NFL Player News

Johnson notched two receptions (on four targets) for 14 yards over 47 offensive snaps during Sunday's 24-0 win against Las Vegas.

Johnson played as one of the Saints' top receiving options and caught a pass on two of the team's first three offensive series Sunday. With wide receivers Michael Thomas (foot) and Jarvis Landry (ankle) still sidelined, the 6-foot-4 tight end finished third on the team in targets behind running back Alvin Kamara (10) and wideout Chris Olave (seven). Johnson also saw the bulk of New Orleans' snaps at tight end ahead of Nick Vannett (37) and J.P. Holtz (13), as Adam Trautman (ankle) missed his second game in a row. The 26-year-old Johnson should continue to attract a consistent share of the Saints' targets so long as Thomas and Landry remain out.

Tremble caught two of four targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the Falcons.

Tremble played two offensive snaps more than fellow tight end Ian Thomas, who caught just one pass for two yards. While the second-year Tremble holds higher upside as a pass-catcher than Thomas, neither Carolina tight end holds much fantasy value.

Thomas caught his only target for two yards in Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the Falcons.

Thomas and Tommy Tremble had nearly identical snap counts, yet the second-year pro finished with two grabs on four looks for 17 yards. With only four multi-catch outings this season, however, Thomas' spare usage in the passing game shouldn't come as a surprise.

The Chargers designated Smartt (undisclosed) to return from the reserve/non-football injury list Monday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Smartt began the campaign on the NFI list due to an undisclosed injury, but it appears he could return to action before too long. With the move, the Chargers open a 21-day window for the tight end to be added to the active roster, but if he isn't, he'll revert back to the NFI list for the remainder of the campaign.

Bryant is slated to work as the Browns' top tight end Monday night against the Bengals, with David Njoku (ankle) inactive, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Meanwhile, Pharaoh Brown is in line to serve as the team's No. 2 TE on Monday, with practice squad elevation Miller Forristall also on hand. In Njoku's absence, Bryant -- who has caught 14 passes (on 21 targets) for 114 yards in seven games to date -- is in line for an uptick in snaps and targets, making him an option for those looking to replace Njoku in Week 8 fantasy lineups.

Brown (concussion/neck) is listed as active for Monday night's game against the Bengals.

Given that David Njoku (ankle) is inactive for the contest, look for Harrison Bryant to work as Cleveland's top tight end Monday, while Brown and possibly Miller Forristall also mixing in. With just nine catches (on 13 targets) for 93 yards in six games (three with Houston, three with Cleveland) to date this season, Brown is only an option for those in deeper fantasy formats.

Cager reverted to the Giants' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

With Daniel Bellinger (eye) out, Cager was elevated to the active roster for Week 8 and operated as the third tight end behind Tanner Hudson and Chris Myarick. Cager played 12 of 65 offensive snaps but failed to haul in his only target. As long as Bellinger remains sidelined, Cager figures to be a likely candidate for elevation.

Hollister reverted to the Vikings' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Hollister was elevated to the active roster for a second time this season and played primarily on special teams. However, with Irv Smith (ankle) unlikely to play in Week 9, it's possible Hollister gets another elevation and may even crack the offensive rotation while operating as the No. 2 tight end behind Johnny Mundt.

Forristall was elevated to the Browns' active roster Monday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Forristall will get a chance to play Monday against the Bengals with David Njoku (ankle) already ruled out and Pharaoh Brown (concussion) questionable. Harrison Bryant is currently the only healthy tight end on the Browns' roster, which means Forristall could receive a healthy workload if Brown is unable to compete.

Woods did not have a catch or target in Sunday's loss to Washington.

While Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Kylen Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox and 15 for Woods), and all three went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Woods). There were not any major changes in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback. Woods remains third in the pecking order for playing time and has fantasy value only for the rare end-zone target.