NFL Player News

Smythe (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Miami's backup tight end is coming off a solid two-catch, 30-yard performance against the Seahawks in Week 4, but he may have picked up a knee injury along the way in that one. It's also possible that this was just a routine day off, and Smythe's practice participation in the coming days should help us form a better idea of his status for Sunday's trip to San Francisco.

Coach Vic Fangio said Wednesday that Fant (ankle) is a "longshot" to suit up in Sunday's game against the Patriots, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Fangio noted that Fant hasn't yet been officially ruled out for Week 5, but the starting tight end would have to make exceedingly quick progress in practice for any chance at suiting up. Adam Schefter of ESPN previously reported that the second-year tight end will be considered week-to-week going forward. Rookie fourth-round pick Albert Okwuegbunam hasn't yet been active this season, but he could get a shot to make his NFL debut versus the Patriots if Fant is indeed sidelined.

The Jets placed Cager (undisclosed) on the practice squad injured list Wednesday.

Cager's placement on the injured list allows the Jets to restore fellow wideout Donte Moncrief (undisclosed) to the practice squad. Coach Adam Gase said he expects Cager to miss multiple weeks.

The Browns designated Njoku (knee) to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

The transaction opens up a 21-day window during which the Browns can evaluate Njoku in practice, but he isn't expected to require the full period before Cleveland adds him back to the 53-man roster. Since Njoku has already missed Cleveland's last three games, he'll be eligible to play Sunday against the Colts, assuming his sprained knee responds well to practice. Though Austin Hooper sits atop the Browns' depth chart at tight end, Njoku was more involved in the passing game of the two in his lone appearance Week 1 in Baltimore, hauling in all three of his targets for 50 yards.

Sternberger went untargeted during a 30-16 Monday Night Football win against the Falcons.

Sternberger collected the first, second and third catches of his career Week 3 in a win against the Saints, after failing to record a reception over his first eight NFL appearances. Robert Tonyan had a monstrous night at tight end for the Packers with six receptions, 98 yards and three touchdowns against Atlanta, but Sternberger wasn't able to get in on any of the offensive production this time around. Sternberger remains the No. 2 tight end behind Robert Tonyan heading into Green Bay's Week 5 bye, as Marcedes Lewis (knee) continues to work his way back from injury.

Smith caught his only target for a 10-yard gain during Sunday's 17-9 loss to the Rams.

Smith has seen an average of 25 offensive snaps and two targets per game through the first quarter of the Giants' regular-season slate, but he has yet to register more than 17 receiving yards in a contest and remains without a touchdown on the year. He's the No. 2 pass-catching tight end in an offense that has only mustered 47 points all season and a measly 18 points the past two weeks. New York's Week 5 opponent, Dallas, has struggled to stop anybody this season, including tight ends. The Cowboys rank among the NFL's 10 worst teams in both receptions (26) and receiving yards (257) allowed to the position.

Deguara suffered a torn ACL in Monday's win over the Falcons and has been ruled out for the season, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

It was Deguara's second career NFL game after being selected in the third round of April's draft, and the rookie hasn't had much of a chance to impact the team's offense. He'll focus on rehabbing to return in 2021 at 100 percent. For the time being, Robert Tonyan will continue to lead the team's tight ends while Jace Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis (knee) rotate in.

The Giants signed Tomlinson to the active roster Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Tomlinson was cut by the Giants last Friday and landed on the team's practice squad, but he's being brought back up ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Cowboys. He likely won't be utilized much on offense, however, as Evan Engram, Kaden Smith and Levine Toilolo are all healthy.

Arnold hauled in all four targets for 39 yards during Sunday's 31-21 loss in Carolina.

With a 25-yard catch in the third quarter, Arnold accounted for the Cardinals' second-longest play of the game. It also helped him put up his most-productive stat line of the young season, but the positive vibes around Arnold entering Week 1 have yet to yield fruit in Arizona's offense. In any case, he'll look to continue to improve as he and his teammates prepare to visit the Jets on Sunday.

Smythe caught two of three targets for 30 yards during Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Seahawks.

Smythe got some opportunities Sunday as Seattle's defensive coverage honed in on limiting Mike Gesicki (one catch on three targets). The tight end also fielded one five-yard kickoff return, an unusual role in which the Dolphins occasionally deploy Smythe. As usual, though, the majority of Smythe's 29 offensive snaps (41 percent) came as a blocker.