NFL Player News

Bates caught both of his targets for nine yards in Sunday night's 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos.

Even with Zach Ertz's monster performance (10-106-0), Bates was still involved in the Commanders' passing attack during Sunday night's loss. The Boise State product has appeared in 10 games this season, catching eight of 12 targets for 71 yards. He's likely to remain a minimal component of Washington's offensive game plan in the Week 14 matchup against the Vikings.

Smith secured one of two targets for six yards during Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Bills.

Smith was on the field for 53 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps Sunday, which ranked second among the team's tight ends, as Darnell Washington played 79 percent, while Pat Freiermuth played 40 percent. However, Smith's work in the passing game remained limited, and he's now secured five of nine targets for just 31 yards while rushing twice for seven yards across his last four appearances.

The Vikings don't consider Jones' shoulder injury to be severe, and he's day-to-day, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Jones sustained a shoulder injury on a lost fumble in the middle of the third quarter of Sunday's loss at Seattle and wasn't able to return, finishing Week 13 with six carries for three yards and four catches (on four targets) for 22 yards. He's been playing through a shoulder issue since Week 10, so his ability to suit up and what kind of workload he can hold moving forward may come down to pain management. Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott are the next players up out of Minnesota's backfield if Jones cedes any reps or ultimately is inactive Sunday against the Commanders.

Coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that Darnold was dealing with an ankle injury during Sunday's win over the Vikings, but the quarterback "should be good to go" for Week 14 against the Falcons, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Darnold was in the blue medical tent on the sideline a couple times against Minnesota, but he didn't miss any offensive snaps prior to giving way to Drew Lock for the final drive of the 26-0 win. Darnold might be listed on the injury report this week, but it sounds like it would be a surprise to see him have an injury designation ahead of next Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Moore was not targeted during Sunday night's 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos.

Moore has now gone without a target in four of the Commanders' last five games. The 32-year-old has appeared in 11 contests this season, catching 10 of 22 targets for 192 yards and a touchdown. With Terry McLaurin and Treylon Burks back from injury, Moore's role on Washington's offense will likely remain minimal in the Week 14 matchup against the Vikings.

Wilson failed to secure his lone target during Sunday's 26-7 loss to the Bills.

Wilson had double-digit receiving yards in five of six appearances following the Steelers' Week 5 bye, but he's failed to secure any of his four targets over the past two games. Over his 12 appearances this season, Wilson has secured 12 of 21 targets for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Sampson (calf) is viewed as day-to-day after being injured in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Sampson was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against San Francisco in the third quarter after he rushed four times for 23 yards. However, it sounds like the rookie running back avoided a serious injury. If Sampson needs to miss time, Jerome Ford would likely reassume his role as the pass-catching complement to Quinshon Judkins.

Lane failed to catch his lone target in Sunday night's 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos.

With the return of Terry McLaurin in Week 13, Lane's offensive role was limited. The rookie from Virginia Tech went without a catch for the first time all season and tied his career low in targets during Sunday night's loss. Lane has now caught 16 of 31 targets for 225 yards while also accumulating 279 total return yards through the Commanders' first 12 games this season. He's likely to play a depth role in the team's receiving corps in the Week 14 matchup against the Vikings.

Mims caught both of his targets for eight yards and rushed once for nine yards in Sunday's 27-26 overtime win over the Commanders.

Mims was unable to get much going with his three touches Sunday, as the 23-year-old wideout was not used downfield in Denver's passing attack. The third-year receiver played just 28 of the Broncos' 70 offensive snaps, operating behind Courtland Sutton (57), Pat Bryant (49) and Troy Franklin (37). Mims has played over 50 percent of snaps just twice this season and has not hit that snap share since Week 7. The Oklahoma product should not be trusted for fantasy purposes when the Broncos visit the Raiders in Week 14.

McNichols rushed six times for 30 yards and caught both of his targets for zero yards in Sunday night's 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos.

The 29-year-old's eight touches were the most he's received in a single game this season, playing behind Chris Rodriguez (11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown) but ahead of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (four carries for 20 yards). McNichols' role in Washington's backfield has grown over the last three games, during which he's logged 15 carries for 68 yards and caught all five of his targets for 20 yards. He's likely to operate as the Commander's top pass-catching back in the Week 14 matchup against the Vikings.