NFL Player News

Bryant caught four of five targets for 56 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 37-34 win over the Bengals.

Bryant took advantage of the extra opportunities created by Austin Hooper's (appendix) absence. He scored a three-yard touchdown to tie the game at 10 apiece in the second quarter, then tied it up at 17-all with a six-yard score in the third. With Hooper's appendectomy expected to keep him out through the Week 9 bye, Bryant and the disgruntled David Njoku, who also caught a touchdown, are both poised to keep playing expanded roles at tight end against the Raiders in Week 8.

Keene is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Fellow rookie tight end Devin Asiasi was made a healthy scratch Sunday, which paves the way for Keene to make his NFL debut in Week 7. Though Keene posted modest volume while at Virginia Tech, his per-target efficiency was notable thanks to his strong work after the catch. A wait and-see-approach is in order here from a fantasy perspective, but perhaps Keene can provide the Patriots offense with a lift in his first game action as a pro.

Asiasi is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Asiasi has yet to be targeted through five games this season and is a healthy scratch Sunday. As a result, fellow third-round tight end Dalton Keene is slated to make his NFL debut.

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.