NFL Player News

Hertz (rib) was cleared by doctors Monday and is 100 percent healthy in advance of Week 5, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Ertz suffered a displaced rib during Week 1 and has been sidelined ever since, but in returning from Philadelphia's bye week, he was cleared by doctors to start work again Monday. As the Eagles begin their preparations for Sunday's game against the Lions, Ertz figures to slide Brent Celek and Trey Burton down the depth chart at tight end, giving quarterback Carson Wentz another big-bodied target to incorporate in the team's passing game.

Higbee went without a catch and received just one target during Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Higbee wasn't targeted in either of the past two games, so his look in the passing game Sunday was a slight sign of encouragement that he hasn't been completely forgotten in the offense. With just a single reception for two yards through the first four games, the rookie isn't moving the fantasy needle, though.

Henry caught four of seven targets for 61 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 35-34 loss to the Saints.

Henry started again with Antonio Gates (hamstring) on the sidelines, and he was able to get his team on the board with a 20-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Henry was a useful outlet for Philip Rivers for the second straight game, as he now has 133 receiving yards combined over the two weeks. Gates could return next week, but given the second-round pick the Chargers spent on Henry and the rash of injuries that have hit the offense, the rookie could maintain a steady role in the passing game versus the Raiders.

Paulsen caught two of his three pass targets for 10 yards Sunday against the Lions.

Paulsen saw the same amount of targets as Zach Miller, though he was used simply on short passing routes. He could have value as a backup tight end for fantasy teams should Miller lose time due to injury.

Graham (knee/back) led the Seahawks with eight targets, six catches and 133 receiving yards in Sunday's 27-17 win over the Jets.

Graham was questionable heading into Sunday after having his practice scheduled reined in this week, but he was able to play to great effect, reaching the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game. After catching as many as six passes just four times and reaching 100 yards just once last season, Graham appears to be more involved in the offense in the early going this year, and his prospects should improve as Russell Wilson (knee/ankle) recovers from a couple of injuries of his own. Seattle will now enjoy a bye before hosting the Falcons in Week 6.

Vannett (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Jets, Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com reports.

Vannett returned to the practice field in a limited role this week, but the tight end will ultimately have to wait at least another week before he makes his NFL debut. Luke Willson and Brandon Williams will continue to serve as the only reserve tight ends behind starter Jimmy Graham.

Derby is active for Sunday's game against the Bills, CSN New England reports.

Derby is in line to serve as a depth tight end for the Patriots on Sunday, and given that he played quarterback before making the transition to tight end, he could potentially be another emergency option at the position (along with receiver Julian Edelman) on Sunday behind Jacoby Brissett, with Jimmy Garoppolo inactive.

Graham (knee/back) is active for Sunday's game against the Jets in New York, Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com reports.

Back spasms plagued Graham late in the week, but a DNP on Thursday was alleviated by a full practice Friday, paving the way to active status. Improving his production by the game this season, he'll look to replicate Travis Kelce's outing (six catches for 89 yards and a touchdown on seven targets) against this same Jets defense a week ago.

Hamm was signed to the 49ers' active roster on Saturday.

With both Vance McDonald (hip) and Garrett Celek (back) listed as questionable to play in Week 4, Hamm will serve as insurance at tight end if either McDonald or Celek can't play or gets knocked out of action during the game. RB DuJuan Harris was released to clear room.

Graham (knee/back) was a full participant at Friday's practice, after experiencing back spasms earlier in the week, Sports Radio KJR's Curtis Crabtree reports.

According to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, head coach Pete Carroll said Graham was fine Friday and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Jets. Owners will still want to check back when inactives are released, as Carroll is notoriously deceptive when discussing injuries, and Graham is still technically listed as questionable. That being said, the veteran tight end seems likely to suit up for Sunday's 1:00 P.M. ET kickoff.