NFL Player News

Cooks reeled in his only target for three yards during Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Bears.

Cooks has now logged exactly one target three weeks in a row. While he has not been supplanted as the WR3, the 32-year-old has been overshadowed completely by Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and tight end Juwan Johnson, as these three were targeted on 23 of Spencer Rattler's 32 passing attempts. Jack-of-all-trades tight end Taysom Hill also logged two catches Sunday, representing just another pass-catcher to pull targets away from Cooks. The wideout should continue to fulfill a reserve role, even if he's in the starting lineup, during the Week 8 matchup versus Tampa Bay.

Hill reeled in both of his targets for 12 yards during Sunday's 26-14 defeat against the Bears.

Hill logged his first two catches of the season. The 35-year-old was on pace for a career high in receptions last season with 23 through eight games before he tore his ACL in Week 13. Hill's primary usage will still likely come as a rushing quarterback in short-yardage and change-of-pace situations, which was the scenario when he scored a one-yard rushing touchdown on his lone carry during the Week 6 loss to the Patriots. He'll need to start seeing more scoring opportunities in the red zone to have any reliable fantasy value, which is unlikely considering the inconsistency of the Saints' offense. Hill will look to get back in the end zone during the Week 8 contest against the division-rival Buccaneers.

Matthews (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Matthews missed the first two practices of the week due to an ankle injury, but he earned the questionable tag for Week 7 after logging a limited session Friday. He was able to go through Sunday's pregame warmups without suffering a setback, and he has been cleared to play and start at left tackle.

Johnson accrued five receptions (on seven targets) for 79 yards during Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Bears.

Johnson posted a season high in receiving yards following three straight underwhelming performances with fewer than 30 receiving yards. The 29-year-old had a slow start before heating up in the second half, catching all four of his targets for 73 yards. Johnson has now posted at least five catches in four of seven games this season, and he's consistently been the Saints' No. 3 pass catcher behind wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, who logged seven and nine targets, respectively. The tight end will look to catch his second touchdown of the season when the Saints next play versus the Buccaneers in Week 8.

Clark (elbow) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Commanders, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Clark suffered an elbow injury in the second half, and his status for the rest of the game is now uncertain. In his absence, Solomon Thomas will stand to see an increase in workload at defensive tackle versus Washington.

James (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday Night Football against the Falcons.

The rookie running back will now be a healthy scratch for a sixth consecutive game. Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo remain ahead of James, a fifth-round pick in the draft, on the depth chart.

Graham (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Graham was activated from injured reserve Saturday after a full week of practice, and the fifth-year defensive end has been cleared to make his regular-season debut Sunday. Graham should work in a rotational role with Brandon Dorlus in Week 7.

Watkins (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's matchup with the Falcons.

The rookie wide receiver is a healthy scratch even with Ricky Pearsall still out due to a knee injury. Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson and Skyy Moore are leading the 49ers' wide receiver depth chart for this game. Watkins was a possible candidate for punt return duties, but it appears that Moore will handle that role instead.

Diggs recorded seven receptions on seven targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Titans.

Diggs had almost all of his production in the third quarter, tallying three receptions for 49 yards. That was enough for him to lead the team in all receiving stats, with his only shortcoming being his inability to reach the end zone. While it has taken Diggs some time to settle into the New England offense, he now has at least six catches in three of his last four games while posting 344 receiving yards in that span.

Franks (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Franks was limited in practice all week due to a calf injury but he has the green light to suit up for Sunday night's road contest. He's mostly operated on special teams this season while providing depth at tight end behind Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner and Teagan Quitoriano.