NFL Player News

Smith made a 13-yard grab while getting two targets in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Rams.

Smith hasn't been much of a factor with top tight end Delanie Walker healthy. There's little reason to expect much from him in next week's finale against the stout Jaguars defense.

Graham caught his only target for a three-yard touchdown against Dallas on Sunday.

Russell Wilson was only able to throw for 93 yards in this game, so Graham's limited role was of no fault of his own. Wilson should have a bigger game against the Cardinals this week, which should hopefully put Graham in position to post more yardage from scrimmage.

Kittle caught three passes on three targets for 42 yards and one touchdown against Jacksonville on Sunday.

Three targets isn't normally enough to get it done reliably, but Kittle has generally shown well as a rookie, and he was an important contributor in the 49ers' exciting upset of the Jaguars. The rookie has a more positive long-term outlook than most young tight ends generally, let alone those drafted in the fifth round like Kittle was. With QB Jimmy Garoppolo looking like a promising foundation of the new era in San Francisco, Kittle's future appears favorable.

Engram has been ruled out of Sunday's contest at Arizona due to a rib injury.

Initially, Engram was deemed questionable to return with an abdominal issue, but the Giants changed course when declaring him out, instead calling it a rib concern. With his departure, the offense is down to three tight ends in Rhett Ellison, Jerell Adams and Shane Smith. Looking ahead, Engram's status will be one to monitor closely for the regular-season finale against the Redskins.

Engram won't return to Sunday's game at Arizona due to a rib injury.

Eli Manning's first-quarter interception was intended for Engram, who came up gimpy after the play. According to Dan Duggan of NJ.com, Engram was favoring his "left hip" at the time, but the tight end eventually was diagnosed with an abdominal issue. For the rest of the game, the Giants' TE corps has three healthy bodies: Rhett Ellison, Jerell Adams and Shane Smith.

Gray suffered a hip injury during Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Gray did not return to the game after suffering the hip injury, and his availability for next week's game remains unknown. With Gray temporarily sidelined, look for A.J. Derby to fill in where needed.

Vannett (shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Vannett was considered questionable to play despite practicing without limitations both Thursday and Friday. He'll continue to operate as the Seahawks' third-string tight end Sunday, behind Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson.

Malleck was promoted to the Texans' 53-man roster Saturday.

Malleck joined Houston's practice squad in late November, and will make his NFL debut as the team's No. 2 tight end with Stephen Anderson the only other tight end on the roster not on injured reserve. The 24-year-old doesn't provide much fantasy intrigue given the Texans' abysmal quarterback situation.

Brown was promoted to the Raiders' 53-man roster Saturday, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Brown has been on the Raiders' practice squad since falling victim to roster cutdowns in September. The undrafted rookie free agent is unlikely to be an offensive factor and should serve as the team's No. 3 tight end with Clive Walford (concussion, neck) placed on injured reserve.

Vannett (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Vannett was able to practice in full Thursday and Friday, which makes the questionable tag somewhat surprising. The 24-year-old seems on track to play Week 16 and should continue in his usual role as a depth tight end for the Seahawks.