NFL Player News

Hudson signed with the 49ers' practice squad Monday, Josh Dubow of the Associated Press reports.

Hudson was waived by San Francisco on Jan. 7 to make room for Ambry Thomas to be activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. However, Hudson is now back with the team's practice squad to provide depth at tight end. Hudson has been active for two games this season, logging one offensive and 10 special-teams snaps.

Dillon signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on Monday.

Dillon joined the Jets' practice squad in late December after being cut from the Vikings' practice squad, and he'll remain with New York heading into the offseason. He's appeared in five games for Minnesota over the past three seasons and has one catch for six yards.

Tremble caught two of five targets for seven yards and rushed once for four yards in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Buccaneers.

Tremble returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list and played five more offensive snaps than teammate Ian Thomas, who wasn't targeted. Despite garnering his most looks in a game this season, Tremble's production was as mild as usual. In 16 appearances, the third-rounder caught 20 of 35 targets for 180 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing three times for 11 yards and another score. With Thomas an unrestricted free agent this offseason, it's possible Tremble profiles as the Panthers' starting tight end in 2022, although they could always add to their options at the position. In any case, Tremble will strive to build on his rookie campaign with more volume in the passing game next term.

Stoll was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.

Stoll was one of several Eagles to miss Week 18 against the Cowboys, a list that included No. 1 tight end Dallas Goedert. Both players returned from the COVID list Monday. Stoll will look to resume his role as No. 2 on the tight end positional depth chart Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Jackson (knee) was placed on injured reserve Monday.

Jackson suffered a torn ACL during Saturday's loss to Dallas, so it's no surprise to see him headed toward injured reserve. The 24-year-old is unlikely to be fully recovered in time for training camp and could miss the start of the 2022 campaign.

Hooper was not targeted in Sunday's 21-16 win over the Bengals.

Hooper took a step back in his second year with Cleveland, but he remains a big target and blocker at tight end. He had fewer targets (61), catches (38), yards (345) and touchdowns (three) relative to 2020. The 27-year-old tight end carries a big contract entering 2022, but the money isn't guaranteed per Zac Jackson of The Athletic, although he would cost the Browns $11 million against the cap if they chose to move on. While the return on investment is not commensurate with his salary, Hooper is a frequent target and a good blocker for a team that earns its wins mostly by running the ball. If the Browns don't re-sign David Njoku -- there's reported interest on both sides -- then Hooper could reclaim all the targets and then some that he lost in 2021.

Thompson signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on Monday.

Thompson was on Carolina's active roster until being waived in mid-December, and he spent the rest of the season on the practice squad. He appeared in 11 games and failed to catch his only target.

Njoku caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 21-16 win over the Bengals.

Njoku was questionable due to a shoulder injury but managed to get on the field and finish off his best season since 2018. The fifth-year tight end caught 36 of 53 targets for 475 yards and led all Cleveland receivers with four touchdowns. After some drama the previous two seasons, including trade requests and being out-snapped by rookie Harrison Bryant in 2020, Njoku fell into line in 2021 and was a model contributor, per Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal. Following Sunday's win, Njoku expressed his desire to stay in Cleveland, per Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal. Njoku becomes an unrestricted free agent, but it sounds like both sides would like to commit to another term. Austin Hooper and Bryant still are around, but coach Kevin Stefanski uses tight ends as more than just blockers, and Njoku was the best receiver of the bunch.

Ricci agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Panthers on Monday.

Ricci played in 16 games for Carolina in 2021 and saw most of his action on special teams. The fullback should have a similar role for the Panthers in 2022, assumes he retains his roster spot.

Jacobson signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts on Monday.

Jacobson joined the Colts' practice squad in October after opening the season on the Seahawks' practice squad. He didn't see the field in 2021 following his collegiate basketball career at Iowa State.