NFL Player News

The Saints could make less use of Hill as a "jack-of-all-trades" player Sunday against the Chiefs after Jameis Winston was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Though Hill had been the Saints' starting quarterback each of the past four games, he was in line to serve as the No. 3 option behind Drew Brees (ribs/lung) -- who will start after being reinstated from injured reserve -- and Winston this week. As a result, most of Hill's practice reps this week came on special teams and in the versatile role he plays on offense when Brees is available. Because Brees is playing at less than 100 percent health, the Saints kept Winston prepared to replace him during the contest if necessary, but those duties will now fall to Hill. Terrell suggests that because Hill is the only option to step in at quarterback in the event Brees can't finish the contest, the Saints could scale back Hill's usage as a runner and receiver. While Brees started the first nine games of the season, Hill averaged 4.6 combined carries and targets per contest during that span.

Swaim (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Lions.

Swain is coming off his best game of the year, as he posted a 3-34-1 line over 32 snaps against the Jaguars in Week 14. However, the sixth-year tight end couldn't shake the ankle injury he suffered in the process. In turn, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt should both see additional playing time behind Jonnu Smith.

Alie-Cox (knee) is active Week 15 against the Texans.

Alie-Cox has been tending to a lingering knee injury that cost him multiple days of practice this week, but it won't stop him from suiting up as the Colts' third active tight end. The problem here is that Alie-Cox was out-snapped and out-targeted by both Jack Doyle and Trey Burton in Week 14, so there's no guarantee he's a notable part of the offensive game plan in this matchup.

Gesicki (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

With Gesicki inactive, Adam Shaheen and Durham Smythe are in line to handle added tight end snaps Sunday, though neither of the two profile as high-percentage fantasy lineup options in Week 15.

Graham (hip) is active Week 15 against the Vikings.

While Graham registered a pair of limited practices this week, the expectation was that the veteran tight end would suit up. He'll indeed be available as a touchdown-dependent fantasy option, though it's worth noting he's been out-snapped by Cole Kmet in each of the past three weeks.

Kittle (foot) is "pushing to play" in the 49ers' final two regular-season contests, but the team hasn't decided whether the tight end will be activated from injured reserve, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. "A lot will go into that decision," a team source told Rapoport, regarding whether Kittle will play again in 2020.

After being cleared to practice Wednesday, Kittle looks to be nearing the finish line in his recovery from the fractured bone in his foot that has sidelined him since Week 8. While another week of practice should be enough to get Kittle ready for game action from a conditioning standpoint, the 5-8 49ers may not want to risk exposing the star tight end to a potential setback over the final two games, especially if they're already eliminated from the playoffs. If the 49ers are at least able to win against the Cowboys on Sunday to keep their faint postseason hopes alive, a Kittle return Week 16 at Arizona would likely become more realistic.

Graham (hip), who is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The report notes that Graham looked good in practice this past week and appears ready to give it a go Sunday. However, from a fantasy perspective, it's worth noting that fellow tight end Cole Kmet has emerged as the Bears' top option at the position of late, logging seven targets in both of the last two games.

Gesicki (shoulder), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, will work out prior to the contest before a call on his status is made, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

While there was previously some pessimism about the tight end's availability, Rapoport suggests that Gesicki "improved enough during the week to have a real chance of playing" Week 15. The Dolphins kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET, so those considering Gesicki in their fantasy lineups will gain clarity on his status prior to the first wave of games Sunday.

Tonyan recorded three receptions on three targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 against the Panthers.

Tonyan found the end zone for the fifth consecutive week, logging a one-yard touchdown reception to cap the Packers' first possession. One play earlier, he had hauled in a pass for seven yards to bring the team to the goal line. Thereafter, Tonyan was held silent on the stat sheet until the fourth quarter, when he tacked on a 10-yard reception. Though he has surpassed 50 receiving yards only once in his last seven games, Tonyan has been a key contributor near the end zone. That should keep him in consideration among tight ends in Week 16 against Tennessee.

Fant reeled in eight of 11 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 48-19 loss to the Bills.

After being forced to exit last Sunday's win against Carolina in the first quarter because of an illness, Fant got back on track with a lucrative Week 15 performance. The second-year tight end attracted greater than double the targets of Denver's second-busiest option, Jerry Jeudy, while also racking up more catches and receiving yards than the entire receiving corps combined. Fant proved capable of snapping a 10-game scoring drought during the loss to Buffalo. Now, he shifts focus to a Chargers defense that ranks second worst in the NFL with 10 receiving TDs allowed to opposing tight ends.