NFL Player News

Njoku (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Njoku, who sustained a hamstring injury during Week 14 action, didn't practice Wednesday through Friday this past week before being listed as questionable for the contest. After testing things out during warmups, the tight end will sit this one out and target a potential return to action next Sunday against the Bengals. In his absence, Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart will handle Cleveland's tight-end duties versus Kansas City, with Akins profiling as a potential Week 15 lineup option for those in deep formats in need of a fill-in for Njoku.

Houston downgraded Stover from questionable to out for Sunday's game against Miami after he required an emergency appendectomy Saturday.

While the Texans relay that Stover is doing well and expected to make a full recovery, he'll likely be in store for a multi-game absence and could be a candidate for injured reserve. With Stover sidelined for at least Sunday's contest, the Texans will turn to Irv Smith to serve as the backup behind starting tight end Dalton Schultz.

Ruckert is expected to serve as the Jets' starting tight end in Sunday's game against the Jaguars due to Tyler Conklin (personal) being ruled out for the contest, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

With Conklin sitting out for the first time all season, Ruckert should have his best opportunity to date to see extended playing time. Until this Sunday, Conklin hasn't missed any games during his three-year tenure with the Jets, which has coincided with Ruckert's run in New York after he was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Ruckert hasn't played more than 50 percent of the Jets' offensive snaps or drawn more than three targets in any of his 13 appearances this season, but he could have a good chance at surpassing both marks Sunday.

The Jets have downgraded Conklin (personal) from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Conklin hadn't been included on the Jets' Week 15 injury report until the team announced Saturday that he was questionable due to the personal matter. Though Conklin didn't travel with the team to Jacksonville, the Jets were leaving the door open for the tight end to make his own trip to Florida in advance of Sunday's game. Ultimately, Conklin didn't join the Jets for the Week 15 contest and will be held out for the first time this season, paving the way for Jeremy Ruckert to step in as the team's top tight end.

Kuntz was elevated from the Jets' practice squad Saturday in advance of Sunday's tilt against the Jaguars, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Tyler Conklin is dealing with a personal matter and didn't travel with the team Saturday, though there's still a chance he will play Sunday. Kuntz's elevation appears to have been made with the intention of providing insurance at tight end in case Conklin can't suit up. This elevation is Kuntz's first of the campaign.

Shorter (back) doesn't have an injury designation for Monday's matchup against Atlanta, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Shorter missed last Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, but he'll be able to return Monday after logging an LP/LP/FP progression during practice this week. The 24-year-old tight end has played primarily on special teams this year and hasn't seen a passing target on 23 offensive snaps over six contests.

Njoku remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, but his status won't be determined until after he tests out his hamstring in a pregame workout, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Njoku didn't practice at all this week due to a hamstring issue, and while that lack of activity is normally a sign that a player won't be available on game day, the Browns are still giving him a chance to prove that he's healthy enough to suit up. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect an official word on the veteran tight end's status until the Browns release their inactive list about 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. If Njoku doesn't suit up, Jordan Akins would likely serve as the Browns' top tight end.

Stover is dealing with an illness and is questionable to play against the Dolphins on Sunday.

Stover appears to have been afflicted with the illness during the weekend, as he didn't have an injury designation following the Texans' final practice Friday. The rookie tight end logged a season-high 57 percent of Houston's offensive snaps Week 13 against Jacksonville prior to Houston's bye and caught his first career touchdown pass one week prior. If Stover can't play Sunday, there'd likely be more opportunities available for Irv Smith, who was elevated from the team's practice squad Saturday.

Smith has been elevated from the practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

This is the second time Smith has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster, as he logged 22 snaps (17 on offense, five on special teams) in Week 13 against the Jaguars. Smith is expected to operate as Houston's No. 3 tight end in this Week 15 contest behind Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover.

Westover was elevated from the practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

This is the second elevation for the former Washington alum, and he's expected to add depth on special teams. He made his NFL debut in Week 12 against the Dolphins, logging one snap on offense and 13 on special teams.