NFL Player News

Smythe (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Smythe missed last week's win over the 49ers and only practiced in limited fashion through the week, so the fact that he's back playing is a positive sign. Now healthy, the Notre Dame product is expected to reprise his usual role as the No. 2 tight end option behind Mike Gesicki.

Akins (ankle/concussion) will not play Sunday against the Titans, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Akins, who was a limited participant in practice all week, was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, but it seems as if the team is simply playing it safe with its starting tight end. Darren Fells, who last week posted a season-high 57 receiving yards and registered his second touchdown this season, will once again operate as the primary pass catcher in Akins' absence.

Fant (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's contest against the Patriots, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Considering coach Vic Fangio suggested Friday the tight end was "50-50 to go this week," it's perhaps a bit surprising that Fant won't even travel with the team to New England one day later. That being said, the 22-year-old was ruled out prior to Monday's contest before the game was eventually postponed, so this shouldn't come as a major surprise. Jake Butt, Nick Vannett and Albert Okwuegbunam will likely serve as a three-headed attack in replace of Fant this week.

Knox (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Chiefs, the Bills' official site reports.

Knox was never much of an option to play after leaving Tuesday's game against the Titans and not practicing all week. Tyler Kroft is in line for more of a role as the primary receiving tight end this week, though the Bills offer plenty of other weapons in front of any of their tight ends in the passing game.

Smith (quadriceps) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game versus the Texans, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Smith started the week as a non-participant but practiced without limitations Friday, which gives him a green light for Week 6. The fourth-year tight end has been fantastic this season, as he's posted 18 receptions for 221 yards and five touchdowns through four games. Smith's value could take a slight hit if Corey Davis (illness) returns from the reserve/COVID-19 list, but as one of the top fantasy tight ends this year, he should be utilized accordingly.

Akins (ankle/concussion) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Akins practiced in a limited fashion all week, and coach Romeo Crennel said Friday that Akins will be a game-time decision Sunday. Crennel also confirmed that Akins is still in the league's concussion protocol while also working through an ankle injury, so he'll need clearance on both fronts in order to play Sunday. Darren Fells will be the main beneficiary if Akins can't go.

Lewis (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran tight end never put in a full practice session this week due to the knee issue, but it won't impact his availability for Sunday's contest. Lewis has two receptions for 22 yards and is mostly serving as a blocking tight end this season.

Knox (calf) did not practice for the second straight day Friday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

While the Bills' starting tight end has the benefit of an extra day this week given the Monday night matchup, his status is looking very much in doubt at this stage. Tyler Kroft isn't a bad pickup in deeper formats if Knox does get officially ruled out.

Hurst (back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Minnesota.

The Falcons listed a slew of players on their injury report this week, but it appears they'll have all their key skill-position players on offense available Sunday, including WR Julio Jones. It's mostly been a disappointing season for Hurst, who has just one game with double-digit PPR points so far.

Alie-Cox (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Bengals, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

With Alie-Cox out, Jack Doyle and Trey Burton should both benefit from extra snaps at the tight end position against Cincinnati. The Colts will be on bye in Week 7, giving Alie-Cox two weeks to heal up before a Week 8 road tilt in Detroit.