Analysis

Valdes-Scantling reunites with former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in Seattle and joins a receiver room that features little in the way of proven options other than Jaxon Smith-Njigba. New Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will have to make do with a receiving corps that has lost two 2024 starters, with DK Metcalf now in Pittsburgh and Tyler Lockett getting released. Their departures open up a potential path for Valdes-Scantling to see steady playing time as a deep threat. He recorded 17 catches (35 targets) for 385 yards and four scores across eight games with New Orleans in 2024.

Analysis

The veteran wideout led the Saints in targets and finished a distant second in receiving yards to tight end Juwan Johnson. Valdes-Scantling was a relatively productive mid-season addition for New Orleans that made good use of the opportunity created by multiple injuries in the pass-catching corps, posting a 16-380-4 line over his last six games while offering a downfield dimension that Chris Olave (concussion) typically provided. Valdes-Scantling will be an unrestricted free agent come the new league year in March, and it remains to be seen if New Orleans will be interested in keeping him aboard for 2025 and beyond.

Analysis

After sitting out Week 16 at Green Bay due to a chest injury and an illness, Valdes-Scantling was able to suit up this past Sunday versus the Raiders, but his 78 percent snap share didn't amount to much in the box score (no catches on two targets). He since has followed up a limited session Wednesday with full participation one day later, thereby paving the way for active status Sunday at Tampa Bay. With no practice reps to speak of for No. 1 QB Derek Carr (left hand) this week, Valdes-Scantling appears as if he'll be on the receiving end of passes from rookie Spencer Rattler yet again.

Analysis

Valdes-Scantling sat out the Saints' Week 16 loss in Green Bay due to an illness and a chest issue, but he was able to suit up this past Sunday versus the Raiders, playing 78 percent of the offensive snaps in a 25-10 loss. He didn't haul in either of his two targets in Week 17, and while interim head coach Darren Rizzi told Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune afterward that Valdes-Scantling picked up a back injury, the coach said one day later that the wide receiver checked out OK, per Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. In the end, the aforementioned chest injury continues to plague Valdes-Scantling as the Saints begin Week 18 prep.

Analysis

Valdes-Scantling had dealt with a chest issue in practice recently, which may have precipitated the Saints' decision to pull him after he took a hard hit late in Sunday's loss. However, it appears the veteran wideout avoided a significant injury and isn't in danger of missing Sunday's season finale against Tampa Bay. The Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention, but Valdes-Scantling does have some financial motivation to suit up against the Buccaneers, as he can earn a $250,000 bonus with one touchdown and another $250,000 with nine receptions.

Analysis

Valdes-Scantling was held without a catch for the first time since joining the Saints back in October. The 30-year-old also sustained a back injury after taking a hard hit late in the fourth quarter. New Orleans coach Darren Rizzi said postgame that the hit aggravated a pre-existing chest injury that had kept Valdes-Scantling out of practice recently, according to Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune. While it's unclear exactly how this back issue is connected to his previous chest injury, it's likely that Valdes-Scantling could be in jeopardy of missing next week's regular-season finale versus Tampa Bay, which would leave an already injury-riddled Saints squad even more shorthanded.

Analysis

After sitting out a Week 16 at Green Bay, Valdes-Scantling was listed as limited Wednesday through Friday due to a lingering chest injury, which left him questionable for Week 17 action. No matter, he'll suit up Sunday alongside fellow WRs Kevin Austin, Dante Pettis and Cedrick Wilson. Considering he's the most established name among that quartet, Valdes-Scantling should be a favorite of current starting QB Spencer Rattler.

Analysis

Valdes-Scantling operated with a cap on his practice reps this week, which was a step up from his lack of activity last week before he was deemed inactive Monday in Green Bay. He isn't dealing with an illness anymore, but a chest injury has lingered, placing a cloud over his status for Week 17. Valdes-Scantling's availability, or lack thereof, will be confirmed about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Analysis

Valdes-Scantling has cobbled together back-to-back limited listings on the injury report this week, giving him only one more chance to get back to full participation Friday before the Saints potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest versus the Raiders. If he's able to suit up this weekend, Valdes-Scantling may be welcoming back Chris Olave (concussion), who remains on injured reserve but practiced fully Thursday.