NFL Player News

The Bengals signed Rypien off their practice squad Tuesday.

With Joe Burrow set to undergo surgery to address a Grade 3 turf toe injury and likely to remain out for at least three months, the Bengals will add Rypien to the roster to serve as the top backup to new starter Jake Browning. Rypien is on track to be active for Sunday's game in Minnesota, but his performance in practice over the ensuing weeks could determine whether he sticks around in the No. 2 role for the entirety of Burrow's absence. The Bengals added Mike White and Sean Clifford to their practice squad Tuesday, and either could eventually challenge Rypien for the top backup gig once they get up to speed with the playbook.

Harris carried eight times for 28 yards and added two receptions for 20 yards on two targets in Monday's 20-9 win over the Raiders.

After getting in limited practice reps in training camp and the preseason while recovering from a superficial eye injury, Harris took on a light role in Week 1, playing just 18 percent of the offensive snaps and logging two touches (one carry, one catch). However, the veteran poached more work from rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton in Monday's victory. While Hampton continued to pace the Chargers backfield in playing time with a 62 percent snap share, he mustered just 24 yards on eight carries and had one catch for one yard while also committing a late fumble as the Bolts tried to ice the game. Harris wasn't much more efficient, but he still nearly doubled up his snap share from the season opener, taking the field for 20 plays (34 percent). Hampton will likely continue to lead the backfield during Sunday's game against Denver, but Harris could see his snap share tick up a little more.

Hill had three carries for seven yards and caught all three of his targets for 18 yards Sunday against the Browns.

Baltimore's run game was uncharacteristically shut down by the Browns on Sunday as Hill and Derrick Henry combined for 14 carries and 30 yards. Hill managed to contribute in the passing game with three grabs after being held to just one three-yard reception in the opener. His playing time remained in line with his Week 1 total as he played 22 snaps. His usage can vary week-to-week, but Hill's snap share sits in the 40 percent range.

Walker caught both of his targets for 26 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Browns.

The second-year wideout has three career receptions, all of which have gone for touchdowns. That's efficiency. Walker played 13 snaps Sunday after not getting on the field on offense in the opener, with his first TD coming early in the third quarter when Lamar Jackson found him in the back of the end zone on fourth down. His second came early in the fourth quarter to put the Ravens up 27-20. Baltimore has a crowded receiver room, and it seems as though Walker, Tylan Wallace and DeAndre Hopkins are all battling for the No. 3 job. Walker is likely third in the pecking order among that group at the moment, but if he keeps capitalizing on his opportunities, more playing time could be in store.

Wallace caught both of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Browns.

The fifth-year wideout was not targeted in the opener despite playing roughly a third of the snaps. On Sunday, however, Wallace's snap share increased to 51 percent and he was rewarded with a pair of targets, one of which he cashed in for a 15-yard TD from Lamar Jackson. He ranks third among Raven receivers in playing time so far, ahead of DeAndre Hopkins. It's unclear how long that will hold, especially with Devontez Walker also showing some promise. For now, though, Wallace seems to be a staple when Baltimore goes three-wide.

Watson caught one of two targets for three yards in Monday's 20-19 loss to Tampa Bay.

Watson has been targeted four times through two games, the same as 2025 second-round pick Jayden Higgins and more than 2025 third-round pick Jaylin Noel. It's hard to get a read on Houston's offense, which has stumbled through two games as C.J. Stroud remains in a slump that dates back to Week 5 of 2024, the last time the quarterback threw for more than 300 yards. Watson's fringy fantasy relevance is diminished by Stroud's play and should end once Christian Kirk (hamstring) is able to play.

Noel was not targeted on offense and amassed 145 return yards on punts and kicks in Monday's 20-19 loss to the Buccaneers.

Noel was given the fewest offensive snaps (15) among Houston's wide receivers, but he impacted the game on special teams. He averaged 26.0 yards on three kickoff returns and 22.3 on punt returns, including a 53-yarder that set up the Texans' final score with just over two minutes left. Noel has done little offensively in his first two weeks in the NFL, but he's seizing his opportunity on special teams with Braxton Berrios (hamstring) unavailable.

Higgins caught his lone target for 28 yards in Monday's 20-19 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 2.

Higgins' lone catch put the Texans in business deep in Buccaneers territory, but the offense failed to capitalize. The rookie wideout has three receptions (four targets) for 60 yards, including two 20-plus yard receptions. Higgins is part of a crew that includes Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel and Justin Watson that are receiving more playing time due to Christian Kirk (hamstring) being unavailable. One or more of that group will experience a drop in snap count once Kirk is ready.

Hutchinson caught two of three targets for 29 yards in Monday's 20-19 loss to the Buccaneers.

The third-year receiver's three targets were more than rookies Jayden Higgins (one) and Jaylin Noel (zero) combined. Hutchinson sees plenty of playing time -- 63.4 percent of the snaps, second at WR behind Nico Collins -- but he hasn't made a significant fantasy contribution in 2025. That was also the case last season -- substantial playing time (49.7 percent) with little production (12 catches). With Christian Kirk (hamstring) sidelined, there's a mix of players angling for targets after Collins, but if Kirk can get on the field for Week 3, then Hutchinson should see a reduced role.

Bryant did not catch his lone target in Monday's 20-19 loss to Tampa Bay.

Bryant was added to the 53-man roster following an injury to Cade Stover (foot). He was on the field for 37 percent of the offensive snaps, significantly lower than the 57 percent Stover had in Week 1.