NFL Player News

Thomas caught three of four targets for 29 yards in Saturday's 24-16 loss to the Packers.

Thomas' yardage total actually marked a new season high. The tight end has hauled in three passes in consecutive games, giving him a little momentum ahead of next Sunday's game against Washington.

Kmet caught two passes for 12 yards in the Bears' 33-27 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.

Kmet was targeted just twice, though with the Bears playing with a lead for the majority of this contest, they attempted just 21 passes, and the tight end failed to reach seven targets for the first time in three games. Although he's performed well lately, he's yet to surpass 45 yards in a game, making him a risky fantasy option in Week 16 against a weak Jacksonville defense.

Thomas secured 13 of 15 targets for 101 yards in Washington's 20-15 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Thomas' eye-popping numbers were surprising to say the least, considering the 29-year-old nearly outpaced his single-season high of 16 receptions (2019) on Sunday alone. However, he fell just two yards short of the century mark two games ago against the Steelers, so the yardage tally wasn't anywhere near as unexpected. Thomas now has 31 targets over the last three contests, and he'll look to continue his chemistry with either Alex Smith (calf) or Dwayne Haskins in a Week 16 matchup against the Panthers.

Smythe secured all five of his targets for 40 yards during Sunday's 22-12 win over the Patriots.

Smythe's stat line wouldn't normally be too notable, but with all of DeVante Parker (hamstring), Mike Gesicki (shoulder) and Jakeem Grant (hamstring) sidelined, his 40 yards were enough to pace Miami's receiving corps. If Gesicki can't return in time for Miami's Dec. 26 road game against the Raiders, Smythe and Adam Shaheen will both be in line to handle increased roles again.

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.