Steps up in banged-up receiving corps

Kearse caught nine of 10 targets for 94 yards during Sunday's 42-34 win over the Colts.

Analysis: The catches and yards both exceeded Kearse's previous season-long totals. Injuries to Quincy Enunwa (ankle) and, to a lesser extent, Terrelle Pryor (groin) played into Kearse's increased role in the offense. The extent of neither either injury was clear following the game, though Enunwa will reportedly undergo an MRI. If Kearse enjoys an expanded role next Sunday, he'll get to do it against a bottom-10 Vikings pass defense.

Held to one catch in Week 5

Kearse produced a 14-yard catch on four targets in Sunday's 34-16 win over the Broncos.

Analysis: After producing a career year as New York's No. 2 wide receiver last season, Kearse has been nearly invisible while relegated to a battle with Terrelle Pryor for third on the depth chart. More of a sure-handed chain mover than a big play threat, Kearse lacks the upside for usage outside the deepest leagues. Things should be no different for him against the Colts in Week 6.

Quiet again in Week 4

Kearse turned five targets into two catches for 23 yards in Sunday's 31-12 loss to Jacksonville.

Analysis: Kearse is still yet to break 40 receiving yards in a game this season. Quincy Enunwa is the Jets receiver to own in fantasy and Robby Anderson has much greater upside than Kearse as well. There's little reason to look Kearse's way against the Broncos in Week 5 outside the deepest of formats.

Corrals three receptions in loss

Kearse brought in three of six targets for 35 yards in the Jets' 21-17 loss to the Browns on Thursday.

Analysis: The veteran wideout checked in second behind Quincy Enunwa in both receptions and targets on the Jets, building on a forgettable season debut Week 2, during which he lost a yard on his only catch. Kearse's opportunities seemed to come somewhat at the expense of Terrelle Pryor on Thursday, but the New York passing game distribution outside of Enunwa seems like a week-to-week, fluid situation at present. Kearse will look to improve on Thursday's modest effort in a tough matchup against the…read more

Loses a yard in season debut

Kearse corralled one of two targets for minus-1 yard in Sunday's 20-12 loss to the Dolphins.

Analysis: Kearse made his season debut after sitting out the opener with an abdominal injury, but he didn't see much involvement behind Quincy Enunwa, Terrelle Pryor and Robby Anderson. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates drew plenty of criticism for his playcalling in this one after a masterful Week 1 performance, so perhaps he'll adjust on a short week by getting Kearse more involved Thursday in Cleveland.

Cleared to play Week 2

Kearse (abdomen) doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Kearse was a full practice participant throughout the week after sitting out Miami's season opener. His return could push Terrelle Pryor out of a significant role while creating more target competition for Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa. The Jets don't have much pass-catching potential at tight end, but it's nonetheless difficult to imagine how this offense might keep three wideouts fantasy-relevant.

Practicing fully, but Week 2 status not confirmed

Kearse (abdomen) practiced fully again Thursday, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Analysis: Back-to-back full sessions would normally suggest that Kearse should be a go Sunday against the Dolphins, but coach Todd Bowles hasn't committed to such an outcome. "We'll see at the end of the week," Bowles noted with regard to Kearse's chances of playing this weekend. Even if he does play Sunday, Kearse would have to contend with Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor for the attention of QB Sam Darnold in the Jets' passing game.

Practices fully Wednesday

Kearse (abdomen) practiced fully Wednesday.

Analysis: Kearse was inactive Monday versus Detroit, but his full practice participation Wednesday bodes well for his status for the Week 2 matchup with Miami. With that in mind, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com notes that Kearse "will be monitored throughout the week, but you have to think he'll be cleared." If Kearse is able to play Sunday, he could end up taking a backseat to Quincy Enunwa, who surprisingly paced the team's wideouts by a wide margin with 10 targets in Week 1.

Not playing Monday

Kearse (abdomen) is listed as inactive Monday at Detroit.

Analysis: Kearse initially was sidelined during preseason Week 3 with his abdominal injury, which required a medical procedure at the end of August. He was able to follow a DNP/LP/LP practice regimen in advance of the season opener, but his recovery hasn't progressed enough for game action. In his absence, expect Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor to hog the wide receiver targets for the Jets in Week 1.

Doubtful for opener

Kearse (abdomen) was limited in Saturday's practice and is doubtful to play in Monday's game against the Lions, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Analysis: Kearse, who did not participate in Thursday's practice and was limited Friday, seems increasingly unlikely to suit up Monday night against the Lions. Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor all stand to see increased target shares with Kearse sidelined, and will head the Jets' receiver corps in rookie Sam Darnold's regular-season starting debut.

Returns to practice

Kearse (abdomen) returned to a limited practice Friday, Darryl Slater of NJ.com reports.

Analysis: Kearse was officially listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice, so this upgrade in participation is notable. It remains to be seen if the wideout has progressed to the point that he'll suit up Monday night against the Lions, though, with added clarity on tap Saturday upon the release of the Jets' final Week 1 injury report. If Kearse is unable to play Monday, Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor will head the team's wideout corps in QB Sam Darnold's NFL regular-season…read more

Listed a non-participant at practice

Kearse (abdomen) was officially listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Analysis: While Kearse drew a "did not practice" designation Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com relays that the wideout, who had missed two weeks with an abdominal injury, was spotted participating in positional drills. That's a step in the right direction for Kearse, but his status for Monday night's season opener against the Lions has yet to be solidified.

Present for Thursday's session

Kearse (abdomen) was in uniform Thursday and is expected to practice in some capacity, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Jets should provide clarification on Kearse's level of involvement later Thursday when practice concludes, but it's a good sign he's on the field in the team's first official session of the regular season. Kearse required a medical procedure in late August to address an abdominal injury, which has cast some doubt on his availability for Monday's opener in Detroit. If Kearse is unable to progress to a full practice by the end of the weekend and is ruled out for the contest, Quincy Enunwa and…read more

Not practicing Monday

Kearse (abdomen) did not practice Monday, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Analysis: With the Jets not playing until Monday night against the Lions, the team's first official injury report of the week is not due until Thursday. Unless clarity on Kearse's Week 1 status arrives by Sunday morning, he'll be a risky Week 1 fantasy roll. If he's unable to play in the Jets' season opener, look for Quincy Enunwa, Terrelle Pryor and Robby Anderson to serve as the top wideout targets for presumed starting QB Sam Darnold.

Looking at variable timeline

Kearse (abdomen) is facing an unpredictable recovery timeline, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Analysis: Kearse recently had a minor procedure to address an abdomen injury, leaving his status for Week 1 against the Lions in serious doubt. It's apparently the type of issue that comes with a highly variable timeline, so while he can't be ruled out for the season opener, there's also a chance Kearse misses multiple games. Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor will join Robby Anderson in three-wide sets if Kearse isn't ready for Week 1.

Could miss Week 1 after surgery

Kearse recently had a medical procedure for an abdominal injury, leaving his status for Week 1 against the Lions in doubt, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.

Analysis: The Jets haven't provided any kind of timeline or commented on the exact date when Kearse had the procedure. Should Kearse end up sitting out Week 1, the Jets likely would open the season with Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor joining Robby Anderson in three-wide formations for QB Sam Darnold.

Timetable for return unclear

Coach Todd Bowles noted Sunday that the severity of Kearse's abdominal injury is unclear at this point, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Analysis: The wideout could thus be in either the day-to-day or week-to-week range, so his cloudy status could free up some short-term opportunities for the likes of Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor.

Sits out practice Sunday

Kearse (sore abdomen) is not practicing Sunday, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Analysis: We'll consider Kearse day-to-day for now, but if his absence lingers, added opportunities will be on hand for fellow wideouts Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor, all of whom played in Friday's preseason loss to the Giants.

Dealing with injury

Kearse was sidelined for Friday's preseason game against the Giants with an abdomen injury, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Analysis: It's not clear how severe his condition is, and the Jets have nothing to gain from pushing Kearse into an exhibition contest. The seventh-year wideout made 65 catches for 810 yards and five touchdowns in 2017, setting himself up for another season as the Jets' No. 2 wideout. Kearse does have a bit more competition for targets this season, with fellow wideouts Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor both on track to play Week 1.

Gains another six yards Thursday

Kearse was targeted twice in Thursday's 15-13 preseason loss to the Redskins and came away with one catch for six yards.

Analysis: Kearse matched his stat line from the preseason opener. We wouldn't read much into the veteran receiver's preseason numbers, especially with New York's quarterback situation still up in the air.

Converts key fourth down in preseason opener

Kearse caught his only target for six yards in Friday's 17-0 win over the Falcons to open the preseason.

Analysis: Kearse made a fantastic grab to move the chains on 4th-and-3. As expected, most of New York's key contributors from last season played a limited role in this one. Kearse's workload should ramp up as the preseason progresses, and his sure hands should ensure he sees the field plenty once the games start to count.

Kearse is unlikely to be a cap casualty, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.

Analysis: Other beat writers have speculated that Kearse's non-guaranteed $5.5 million salary could put his roster spot in jeopardy, even though the Jets will enter training camp with around $20 million in cap space, per OverTheCap. The 28-year-old was a pleasant surprise during his first year in New York, establishing career highs for catches (65), targets (103) and receiving yards (810). The Jets signed Terrelle Pryor (ankle) and hope to have Quincy Enunwa (neck) healthy, but Kearse is still the…read more

Kearse's non-guaranteed $5 million base salary could put his spot on the Jets' roster in jeopardy, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Traded from the Seahawks to the Jets last preseason, Kearse posted career highs across the board in 2017 with 65 catches for 810 yards and five touchdowns on 103 targets, highlighted by back-to-back 100-yard outings in Josh McCown's final two healthy games of the year. The Jets' recent signing of Terrelle Pryor (ankle) may partially have been motivated by concern regarding Kearse's contract and/or Robby Anderson's legal issues. While a decision doesn't seem imminent, the team eventually could…read more

Kearse snagged five of seven targets for 59 yards during Sunday's 26-6 loss to New England.

Analysis: Kearse had a brief fall-off in Weeks 14 and 15 when he caught just four total passes for 32 yards, but ended 2017 right with back-to-back games with five receptions. Kearse ended up being a great find for the Jets following a late-offseason trade, finishing the year with 65 catches and 810 yards. He has one year remaining on his contract for a relative bargain of $5 million.

Kearse (ankle) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Patriots after practicing fully Friday.

Analysis: Kearse has had his moments this season, but his fantasy value has taken a hit since Bryce Petty took over at QB for the Jets. After putting up big numbers in Weeks 12 and 13 with Josh McCown at the helm of the offense, Kearse has combined for just nine catches for 74 yards over his last three outings. Kearse thus profiles as a Week 17 fantasy dart with the Patriots needing a win to clinch the AFC's top playoff seed.

Kearse (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Darryl Slater of NJ.com reports.

Analysis: Kearse's back-to-back absences from practices to begin Week 17 preparations cloud his availability for the season finale against the Patriots. In the event Kearse is able to return to the practice field Friday to offer more optimism about his chances of suiting up Sunday, he won't make for an attractive fantasy option after struggling to produce with Bryce Petty under center the past three weeks. In those contests, Kearse has been held to nine receptions for 74 yards on 19 targets.

Kearse missed Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, Connor Hughes of NJ.com reports.

Analysis: Kearse has disappeared along with the rest of the Jets passing game, catching only nine balls for 74 yards on 19 targets the past three weeks. Even if he ends up being fine from a health standpoint, Kearse will be stuck playing with Bryce Petty against a solid New England defense.

Kearse caught three of five targets for 28 yards during Sunday's loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Kearse put up back-to-back games with more than 100 yards in Weeks 12 and 13, but the injury loss of quarterback Josh McCown immediately slowed any positive fantasy production. Kearse continues to be one of the most reliable options in the passing game for the Jets, but it's tough to see him making a meaningful impact over the final two games with Bryce Petty under center.

Kearse caught one of six targets for four yards during Sunday's 23-0 loss to Denver.

Analysis: Kearse entered Sunday with 262 yards in his previous two games, but the Jet flew into Denver's No Fly Zone on Sunday. The four yards were a season low for Kearse and, after a minor hot streak, it looks doubtful that things will get much easier for the veteran target. The Jets end their season with three straight games against teams currently leading their division, and Kearse will be catching passes from Bryce Petty, who managed just two completions on nine attempts against Denver on Sunday.

Kearse brought in nine of 10 targets for 157 yards in Sunday's 38-31 win over the Chiefs.

Analysis: The veteran's reception and receiving yardage totals both were team highs, as Kearse eclipsed the century mark for the second straight contest. Kearse also brought in a season-high 51-yard reception Sunday, and his overall production propelled his season catch total to a career-best 51. The six-year veteran is also just nine yards away from surpassing the high-water mark of 685 receiving yards he established in 2015 while with the Seahawks. Given his sizable role in an increasingly efficient…read more

Kearse (shoulder) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: After logging limited practice sessions Wednesday and Thursday, Kearse returned to a full practice Friday. He'll look build off a strong effort in Week 12, in which he hauled in seven of a season-high 11 targets for 105 yards (also a season high) and a TD. He's caught 42 passes for 520 yards and five TDs through 11 games -- numbers that give Kearse value in deeper formats as he works in tandem with fellow starting wideout Robby Anderson.

Kearse (shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: We'll track Kearse's status as the week rolls along, but so far there's nothing to suggest that his status for Sunday's game against the Chiefs is in danger. Kearse hauled in seven of his 11 targets for 105 yards and a TD in this past Sunday's 35-27 loss to the Panthers.

Kearse nabbed seven of 11 targets for 105 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 35-27 loss to Carolina.

Analysis: Kearse's three-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter brought the Jets within a score late. The Jets took on a Carolina team ranked among the top 5 defenses in the league against the both and the pass and the run, but you wouldn't know it by the box score. Kearse had arguably his best game as a Jet with season highs in targets and yards. He gets a matchup against a vulnerable Chiefs defense next week.

Kearse converted eight targets into four catches and 35 yards in Sunday's 15-10 loss to Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Kearse looked like an unheralded, late-offseason find earlier in the season with three games of at least 50 yards and three scores in the Jets' first six games. He has since scored just once in four games and has failed to tally 40 yards in game. Some of that high-flying luster for Kearse, and the Jets as a whole, seems to be slipping as the team has lost four of its last five. A more run-focused approach and the emergence of young targets like Robby Anderson are taking their toll on Kearse's…read more