NFL Player News

Akins will be the top backup in Sunday's game against the Eagles, as starter David Njoku (knee, ankle) no longer has an injury designation on the Browns' injury report.

Njoku, who aggravated an ankle injury and sustained a knee injury last week and has yet to play a complete game in 2024, will resume his normal role as Cleveland's top tight end. When Njoku's been unavailable, Akins has been forced into a larger role, including that of the top tight end in three of five games thus far, and has led the team's tight ends in snaps in four of five games. Akins has 12 catches on 17 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Pruitt (knee) is out for Sunday's matchup against Las Vegas, according to the Steelers' official site.

Pruitt was a limited participant in each of the Steelers' practices this week, so his inactive designation doesn't come as too much of a surprise. The 6-foot-2 tight end hasn't played since Week 2 against the Broncos and has one catch for nine yards on the year.

The Raiders placed Mayer (personal) on the reserve/non-football illness list Friday.

Mayer has been away from the team since at least Sept. 26 as he tends to a personal matter that has sidelined him the last two games and will keep him out through the Raiders' Week 10 bye. He'll be first eligible to get back on the active roster Sunday, Nov. 17 at Miami, but in the meantime, Harrison Bryant and John Samuel Shenker will handle the TE reps that don't go to rookie sensation Brock Bowers.

Freiermuth (calf) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Freiermuth upgraded to full practice participation Friday after being listed as limited Thursday. He'll continue to work as Pittsburgh's top tight end and will try to extend his touchdown streak to three games Sunday.

The Packers placed Musgrave (ankle) on injured reserve Friday.

During a media session Thursday, coach Matt LaFleur revealed that Musgrave "more than likely" would require an IR stint due to the ankle injury that has plagued him the last two weeks, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site. Now that the move is official, the team will lean on Tucker Kraft to continue handling a majority share of the TE snaps, while Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick, who was signed off the Falcons' practice squad this week, will be on hand for any reps that linger. LaFleur also told Hodkiewicz that there's hope Musgrave will return later in the season, which implies he may miss more than the required four games on IR during his recovery.

Hill (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Had he been healthy enough to play, Hill might have taken on a larger role than usual with Spencer Rattler filling in for Derek Carr (oblique). As is, Hill's next chance to play is Thursday against the Broncos, with a lack of practice participation this week suggesting he isn't especially likely to be ready on a short week.

Njoku (knee/ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Njoku will suit up despite being limited in practice both Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday. He has yet to play a full game without leaving due to injury this season, limiting Njoku to five catches for 58 yards in 2024 after he posted 81 catches for 882 yards in the 2023 regular season.

Conklin (hip) remained limited in practice Friday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Conklin also was limited Thursday. The starting tight end will have one more opportunity to upgrade to full participation as he tries to avoid an injury designation for Monday's home game against the Bills.

Kraft (groin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Paul Bretl of ESPN La Crosse reports.

Coach Matt LaFleur made it clear earlier Friday that there isn't much concern, even though Kraft was added to the injury report midweek. Kraft was a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday, but he should get plenty of work this Sunday, especially with No. 2 tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) being placed on injured reserve. Kraft caught 10 of 14 targets for 141 yards and three TDs over the past two games, topping 80 percent snap share in both contests.

Thomas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's outing against the Falcons, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Thomas could play in his first game of the season against Atlanta, but he'll need to be activated off injured reserve on Sunday morning. The 6-foot-4 tight end, if able to play, could see some opportunities on the field as starting tight end Tommy Tremble has already been ruled out for Sunday's game.