NFL Player News

Njoku (knee) doesn't appear to be practicing Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

He wasn't listed on the Browns' pre-practice injury report, but Njoku apparently isn't on the field for the portion of practice that was open to media. He returned from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury for Sunday's 34-13 loss to Washington, only to pick up a new injury and play just seven snaps in the second half. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that he's viewing Njoku as day-to-day, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com.

The Browns signed Swaim to the active roster from the practice squad Wednesday.

Swaim had been elevated for Cleveland's past three contests, so the Browns had to sign the veteran tight end to the 53-man roster in order for him to be available for Sunday's road matchup against the Eagles. In those three games Swaim has played 10, 24 and 20 offensive snaps, respectively, but he's yet to earn his first target of the season.

Ertz caught two of eight targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns.

Despite handling a season-low 57 percent offensive snap share Week 5, Ertz led all Washington tight ends in playing time while also recording a season-high target total. The veteran wasn't able to take advantage of his increased opportunities Sunday, as he was able to reel in just two passes in the contest, his lowest reception total in a game this season. Even with the Commanders leading the NFL in scoring (31.0 points per game) through five weeks, Ertz remains a low-ceiling fantasy option in an offense that has skewed run-heavy.

Barner caught his lone target for 13 yards in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants.

Barner was minimally involved Sunday, playing just 15 of the Seahawks' 58 offensive snaps as the No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant. The 22-year-old rookie has now recorded six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown through the first five games of the 2024 campaign. Barner should be ignored for fantasy purposes as the Seahawks host the 49ers in Week 6.

Knox failed to record a single target in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Ravens.

Knox was held without a target for the second time this season. The veteran tight end continues to play behind teammate Dalton Kincaid, who saw six targets in the contest. Operating as the No. 2 tight end with minimal usage in the passing game, Knox can be safely left off of fantasy rosters heading into a Week 6 matchup with the Jets.

All caught both of his targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens.

All led all Cincinnati tight ends in playing time Sunday, as he was on the field for 52 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps. As the rookie tight end continues to develop, it's possible that he overtakes Mike Gesicki as the unquestioned top pass-catching option at the position, though Drew Sample (43 precent share in Week 5) also continues to see plenty of involvement as more of a blocker.

Gesicki secured both of his targets for 31 yards in Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens.

Gesicki played 29 of the Bengals' 67 offensive snaps Sunday while rookie tight end Erick All was on the field for 35 snaps. The rookie has now played more snaps that Gesicki in both of the past two weeks. The 29-year-old veteran could continue to see his role diminish with the emergence of All, not to mention the fact that head coach Zac Taylor has also kept a third tight end (Drew Sample) regularly involved on offense.

Johnson reeled in all five targets for 31 yards during Monday's 26-13 loss to the Chiefs.

The tight end got more involved Week 5, establishing season-high marks across the board, including in playing time (78 percent snap share). However, the 6-foot-4 pass catcher was still kept out of the end zone for a fourth game in a row. The Saints' passing game remains focused around Rashid Shaheed, Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara, with few others beyond that trio producing reliably in a given week. The Saints' game plans could change with Derek Carr expected to miss at least a couple weeks with an oblique injury sustained late in Monday's loss, but that may result in a more run-heavy offense that could leave even fewer targets available for Johnson.

Brown (groin) was estimated to be a full participant at the Seahawks' walkthrough Tuesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Brown opened the week as a limited participant Monday with an apparent groin issue, but the tight end now appears to be a full go ahead of Week 6. The 30-year-old has recorded three catches for 19 yards over three games with Seattle this season.

Fant caught all three of his targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants.

Fant is averaging just 27.2 receiving yards per game, and he hasn't found paydirt since the 2022 season. He's tough to depend on in any redraft format because of his limited and rare ceiling.