NFL Player News

Sampson had three carries for eight yards, caught his lone target for nine yards and returned two kickoffs for 37 yards in Sunday's 31-6 win over Miami in Week 7.

Sampson was on the field for just nine snaps, but he out-touched veteran Jerome Ford, who had three touches on 13 snaps. The game provided more evidence that the rookie is taking over the No. 2 RB role from Ford. The trade deadline is two weeks away, and Sampson could be all alone behind starter Quinshon Judkins if Ford, who is in the final year of his contract, gets moved. That still may not translate into meaningful fantasy value for Sampson with Judkins dominating the backfield workload for Cleveland, but it would put him on the field more often for an offense that typically plays from behind and needs a reliable third-down back.

Ford had one carry for zero yards and caught both of his targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 31-6 win over the Dolphins in Week 7.

Ford was given his fewest snaps (13) and second-fewest touches of the season, seeing less touch volume than Dylan Sampson (nine snaps, four touches), who also returned two kickoffs while Ford did not. That usage on special teams may be telling. It's a change that began in Week 6, when Sampson returned five kickoffs to Ford's one as the rookie takes over the top backup job behind starter Quinshon Judkins. With two more weeks before the trade deadline, Ford could be on the move before Nov. 4.

Dike recorded four catches on four targets for 70 yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Patriots. He added one rush for minus-one yard, three kick returns for 84 yards and one punt return for 15 yards.

Elic Ayomanor was projected to take on an increased role in the absence of Calvin Ridley (hamstring), though it was Dike who had a breakout performance. He accounted for most of his production with consecutive receptions of 18 and 38 yards on Tennessee's second offensive possession, the latter of which was his first touchdown as a pro. Dike has performed relatively well on special teams for most of the season, and he could continue to expand his offensive role as the campaign progresses.

Henry recorded four receptions on five targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Titans.

Henry finished second on the team in targets and managed his highest target total since Week 3. He was a reliable option for Drake Maye, helping the Patriots get out from their own goal line with a 12-yard catch early in the second quarter while also converting on third down with an eight-yard reception two quarters later. While he plays a key role in the team's offense, Henry has failed to reach 50 receiving yards in four straight contests.

Taylor recorded three receptions on five targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Panthers.

Taylor stepped up as expected in the absence of Garrett Wilson (knee), though the quarterback play held back his stat line. He finished second on the team in targets behind Josh Reynolds despite not getting any looks until midway through the third quarter with Tyrod Taylor under center. Taylor has shown some promise in his rookie season, but it's difficult to trust any Jets pass catcher while Wilson is sidelined and the signal caller remains in flux.

Reynolds recorded three receptions on nine targets for 29 yards in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Panthers.

Reynolds led the team in targets in the absence of Garrett Wilson (knee), though he couldn't translate that into production with either Tyrod Taylor or Justin Fields. Reynolds' longest catch of the day went for only 12 yards, and he was also the target on both of Taylor's interceptions in the game. Even if Wilson remains sidelined in Week 8 against the Bengals, Reynolds will be an unreliable fantasy contributor.

Brown recorded two catches on four targets for 14 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-0 win over the Raiders.

Brown made an early impact in the game, hauling in an eight-yard touchdown to put the Chiefs up 14-0. He was a non-factor after that, mixing in for similar target volume with all of the Chiefs' pass catchers except Rashee Rice. Brown could pop up for decent performances throughout the rest of the season, but the return of Rice will make it difficult for Brown to retain the consistent involvement in the offense he enjoyed in the early part of the campaign.

Smith-Schuster recorded three receptions on three targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 31-0 win over the Raiders.

Rashee Rice made his season debut and immediately dominated opportunity, commanding 10 targets while the next closest Chief had five. Smith-Schuster was in the mix with the rest of Kansas City's pass catchers and set up the team's third touchdown of the day with long gains of 19 and 12 yards. While Smith-Schuster is a key part of the team's offense, he has topped 50 receiving yards only three times in seven games this season and is likely to be less involved moving forward due to the return of Rice.

Hunt rushed the ball four times for 18 yards in Sunday's 31-0 win over the Raiders.

Hunt served strictly in a relief role to Isiah Pacheco for much of the first half, logging four carries to Pacheco's eight. Hunt also suffered an apparent leg or ankle injury on a touchdown by Rashee Rice midway through the first quarter. He was able to retake the field, but the Chiefs ultimately may have opted to lessen his workload as a precaution in the blowout game script.

Brooks compiled nine total tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 31-6 loss to the Browns.

Brooks continued his red-hot start to the season, leading the team in takedowns while notching at least eight stops for the sixth time in seven games. The linebacker has now recorded 75 total tackles (46 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while also adding a fumble recovery over seven contests this season.