over as the Patriots' starting quarterback beginning in Week 6, Douglas has produced a 30-324-1 receiving line on 42 targets in seven contests.

Pierce (foot), who is questionable for Sunday's game against New England, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Pierce didn't practice at all Wednesday or Thursday but was able to log a full session Friday. That was a good omen heading into the weekend, and the third-year wideout looks like he'll be ready to play Sunday. Though Pierce has a modest eight catches over his past three games, half of those have gone for at least 20 yards, emphasizing the deep-ball threat he poses for opposing defenses.

Smith (hamstring), who is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus Baltimore, may go through a pregame workout Sunday to see if he can play, but "there is not a lot of optimism" that he'll be able suit up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Smith ended the week with a pair of limited practices after sitting out entirely Wednesday, but he admitted Friday that he wasn't certain if he'd be able to play Sunday. The wideout missed last week's win over the Rams due to the hamstring issue, and Rapoport's report makes it seem more likely than not that Smith will be sidelined again for Week 13. While Rapoport adds that "there just isn't a ton of positivity" around Smith's status, he does state that Philadelphia is leaving that possibility open, so fantasy managers who roster the receiver would be wise to keep an eye out for the Eagles' inactive list, which should drop around 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff.

Watson reeled in one of three targets for six yards and a touchdown during Friday's 19-17 win versus the Raiders.

Watson found pay dirt for the first time this season, marking his sixth total touchdown in three seasons with the Chiefs. The grab also represented his only reception on the day, and his three targets marked just the fourth time this season he has tallied more than two. Watson should continue to log regular snaps but doesn't supply much fantasy value unless he finds the end zone on a given week.

Smith-Schuster hauled in his only target for 10 yards during Friday's 19-17 victory versus Las Vegas.

Smith-Schuster finished third among wideouts in terms of snaps behind just Xavier Worthy and DeAndre Hopkins, but he didn't do a ton with them, commanding just one target. He's totaled just four targets over the three weeks since returning from a hamstring injury, and there's little to suggest his involvement will grow, barring injuries at the wide receiver position.

New Orleans elevated Pettis from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Pettis will be elevated for a third straight game. In his last two outings, Pettis has caught two passes on as many targets for 17 yards while adding 26 kick return yards and 54 punt return yards. He'll serve as the Saints' primary returner Sunday against the Rams and will provide depth at wide receiver behind Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Cedrick Wilson and fellow practice squad wideout Kevin Austin.

The Saints elevated Austin from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

It's the third and final time the Saints are allowed to elevate Austin from the practice squad this season. The 24-year-old wideout played in the two games prior to the Saints' Week 12 bye, catching three passes on four targets for 54 yards over that span.