NFL Player News

The Ravens are not expected to activate Andrews (ankle) in time for Saturday's divisional-round playoff matchup against the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Andrews was listed as a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but Baltimore reportedly doesn't plan to activate him from IR by Friday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline. The standout tight end is working his way back from a significant ankle injury suffered Nov. 16, and it looks like a more realistic target for his return could be the AFC Championship Game, should the Ravens beat Houston and advance that far. If Andrews is indeed sidelined Saturday, it will fall to Isaiah Likely, who has scored five times in his last five appearances, to operate as Lamar Jackson's starting TE.

Jenkins signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jenkins spent time with the Jets, Eagles and Raiders this past season, but he didn't crack the active roster or appear in a game. He'll now look to impress in his second chance with Philadelphia ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Andrews (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Texans after being a full practice participant both Wednesday and Thursday, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

While Andrews, who suffered a major ankle injury on Nov. 16, appears to be trending in the right direction, coach John Harbaugh noted Thursday that the star tight end's status for the Ravens' postseason opener is "still up in the air." For his part, Andrews suggested Wednesday that he'd be inclined to play this weekend if he feels he can help the team. Either way, in order to have a chance to face Houston on Saturday, Andrews will need to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Friday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline.

LaPorta (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

After opening the week listed as a full participant at Wednesday's walkthrough, LaPorta operated with a cap on his on-field reps one day later. The Lions likely are managing his workload after he sustained a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee Week 18 against the Vikings. He was able to play through the issues during Sunday's wild-card win against the Rams, logging 45 of 56 offensive snaps en route to three catches (on three targets) for 14 yards and one touchdown. Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not LaPorta enters the weekend with a designation ahead of Sunday's divisional-round game versus the Buccaneers.

Andrews (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Andrews returned to practice last Friday and continued practicing this week, with head coach John Harbaugh noting that the tight end looked especially good during a limited session Tuesday. The 28-year-old apparently made enough of an impression to upgrade to full participation one day later, and with no report of a setback, he could practice fully again Thursday. The Ravens will need to activate Andrews from injured reserve by Friday in order for him to play in Saturday's divisional-round playoff game against Houston, which is taking place two months and four days after he suffered a major ankle injury Week 11.

Bell reeled in five of his nine targets for 26 yards and a touchdown during the 2023 regular season.

Bell provided a serviceable backup veteran tight end for the Chiefs in 2023, but he sat clearly behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray in the pecking order. Belldozer's contract expires following the season, so it wouldn't be shocking if the 31-year-old looks into the open market for another spot in 2024 after three seasons with the Chiefs. Bell has tallied no more than 11 receptions in a season since his rookie year, so he's not a fantasy asset to consider next season, regardless of the uniform he dons.

Gray finished the 2023 regular season with 28 catches for 305 yards and two touchdowns on 41 targets.

While Gray didn't take a step back this season, he didn't really leap forward offensively either, essentially matching his numbers from a season ago. Travis Kelce turns 35 in October and is likely drawing closer to the end of his career, so the Chiefs' brass may evaluate this offseason whether Gray is the future of the tight end position in KC. Gray remains on his rookie deal through the 2024 campaign and will presumably continue to contribute in two-tight end sets next season, assuming the Chiefs don't pursue a tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Kelce has indicated he doesn't intend to retire anytime soon and remains under contract through 2025, so Gray doesn't have a clear path to upgraded playing time next season either.

Kalinic signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on Tuesday.

Kalinic will stay in the organization after spending time on the Rams' practice squad in 2023. With Tyler Higbee recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, Kalinic could have an opportunity to win a 2024 roster spot in training camp.

Forristall signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on Tuesday.

Forristall spent the majority of the 2023 season on the Rams' practice squad. He'll compete for a roster spot in 2024 in a tight end room that could be without Tyler Higbee (knee) to begin the season after Higbee tore his ACL and MCL in the team's wild-card round loss to the Lions.

Head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Higbee will require surgery to address a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

McVay mentioned that Higbee could be a candidate to start on the PUP list this summer, as the Rams haven't settled on a firm timeline for when the tight end might be ready to resume on-field work. Given the mid-January timing and severity of Higbee's injury, he could have difficultly gaining clearance for the start of training camp in late July, if not the start of the 2024 regular season entirely. Normally, recovery from a torn ACL entails a 6-to-9-month recovery timeline, but Higbee faces the additional hurdle of rehabbing from a MCL tear. Davis Allen, a 2023 fifth-round pick, could be in position to see additional offseason opportunities as long as Higbee remains absent while recovering from surgery.