NFL Player News

Okwuegbunam (abdomen) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars.

Okwuegbunam logged three full practices this week as he closes in on the end of his 21-day practice window, which expires on Nov. 6. The tight end needs to be activated from injured reserve by that date or he'll remain sidelined for the remainder of the season. Considering his participation level this week, he has a good shot of making his 2024 debut against Jacksonville in Week 9.

Shorter was signed to the Raiders' active roster Friday.

Shorter was elevated to the active roster for each of the team's last two games, failing to garner a target while playing five offensive snaps. He will now likely have an extended stay on the 53-man roster, and he'll look to carve out a larger role for himself as a reserve option behind Brock Bowers and Harrison Bryant at tight end.

Shenker was waived by the Raiders on Friday.

Shenker was let go after appearing in the team's last five contests, catching his only target for seven yards while playing 58 offensive snaps. The tight end will be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, there's a good chance he'll return to Las Vegas a member of the team's practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Raiders signed fellow tight end Justin Shorter to the active roster Friday.

Fant (groin) won't play Sunday against the Rams, and per coach Mike Macdonald, the tight end's status after a Week 10 bye isn't certain, Colin Gunther of the Seahawks' official site reports.

In particular, Macdonald said Friday, "It's going to be some time. We don't anticipate him being on IR, but we are unsure of his availability after the bye right now." After injuring his groin at Wednesday's practice, Fant was a non-participant both Thursday and Friday before the Seahawks ruled him out for Week 9 action. In Fant's stead, the trio of AJ Barner, Pharaoh Brown and Brady Russell will man TE for the Seahawks.

Hill (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill was unable to practice all week after sustaining a shoulder injury in the Dolphins' Week 8 loss to the Cardinals. His next opportunity to see the field will come in Week 10, when the Dolphins play the Rams on Monday night. Expect Durham Smythe to serve as Miami's No. 2 tight end behind Jonnu Smith in Hill's stead Sunday.

Bryant (elbow) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

Bryant has filled in for Michael Mayer (NFI - personal) as the in-line/blocking TE since September, with John Samuel Shenker then getting more playing time when Bryant missed Week 8. It's not a role with much fantasy appeal, but Bryant's return may cost Brock Bowers a few snaps/routes.

Smartt (ankle) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Browns.

Smartt was unable to practice all week after likely sustaining an ankle injury in the Chargers' Week 8 win over the Saints, so it's no surprise that he's not expected to play Sunday. If the Old Dominion product is unable to suit up, the Chargers' tight end room will likely consist of Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst and Eric Tomlinson.

Dissly (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Browns after practicing without limitations Friday.

The same applies to fellow tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) -- who has missed two straight games -- so Dissly could lose some volume in Week 9 after racking up 18 targets in Weeks 7 and 8. In that context, he profiles as a hit-or-miss fantasy option, especially with wideouts Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston (who had missed back-to-back contests) and Joshua Palmer slated to play Sunday.

Fant (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Fant will miss a game for the first time this season right ahead of Seattle's Week 10 bye. His absence leaves more playing time for fellow tight ends AJ Barner, Pharaoh Brown and Brady Russell, with Barner being most likely of the bunch to have significant involvement in the passing game.

Franks (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints.

Franks was unable to practice all week after sustaining a concussion in the Panthers' Week 8 loss to the Broncos, so it's no surprise he won't suit up for Sunday's divisional matchup. With Franks sidelined in Week 9, Carolina's tight end room will likely consist of Tommy Tremble (back), Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas.