NFL Player News

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.

Thomas (calf), who is listed as questionable, is considered a true game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the Titans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Thomas' status will come down to how he feels in pregame warmups, so the final word on his availability will be made roughly 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. If Thomas is unavailable, John Bates will step into the top role at tight end, with Armani Rogers also available for pass-catching reps.

Hurst (groin), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Despite not practicing Friday due to a lingering groin issue, Hurst appears in line to suit up for Week 5. However, fantasy managers are still encouraged to confirm the tight end's status ahead of Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Patriots elevated Sokol on Saturday from their practice squad to their active roster for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Sokol failed to make the Patriots' initial 53-man roster, but he joined the practice squad after clearing waivers and is in line to make his season debut in Week 5. He'll likely operate as the primary backup to Hunter Henry, with Jonnu Smith (ankle) unlikely to play.

The Texans elevated Schreck on Saturday from their practice squad to their active roster for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

With Brevin Jordan (ankle) still out, Schreck will get another look on the active roster after catching his only target for zero yards during his season debut in Week 4. The fifth-year tight end figures to garner a similar role while operating behind O.J. Howard and Jordan Akins against Jacksonville in Week 5.