NFL Player News

Orndoff re-signed with the Bengals' practice squad Thursday.

Orndoff was released from the team's practice squad Tuesday to make room for safety Derron Smith, but after Smith elected to terminate his own contract Thursday, the Bengals will bring Orndoff back.

Derby caught one of three targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 51-23 loss to the Eagles.

Derby led Denver tight ends with 33 offensive snaps on Sunday, which was likely a product of being the team's primary pass catcher at the position and the Broncos falling behind early. The 26-year-old has had a few nice games this season, but he's been wildly inconsistent, having yet to catch more than two passes in back-to-back games. Derby had a nice rapport with former quarterback Trevor Siemian, but is one of the more unfamiliar targets on the squad for new starter Brock Osweiler, who was previously with the Broncos from 2012 to 2015.

Graham (ankle) was listed as a full practice participant Wednesday and doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game in Arizona, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Graham's absence from practice Monday and Tuesday created some concern, but it now seems the Seahawks were just managing his reps in an effort to avoid aggravating the nagging ankle injury that has bothered him throughout much of the season. The tight end started the season with a pair of clunkers, but he has since caught 29 of 44 targets for 319 yards and four touchdowns in six games, scoring at least 5.9 points in standard formats and 10.1 points in PPR formats each week.

Lewis caught three of six targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 23-7 win over the Bengals.

Lewis is enjoying a little bit of a renaissance now that he's the man again in Jacksonville. His six targets were his most since October of last year, and he's already surpassed last year's touchdown total. Lewis is a tough start, given the fact that he's been held catchless in half of his games this season, but he can also score in bunches and has reemerged as a solid red-zone target. His risk likely outweighs his reward, though, especially with Leonard Fournette likely to return as a potent goal-line back this week.

Niklas caught one of three targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 20-10 win over the 49ers.

Niklas' three targets were a season high. Niklas is the second tight end on a team that doesn't really throw the ball to the tight ends. Even though he was on the field for more than half of Arizona's offensive snaps on Sunday, he managed just one catch and has as many games without a catch (four) as games with a catch and has just five receptions all season. He isn't a fantasy factor.

Graham (ankle) was once again a non-participant at Tuesday's walkthrough, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official website reports.

Graham has been a consistent contributor on offense since suffering an early season ankle injury. He has now been unable to participate in either walkthrough this week, which keeps his status for Thursday's game against the Cardinals up in the air. His level of participation at Wednesday's practice should shed more light on his availability for Week 10.

The Bengals released Orndoff from their practice squad Tuesday.

The team determined that safety Derron Smith, who was cut from the 53-man roster prior to the Week 9 loss to the Jaguars, was a better candidate for the practice squad than Orndoff. The undrafted rookie tight end out of Pittsburgh will look to find a spot on another team's practice squad.

Thompson will sign with the Bears' practice squad Tuesday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

An undrafted rookie tight end out of Temple, Thompson took part in training camp with the Giants, but was cut loose after requiring an appendectomy. Now apparently back to full strength, Thompson could earn a promotion to the Bears' active roster if he impresses in practices. The Bears lost starting tight end Zach Miller (knee) to a likely season-ending injury and career-threatening injury in their last game Oct. 29 against the Saints.

Everett hauled in one of his two targets for a 44-yard reception during Sunday's 51-17 win over the Giants.

It's pretty clear at this stage of the season that Everett is both tremendously talented and unlikely to receive consistent looks in the passing attack. The rookie tight end was on the field for just 15 of 64 offensive snaps, whereas sophomore Tyler Higbee played 50. As a result, Everett's fantasy value is extremely limited. Still, with Jared Goff proving capable of running a high-octane offense, Everett has plenty of long-term appeal in deep keeper/dynasty settings.

Paulsen signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Paulsen was let go by the 49ers for the third time this season in late October, but the team's tight end depth took a hit with George Kittle (leg) ruled out for Week 10 and Cole Hikutuni (knee) placed on injured reserve. The 30-year-old will likely serve as the team's secondary tight end against the Giants on Sunday and until Kittle is cleared to play.