NFL Player News

The Ravens activated Andrews (ankle) from injured reserve Friday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Andrews, who the Ravens reportedly expect to make his return to the field during Sunday's AFC Championship Game matchup against Kansas City, is now officially eligible to do so now that he's back on the active roster. The star tight end was designated for return from injured reserve Jan. 12 and has since put forth a number of full practice sessions. Those are all positive indications that Andrews, who at this point looks fully on track to suit up Sunday, may be able to hit the ground running in his first NFL action since Week 11.

LaPorta (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

One day removed from sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough, LaPorta returned to the practice field in some capacity. He now has one more chance this week to get back to all activity before the Lions potentially gives him a designation ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game in San Francisco. In two outings playing through a hyperextension and a bone bruise in his left knee, LaPorta has earned at least an 80 percent snap share on both occasions while hauling in 12 of 14 targets for 79 yards and one touchdown in playoff wins against the Rams and Buccaneers.

The Lions placed Wright (forearm) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Wright's season is officially over after he suffered a broken forearm during Detroit's divisional-round victory over Tampa Bay. Anthony Firkser and Zach Ertz -- who was officially signed to the team's practice squad Wednesday -- will be available as depth options behind starting tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the 49ers with Wright sidelined.

Andrews (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday.

Since the Ravens designated Andrews for return from injured reserve Jan. 12, he managed two straight uncapped practices last week but wasn't activated ahead of this past Saturday's divisional-round win against the Texans. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier Wednesday that Andrews is expected to be added back to the active roster for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, and his ensuing full session seems to reiterate that point. Baltimore will need to activate Andrews by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday in order for the tight end to be available one day later.

LaPorta (knee) didn't take part in Wednesday's walkthrough practice.

LaPorta is being listed as a non-participant on a Lions injury report for the first time since Jan. 11 due to the hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee that he suffered Week 18 against the Vikings. He's been able to play through the pain in Detroit's first two playoff games, earning at least an 80 percent snap share in both contests on his way to a combined 12 catches (on 14 targets) for 79 yards and one touchdown. LaPorta will have two more chances this week to get back to full participation before the team potentially tags him with a designation ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game at San Francisco.

Andrews (ankle) is expected to be activated from injured reserve and play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Andrews logged two full practice sessions ahead of last Saturday's divisional-round win over the Texans, but he wasn't officially activated from IR in advance of the contest. Now set to take part in full practices for the second week in a row, Andrews appears to be trending toward a return to the lineup Sunday, provided he doesn't experience any setbacks after he required surgery in November to address damage to his left fibula and left ankle. Isaiah Likely has impressed while filling in as Baltimore's top tight end, so the team will have the luxury of easing Andrews into action if he isn't ready for his usual full snap share Sunday.

Strange finished the season with five catches on nine targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in 14 games.

The rookie second-round pick's first year in the NFL wasn't a particularly notable one, as he worked as Jacksonville's No. 3 tight end. Both Evan Engram and Luke Farrell remain under contract in 2024, but the latter is primarily a blocking tight end. Given the draft capital used to acquire Strange, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him move into a larger role next year.

Farrell closed the season with 13 catches on 15 targets for 155 yards in 17 games.

Farrell once again primarily served as a blocking tight end for the Jaguars in 2023, though he did set career highs in both receptions and receiving yards. The 26-year-old should fill a similar role in 2024, which is the final year of his rookie contract.

Taula signed a reserve/future contract with the Buccaneers on Tuesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Taula linked up with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, before he ultimately earned a role on the team's practice squad. The 25-year-old never found his way to the active roster during the season though, but he'll have another opportunity to do so next season.

Bates caught 19 of 28 passes for 151 yards in 17 games during the 2023 season.

The 2021 fourth-round pick has finished each of his three pro seasons with between 22 and 28 targets and 14 and 20 receptions, and around 500 snaps. Bates hasn't shown the pass-catching chops to make a fantasy impact, and he now faces some uncertainty entering the final year of his rookie contract as the Commanders bring in a new coaching staff.