NFL Player News

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.

Parham caught two of his four targets for three yards during Sunday's 41-22 win over the Bengals.

Parham recorded his second-straight game with fewer than 10 receiving yards and was on the field for a season-low 16 offensive snaps. Although the Chargers have given Parham additional opportunities lately with starter Jared Cook struggling, the 6-foot-8 target failed to produce for the second game in a row. Even in the red zone, the one place Parham theoretically should excel, the Chargers looked instead to Keenan Allen (who scored twice) and lead back Austin Ekeler. If this game proves to be an indication of the Chargers' offensive scheme around the goal-line moving forward, the prospects are dismal for Parham and Cook who have been utilized equally in this area of the field.

Long secured his only target for eight yards during Sunday's win over the Giants.

Long began his rookie season with a significant injury suffered back in August, and it took him some time to get up to speed, but he's now been active and handled a depth role in back-to-back games. The young tight end isn't yet on the fantasy radar, as he's only seen two targets through five appearances, but in dynasty formats his development will be worth monitoring.

Smythe failed to secure his lone target during Sunday's win over the Giants.

Smythe operates as the clear No. 2 tight end in Miami's offense behind Mike Gesicki, especially in terms of the receiving game, but heading into Week 13 he had recorded back-to-back contests with five targets. The fourth-year pro doesn't have a very desirable floor or ceiling for fantasy purposes, but with a matchup against the Jets on deck after Miami's bye, he could be worth consideration in formats that start multiple tight ends.

Henry was not targeted in Monday night's 14-10 win over the Bills.

Henry's first game without a target as a Patriot came on a most unusual night, with the team throwing merely three times due to extremely windy conditions. Although fellow tight end Jonnu Smith was fortunate enough to haul in one of those attempts for a 12-yard gain, Henry was restricted to work as a blocker. While New England's game plan was sufficient to get the win Monday, Henry may look forward to a more conventional scheme once the team returns from its bye to face the Colts in Week 15.