NFL Player News

Sample had just one catch on two targets for nine yards in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

That's two consecutive games where Sample has been nearly invisible on offense, despite playing 57 snaps. Sample has yet to score this season, and outside of two games against Cleveland, he has had eight catches in the remaining seven Bengals games this year.

Arnold notched four catches (on four targets) for 34 yards during Sunday's 32-30 victory versus the Bills.

Arnold was a close second in snaps on offense (35 of 73) to Maxx Williams (39) among Cardinals tight ends, with Darrell Daniels (14) bringing up the rear. Both Williams and Daniels were listed as limited on Monday's estimated injury report with ankle injuries, so Arnold is the healthiest of the group as the team begins preparations for Thursday's game in Seattle. Consequently, Arnold could serve as the No. 1 option at the position for Kyler Murray this week, depending on how Williams and Daniels progress through their health concerns.

Helm reverted to the 49ers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

The Duke product made his third appearance of the season Sunday against New Orleans, fielding 10 special-teams snaps but going without a notable contribution on the stat sheet. Helm will remain on call, as he may be needed again in the near future with George Kittle (foot) on injured reserve as of Nov. 5.

Fumagalli reverted to the Broncos' practice squad after recording two receptions for 12 yards (on three targets) during Sunday's 37-12 loss to the Raiders, per the NFL's official transaction log.

The Broncos needed depth at tight end with Albert Okwuegbunam (knee) going on injured reserve Nov. 10, thrusting Fumagalli into an immediate offensive role in a pass-heavy game script. The Wisconsin product garnered 12 of Denver's 71 total offensive snaps during the contest, and there remains potential for him to be promoted again ahead of a Week 11 matchup against the Dolphins with tight ends Jake Butt (hamstring) and Austin Fort (knee) also residing on IR currently.

Kmet (groin) is listed as active Monday against the Vikings.

Kmet managed just one limited practice before this game due to a groin injury, but he'll play through it for a second straight contest. In the Bears' Week 9 loss to the Titans, though, he was blanked in the box score and wasn't even targeted. On the season, Kmet is averaging less than a target per game, with Jimmy Graham leading the team's tight end group.

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.