NFL Player News

Uzomah secured three of six targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 41-22 loss to the Chargers.

Though Uzomah saw his highest offensive snap share of the season (87 percent), the veteran tight end had yet another underwhelming stat line. In an offense with several talented pass catchers and a thriving rushing attack, Uzomah will likely continue to struggle to produce for fantasy managers.

Washington placed Thomas (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, ruling him out for the rest of the 2021 season.

Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported Monday that Thomas' initial MRI revealed that he avoided an ACL tear of his left knee, and while that hasn't been confirmed one way or the other, the tight end is evidently dealing with a serious enough health concern that he'll be done for the season after landing on IR for a second time. While Thomas was on IR earlier this season due to a strained hamstring, Ricky Seals-Jones averaged four catches for 38.4 yards and 0.2 touchdowns on six targets across five starts (Weeks 5 through 10). However, Seals-Jones then missed Weeks 11 through 13 with a hip injury, allowing rookie John Bates to get more playing time. It isn't entirely clear Seals-Jones will return to a three-down role if he's available for this week's game against Dallas, but he offers more promise than Bates as a pass catcher.

Washington is expected to place Thomas (knee) on injured reserve later this week, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Though the tight end reportedly received better results than expected after recently undergoing an MRI on the left knee he injured in Sunday's win over the Raiders, he's apparently still dealing with a serious enough of an injury to result on him landing on IR for a second time, which will end his season. Ricky Seals-Jones (hip) has been sidelined for three straight games with an injury of his own, but if available this weekend against the Cowboys, he would likely replace Thomas as Washington's starting tight end.

Sample failed to draw a single target in Sunday's 41-22 loss to the Chargers.

Sample was on the field for 26 of the Bengals' 76 offensive snaps in the contest, while starting tight end C.J. Uzomah played 66 snaps. Sample offers little fantasy value as a No. 2 tight end, as the 25-year-old typically serves as the blocker on the rare occasions he's on the field.

The Falcons signed Hesse to their practice squad Wednesday.

Hesse was waived by the Falcons after Hayden Hurst (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve. The undrafted free agent out of Iowa has made six appearances for Atlanta this season, catching two of three targets for 12 yards.

Mason was signed to the Bears' practice squad Tuesday.

Mason was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 Draft by Baltimore, but he was cut at the conclusion of training camp. He then made his way to the Patriots' practice squad but was released Nov. 8. The 22-year-old Michigan product has yet to make his NFL debut and will now try to earn a shot on the Bears' active roster. In a corresponding move, the Bears released linebacker Rashad Smith from the practice squad.

The Browns signed Forristall to the active roster from their practice squad Tuesday.

Forristall spent the first week of the season on the Titans' practice squad before joining the Browns' practice squad Sept. 20. He was elevated for the team's Week 8 contest against the Bengals but never saw the field. The undrafted rookie free agent will have his best chance to make his NFL debut in Week 14, as David Njoku and Stephen Carlson are both on the COVID-19 list, and Harrison Bryant (ankle) is doubtful.

The Browns plan to place Njoku on the reserve/COVID-19 later Tuesday, and his availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens is in question, Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN reports.

Cleveland hasn't revealed whether Njoku has tested positive following its Week 13 bye or if he will be placed on the list as a close contact of an infected person. The reason behind his placement on the list -- as well as his vaccination status -- will be determining factors in whether he'll have a realistic shot at playing this weekend. Before the Browns went on bye, Njoku drew at least four targets in each of the team's last three games, cobbling together a 6-66-1 receiving line over that span.

Knox caught just two of six targets for 14 yards in Monday's 14-10 loss to the Patriots.

Knox had issues with drops in his first two NFL seasons, but he's been much more reliable in his breakout 2021 campaign. However, Monday's performance was frustrating to watch for Bills fans, as it was clear he was supposed to be a key part to the game plan on a blustery night that yielded nothing but a run-oriented attack and short passes. Knox took at least one key penalty and also couldn't haul in catchable balls. On a normal night, something like a 5-55-1 line could have easily been attainable given his volume, but instead he turned in his worst performance of the season in a disappointing loss for his team. Based on his track record this year, Knox should be much more productive in what could be a high-scoring affair Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Smith secured his only target for 12 yards during Monday's 14-10 win over Buffalo.

Smith also had one carry for minus one yards. Harsh weather and a run-first game plan that asked Mac Jones to attempt just three passes limited all New England pass catches, but after a Week 14 bye, the team stands to deploy a more traditional offense on the road against Indianapolis.