Poor fit with Lamar Jackson

Brown caught 42 of 97 targets for 715 yards and five scores in 16 games for Baltimore in 2018.

Analysis: Brown averaged a career-high 17.0 yards per catch in his first year with the Ravens, but an atrocious 43-percent catch rate (third worst in NFL) bombed his fantasy value. The narrative may have been different if Joe Flacco remained the starting quarterback all year, though, as Brown was on pace for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns before Flacco was benched ahead of Week 11. Comparatively, Brown averaged just 12.8 yards per game with Lamar Jackson under center -- which doesn't bode well for the…read more

Active Week 17

Brown (hamstring) is active for Sunday's Week 17 tilt against the Browns.

Analysis: As expected, Brown will be out there for the Ravens after practicing in full Friday. The receiver's active status isn't a surprise considering the importance of the contest for Baltimore, which needs a victory to ensure a postseason berth.

Likely to play Sunday

Brown (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Brown was a full participant at Friday's practice, so his availability for Week 17 always seemed to be a likely outcome. The wideout probably won't make for an appealing option in fantasy lineups after averaging just 18.8 yards per game over his last eight outings.

Practices fully, but questionable

Brown (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Given that Brown practiced fully Friday, we'd expect him to be a go Sunday. While the Ravens have gone 5-1 since Lamar Jackson took over at QB, Brown's fantasy value has taken a corresponding hit, with 27 receiving yards representing his highest total in that span.

Logs limited practice

Brown (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With playoff implications on the line Week 17 against the Browns, Brown seems likely to get the green light to play in the contest if he can at least maintain limited participation Friday in the Ravens' final practice session. Even if Brown gains clearance for the weekend, he wouldn't make for an overly appealing fantasy options. In Lamar Jackson's six starts under center, Brown has topped out at two receptions and 27 receiving yards while scoring only once.

Bothered by hammy

Brown was held out of Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Brown has played in every game this season, but he has a lengthy injury history that includes multiple incidents with his hamstrings. It's unclear if this is a matter of maintenance or legitimate cause for concern regarding his availability for Week 17 against Cleveland. Whatever the case, Brown has caught just seven passes in six games since Lamar Jackson took over as the starting quarterback. His early bid for a 1,000-yard campaign has gone up in smoke.

Another quiet game

Brown caught two passes (six targets) for 27 yards in Saturday's 22-10 win over the Chargers.

Analysis: Brown continues to struggle developing any sort of rapport with Lamar Jackson. The veteran wideout is averaging just 1.2 receptions and 17.8 yards per game with Jackson under center, compared to 3.8 catches and 66.8 yards per game with Joe Flacco. The Ravens have turned their season around in a positive way since the quarterback change, so the days of Brown being a relevant fantasy receiver are -- just like Flacco's starting job -- gone for the rest of the season.

Production takes hit

Brown brought in one of three targets for nine yards in the Ravens' 20-12 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Brown had has trouble developing chemistry with Lamar Jackson, though he did find his way into the end zone for the first time since Week 7 in last Sunday's overtime win over the Chiefs. However, Brown was right back to middling production versus the Bucs, and he's now failed to eclipse 30 yards in any of his last seven games. With Jackson having trouble generating much downfield, Brown's production could well remain capped for the final two games if the rookie remains under center. He'll hope…read more

Finally returns to end zone

Brown caught two of six targets for 23 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Brown hit paydirt for the first time since Week 7, but he's still caught just four passes for 71 yards on 14 targets in four games with Lamar Jackson (ankle) starting at quarterback. A friendly Week 15 matchup with Tampa Bay probably won't make much of a difference unless Joe Flacco (hip) ends up starting.

Shut down again

Brown was held without a catch on four targets against the Falcons.

Analysis: Brown's downturn since the bye week bottomed out in Week 13 as he was held without a catch for the first time all season. Since Lamar Jackson took over at quarterback, Brown has a grand total of two catches for 48 yards on 12 targets. Baltimore has shifted to a ground-heavy approach overall under Jackson, so the target pie has shrunk. But even with that, Brown's role relative to other Baltimore pass-catchers is diminishing him in a way that's making him a nonfactor in fantasy.

Not on same page as Jackson

Brown hooked up with Lamar Jackson on just one of seven targets for a 25-yard gain during Sunday's 34-17 win over the Raiders.

Analysis: Brown and Jackson connected for a nice 25-yard catch-and-run over the middle midway through the first quarter, but the fun ended there. Brown has just one catch each in of Jackson's two starts in place of Joe Flacco (hip), and he wasn't necessarily dominating with Flacco -- tallying just 43 total yards in his last two games with Flacco. Next Sunday brings a pretty poor Atlanta defense that has, despite its struggles, actually been solid against big-play threats like Brown, surrendering just…read more

Targeted once against Cincinnati

Brown gained 23 yards on his single target and did not gain any yardage on his lone carry during Sunday's 24-21 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Entering Sunday, Brown had been targeted at least six times in seven of his previous eight games. That went out the window with rookie Lamar Jackson and a run-first approach against the Bengals. Don't read much into one game, but Brown's outlook Sunday against the Raiders could depend heavily on whether it's Jackson or Joe Flacco (hip) under center. If it's Flacco with, presumably, a more pass-heavy attack, the speedy Brown has a great matchup against a Raiders defense ranking dead-last in the…read more

Stymied by Steelers

Brown caught three of six targets for 15 yards in a 23-16 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

Analysis: Brown came nowhere close to his 3-116-1 receiving line from the first matchup between these divisional rivals, and he's now fallen shy of 30 yards in three of the past four games. He nonetheless remains on pace for a 1,000-yard season as the Ravens enter their bye week, with his boom-or-bust nature reflected in a low catch rate (51 percent) and a strong mark of 17.7 yards per catch. Brown gets a run of favorable matchups on the other side of his bye, facing the Raiders, Bengals, Falcons,…read more

Shut down in loss

Brown caught three of seven targets for 28 yards in Sunday's 36-21 loss to Carolina.

Analysis: Brown was second on the team in targets for the game but was held to just 28 yards for the second time in the last three weeks. While the 28-year-old has established himself as the Ravens' No. 1 receiver with four games of at least 86 yards on the year, only one came in the last four contests. He'll look forward to a Week 9 home rematch with Pittsburgh, whom he torched for 116 yards and a touchdown in Week 4.

Scores late against Saints

Brown caught all seven of his targets for 134 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-23 loss to New Orleans.

Analysis: Brown put the Ravens in position to tie the game in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, swinging up the right sideline to settle under a 14-yard Joe Flacco loft pass. A Justin Tucker missed PAT proved to be the difference. Brown entered Sunday with back-to-back off-games against the stingy pass defenses of Cleveland and Tennessee. Sunday's performance, however, showed why he's the Baltimore receiver to own as he extended his streak of games with a 20-yard reception to seven. He'll try to…read more

Forgotten man in Week 6 win

Brown hauled in two of his three targets for 28 yards in the Ravens' 21-0 win over the Titans on Sunday.

Analysis: After drawing a season-high 14 targets in the Week 5 loss to Cleveland, Brown saw his least involvement in the passing game to date in the Ravens' resounding win. Game flow was largely responsible for Brown's lack of work, as Baltimore took an early lead that was never truly threatened while the Titans punted on all nine of their possessions. The Ravens' Week 7 home date against a high-powered Saints offense should prove to be a more competitive battle, so fantasy owners who have been…read more

Turns 14 targets into 58 yards

Brown hauled in just four of 14 targets for 58 yards in Sunday's 12-9 overtime loss to Cleveland.

Analysis: Brown struggled to get on the same page as quarterback Joe Flacco in this one, but he was still Flacco's target of choice on 14 of 56 throws. Between his big-play ability and large target share in Baltimore's offense, Brown should stay in the mainstream fantasy conversation all season long, including the upcoming Week 6 clash with Tennessee.

Comes up big in Pittsburgh

Brown caught three of seven targets for 116 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 26-14 victory over the Steelers. He also rushed one time for three yards.

Analysis: Brown just keeps on showcasing the strong rapport he has with quarterback Joe Flacco, and the deep threat is now averaging a gaudy 22.5 yards on the 15 receptions he's snagged through four games. With no other player on the Ravens' roster a threat to significantly chip away from his role as the team's preferred target downfield, it's not unreasonable to expect Brown to continue his uber-efficient ways while sharing looks with Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead. On deck for the four-year pro is a…read more

Returns to practice Thursday

Brown (not injury-related) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: After sitting out of Wednesday's practice for a non-injury-related issue, Brown was back in action as a full participant Thursday. Brown is second on the team in target share at 18 percent but has the team lead in receiving yards at 222 -- 67 more than Michael Crabtree. He'll face a Steelers secondary that allows the second-most points to opposing receivers (34.8) in Week 4.

Misses practice Wednesday

Brown didn't practice Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Per Hensley, Brown was spotted on the field Wednesday without a helmet or pads while working with the Ravens' special-teams units, but he didn't return once individual drills commenced. A reason behind Brown's absence will be provided once the Ravens release Wednesday's injury report.

Leads team with 86 yards

Brown grabbed five of nine targets for 86 yards during Sunday's 27-14 win over Denver.

Analysis: Brown feasted on a depleted Denver secondary on Sunday, particularly while speeding past rookie Isaac Yiadom for a 44-yard gain in the second quarter. Remember those Ravens offenses of the past few seasons that were pretty much three yards and a cloud of dust whether running or passing? Not any longer. Brown's speed is adding a new dimension to Baltimore's offense, as he's logging receptions at a clip of 18.5 yards per catch. He takes on a Pittsburgh defense in Week 4 that has been exploited in…read more

Team-high receiving yardage total in loss

Brown secured four of 10 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown in the Ravens' 34-23 loss to the Bengals on Thursday.

Analysis: Brown's receiving yardage total paced the Ravens on the night, and his 21-yard touchdown reception with 9:35 remaining in the fourth quarter sliced the deficit to 28-23 at the time. The 28-year-old has now scored in each of his first two games in his new Baltimore digs, although his catch rate Thursday left much to be desired. Brown does seem to have the trust of Joe Flacco, and as long as his health endures, he has the ability to pay major dividends for those who invested a draft pick in hopes…read more

Scores in win

Brown caught three of four targets for 44 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 47-3 win over Buffalo.

Analysis: Brown drew rave reviews in camp and kept it going late in the first quarter, connecting with Joe Flacco on a seven-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone. Brown had a 1,000-yard season as a sophomore in 2015, so the ability was there not long ago. He fell out of favor in Arizona, but he may have rebooted his career in Baltimore.

No go Saturday

Brown isn't in uniform for Saturday's preseason contest in Miami, freelance NFL writer Jeff Zrebiec reports.

Analysis: With two catches for 24 yards through two exhibitions, Brown isn't exactly lighting up the box score in his new locale, but his presence of mind to get both feet down in the back of the end zone Monday against the Colts was otherworldly. While his injury history needs to be considered at all times, he has a career mark of 14.5 YPC and one 1,000-yard campaign on his resume.

Finishes with touchdown grab

Brown scored a seven-yard touchdown on his lone reception on two targets in Monday night's 20-19 win over the Colts in the third preseason game.

Analysis: Brown was targeted with a bomb downfield on Baltimore's first offensive play of the game. Although he and Joe Flacco were unable to connect on that instance, Brown's electric speed figures to result in more regular deep shots from the Ravens this season, ESPN's Jamison Hensley reports. Not just a one-trick pony, however, a seam route in the red zone freed Brown for a bobbling, toe-dragging touchdown catch on his next look. That proved to be his final contribution of the evening, punctuating…read more

Drawing raves in training camp

Brown has been one of the standouts during training camp and has consistently made big plays during practices, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic Baltimore reports.

Analysis: Brown's statistics (one reception for 17 yards) were modest in his lone preseason game, but there's little to glean from that with the first-team offense seeing only limited action. Perhaps of greater importance, quarterback Joe Flacco has shown some strong rapport early with Brown in scrimmages and drills, both as a deep target and on intermediate and underneath routes. Michael Crabtree will have a role in the Ravens' passing attack as a chain mover, but after averaging a meager 6.1 yards per…read more

Won't play in exhibition opener

Brown isn't in uniform for Thursday's Hall of Fame Game versus the Bears, freelance NFL writer Jeff Zrebiec reports.

Analysis: The Ravens completely revamped their receiving corps in the offseason, but the expected top trio of Brown, Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead won't risk their health in the exhibition opener. Expect to experience Brown's explosiveness bit by bit in the preseason, with his most work to come in Week 3.

Making waves in camp

Brown made several impressive catches -- including a 50-yard touchdown -- during Thursday's practice session, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports. "He's had a heck of a camp," said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg after practice.

Analysis: The former Arizona Cardinal is quickly making a name for himself in Baltimore. According to Hensley, Brown made a pair of grabs in the red zone and down the sideline that were both more impressive than his long touchdown. What's more, Brown was working against starting corner Marlon Humphrey on two of those plays. Brown's talent is hardly in question, and if he's able to stay healthy, this could be a resurgent season for the speedy wideout.

Brown (knee) returned to the field for Thursday's minicamp practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Brown exited Wednesday's session after tweaking his knee, but he's apparently good to go after receiving treatment. The Ravens may limit Brown's workload Thursday as a precaution, but it doesn't appear that he'll face any restrictions once training camp gets underway later in the summer.

Brown suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's minicamp practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Brown never left Tuesday's session but was held out Wednesday. While his ability to finish the first practice suggests the issue isn't too serious, Brown's medical history makes any injury a cause for concern. He's expected to lock down a starting job across from Michael Crabtree, with Willie Snead likely manning the slot in three-wide formations. Thursday's minicamp session will be the Ravens' last practice until training camp starts in late July.

Joining forces with Ravens

The Ravens are slated to sign Brown to a contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Brown tended to health concerns in both 2016 and 2017, most notably a sickle-cell trait that sapped his previous explosiveness. During his first two years in the NFL, his 8.3 YPT was powered by 22 receptions of greater than 20 yards, which fell to 6.4 and seven, respectively, the past two seasons. Avoiding the injury bug will be key in his upcoming relationship with Joe Flacco, who has posted two of the three lowest YPAs of his career the last two campaigns. Brown will be operating on a…read more

Brown gathered in 21 of 55 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games during the 2017 campaign.

Analysis: For the second year in a row, Brown contended with health concerns, but his sickle-cell trait eventually took a back seat to a turf-toe injury. Among his six games missed in 2017, the latter issue forced four consecutive absences from Weeks 12 through 15. When he was on the field, Brown was unable to build a rapport with any of the Cardinals' signal callers, whether it was Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton (knee) or Blaine Gabbert. As evidence, Brown posted career lows in catch rate (38.2 percent)…read more

Brown (toe) was a full practice participant Friday and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Seattle, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Analysis: Brown returned from a four-game absence for last week's 23-0 win over the Giants, catching two of four targets for 28 yards and a touchdown while logging 40 of 69 offensive snaps. He'll have one last chance to make an impression before preparing to hit free agency in the offseason. Brown profiles as an above-average No. 2 receiver based on talent and technique, but his stints of good health have been rare since the end of 2015.

Brown (toe) was limited in practice Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: After ending a four-game DNP streak with active status Sunday against the Giants, Brown needed a bit more time with the rehab group to prepare for a potential appearance Week 17. So far, he was held out Wednesday before Thursday's capped showing, but the increase in work is as good of a sign as any that he's trending in the right direction. Look for Brown's status to receive some clarification by week's end.

Brown (toe) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice,Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It's no surprise Brown is focusing on rehab rather than practice on the heels of his first game action since Week 11. In his return Sunday against the Giants, he logged 40 of 69 offensive snaps, catching two passes (on four targets) for 28 yards and one touchdown. The maintenance of Brown may take up the entire week of prep, but some activity Thursday or Friday would be a positive sign as the Cardinals prepare for Sunday's season finale at Seattle.

Brown recorded two catches (on four targets) for 28 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 23-0 win against the Giants.

Analysis: Brown returned following a four-game absence due to a bout with turf toe. On the heels of his recovery, he logged 41 of 69 offensive snaps, good for a 59-percent share. Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald handled 88 percent and Jaron Brown picked up 77 percent, a breakdown that will likely extend into Week 17 due to the numerous formations employed by head coach Bruce Arians. No matter how the season wraps up, John Brown will enter unrestricted free agency with an injury-prone label due to his frequent…read more

Brown (toe) is listed as active Sunday against the Giants, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: For the first time since Week 11, Brown wasn't ruled out in advance of a game, indicating a return was possible. With active status confirmed Sunday, his bout with turf toe is officially behind him. Brown will aim to make a splash versus a New York defense that has allowed 14.1 YPC and six touchdowns to wide receivers over the last four contests.

Brown (toe) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest versus the Giants, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis: Brown completed his second straight week of limited practice sessions, only this time he wasn't ruled out upon the release of the final injury report. Granted, his status remains up in the air for Week 16, but there's an expectation he puts an end to a four-game absence Sunday, per Kyle Odegard of the team's official site. Perhaps the final hurdle in Brown's intended path is a pregame workout, which could influence whether or not the Cardinals include him on the inactive list.

Brown (toe) expects to play Sunday against the Giants, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Sidelined since Week 11 due to turf toe, Brown has maintained limited practices since Dec. 7 but nonetheless missed his third and fourth games in a row. He would add credence to his prediction of a return with a full session by the end of the week. No matter how he's listed on Friday's injury report, there's at least an inkling he'll be available Sunday for quarterback Drew Stanton, who will be making his first start since Week 10.

Brown (toe) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Brown was also a limited participant all last week and ultimately was ruled out Friday for Sunday's game against the Redskins. He may need to log a full session before the Cardinals consider letting him play in a game. Brown would have a favorable matchup if he were to return this week, with Drew Stanton and Co. facing a Giants defense that's given up 8.4 yards per target to wide receivers.

Brown (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Washington, Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis: Brown has managed a few limited practice sessions the past two weeks, but his turf toe still hasn't improved to a point that would allow him to play in a game. It's fair to wonder if the impending free agent will make another appearance this season.

Brown (toe) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Having missed the Cardinals' last three games while battling turf toe, Brown will likely need to upgrade from a limited to full practice participant before the end of the week in order for the team to sign off on him playing Sunday against the Redskins. Brown should settle back into a top-three role in the Cardinals' wideout corps once given the green light to dress, but he's far from a reliable fantasy option with Blaine Gabbert running the offense. In his lone game with Gabbert at the helm in…read more

Brown (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Titans, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Brown practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, marking the first indication that he's beginning to put the bout with turf toe behind him. No matter, he hasn't done enough to play and will thus miss his third consecutive game. On Sunday, Larry Fitzgerald will be the focus of the Cardinals' aerial attack, but J.J. Nelson (knee), Jaron Brown (knee) and tight end Ricky Seals-Jones should also be sprinkled in.

Brown (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It amounts to the first sign of tangible progress in Brown's recovery from turf toe, as the injury had prevented him from practicing in any capacity the last two weeks. Due to the lack of on-field activity of late, Brown may need to put in a full practice Friday in order for the Cardinals to feel comfortable about making him active Sunday against the Titans. If Brown suits up, it's hard to envision him making an immediate splash, given that he's failed to exceed 63 receiving yards in any game…read more

Brown (toe) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: A case of turf toe has prevented Brown from playing the last two weeks, and he looks to be in danger of missing another game with no reps to begin Week 14 preparations. Behind Larry Fitzgerald, there's plenty of opportunity to contribute in the Cardinals' passing attack, but no one has stepped up consistently of late aside from undrafted rookie tight end Ricky Seals-Jones. As a result, if Brown ever gets healthy, he could make a late-season splash.

Brown (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Bothered by turf toe the past two weeks, Browns still hasn't returned to practice. His continued absence frees up extra reps for Jaron Brown, JJ Nelson and third-round rookie Chad Williams, though none of the trio is likely to draw more than a handful of targets. With the Cardinals barely in the playoff hunt and Brown preparing to hit free agency, a cautious approach would seem to make sense for both parties over the final few weeks of the season.

Brown (toe) didn't take part in practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Turf toe is a notoriously difficult ailment to overcome, and it appears Brown is experiencing just that at the moment. With no practice reps for the second straight week, he's in danger of missing his second game in a row and fourth overall this season Sunday against the Rams. If Brown is inactive again, the receiving corps would be whittled down to Larry Fitzgerald, Jaron Brown, J.J. Nelson, Chad Williams and potentially Brittan Golden (groin), the latter of whom also didn't practice Wednesday.

Brown (toe) will not play in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Cardinals coach Bruce Arians hinted at this outcome earlier in the week when he said Brown might miss some time. Arians also said he wants to give other wideouts some opportunities, specifically mentioning rookie third-round pick Chad Williams. With the Cardinals essentially out of the playoff race and Brown already slumping, it's hard to imagine the team would be in any rush to get him back in the lineup. There's also a chance Brown will have a limited role whenever he returns.

Brown (toe) didn't take part in practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Brown has bucked trends the last two weeks, sitting out first with a back injury Sunday and this week due to turf toe. Previously, his sickle-cell trait induced a number of lower-body ailments the last two seasons. By all indications, head coach Bruce Arians is disappointed with his receiving corps as a whole outside of Larry Fitzgerald, so rookie Chad Williams is expected to experience an increased snap count moving forward, starting Sunday against the Jaguars. Consequently, Brown may be a…read more

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said Monday that Brown is dealing with a case of turf toe and could miss some time, Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: It wouldn't be a huge loss for the Arizona offense, considering Brown has caught only seven of 20 targets for 103 yards over the past four games. Per Kyle Odegard of the team's official site, Arians is already talking about getting third-round rookie Chad Williams some opportunities in Sunday's game against the Jaguars. With the team falling out of contention as Brown prepares to hit free agency amid a second straight disappointing season, it makes sense for Arians to give some other players a…read more

Brown (back) is active for Sunday's game at Houston.

Analysis: In preparation for this outing, Brown took part in a pair of limited practices Wednesday and Friday, which was enough to get the all-clear from the Cardinals' training staff. He'll look to turn his season around against a Texans defense that has been torched by wideouts to the tune of seven touchdowns and 18.3 YPC over the last three contests.

Brown (back) is expected to play Sunday against the Texans, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Analysis: Brown was limited in practice Wednesday and Friday this week, and while it sounds like he'll be able to give it a go Sunday, it's worth noting he hasn't caught more than four passes in any game this season while failing to get even three receptions in each of the past three.

Brown (back) returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Houston, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Brown sandwiched a pair of limited practices around Thursday's absence. He's probably on track for Sunday's game, but he hasn't caught more than two passes in a contest since Week 6. An absence would free up more snaps for J.J. Nelson in an offense that will be led by Blaine Gabbert this week.

Brown (back) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Brown's downgrade from a limited session Wednesday isn't exactly an encouraging sign for the oft-injured wide receiver. If he's unable to overcome the back issue in time for Sunday's game at Houston, the Cardinals will rely more on Jaron Brown and J.J. Nelson behind top option Larry Fitzgerald.

Brown was limited in practice Wednesday by a back injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Making his first appearance on the injury report since Week 6, Brown nonetheless avoided getting tabbed with a lower-body ailment, which has been the bane of his existence the last two seasons. He'll be afforded two more chances to return to a full practice by week's end, at which point the Cardinals will determine his odds to suit up Sunday in Houston.

Brown brought in two of six targets for 27 yards in Thursday's 22-16 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: Brown was inefficient with his opportunities for the second consecutive contest, and he's now totaled just three receptions on 10 targets over that stretch. The speedster is always a threat to break off a long reception, but with the inaccurate Drew Stanton behind center, he's likely to remain a hit-or-miss fantasy option each week. He'll look to up his catch totals versus the Texans on the road in Week 11.