NFL Player News

Hooper (appendix) will play this week against the Texans after missing two games, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hooper returned to practice during the preparations for Week 8's game against Las Vegas, but he was not ready to play that week. With another full week off -- Week 9 was Cleveland's bye -- Hooper will resume his role as the Browns' leading tight end.

Smith hauled in two of four targets for 10 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 34-20 win against the Lions.

Smith caught scoring strikes in the first and third quarters, bringing his number of red-zone targets on the season to six through eight games. While he's closing in on his total from last season (10), he otherwise hasn't contributed much to box scores this season, posting a 13-159-2 line on 21 targets while working behind Kyle Rudolph (42 of 58 snaps on offense) and even fellow tight end Tyler Conklin (25) on Sunday (Smith earned 22). As a result, it's difficult to trust Smith on a weekly basis.

The Broncos signed Fumagalli to the practice squad Monday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

The Broncos are in need of depth at tight end following news that Albert Okwuegbunam (torn ACL) is done for the season. Fumagalli fits the bill, as the third-year player has experience in coach Vic Fangio's system from last season when he recorded a 6-38-1 line over 11 games. Fumagalli could be activated as soon as Sunday's game against the Raiders.

The Jets placed Wesco on injured reserve Monday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Wesco has already been ruled out for Monday's game against the Patriots, and he'll aim to return Week 12 against the Dolphins. The Jets promoted Ross Travis from the practice squad to serve as the No. 4 tight end moving forward.

Alie-Cox (knee) is listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report.

Alie-Cox managed to play through his lingering knee injury during Sunday's loss to the Ravens, during which he caught all three of his targets for 43 yards, so it's easy to imagine that the Colts simply intend to allow the tight end a bit of rest on a short week. With Jack Doyle (concussion) trending in the wrong direction for Thursday's game in Tennessee, Alie-Cox could find himself handling increased opportunities alongside Trey Burton as long as he's able to suit up.

Pruitt suffered a knee sprain during Sunday's win over the Bears and will miss Thursday's game versus the Colts, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Pruitt underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed the knee sprain, but the team's optimistic that he won't miss too much time. Geoff Swaim could see more work behind Jonnu Smith and Anthony Firkser going forward. The door remains open for Pruitt to return Week 11 against the Ravens.

Trautman hauled in all three of his targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 38-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The rookie entered the game with just three receptions for 34 yards on the season, so this performance was certainly unexpected. Trautman grabbed a seven-yard strike in the first quarter for his first NFL touchdown that put the Saints up, 14-0. With New Orleans' receiving corps returning to full strength, Trautman likely will see a reduced role moving forward, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect regular scoring.

Hill completed both of his pass attempts for 48 yards, rushed seven times for 54 yards and caught his lone target for 21 yards in the Saints' 38-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

In a game the Saints led handily throughout, Hill got a chance to dig into his versatile toolbox by making an impact as a passer, receiver and running back, leading the team in rushing yards along the way. Hill continues to see work and mostly is a touchdown-dependent fantasy option when the Saints are playing in a competitive game.

Coach Vic Fangio said Monday that Fant aggravated his lingering ankle injury during Sunday's 34-27 loss to the Falcons, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Fangio said that he expects Fant to be "OK," a notion that's backed up by the fact the second-year pro was able to return to Sunday's game after limping to the locker room in the first quarter. Fant did seem to be hampered by the injury upon his return, however, as he ended the day with just three catches for 45 yards against an Atlanta defense that has struggled to cover opposing tight ends all season. Moreover, most of his production came via the 32-yard catch on which he was injured on the opening drive. With Albert Okwuegbunam (knee) having sustained a season-ending ACL tear Sunday, Fant's ability to get healthy will be key as Denver's offense and Drew Lock look to remain afloat.

Okwuegbunam (knee) sustained a torn right ACL during Sunday's 34-27 loss to the Falcons, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Okwuegbunam was forced out Sunday after making his first catch of the day in the third quarter, and it's now been revealed that he sustained a season-ending injury on the play. Not only is the timing brutal for the rookie fourth-round pick, who had been building momentum on offense and establishing a connection with Drew Lock in the red zone, but as Klis notes it represents further attrition for the Broncos, an organization with 13 players already on IR. Okwuegbunam's rookie campaign comes to an end with 11 catches on 15 targets, which he converted into 121 yards and one score in four contests.