NFL Player News

Lewis is expected to be listed as a non-participant in practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Since the Jaguars are locked in as the No. 3 seed in the AFC, the team could treat Week 17 as a de facto bye week in preparation for the postseason. With that in mind, banged-up veterans like Lewis seem likely to be limited in practice throughout the week, and there's a possibility the tight end could be held out entirely Sunday in Tennessee. If Lewis is sidelined with the ankle issue or restricted in the regular-season finale, James O'Shaughnessy, who reeled in a season-best five targets in last week's loss to San Francisco, would step in as the team's top tight end.

The Redskins promoted Garner from the practice squad to their 53-man roster Wednesday, Stephen Czarda of the Redskins' official site reports.

Garner previously attended training camp with the Redskins before being cut in September and latching on with the team's practice squad. He'll slot in fourth on the depth chart at tight end for Washington, making it uncertain if he'll dress for the season finale Sunday against the Giants.

Engram was diagnosed with bruised ribs on his left side after X-rays earlier this week returned negative, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Giants finished Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Cardinals without their top two pass catchers, as both Engram and Sterling Shepard (neck) departed the contest early due to injury. The severity of Shepard's setback remains uncertain, but Engram was fortunate to avoid cracked ribs, which would have almost certainly sidelined him for the season finale against the Redskins. It's still conceivable that the bruising Engram is dealing with might be significant enough to keep him out in Week 17, but the Giants will track his progress in practice the next three days before making a call on his availability. Engram should make for a top-10 fantasy option at tight end in most formats if he's able to play in the finale.

The Packers promoted Byrd from their practice squad Tuesday.

The Packers will bring Byrd aboard the active roster ahead of the Week 17 matchup with the Lions with fellow tight end Richard Rodgers (shoulder) uncertain to play in the contest. Byrd, an undrafted rookie out of Marshall who impressed the Packers in training camp, would back up Lance Kendricks if Rodgers sits out the season finale.

The Lions signed Barnes to their practice squad Tuesday.

The undrafted rookie out of Alabama State previously attended training camp with the Jets before being waived in September. Barnes is unlikely to receive a promotion to Detroit's 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's season finale against the Packers, but he could get the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team in training camp next summer.

Kelce caught four passes on eight targets for 47 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Dolphins.

Kelce hasn't gone over 50 receiving yards in either of the last two weeks, but he did reach the end zone for the first time since Week 13 with a nice snag on a high pass from quarterback Alex Smith. The 28-year-old tight end leads his position group with 83 receptions and sits only behind Rob Gronkowski (1,084) with 1,038 receiving yards entering a Week 17 matchup with the Broncos.

Coach Sean Payton suggested Tuesday that Hill will continue to be incorporated on offense in some situations, Herbie Teope of The Times-Picayune reports. "Just looking at different situations, I think it was a screen play," said Payton. "We'll continue to do that."

Hill possesses enough athletic ability to play different positions on the field and has even contributed on special teams this season. He checked in for just one offensive play Sunday, so it remains unlikely that the rookie signal-caller will see enough usage to warrant fantasy ownership in most leagues.

Higbee caught both his targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 27-23 road win over Tennessee.

The two receptions improved the sophomore tight end to a lackluster four catches for 22 yards through the past four weeks. While his diving 10-yard grab in the second quarter of Sunday's win showcased Higbee's athleticism and potential, he hasn't been involved enough in the passing attack to provide serviceable fantasy numbers in the majority of settings.

McGrath caught both of his targets for 23 yards in the 14-7 win over the Jets on Sunday.

With Hunter Henry placed on injured reserve due to a spleen injury, McGrath seemed set to receive a larger volume of targets Sunday. That didn't end up being the case, as Antonio Gates rekindled the flames of old with quarterback Philip Rivers, turning back the clock to put together a vintage performance (six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown). Given both McGrath and third-string tight end Jeff Cumberland saw less than 30 snaps Sunday, it seems unlikely either player will find themselves in a position of fantasy relevance in Week 17.

Ertz caught nine of 14 targets for 81 yards in Monday night's 19-10 win over the Raiders.

Ertz was quarterback Nick Foles' security blanket, as he was targeted at least twice as often as any other teammate. That many looks allowed Ertz to post his second-highest catch total this season. Monday's win saw the Eagles clinch the top seed in the NFC, so it'll be worthwhile to monitor how players like Ertz will be handled in Week 17, but he's clearly a comforting presence for Foles in the passing game.