NFL Player News

Gray caught his only target for six yards during Sunday's loss to the Bengals.

Gray has tallied a total of three receptions for 18 yards over the past two games after failing to record a reception in the three prior contests. That being said, Gray saw just 17 percent of the offensive snaps in the contest, his lowest since Week 9 against the Packers after he played a season-high 72 percent last week with Travis Kelce sidelined. As long as Kelce and Blake Bell are healthy, it's unlikely Gray will see a ton more playing time than what he's currently receiving.

Bell hauled in all of his three targets for 35 yards and rushed once for a pair of yards in Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Bell's rush came in the form of a fourth-down trick play in which he motioned under center and took what was essentially a quarterback sneak for the first down. Bell has some experience under center from his college days but doesn't figure to be utilized in that capacity very often, rushing just four times all season. He also finished with a season-high three catches in the contest, though the 36 percent offensive snap count aligns with what he's seen all season and would suggest this is most likely an outlier.

Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said that he expects Waller (knee) to rejoin the Raiders for Wednesday's walk-through practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports. "And hopefully if we get him in Wednesday's practice, he feels a little bit better about how [his knee] feels when he moves around, then we'll be really excited about what Thursday and Friday could possibly look like," Bisaccia said of the tight end, who hasn't played since the Raiders' Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys.

Waller also tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday and remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he's expected to be activated in the next day or two after he completed post-cardiac workouts with doctors Monday. Because Waller has missed the team's last five games, the Raiders will likely need the full week of practice to evaluate where the tight end stands in his recovery from his knee injury, leaving his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Chargers up in the air. Waller's potential return to the lineup in any capacity would be a major boon for the Raiders, who can clinch a postseason berth with a win.

Hooper caught two of five targets for 28 yards in Monday's 26-14 loss to Pittsburgh.

While it was position mates David Njoku's and Harrison Bryant's night to shine -- each scored a touchdown Monday -- Hooper remains heavily involved in the passing attack. He's been targeted at least five times in eight games this season, including five of the last six contests. His 61 targets are second on the team behind No. 1 wideout Jarvis Landry.

Bryant caught his lone target for a one-yard touchdown reception in Monday's 26-14 loss to Pittsburgh.

Bryant's managed to salvage his second NFL season with touchdowns in three consecutive contests. He and fellow tight end David Njoku accounted for both of Cleveland's touchdowns Monday, giving the position group a team-high 10 touchdown catches in 2021. Cleveland involves its tight ends -- the group has 28 red zone looks, one fewer than wideouts and running backs combined -- so there's value to be had here. The issue becomes choosing the right one on gameday.

Njoku caught all four of his targets for 28 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 26-14 loss to the Steelers.

Njoku hauled in all the passes thrown his way on a night quarterback Baker Mayfield at one point misfired on 10 consecutive attempts. The tight end's performance was highlighted by his three-yard, contested touchdown grab to end the third quarter, Cleveland's first score of the game. After posting a goose egg in the Browns' Christmas Day loss to the Packers, Njoku rebounded nicely Monday and will try to finish strong versus the Bengals in Week 18.

Kampmoyer reverted to the Chargers' practice squad Monday.

Kampmoyer made his NFL debut with three snaps on offense. He did not accumulate any stats, however.

Freiermuth caught five of six targets for 22 yards in Monday night's 26-14 win over the Browns.

Freiermuth returned after missing Week 17 while in the concussion protocols and was a consistent outlet for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. However, his underneath presence didn't yield much yardage on a night Roethlisberger averaged a paltry 2.7 yards per attempt. With five grabs, Freiermuth trailed only teammate Diontae Johnson in the category, and he'll strive to add to his total in Week 18 versus the Ravens.

Thompson reverted to the Panthers' practice squad Monday.

Thompson saw seven snaps on offense and eight on special teams but didn't accumulate any stats. If Tommy Tremble (illness) misses a second straight game while on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Notre Dame product may get another call in Week 18.

Wells reverted to the Cardinals' practice squad Monday.

Wells played eight snaps on offense against the Cowboys but didn't register any stats. It was his first action since he got on the field for one snap in Week 9.