NFL Player News

Rader reverted to the Steelers' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transactions report.

Rader automatically reverted to Pittsburgh's practice squad after having been elevated for Monday's contest against the Bears. Versus Chicago, in what was his first appearance of the season, Rader secured his only target for a one-yard reception.

Sample logged three receptions for 36 yards on three targets Sunday in the Bengals' 41-16 loss to the Browns.

After falling behind by two touchdowns at halftime and by 24 points after three quarters, the Bengals were forced to abandon the run. As a result, Sample and fellow tight end C.J. Uzomah (five targets) had fewer blocking responsibilities and were more involved as route runners than usual. The four targets were a season-high total for Sample, who hadn't drawn a look in the passing game in either of the Bengals' prior two contests.

Ertz caught three of five targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 31-17 win at San Francisco.

Since the Cardinals acquired Ertz from the Eagles in mid-October, he's made three appearances with the team, earning either four or five targets on each occasion. In the first two, he was on the receiving end of passes from Kyler Murray, but with the latter out due to a sprained ankle, veteran Colt McCoy was directing the offense in Week 9. The result was Ertz' worst receiving line as a Card, and McCoy again may be under center Sunday against the Panthers due to Murray's injury.

Kroft (chest) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

As a result, Kroft will be sidelined for at least the next three games, making a Week 13 matchup with the Eagles on Dec. 5 his earliest possible return date. Before sustaining a lung laceration in last week's loss to the Colts, Kroft had appeared in six games and tallied 10 receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. While Kroft is sidelined, Ryan Griffin is set to serve as the Jets' clear No. 1 tight end.

Smith (knee) missed practice Tuesday due to a chronic knee injury, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Smith left Sunday's game against the Raiders early and did not return after being evaluated for a concussion. However, it turns out he did not have a concussion, but he is still dealing with a knee injury. Smith will try to return to the practice field Wednesday.

Cager did test positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Cager was placed on the Browns' practice squad COVID-19 list Monday, but it was not known if he had actually tested positive or was a close contact. Cager will try to clear protocols and return to the field as quickly as possible.

Eubanks was signed to the Lions' practice squad Tuesday.

Eubanks spent time with the Eagles' and Cowboys' practice squads earlier this season. The Michigan product will likely fill the spot left by tight end Brock Wright who was moved to the active roster after the Lions released fellow tight end Darren Fells on Monday.

Okwuegbunam secured four of five targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 30-16 win over the Cowboys.

Okwuegbunam started in place of Noah Fant (illness), but he was unable to capitalize on his opportunity as the team's No. 1 tight end. The 23-year-old played on 63 of the teams 78 offensive snaps and his five targets were tied with wideout Tim Patrick for the second most among Broncos pass catchers. With Fant likely rejoining the team for Week 10, Okwuegbunam can't be trusted to produce consistently for fantasy as Denver's No. 2 tight end. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-5, 258-pounder gets a matchup against the Eagles in a Week 10 showdown.

Graham caught one pass for 28 yards in the Bears' 29-27 loss to the Steelers on Monday.

In addition to his long reception, Graham's other two targets were in the end zone, and he also had a potential touchdown negated by penalty. Despite the impressive red-zone usage, he's caught just two passes for 39 yards on six targets this season, making him a desperation fantasy option in most leagues.

Woerner was on the field for 11 offensive snaps (19 percent) but did not receive a target in Sunday's 31-17 loss to Arizona.

George Kittle was activated off of injured reserve prior to the contest, effectively ending Woerner's short run as fill-in starter. The 23-year-old accrued four receptions (five targets) for 41 yards in the three games he filled in for Kittle. Woerner remains a fantasy afterthought in his current role.