NFL Player News

Croskey-Merritt rushed nine times for 25 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Commanders' 28-7 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night.

Croskey-Merritt was held under 3.0 yards per carry for the second consecutive game in what was a second straight lopsided loss for the Commanders. The rookie back outpaced backfield mates Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols by eight carries each, but McNichols was much more involved in the passing game while recording a team-high five catches and 64 yards while also logging a co-team-high six targets. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt continued to be an afterthought in the passing game, a trend that conspires to limit his fantasy value when rushing opportunities and/or running room is at a premium. The outlook doesn't get any rosier Week 9, as the Commanders welcome a tough Seahawks defense to town for a Sunday night showdown.

Knight recorded 12 total tackles (six solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 39-38 loss to the Jets.

Knight led the team in takedowns, compiling a season-high 12 stops in Week 8, and he has now registered double-digit tackles in three games this year. The linebacker has produced 62 total tackles (35 solo) and three passes defensed, including one interception, over eight contests this season.

Vele compiled one reception (on five targets) for 10 yards during Sunday's 23-3 loss versus the Buccaneers.

Vele failed to capitalize on his season-high five targets. The 27-year-old has gone without a target in three of the seven games he's played so far this season. The Saints benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough in the third quarter, but they still finished with 51 passing attempts as a team. Regardless of who's under center for New Orleans, Vele and veteran wideout Brandin Cooks should continue to see limited targets while operating behind New Orleans' top three pass catchers, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and tight end Juwan Johnson. The Saints' next face the Rams in Week 9 on Sunday.

Hill gathered in his only target for six yards and rushed twice for six yards during Sunday's 23-3 defeat versus the Buccaneers.

Hill played his fewest number of offensive snaps this season with five. The 35-year-old has seen very limited playing time in his first four games since returning from a torn ACL four weeks ago, averaging 8.8 offensive snaps per game. He's also averaging just 3.5 touches per game, and he has not totaled over 15 yards in any of his four contests. Unless Hill sees a sharp increase in red-zone touches, he won't be worth any consideration by fantasy managers going forward. The Saints face off with the Rams in Week 9 on Sunday.

Helm recorded two catches (on three targets) for 23 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Colts.

Helm logged at least a 50 percent offensive snap rate for the third time in his last four games. He was outperformed by Chig Okonkwo in most offensive stats, though Helm did manage his first career touchdown on a one-yard reception early in the second quarter. Helm could continue to emerge in the second half of the season, particularly if the Titans move on from Okonkwo via trade.

Cooks recorded three receptions (on four targets) for 22 yards during Sunday's 23-3 defeat to the Buccaneers.

Cooks logged more than one catch and one target for the first time since Week 4. The Saints' passing offense saw an uptick in passing attempts (51) despite benching starter Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough in the third quarter. Cooks logged one fewer target than second-year wideout Devaughn Vele, while both played supplementary roles behind top three pass catchers Chris Olave (12), Rashid Shaheed (12) and tight end Juwan Johnson (eight). Fantasy managers should expect a similar dispersal of targets during the Week 8 contest versus the Rams on Sunday.

Johnson caught five of eight targets for 53 yards during Sunday's 23-3 loss versus the Buccaneers.

Johnson logged five catches on at least seven targets for the second week in a row. The tight end once again finished third on the team in targets, receptions and yards behind wide receivers Chris Olave (12-8-63) and Rashid Shaheed (12-9-75). The Saints benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough in the third quarter, as the passing offense continued to struggle in this game. New Orleans still logged 51 passing attempts as a team. If the team continues to air it out while playing from behind, then Johnson's fantasy production should benefit with a healthy number of targets going forward. New Orleans' next game will come versus the Rams in Week 8.

Neal had zero carries and hauled in all three of his targets for 11 yards during Sunday's 23-3 loss against Tampa Bay.

The rookie sixth-rounder served as the Saints' RB2 with Kendre Miller out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 7. New Orleans benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough late in the third quarter, and the offense abandoned the running game with just 15 carries as a team. Neal still played 46 percent of offensive snaps while operating behind Alvin Kamara, who only played 51 percent of offensive snaps. Neal will look for more rushing opportunities as New Orleans' offense looks to right the ship Week 8 versus the Rams.

Mariota completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions while adding eight rushes for 28 yards in the Commanders' 28-7 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night. He also committed a fumble that was recovered by Washington.

Mariota put together another respectable stat line while filling in for Jayden Daniels (hamstring) for the third time this season, but he ultimately couldn't consistently move the Commanders down the field and short-circuited a pair of drives himself with interceptions. Mariota's first pick came on the opening possession on a pass that deflected off Deebo Samuel and landed in the hands of Mike Danna at the Chiefs' 22-yard line, while the second turnover unfolded at midfield with only 22 seconds remaining and the game well in hand for Kansas City. The veteran backup did connect with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) from 11 yards out just before halftime for his one scoring toss, and Mariota would get the call against a second consecutive tough defense Week 9 if Daniels isn't healthy enough to suit up for a Sunday night home matchup against the Seahawks.

Singleton tallied 11 tackles (two solo) and forced a fumble Sunday in 44-24 win over Dallas.

Singleton led Denver in tackles while tallying double-digit stops for the third time this season. He also forced a fumble in the third quarter, though the ball was recovered by the Cowboys. Singleton has a robust 70 tackles, including 1.0 sacks, through eight games on the campaign.