NFL Player News

Firkser (coach's decision) won't be active for Sunday's clash in Cincinnati, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Firkser will stay on the sidelines for the second straight week after playing in each of Atlanta's first five games. With four healthy tight ends currently ahead of him, it's uncertain when the veteran will next take the field.

Bates (hamstring) is active Week 7 against Green Bay.

The Commanders were without both Bates and Logan Thomas (calf) last week against Chicago, and while Thomas remains inactive, Bates will be back in action. The last time Thomas was out and Bates was active -- Week 5 against Tennessee -- Bates led the position group with a 58.6 percent snap share, though he was targeted only three times in that contest.

Andrews (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Browns.

The tight end didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday but returned to a limited session Friday, and, barring any in-game setbacks, Andrews is in line to continue to be a key receiving option for QB Lamar Jackson versus Cleveland. Six games into the 2022 season, Andrews has recorded a fantasy-friendly 39/455/5 receiving line on a team-high 57 targets.

Andrews (knee), currently listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Browns, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Andrews failed to practice Wednesday or Thursday but returned to log a limited session Friday. That provided some optimism that he'd be ready to take the field Sunday, and Schefter's report backs that notion. Andrews has been excellent all season, as he's surpassed 80 receiving yards in four of six games and has five touchdowns.

The Jets elevated Yeboah from the practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's contest in Denver, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

This is the third time Yeboah has been elevated this season -- he also was brought up in Week 2 and Week 6. The second-year tight end has played just six offensive snaps and has yet to receive a target, but he's also been in on 49 special-teams snaps.

Dallas elevated McKeon to the 53-man roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's Week 7 clash against the Commanders.

This is the third elevation of the season for McKeon, who was also active in Weeks 3 and 6. He has logged 20 total offensive snaps on the campaign, catching his only target for 10 yards. Since he's now been elevated three times, he'll need to be signed to the 53-man roster the next time the Cowboys desire his services for gameday.

McBride logged 34 of 66 offensive snaps and 24 more plays on special teams during Thursday's 42-34 win versus the Saints.

Selected in the second round of this year's draft, McBride made his pro debut Week 2 and has been a regular at tight end over the last four games, but his only tallies on offense so far occurred during a three-catch performance Week 4. He has logged time on special teams in all six appearances this season, but his first (and only) tackle in kick or punt coverage came Thursday. Considering Zach Ertz dominates snaps and targets at his position, McBride may continue his quiet ways for the foreseeable future.

Smith (ankle) returned to a full practice Friday.

With that, Smith is line to suit up Monday night against the Bears, though the tight end's weekly fantasy upside continues to be impacted by working in a timeshare with Hunter Henry. In five games to date, Smith has logged a total of nine catches on 13 targets for 119 yards.

Jordan (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Las Vegas.

Jordan has been tending to an ankle issue since Week 2 prep and hasn't played since that game in Denver, but he may be poised for a return after capping this week with back-to-back full practices. His status will be confirmed, one way or another, about 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff, and if Jordan is active he'll have to contend for targets with fellow tight ends O.J. Howard and Jordan Akins.

Smythe (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Smythe was a limited participant in each of the Dolphins' three practice sessions this week, and his status for Sunday's primetime matchup is up in the air. He was unavailable for last week's matchup against the Vikings, and he'll likely split playing time with Mike Gesicki if he's available in Week 7.