NFL Player News

Hill (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Hill emerged from Week 17 with a concussion, but he's already displayed measurable progress through the protocol for head injuries by increasing his activity from limited Wednesday to uncapped one day later. Still, he must be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to suit up Sunday against the Bears.

Keene finished the 2020 season with three catches on five targets for 16 yards in six games.

Meanwhile, fellow rookie Devin Asiasi logged two catches on seven targets for 39 yards yards and a TD in nine contests. Tight end was a big need for the Patriots heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, and when the team took Asiasi and Keene with third-round picks, it was hoped that the duo could make an immediate splash in the offense. Neither player did, however, and the duo's fantasy upside in 2021 is tied to what offseason personnel changes are made, in particular at TE and QB.

Asiasi finished the 2020 season with two catches on seven targets for 39 yards yards and a TD in nine games.

Meanwhile, fellow rookie tight end Dalton Keene caught three passes for 16 yards in six contests. It was hardly the production the Patriots were looking for when using a pair of third-round draft picks to secure the duo, but both players do possess some long-term upside. It's a bit early to assess Asiasi's 2021 fantasy prospects, however, with personnel changes in the team's offense likely on tap this offseason, both at TE and QB.

Seals-Jones was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Chiefs have now signed Seals-Jones to the practice squad once again, but it is unlikely the tight end will see active status. Through his two games this season, the 25-year-old has played just six offensive snaps and five special teams snaps.

Hill was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report with a concussion.

Since Drew Brees returned to action Week 15, Hill has played his typical bit role in the Saints offense, completing both of his passes for eight yards, tallying 14 carries for 62 yards and three touchdowns, and hauling in two of four targets for 24 yards. Hill's current bout with a concussion wasn't revealed until the team reconvened for preparation for the wild-card round, but the fact he fit in some activity Wednesday indicates he's progressing through the NFL's protocol for head injuries. In any case, he'll be subject to a meeting with an independent neurologist before a determination is made on his status for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Smith caught two of three targets for 30 yards during Sunday's 37-35 win over the Lions.

Smith wraps up his second season with 30 catches (43 targets) for 365 yards and five touchdowns across 13 games. It's worth noting that the 22-year-old dealt with lingering groin and back issues during much of the 2020 season, missing three games entirely while having his snap count limited in three other contests. With that context in mind, along with the difficulty tight ends often face from a developmental standpoint early in their careers, Smith's relatively strong showing could result in him becoming a popular third-year breakout candidate for 2021.

Uzomah (Achilles) posted a video Wednesday on his personal Twitter account featuring him running on a treadmill.

Uzomah wasn't sporting a brace while he ran on the treadmill, an encouraging sign in his recovery from the season-ending Achilles surgery he required in late September. The tight end likely will remain limited or sidelined entirely for OTAs in the spring, but he could have a shot at gaining full clearance for the start of training camp. He'll be entering the final season of a three-year, $18 million deal in 2021, but even if healthy Uzomah may not be assured a starting role. Second-year player Drew Sample showed some promise as a blocker and pass catcher (40 receptions for 349 yards and a touchdown) after Uzomah went down with the injury, and the Bengals still could bring in additional competition at the position through the draft or free agency this offseason.

Knox caught two of eight targets for 29 yards in Sunday's win over the Dolphins.

Drops have been a problem for Knox in his two years in the league, but none of the six misfires Sunday fell into that category. While Knox never eclipsed 51 receiving yards in a game this season, he's become the clear No. 1 tight end for the Bills and has at least four targets in each of the past five games. With Cole Beasley (knee) looking iffy for Saturday's playoff game, Knox could be counted on even more in the short-to-mid range passing game.

Bowers signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders on Tuesday.

Bowers was one of 11 players to receive a reserve/future contract with the Raiders. He spent the entire season on the team's practice squad.

Myarick signed a reserve/future contract with the Dolphins on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old spent most of the season on Miami's practice squad, though he was elevated to the active roster and appeared in three games without a reception. Myarick will work through the Dolphins' offseason program in hopes of winning a spot on the season-opening roster in 2021.