NFL Player News

Hockenson caught one of four targets for six yards during Sunday's 29-0 loss to New England.

With DJ Chark (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (shoulder) still sidelined and Amon-Ra St. Brown playing through an ankle sprain, the Patriots seemingly made sure to eliminate Hockenson from the Lions' game plan after the tight end put up prolific numbers against the Seahawks in Week 4. Hockenson was also a guilty party on at least one allowed sack from Patriots pass rusher Matthew Judon. With a Week 6 bye on deck, a Lions offense that entered the Week 5 leading the league in yards per game (436.8) will look to get back on track in Week 7 against the Cowboys.

Bellinger recorded two receptions on three targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Packers. He added one rush for two yards and a touchdown.

Bellinger remained involved in the Gaints' offense, though most of the team's pass catchers were limited by the team's focus on the rushing attack. In addition to recording multiple receptions for the third straight game, he also tallied a two-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime. Bellinger has yet to record a stat line that stands out, but the Giants continue to find ways to keep him involved.

Kmet caught all four of his targets for 45 yards in Sunday's 29-22 loss to the Vikings.

Kmet secured every pass thrown his way, helping him post a season high in receiving yardage. Although he's now topped 40 yards in two of Chicago's last three games, his stock remains relatively mild ahead of Week 6's matchup versus the Commanders on Thursday night, especially without a touchdown to his name thus far.

Smith caught four of five targets for 42 yards in Sunday's 29-22 win over the Bears.

Smith trailed only starting wideouts Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen in targets, helping him post a season high in receiving yards. While that feat offers some reason for optimism ahead of Week 6's matchup versus the Dolphins, Smith's overall stock remains relatively modest.

Smythe (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jets.

Smythe caught one pass for eight yards before exiting with a hamstring injury at some point Sunday, leaving his return for the second half up in the air. With third-string tight end Hunter Long (coach's decision) inactive, expect Tanner Conner to step up into a larger role behind Mike Gesicki during this Week 5 contest.

Freiermuth won't return to Sunday's game against the Bills after sustaining a concussion, Burt Lauten of Steelers.com reports.

Prior to leaving the contest, Freiermuth caught both of his targets for 12 yards. In his absence, Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward are next up for the Steelers' TE snaps. Freiermuth will now look to progress through the NFL's concussion protocol ahead of next weekend's game against the Buccaneers.

Ferguson (knee) is active Sunday against the Rams, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Ferguson came into the day questionable after logging limited practices Thursday and Friday. He should operate as the Cowboys' No. 2 tight end against the Rams.

Smith (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Lions.

With Smith out versus Detroit, fellow tight end Hunter Henry is in line for added work Sunday, with Matt Sokol up from the practice squad to provide Week 5 depth at the position. Jones, who is reportedly dealing with a low-ankle sprain, will thus target a possible return to the mix next Sunday against the Browns.

Thomas (calf) is inactive Week 5 against the Titans.

News from pregame warmups had heavily implied that Thomas was in line to sit after sustaining a calf injury during practice late in the week. Those reports were officially confirmed with the release of the inactives, leaving John Bates to fill in as the primary tight end for Washington, with special-teamer Armani Rogers on hand in a backup capacity. Thomas and the Commanders have a short week ahead, as the team will head to Soldier Field on Thursday night to take on the Bears.

Thomas (calf) is not in line to play Sunday against the Titans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Thomas' status will be officially confirmed upon the posting of the Commanders' inactives ahead of Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff, but in his anticipated absence, added tight end snaps are available for John Bates, Armani Rogers and Cole Turner.