NFL Player News

Gray hauled in his only target for two yards during Thursday's 20-13 loss to Denver.

Gray fell below a 50 percent offensive snap share for the third time in the last four games, and minimal production has come over that span, tallying just two catches for 16 yards on four targets. He's got a final audition on tap in Week 18 before the waiting game begins regarding Travis Kelce's decision whether or not to play another season or hang up the cleats, potentially opening a starting role to Gray. Even if Kelce opts to retire, there's no guarantee the Chiefs' brass views Gray as the solution at the tight end position moving forward.

Smith had zero carries and reeled in three of his four targets for five yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 20-13 loss to the Broncos.

Smith has seen a slight uptick in his snap share over the last couple of weeks, and it wouldn't be shocking if that's the case again in the season finale in Week 18 with Kansas City eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2014. The rookie back hasn't proved a ton as a runner, averaging just under 3.0 yards per carry, but he's been a solid contributor as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 23 of his 31 targets for 170 yards and a touchdown in his inaugural NFL campaign. He'll have one more opportunity to add to that total before his rookie season expires.

Coach Sean McDermott noted Friday that Allen (foot) is feeling better each day and is slated to play Sunday against the Eagles, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Allen was listed as limited in Wednesday's walkthrough and also on Thursday's practice estimate. Friday's injury report thus will reveal whether the star QB upgrades to full participation, but based on McDermott's comments, Allen is trending toward heading into the weekend without a Week 17 injury designation.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Prater (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Prater will miss a second consecutive game due to his right quad injury, paving the way for Michael Badgley to draw another start. The next opportunity Prater will have to retake the field will arrive Week 18 at home against the Jets on Sunday, Jan. 4, though it's entirely possible that Buffalo will focus on allowing him ample time to recover for the postseason.

Taylor (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Taylor, who last saw game action Week 14, thus will target a potential return to action in the Jets' season finale next weekend when the team faces the Bills in Week 18. In Taylor's continued absence, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt and Jelani Woods will handle TE duties versus New England. During New York's Week 16 loss to New Orleans, Smartt was the busiest of the trio, catching all five of his targets for 34 yards, while Ruckert caught two of his three targets for 14 yards and Woods didn't record a catch (on two targets).

Smith-Schuster brought in all three targets for 16 yards in the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night.

Smith-Schuster finished tied for second in receptions and as the runner-up in receiving yards as well, although on a night when Chris Oladokun threw for only 66 yards, that didn't equate to any usable fantasy production. Nevertheless, Thursday marked Smith-Schuster's most productive all-around game in two months, as he hadn't exceeded one reception or 12 receiving yards in any of the previous seven games. Smith-Schuster and the rest of the Chiefs' passing attack will retain a muted fantasy outlook for a Week 18 road matchup against the Raiders with Oladokun under center.

McLaughlin rushed the ball seven times for 40 yards in Thursday's 20-13 win over the Chiefs.

McLaughlin closed the gap in workload to RJ Harvey in Week 16, though he was the clear complementary back once again Thursday. He was out-touched 19-7 by Harvey, though McLaughlin did chip in a 15-yard run just before halftime to set up a field goal for the Broncos. He'll likely retain a secondary role in the Denver offense in Week 18 against the Chargers.

Brown brought in one of three targets for seven yards in the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night.

Despite the fact both Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton were placed on injured reserve earlier in the week due to their respective concussions, Brown had a minimal impact while working with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun. Irrespective of who's been under center, Brown has struggled with his production down the stretch, as Thursday marked his fifth straight game with less than 40 receiving yards.

Franklin recorded four receptions on four targets for 17 yards in Thursday's 20-13 win over the Chiefs.

With the exception of Courtland Sutton, the Broncos spread targets evenly amongst their pass catchers. Franklin was among four wide receivers or tight ends to earn at least four targets, and he finished sixth on the team in yardage. His longest gain went for only six yards, though that was a reflection of Denver's conservative passing game plan. Franklin has under 25 receiving yards in three of his last five games, and this outcome was particularly disappointing given the absence of Pat Bryant (concussion).

Sutton recorded four receptions (on 10 targets) for 40 yards in Thursday's 20-13 win over the Chiefs.

Sutton easily led the Broncos with 10 targets and was the sole skill-position player to get opportunity down the field. He converted one of those targets into a 23-yard gain -- the team's longest from scrimmage -- though that was his only notable contribution of the game. This marked Sutton's lowest yardage output since Week 10, and he'll face a tough Week 18 matchup against the Chargers to close the regular season.