NFL Player News

Gathers signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on Tuesday, Rob Phillips of DallasCowboys.com reports.

The 2016 sixth-round pick spent the entire season on the practice squad, as the Cowboys attempt to convert his raw athleticism into useful football skills. With Jason Witten getting older and Gavin Escobar unlikely to return to the team in 2017, there could be snaps available at tight end, but Gathers would have to show significant improvement in the offseason to be in the mix for a spot on the active roster next year.

Kelce caught five of seven targets for 77 yards during the Chiefs' divisional-round playoff loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

As has been the case most of the season, Kelce was the Chiefs' most dangerous weapon in the passing game and paced the team in nearly every statistical receiving category. However, a pair of second half mistakes cost him -- and his team. Late in the third quarter, Kelce dropped a deep bomb in Steelers territory and then let his temper flare on the play after, ultimately drawing a 15-yard personal foul for roughing up a Steelers cornerback. Sunday's playoff loss aside, Kelce will finish the 2016 campaign as one of the best fantasy options at tight end and made a great case to be one of the first at his position to be selected in 2017 drafts.

James caught five passes for 83 yards in Pittsburgh's 18-16 playoff win over Kansas City.

Prior to Sunday, James had never totaled more than 59 yards in a game and, in 27 regular and post season games, had averaged just 15.6 yards. The Steelers will need another big game from him when they head to New England next week, where they have not won since 2008.

Graham brought in all three of his targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 36-20 divisional-round loss to the Falcons.

Graham capped off an impressive 12-play, 89-yard drive on the game's opening possession with a seven-yard scoring reception, but he was essentially a non-factor the rest of the way. That was a theme that seemed far too common this season for a player the caliber of Graham, who tallied between just one and three catches in seven games during the regular season. The seventh-year pro may have been indirectly affected by Russell Wilson's health concerns during the campaign, which led to several sub-par outings for the Seattle offense overall. Graham finished the 2016 season, his second in Seattle, with 65 receptions (95 targets) for 923 yards and six touchdowns over 16 games.

Hooper (knee) practiced fully Wednesday.

After sustaining a sprained MCL in Week 16, Hooper was held out of the season finale, but with the benefit of a first-round bye, he's approaching the end of the line in his recovery effort. Even if he's able to handle a plurality of TE reps this Saturday, he'll have a difficult time making an impact against a Seahawks defense that has conceded no more than three catches nor 40 receiving yards to tight ends in each of the past six contests (including playoffs).

Hooper (knee) is making progress in his quest to play in Saturday's divisional-round game versus the Seahawks, Adam Caplan of ESPN reports.

Although his activity level hasn't been revealed from Tuesday's practice, Hooper "moved around well" during the "limited work" afforded to him during the Falcons' bye last week, per Caplan. Assuming he at least sustains said workload on his healing MCL, Hooper should be a limited participant as the week progresses. Ultimately, Wednesday's injury report will give the first indication of his potential to suit up this weekend.

Helfet signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders on Monday.

Helfet appeared in 25 games for the Seahawks in 2014 and 2015 but was waived after fracturing his foot in training camp last summer. With Mychal Rivera set to hit free agency, Helfet appears to have a wide-open shot to secure the Raiders' No. 3 tight end slot in advance of the 2017 campaign.

Hooper (knee) is expected to practice Tuesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. "We anticipate, for tomorrow, everyone to be able to participate," head coach Dan Quinn said Monday.

Hooper missed the last two games of the regular season due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which is generally accompanied by a 2-to-4 week recovery timetable. Although the Falcons will fit in a session Tuesday, his activity level won't be confirmed until the Falcons submit their first injury report of the week after Wednesday's practice. If Hooper doesn't make the requisite progress in advance of Saturday's divisional-round game versus the Seahawks, Levine Toilolo would likely handle the majority of snaps among their group of tight ends.

Johnson was not targeted in the Steelers' 30-12 wild-card win against the Dolphins on Sunday.

Going without a touch is not unusual for Johnson. He played in all 16 games this season, recording just seven catches on 11 targets for 80 yards. An unrestricted free agent, his role is unlikely to change regardless of whether he returns to Pittsburgh or move on to another team next season.

James caught one pass for six yards in Pittsburgh's 30-12 wild-card win against Miami on Sunday.

After jumping out to a 20-6 lead, the Steelers attempted just six passes after halftime, leading to a quiet afternoon for anyone not named Antonio Brown or Le'Veon Bell. Even if Ladarius Green (concussion) misses next week's game, temper your expectations for James against a Kansas City defense that held opposing tight ends to an average of 43 yards per game and just four touchdowns all season.