NFL Player News

Wells was released from New England's practice squad Monday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

The 25-year-old signed to the practice squad last week, but it ended up being a short stay with the Patriots. Wells has yet to make his NFL debut since going undrafted out of San Diego State in 2018.

Dwelley had one reception (two targets) for 22 yards in Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Saints.

Dwelley got another start in George Kittle's (foot) extended absence, but he was primarily used as a blocker while fellow tight end Jordan Reed (five receptions for 62 yards) ran more routes despite playing six fewer snaps. The target share between the teammates makes sense given their differing skill sets. Dwelley will continue to technically start for however long Kittle is sidelined, but Reed appears to be the tight end to chase fantasy points with on this club following the upcoming bye week.

Smith corralled both of his targets for 12 receiving yards during Sunday's 27-17 win against Philadelphia.

The 2019 sixth-round draft choice had been forced to exit last Sunday's matchup against Washington because of a concussion, though he was able to return to full practice participation by Thursday. Smith has appeared in all 10 games for the Giants this season, totaling 14 receptions for 87 yards with no touchdowns. New York heads into its Week 11 bye before returning to action Nov. 29 to face a Bengals defense that has surrendered the third-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends on the year (583).

Alie-Cox had three receptions for 19 yards on four targets in Thursday's win over Tennessee.

Alie-Cox actually played more snaps on offense (46) than starter Trey Burton (37) and went on more routes (24 for Alie-Cox, 19 for Burton). However, neither tight end was a focus of the offense even with Jack Doyle out with a concussion.

Coach Sean Payton said Monday that he won't name a starting quarterback until the end of the week following news that Drew Brees (ribs) is out 2-to-3 weeks, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Jameis Winston came in after Brees exited Sunday's win over the 49ers, and he's the favorite to get the start this Sunday against the Falcons. Nevertheless, both quarterbacks should get work with the first-team offense during the practice week before Payton reveals his final verdict. Even if Winston is named the starter, Hill will be utilized plenty in his typical gadget role and could toss a few more passes than usual because of the circumstances.

Ertz (ankle) has been designated to return from IR, Mike Kaye of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

With that, the tight end's 21-day practice window has opened, and Ertz could be activated as soon as Sunday's game against the Browns. Prior to suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 6, Ertz had hauled in 24 of his 45 targets for 178 yards and a TD. In his absence, Dallas Goedert and Richard Rodgers have filled in, but once he's fully up to speed, Ertz will push to reclaim his status as the Eagles' top tight end.

Hudson did not record any statistics across seven snaps from scrimmage in the Buccaneers' 46-23 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Hudson has now garnered active status in every game from Week 2 onward, although that's only led to a 2-21 line on a total of six targets. Coach Bruce Arians continues to roll with four active tight ends on most weeks, but both Hudson and position mate Antony Auclair are being used exclusively in a run-blocking capacity with both Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate healthy in front of them.

Smythe caught both of his targets for nine yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 29-21 win over the Chargers.

Smythe doesn't see targets with the same regularity as Mike Gesicki, and Adam Shaheen has shown superior deep and intermediate abilities, but the second-year pro is establishing himself as an option in the red zone. He'll look to continue establishing chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa at Denver in Week 11.

Everett caught two of three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 23-16 win over the Seahawks.

After receiving nine targets Week 8 against Miami, Everett wasn't involved nearly as much following the Rams' bye week with Tyler Higbee back in action. However, Everett did nearly score a touchdown after taking a 16-yard reception to Seattle's 1-yard line. Running back Darrell Henderson scored on the next play. While Everett projects to remain involved in the passing attack, he's difficult to rely on in the majority of fantasy settings.

Higbee caught three of six targets for a season-high 60 yards during Sunday's 23-16 win over Seattle.

The fifth-year tight end was particularly instrumental on Los Angeles' second drive with receptions of 39 and 14 yards before a rushing score from running back Darrell Henderson put Los Angeles in the lead for good. Higbee's been quiet since scoring three touchdowns Week 2 against Philadelphia, but this was a better outing and could prove to be a sign of things to come. Fantasy managers will still probably want to keep expectations in check, though.