NFL Player News

Hill gathered in his only target for six yards and rushed twice for six yards during Sunday's 23-3 defeat versus the Buccaneers.

Hill played his fewest number of offensive snaps this season with five. The 35-year-old has seen very limited playing time in his first four games since returning from a torn ACL four weeks ago, averaging 8.8 offensive snaps per game. He's also averaging just 3.5 touches per game, and he has not totaled over 15 yards in any of his four contests. Unless Hill sees a sharp increase in red-zone touches, he won't be worth any consideration by fantasy managers going forward. The Saints face off with the Rams in Week 9 on Sunday.

Helm recorded two catches (on three targets) for 23 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Colts.

Helm logged at least a 50 percent offensive snap rate for the third time in his last four games. He was outperformed by Chig Okonkwo in most offensive stats, though Helm did manage his first career touchdown on a one-yard reception early in the second quarter. Helm could continue to emerge in the second half of the season, particularly if the Titans move on from Okonkwo via trade.

Johnson caught five of eight targets for 53 yards during Sunday's 23-3 loss versus the Buccaneers.

Johnson logged five catches on at least seven targets for the second week in a row. The tight end once again finished third on the team in targets, receptions and yards behind wide receivers Chris Olave (12-8-63) and Rashid Shaheed (12-9-75). The Saints benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough in the third quarter, as the passing offense continued to struggle in this game. New Orleans still logged 51 passing attempts as a team. If the team continues to air it out while playing from behind, then Johnson's fantasy production should benefit with a healthy number of targets going forward. New Orleans' next game will come versus the Rams in Week 8.

Okonkwo recorded four receptions on five targets for 53 yards in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Colts.

Okonkwo bounced back from a surprising catchless performance Week 7 to make a pair of deep catches that went for 23 and 18 yards. Even as Gunnar Helm has emerged in the Tennessee offense, Okonkwo's role has remained stable as he has at least five targets in three of the team's last four games. He's also produced at least 45 yards in all three of those contests, giving him a surprisingly competent baseline level of production given the state of the Titans offense.

Rucci reverted to Miami's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Rucci was elevated for the first time this weekend for the Dolphins' Week 8 win over Atlanta. He worked as Miami's third tight end behind Tanner Conner and Greg Dulcich and didn't record any targets. Rucci's opportunity came as a result of Darren Waller (IR, pectoral) and Julian Hill (ankle) missing the contest. Waller is on IR and Hill was deemed a non-participant in Monday's estimated practice report, so Rucci certainly has a chance of being elevated again for Thursday's battle against Baltimore.

Carlson reverted to the Bears' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Carlson was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's 30-16 loss to the Ravens, failing to record any stats while playing four snaps on offense and seven snaps with the special-teams unit. The tight end finished third in offensive snaps behind Colston Loveland (51) and Durham Smythe (20) at his position, and if Cole Kmet (back) remains out in Week 9, Carlson could be elevated again prior to the team's matchup with the Bengals.

The Vikings claimed Sims off waivers from the Packers on Monday.

Sims was waived by the Packers on Saturday, but he'll remain in the NFC North as a member of the Vikings, and his move corresponds with Carson Wentz (shoulder) being placed on injured reserve. Sims will give Minnesota added depth at tight end, and the third-year pro could have a somewhat meaningful role behind T.J. Hockenson and Ben Yurosek for this Sunday's game against the Lions if Josh Oliver (foot) is unable to play. Sims mostly played on special teams across his three-regular season appearances for the Packers prior to his removal from the roster.

The Browns claimed Bates off waivers from the Texans on Monday.

Bates was waived by the Texans on Saturday, but he has found a new home in Cleveland, where he'll provide depth at tight end behind David Njoku, Harold Fannin and Blake Whiteheart. Bates appeared in three regular-season games for Houston prior to being waived and logged two catches on as many targets for 23 yards while splitting his snaps between offense and special teams.

The Raiders waived Shorter on Monday.

The move corresponds with the Raiders signing veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to the active roster. Shorter was signed to the Raiders' active roster in early September after initially failing to make the 53-man squad at the end of training camp, though he mostly saw the field on special teams. Assuming he clears waivers, the third-year pro will look to join a team in need of depth at special teams and wide receiver.

Krull underwent surgery to repair the the fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot Monday and is expected to be out for eight weeks, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Krull broke his left foot in early October, which prompted his placement on injured reserve. The eight-week timeline puts the 27-year-old tight end on pace to return by the end of the regular season or for the start of the postseason, should the Broncos qualify. With Krull on IR and Nate Adkins sustaining a knee injury during Denver's Week 8 win over Dallas, Evan Engram and Adam Trautman are the only healthy tight ends on the Broncos' active roster.