NFL Player News

Hurst (illness) won't be available for Sunday's game against the Bills after the Falcons didn't activate him from the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to Saturday's deadline for Week 17 roster moves, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hurst is one of two key Atlanta pass catchers that will remain on the list for the Week 17 contest, joining receiver Tajae Sharpe (illness). The blocking-oriented Lee Smith will serve as the top backup to starting tight end Kyle Pitts, while Sharpe's absence will likely allow Olamide Zaccheaus and Christian Blake to join Russell Gage in three-receiver sets.

Wright (illness) won't be available for Sunday's game in Seattle after the Lions didn't activate him from the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to Saturday's deadline for week 17 roster moves, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Detroit will be without three of its top pass catchers in Wright and wideouts Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond, all of whom tested positive for the virus this week and weren't able to exit the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocol. With both T.J. Hockenson (thumb) and Shane Zylstra (kneecap) done for the season, Wright was expected to dominate the snaps at tight end for Detroit's final two games before he landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday. With Wright out this week, the Lions will likely turn to a combination of Jared Pinkney and Ross Travis to play snaps at the position.

Conklin (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Green Bay, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Conklin was able to put in a full practice Friday, so he looks set to play. Quarterback play may be the larger issue for Conklin, with Sean Mannion set to make his first start since 2019 with Kirk Cousins on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Thompson was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Thompson makes the jump with Tommy Tremble due to sit out because of COVID. The 28-year-old has appeared in 10 games for the Panthers this season but has drawn just one target all year.

Wells was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Wells' elevation seems to indicate Demetrius Harris (shoulder) is unlikely to play. The San Diego State product has played just one snap in one game all year.

Waller (knee/back) remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list in advance of Sunday's game against the Colts.

Until Waller, who had been dealing with knee and back issues prior to being placed on the list, clears the NFL's COVID protocols, Foster Moreau is slated to head the Raiders' tight end corps, with Nick Bowers and Daniel Helm in reserve.

Hesse was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hesse is in line for his first game action since Week 13. He'll be third on Atlanta's tight end depth chart if Hayden Hurst is unable to return from the COVID list in time for the tilt against Buffalo.

Vannett was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

The return of Juwan Johnson (COVID-19) and Adam Trautman (COVID-19) has relegated Vannett to essentially a bit piece in the Saints offense, but Saturday's designation will test the depth of the team's tight end corps once more. Expect the aforementioned duo to shoulder the majority of the offensive snaps as the Saints did not elevate another tight end from the practice squad.

Kroft remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Until Kroft is able clear the NFL's COVID protocols, Kenny Yeboah and Daniel Brown are the Jets' available tight end options, with neither profiling as a high-percentage fantasy option.

Hudson was elevated from the practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Hudson has a chance to see on-field action for just the third time this season. He'll provide mostly special-teams depth for the 49ers on Sunday.