NFL Player News

Ertz (ribs/back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's playoff game against the Seahawks after practicing in a limited fashion this week.

As of Friday, Ertz had yet to to be cleared for contact, with coach Doug Pederson noting that the Eagles are awaiting word "on a few doctor results (Saturday). If things go favorable, (Ertz) will play and if they don't, he won't." If the tight end isn't cleared to suit up, or ends up being limited Sunday, added looks would be available for the capable Dallas Goedert.

Smith filled in for an injured Evan Engram down the stretch and performed surprisingly well for a rookie with 30 catches and three touchdowns over the Giants' final six games.

Engram should be healthy to start the year, but it's hard to ignore how reliable Smith was as a sixth-round rookie, and Engram has hardly been a paragon of health. Don't be surprised if Smith continues to carve out a role in his second year.

Coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Ertz (ribs/back) has yet to be cleared for contact, Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

The 29-year-old should work as a limited participant for the third straight practice as the team awaits test results Saturday. Pederson also said, "If things go favorable he'll play. If they don't, he won't [play]." Ertz likely will be listed as questionable when the Eagles release their official injury report later Friday, but his status is unlikely to receive a worthwhile update for the wild-card matchup until Saturday.

Smith was not targeted in the team's Week 17 win over the Texans. However, he did rush the ball once for seven yards.

Smith was held without a target for a second time this season, producing only seven yards of total offense. However, he was still on the field for 81 percent of the team's offensive snaps, well ahead of both MyCole Pruitt and Anthony Firkser. Smith will likely draw a bigger role in the team's wild-card matchup against New England on Saturday, and he'll look to capitalize on his ability to gain yards after the catch. He'll also have plenty of motivation to produce next season, as he's entering a contract year and could be in line to take over as the team's starting tight end if Delanie Walker (ankle) opts to retire.

Thomas, who caught one of three targets for 15 yards in Sunday's finale against Green Bay, finished the 2019 season with 16 catches (28 targets) for 173 yards and one touchdown in 16 games.

While Thomas has had a slow but steady transition from quarterback to tight end over the past few years, he modestly set career marks across the board in 2019. Some of that may be due to T.J. Hockenson (ankle) missing time, but in any case, Thomas at least showed himself to be a serviceable depth option who can catch a few passes when called upon. It remains to be seen if any team around the league will reward Thomas this offseason for his development, as the 28-year-old is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the league year.

James, who caught two of three passes for five yards in Sunday's season finale against the Packers, finished the 2019 season with 16 catches (27 targets) for 142 yards and no touchdowns over 16 games.

Detroit signed the former Steeler in the offseason to help the Lions offense establish its identity in the run game. For the most part, James played his role well. While fantasy owners likely hoped for more production as a receiver -- especially when T.J. Hockenson (ankle) missed time due to injury -- prolific pass-catching has never been James' game and probably never will be. Instead, the 6-foot-7 James excels in opening holes for running backs, and that's exactly what the Lions are likely hoping from James in 2020 and beyond. The 25-year-old tight end is under contract through 2023.

Ertz (ribs/back) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday.

We'll look for added clarity with regard to the tight end's status Friday, but it was reported Wednesday that he hasn't yet been cleared for contact. If Ertz gets the green light on that front in advance of the Eagles' final practice of the week, his outlook for Sunday's game against the Seahawks would brighten, but given that it's the postseason, he'll no doubt do anything in his power to be available this weekend.

Akins (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's playoff game against the Bills after logging a limited practice Thursday.

Akins was just added to the Texans' injury report Thursday, so it appears as though the tight end may have suffered an in-practice setback. If he's limited, or out, this weekend, added snaps/targets would be available for Darren Fells as well as Jordan Thomas.

Smythe secured one of three targets for eight yards during Week 17's win over the Patriots.

Smythe once again served as the No. 2 tight end behind Mike Gesicki during Miami's regular-season finale, doing most of his damage as a blocker. The second-year pro played in all 16 games during the 2019 season, during which he caught seven of 14 targets for 65 yards. He stands to reprise a similar role behind Gesicki in 2020.

Andrews (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Andrews sat out Tuesday's session, but his return to the field Thursday suggests that the tight end's ankle issue isn't something that will impact his availability for the Ravens' playoff opener, which will take place Jan. 11.