NFL Player News

Njoku caught two of a season-high five targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Steelers.

Njoku got extra attention Sunday -- including a pair of red-zone targets -- as Harrison Bryant (reserve/COVID-19) was unavailable for duty. It's rare that Njoku is on par with starter Austin Hooper, who also was targeted five times in the game that clinched a postseason berth for Cleveland. Bryant was first deemed a close contact of a person with the virus, but further testing revealed he also contracted it, which makes his status unclear heading into the wild-card round next weekend against Pittsburgh. If Bryant's not ready to go by then, Njoku will pick up additional playing time.

Graham caught two passes for five yards in the Bears' 35-16 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

Graham was targeted just twice in a game during which the team threw 42 passes, and he was clearly the secondary tight end option behind teammate Cole Kmet, who was targeted eight times. After being a major component of the Bears offense during the first half of the season, he was consistently out-targeted by Kmet after the Week 11 bye. On the season, he caught 50 passes for 453 yards and eight touchdowns, and after the Bears finish their playoff run, he'll enter the last year of his contract, though he'll likely continue to lose opportunities to Kmet.

Kmet caught seven passes for 41 yards in the Bears' 35-16 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

Kmet was third on the team with eight targets, and he was an important part of a ball-control attack designed to keep the Packers offense off the field. After being an afterthought in the offense through the first 12 games of the season, he was targeted at least six times in four of the last five games, ending the season with 29 receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns. After the Bears complete their playoff run, he'll enter the second of a four-year contract, and he'll likely be an emerging fantasy force as the team's lead tight end.

Hooper caught four of five targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-22 win over Pittsburgh.

Hooper, who scored for the third time in five weeks, now has four touchdowns for the season. He's been a big part of the passing attack the last three weeks, catching 17 of 26 targets for 149 yards and two TDs during that span. With the win, the Browns clinched a playoff spot, and Hooper is on a roll leading up to next week's wild-card round playoff game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Hockenson caught three of three targets for 25 yards during Sunday's 37-35 loss to Minnesota.

Hockenson's numbers are a little disappointing given the mouthwatering matchup, but he still tied for third on the team in targets on a day during which Marvin Jones stole the show with eight catches for 180 yards and two scores on 11 looks. Hockenson will now turn the page on a highly successful sophomore campaign that saw the 2019 first-round pick grab 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games after recording 32 catches for 367 yards and two scores in 12 games as a rookie. While Hockenson has yet to flash the upside that makes Travis Kelce and George Kittle such valuable fantasy assets at the tight end position, the sky is the limit for the 23-year-old who will be going to his first Pro Bowl this winter.

Engram caught two of his four targets for 17 yards during Sunday's 23-19 win over the Cowboys.

Engram tied for second on the team in targets, though his four looks were well behind team-leader Sterling Shepard's 10. He recorded a long gain of 14 yards but managed a short pickup with his other grab and later dropped a pass on what could've been a big play. Engram was held to 35 yards or less in nine of his 16 appearances this season but still finishes with 654 yards, one touchdown and a Pro Bowl nod. Moreover, he could find himself playing in the postseason if the Eagles defeat Washington on Sunday night.

Though Kelce is not among Kansas City's Week 17 inactives, per Herbie Teope of the Kansas City Star, ESPN's Adam Teicher relays that he hasn't seen the tight end in uniform during warmups.

In addition to five players previously ruled out due to injuries, Kansas City elected to deem QB Patrick Mahomes and safety Tyrann Mathieu inactive Sunday. However, with the team having clinched the AFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, Teope notes that it would be surprising if a number of key players such as Kelce, who were not listed as inactive Sunday, saw extended action in the contest. Teicher's report suggests that Kelce may be rested as a precaution, along with Mahomes. In such a scenario, added Week 17 tight end snaps would be available for Nick Keizer and Deon Yelder.

Bell (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Giants due to a stinger, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

If Bell is unable to return to Sunday's regular-season finale, Sean McKeon will step in as the No. 2 tight end behind Dalton Schultz. The 29-year-old wasn't targeted before leaving the field Sunday.

Togiai (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Toigai came off injured reserve Jan. 2, having seemingly recovered from a knee issue that had held him out since Week 10. The 23-year-old won't suit up for Indianapolis' regular-season finale, however, as the Colts proceed with Jack Doyle, Trey Burton and Mo Alie-Cox as tight end options against Jacksonville.

Daniels (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Rams.

The 26-year-old received the questionable tag after putting in a limited practice Friday, and he's good to go Week 17. Daniels and Maxx Williams should work as the secondary tight ends behind starter Dan Arnold.