NFL Player News

Davis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

Starter Tyler Eifert (neck) is unavailable Sunday, so it's notable the rookie still isn't suiting up versus Los Angeles. Davis is without a catch on two targets in four games this season. James O'Shaughnessy will operate as Jacksonville's top tight end in Week 7.

Bryant is slated to start at tight end for the Browns in Sunday's game against the Bengals, with Austin Hooper (appendix) sidelined, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

While Bryant is in line to get the Week 7 starting nod, David Njoku should also see his share of snaps Sunday, especially in two tight end sets. A possible time-share on that front thus limits the bankable fantasy ceiling of each player, but Bryant is an option for those in need of a replacement for Hooper or as a bye-week plug in.

Akins (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against Green Bay.

Akins suffered a concussion upon absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit from Harrison Smith during Houston's Oct. 4 loss to the Vikings, and though he has since cleared concussion protocol, he remains beleaguered by an ankle issue. While the 28-year-old is sidelined for a third consecutive game, Darren Fells stands atop the Texans' tight end depth chart for Week 7. Fells has recorded 142 receiving yards and two TDs over his past two outings in Akins' stead.

Tonyan (ankle) is listed as active Sunday in Houston.

After tending to a right ankle injury during last Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay, Tonyan didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but his ability to practice in a limited capacity Friday opened the door for him to suit up this weekend. Indeed, the Packers kept Tonyan off the inactive list, allowing him the opportunity to log his usual offensive snap share of 60-70 percent.

The Lions cut Sokol from the practice squad Saturday.

Isaac Nauta jumped Sokol in the pecking order and was elevated to the active roster Saturday, and the Lions opted to let Sokol go. Sokol is still seeking his NFL debut, as the Michigan State product didn't play at all during his 2019 rookie season and has yet to make an appearance this year. He'll seek a fresh start elsewhere.

The Saints elevated Johnson to the active roster Saturday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The undrafted rookie out of Oregon is in line for his NFL debut. He gets the call because Michael Thomas (ankle/hamstring) and Emmanuel Sanders (COVID-19 list) won't suit up Sunday, so he'll add depth at wide receiver. In his senior collegiate season, Johnson posted a 30-467-4 line over eight games.

The Jaguars elevated Saubert to the active roster Saturday.

Tyler Eifert (neck) will sit out Sunday's game versus the Chargers, so Saubert will rise up and add depth at tight end. The 2017 fifth-round pick hasn't suited up in a game since last season, when he played two games with Chicago and caught two passes for 21 yards.

Hooper (appendix) may be held out until after Cleveland's bye in Week 9, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hooper underwent an appendectomy Friday and will miss Sunday's game against the Bengals. The tight end will likely miss next week's contest against the Raiders before the Browns' bye week Nov. 8. That would give Hooper three full weeks to recuperate. David Njoku and Harrison Bryant will get increased usage while Hooper recovers.

Tonyan (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The tight end was held out of practice both Wednesday and Thursday, but he returned to a limited session Friday. Confirmation of his Week 7 status will arrive when the Packers release their inactive list before Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff, but at this stage, it appears as though Tonyan will suit up versus Houston.

Gilliam could be forced into action on offense Sunday against the Jets with three others in the tight end room being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Tight end Dawson Knox tested positive for the virus while three others members of the tight end corps were deemed to be in close proximity to him at some point. Tyler Kroft was not part of that group because, in a nice twist of fate, he took a personal day to be with his newborn baby. Gilliam, who shifted from fullback to tight end earlier this season, was spared as well, as perhaps he was spending time mostly in special teams meetings. While he only has seen 13 offensive snaps this season, that could change out of necessity Week 7. We don't think that makes Gilliam a fantasy factor on almost any level, but don't be surprised either if he shows up in a key play or two. The rookie scored a touchdown Week 2.