NFL Player News

The Titans signed Hesse to the practice squad Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Hesse spent the offseason with the Titans and couldn't secure a roster spot, but he's back with the team to work on the scout team and add depth at tight end, which is especially important since Jonnu Smith is dealing with an ankle injury.

The Titans activated Pruitt from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Pruitt has cleared the necessary protocols and will return to team activities. The 28-year-old tight end maintained a consistent run-blocking role through the first three games of the season, and he could resume those duties this Sunday versus the Steelers.

Sample didn't catch his lone target in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Colts.

Sample has largely underwhelmed since C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) was ruled out for the season, as he's posted a 6-70-0 line while getting targeted just nine times over the last four games. He's getting plenty of playing time, recording at least a 75 percent snap share in each contest. The 2019 second-round pick's not dependable in redraft fantasy leagues, but he'll be a valuable DFS option if he happens to fall into the end zone.

Per a source, Njoku wants to be traded by the Nov. 3 deadline, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku expressed the same desire to be traded during the offseason but rescinded the request in August. At this point, the Browns have been unwilling to trade him, but Njoku might be an attractive target for teams that could give Cleveland help at linebacker and in the secondary. The Browns rotate their three tight ends with Njoku and Harrison Bryant getting reps behind starter Austin Hooper; however, there is not a lot of production to be had for them as receivers, as Cleveland is a run-oriented team. In three games this season, Njoku has five catches on seven targets for 63 yards.

Okwuegbunam caught two of six targets for 45 yards during Sunday's 18-12 win over the Patriots.

With Noah Fant (ankle) out, Okwuegbunam was the downfield threat for Denver at tight end Sunday. His former college teammate Drew Lock looked his way early with five targets during Denver's first three drives, but the results were mixed. The rookie had two nice catch-and-runs, but had two would-be-touchdowns clang off his hands. Depending on Fant's health, Okwuegbunam is no guarantee to see the field Sunday against Kansas City, but his tantalizing athleticism should serve as incentive for the coaching staff to be patient with his shaky hands.

Kelce caught five of seven targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns in Monday's 26-17 win over the Bills. He also lost a fumble prior to halftime.

Kelce got Kansas City on the board with an 11-yard reception toward the end of the first quarter, then found pay dirt from 12 yards out toward the end of the second. While those plays brought Kelce's touchdown total to five through six games, the tight end committed his first turnover of the season Monday, coughing the ball up just before halftime. That miscue surely bothers Kelce, but with at least five catches and/or 70 receiving yards in every game this season, he remains in great form ahead of Sunday's trip to play the Broncos.

Parkinson (foot) returned to practice Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The rookie fourth-round pick as been on the reserve/non-football injury list all season, but his return to the active roster appears to be on the horizon. Parkinson was also on the NFI list for all of training camp, so it could take awhile for him to get up to speed.

Higbee caught three of four targets for 57 yards during Sunday's 24-16 loss to San Francisco.

The bulk of Higbee's production came on a 31-yard reception in the third quarter, and he also hauled in a 17-yard pass during the Rams' first drive. This was the fifth-year tight end's best game since scoring three touchdowns Week 2 against Philadelphia, and while he's probably still a little risky in most fantasy settings, Sunday's showing was a step in the right direction. Just remember head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff tend to spread the ball around, and fellow tight end Gerald Everett has seven receptions over the past two weeks and is emerging as another trusted weapon in the Los Angeles passing attack.

Everett caught three of four targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 24-16 loss to San Francisco.

While statistically this was an underwhelming showing after Everett recorded 90 receiving yards last week, the Los Angeles offense never found a rhythm in the first half, and Everett tied for second in targets with fellow tight end Tyler Higbee. Higbee had the better fantasy day with three catches for 57 yards and played 45 snaps compared Everett's 30, but the latter continues to be involved in the passing attack. Everett should be on the fantasy radar because his athleticism makes him a big-play threat whenever the ball is in his hands. Unfortunately, he's just one of the many options head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff have to turn to.

Coach Vic Fangio said Monday that Fant (ankle) has a "chance" to face the Chiefs on Sunday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Fant is continuing to work his way back from an ankle sprain sustained Week 4. The second-year tight end was initially deemed to have a "50/50" shot for last Sunday's 18-12 win over the Patriots, but he was ultimately ruled out before even flying with the team to New England. He'll look to upgrade his level of practice activity leading up to Week 7.