NFL Player News

Hooper (neck) isn't expected to play Monday night against the Ravens, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

If Hooper is indeed out Monday, Harrison Bryant, David Njoku and Stephen Carlson, in that order, would be next up for the Browns' Week 14 tight end snaps.

Holtz (shoulder) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Texans.

The 27-year-old exited last Sunday's loss to the Lions after fielding one offensive snap, though he was able to participate in a limited capacity throughout this past practice week. Holtz has earned the green light from Chicago's training staff, allowing him to resume his typical backup tight end and special-teams roles as the 5-7 Bears fight to keep fading playoff hopes alive.

Thomas (knee) is active Week 14 against the Broncos.

Thomas popped up on the injury report late this week with a knee injury, but it won't prevent him from suiting up for the home matchup against Denver. While he's been targeted in the passing game only three times in the past three weeks, Thomas continues to see plenty of snaps. With DJ Moore (COVID) sidelined this week, there may be a few extra targets to go around that may have otherwise gone to the wideouts.

Smith (back) is active for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

While Smith puts an end to a two-game absence, fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph will take a seat for the first time since 2014. Smith has surpassed 50 yards receiving just twice in nine games this season, but with a few more targets freed up due to Rudolph's absence, he and Tyler Conklin are poised for bigger roles.

Hooper's neck injury is not believed to be serious, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Hooper sustained a neck injury during Thursday's practice and did not participate in the subsequent pair of practices. He's officially listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Ravens, but it appears the injury will not sideline him for a significant period of time.

Hill, who's slated to start Sunday's game against the Eagles, could also get the nod next weekend against Kansas City, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The report notes that the Saints are in no rush to bring back Drew Brees, who's bouncing back from 11 fractured ribs and a punctured lung. With that in mind, Schefter views Brees as "questionable at best" for Week 15 action, with Hill in line to fill in at QB for New Orleans as long as necessary. The team is 3-0 since Hill took over as the starter and his dual-threat ability has been an asset to fantasy managers in that span.

Smith (back), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 22-year-old is expected to take the field after missing the past two games due to the back issue, but Schefter also indicated Smith could still be limited by the injury Sunday. Kyle Rudolph (foot) isn't expected to play, so even with Smith back, Minnesota will be missing one of its top tight ends. Tyler Conklin is the only other tight end on the active roster, though he has only four catches for 26 yards this season.

Wesco (ankle) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Wesco has resided on IR since suffering an ankle injury in Week 8 against the Chiefs. The second-year tight end should return to the lineup for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. He'll slot in as the No. 3 tight end behind Chris Herndon and Ryan Griffin.

Cager signed with the Jets on Saturday.

Cager played two games for the Jets earlier this season, catching two passes for 35 yards. With Denzel Mims (personal) ruled out this week and Jamison Crowder (calf) questionable, Cager will add necessary depth for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks.

The Saints elevated Johnson to the active roster Saturday.

Johnson is being called up for the fourth time this season. Over the previous three games, Johnson caught just one pass for a five-yard gain. He'll add depth in Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.