NFL Player News

Hooper will have an MRI on his injured knee Monday, ESPN's Adam Caplan reports.

Hooper was seen wearing a brace on his left knee following Sunday's win over the 49ers, a game in which the rookie scored his third touchdown of the season. With Jacob Tamme already on injured reserve with a shoulder problem, the Falcons will hope Hooper's knee issue isn't serious. Besides Hooper, Levine Toilolo and Joshua Perkins represent Atlanta's only other tight end options at the moment.

Hooper was spotted with a brace on his left knee following Sunday's victory over the 49ers, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Hooper found pay dirt Sunday for the third time this season, but he also picked up the knee injury, which apparently required some sort of treatment. The extent of Hooper's setback is not yet clear, but the injury leaves his status in question moving forward.

James failed to catch his only target in the Steelers' 24-20 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

With just five receptions in his last five games, James has become a nonfactor in Pittsburgh's offense. However, Ladarius Green left late in the game with a concussion, so James may see an increased role in Week 16 against Baltimore. Still, the Ravens have one of the best defenses in the league and have allowed opposing tight ends to score just three touchdowns this season.

Bell is out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Falcons due to a shoulder injury, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Bell had one catch for 45 yards before exiting. Expect Je'Ron Hamm to see additional snaps in Bell's absence.

Ertz caught six of eight targets for 80 yards in Sunday's 27-26 loss to Baltimore.

Though the Eagles continue to slide, few tight ends can match Ertz's production in recent weeks. The Stanford product has caught at least six passes in six of his last seven games. That should continue given the dearth of viable targets on the Eagles at the moment. One complaint with Ertz this season is he has scored just twice, but both touchdowns have come in the last five weeks. It is possible that more scores can be forthcoming as Ertz has been targeted in the red zone 10 times in the last five weeks, including thrice on Sunday.

Allen (hip) is active Sunday against the Vikings.

Following a disappointing Week 14 when Allen was held without a catch, the veteran tight end missed Wednesday's practice and followed it up with a limited showing Thursday. Allen logged a full practice Friday, however, paving the way for him to be active in Week 15. With wideout Donte Moncrief (hamstring) inactive Sunday, there's a chance the Colts could shift more of their offensive focus to the tight ends, giving Allen and Jack Doyle a few additional looks. That being said, the Minnesota defense will be no easy task, as the Vikings are one of just five teams in the NFL that have allowed two or less touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season.

Uzomah (calf) is inactive Sunday against the Steelers.

Uzomah practiced in full Friday, but it wasn't enough to clear him for Sunday's contest, as he will now miss his fifth straight game. As the No. 3 option at tight end, Uzomah's absence shouldn't have a major impact on the offense.

Uzomah (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Uzomah has missed the Bengals' past four games but he was able to practice in full Friday and stands a good chance of returning this week. Likely the third option at tight end, Uzomah's unlikely to have any sort of fantasy impact even if he's active.

Allen (hip) was a full participant in Friday's practice, but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Minnesota.

With Donte Moncrief ruled out of Sunday's game with a hamstring injury, the Colts may throw more to Allen and fellow tight end Jack Doyle. Allen looks set to play, as he practiced fully after being limited Thursday and missing Wednesday's practice.

Graham caught one of two targets for 31 yards Thursday in a 24-3 victory against the Rams.

It was a surprisingly quiet game for Graham as he looked to bounce back from a one-catch effort in Week 14. He was targeted once in the end zone, though fellow tight end Luke Willson scored. After averaging 65 yards a game and scoring four touchdowns in his previous five games, Graham's last two games have been a fantasy disaster.