NFL Player News

Smith sustained a right shoulder injury during Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Broncos, Ryan McFadden of ESPN reports.

Following the game, coach Pete Carroll said that Smith's shoulder "locked up" after he completed a pass late in the third quarter, which paved the way for Kenny Pickett to play the remainder of the contest. In terms of Smith's Week 15 status, Carroll noted that an early test revealed that the QB (who also sustained a cut on his right hand versus Denver) had avoided serious damage to his shoulder, while adding that he'll lean toward starting the veteran signal-caller Nov.14 against the Eagles, health permitting.

Thielen secured his lone target for four yards during Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.

Although Thielen's target share was low, it was encouraging that he was on the field for 48 percent of the team's offensive snaps after being claimed off waivers from the Vikings on Tuesday. The 35-year-old had a disappointing start to the year, securing just eight of 18 targets for 69 yards. While he could see more playing time in Pittsburgh down the stretch, the Steelers' passing game has struggled to find much success under Aaron Rodgers, so Thielen's fantasy upside figures to remain limited.

Freiermuth secured two of three targets for nine yards during Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.

Freiermuth led the Steelers' tight ends in playing time, taking the field for 60 percent of the team's offensive snaps. However, he had minimal fantasy production for a second consecutive week. The 2021 second-rounder had put together a string of seven consecutive performances with double-digit receiving yards following Pittsburgh's Week 5 bye, but he was held without a target last week against Buffalo before this week's disappointing performance. Darnell Washington exited Sunday's Week 14 matchup due to a concussion, but Freiermuth would still be battling Jonnu Smith for snaps and targets if Washington is forced to miss additional time.

Smith failed to secure his lone target during Sunday's 27-22 win over Baltimore.

Smith has had limited involvement in the passing game during his first season with the Steelers, but he's been especially unproductive recently, securing just five of 10 targets for 31 yards while rushing twice for seven yards over his last five appearances. It's not yet clear whether Darnell Washington (concussion) will be forced to miss additional time after exiting Sunday's win, but Smith would still be battling Pat Freiermuth for snaps and targets if Washington is sidelined.

Austin secured one of two targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.

Austin was held without a catch last week against Buffalo for the first time in the 2025 campaign, but he bounced back in Week 14 by logging a deep reception in the third quarter. The 2022 fourth-rounder has been inconsistent this year, but he's recorded double-digit receiving yards in five of his last seven appearances, securing 17 of 19 targets for 170 yards during that time. Austin hasn't found his way into the end zone since Week 3, however.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer noted Monday that Lamb, who sustained a concussion during the Cowboys' loss to the Lions this past Thursday, is "doing good. Progressing nicely," Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

With added recovery time ahead of Week 15, Lamb is trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Vikings approaches. The star wideout's progress through the concussion protocol will begin to come into focus when the team's next official injury report is posted Wednesday.

Johnson rushed twice for four yards during Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.

The Steelers' running game failed to make much of an impact in Week 14, as Kenneth Gainwell led the team with four carries for 15 yards and a touchdown, while Jaylen Warren produced an inefficient 13 yards on eight carries. However, those two backs saw a nearly even split of playing time, with Warren playing 50 percent of the offensive snaps and Gainwell playing 48 percent. Johnson was once again the clear No. 3 back, as he was on the field for just three offensive snaps against Baltimore. The rookie has been limited to single-digit snaps in each of his last five appearances, and he's rushed 12 times for 29 yards while securing his lone target for nine yards during that time.

Wilson (knee) is eligible to come off IR this week, but coach Aaron Glenn noted Monday that a determination regarding the wideout's status hinges on a medical decision between Wilson and the Jets doctors, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Wilson last saw game action in Week 10, but it remains unclear if or when he'll return to the lineup as Jets' last four games approach. With the team 3-10 and out of playoff contention, there's no reason to hurry Wilson back, and if he remains sidelined this coming Sunday against the Jaguars, John Metchie, Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Williams would continue to lead New York's WR corps.

Coach Aaron Glenn noted Monday that the Jets are still gathering information on the health and availability of Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee), Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Fields was inactive for Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Dolphins, and Taylor lasted only two series in the contest because of a groin injury before being replaced by rookie Brady Cook. In terms of the Jets' QB plans for a Week 15 game against the Jaguars, Glenn indicated Monday that the team will "have to see what guys are healthy enough to go out there and give us a chance to win." The team's signal-caller situation likely won't gain any clarity until at least Wednesday, when the Jets' next practice/injury report is posted.

Hopkins was held without a catch on one target Sunday against the Steelers.

Hopkins played just 13 snaps, his lowest total since Week 10. The Ravens leaned on two-wide sets featuring Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman while also deploying multiple tight ends along with fullback Patrick Ricard. That ultimately squeezed Hopkins out of the game plan Sunday. Hopkins has not drawn more than four targets in any game this season and has not scored a touchdown since Week 2. Baltimore plays at Cincinnati in Week 15.