NFL Player News

Rader (hip) is not among Tennessee's inactives for Sunday's Week 18 matchup against Jacksonville.

Rader was questionable coming into Sunday due to a hip injury, but his outlook was optimistic after he logged a full practice session Friday. The fourth-year tight end will indeed be able to suit up in Tennessee's final game of the 2023 campaign, though he's unlikely to make much of an impact on offense. Rader has drawn only one target, which he caught for a six-yard gain, through 13 contests this season.

Brown (ribs) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Brown, who practiced in a limited fashion this past week, approached the contest listed as questionable, but he'll be able to give it a go in the Patriots' season finale. With Hunter Henry (knee) sidelined Sunday, Mike Gesicki and Brown are slated to lead the team's Week 18 TE corps, but Brown hasn't caught more than two passes in any of the 16 games that he's suited up for this season, so he's only a fantasy option in the deepest of formats.

Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Smith's first season in Cincinnati has come to a close, and he was able to catch 18 of his 26 targets for 115 yards and one touchdown across 12 games. The Bengals are expected to roll with Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox as their three tight ends in Week 18.

Johnson (chest) is active for Sunday's game versus the Falcons.

Johnson spent some time on the sideline last Sunday in Tampa Bay due to a shoulder injury but was able to finish the contest. As the Saints kicked off Week 18 prep, he was listed as a non-participant due to a chest issue Wednesday, but he capped it with back-to-back limited sessions before entering the weekend as questionable. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday morning that Johnson was slated to suit up, which has been confirmed upon the team posting its list of inactives. Johnson will look to keep up his recent hot streak against an Atlanta defense that has given up the sixth-most catches (90) to opposing tight ends in 16 games this season.

Kmet (knee) is listed as questionable but is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Packers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kmet should be formally cleared when Chicago releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Though Kmet looks poised to play through the knee injury for the second week in a row, it's unclear how much larger of a role he'll be able to handle Sunday after he was limited to just 13 snaps on offense in the Bears' 37-17 win over Atlanta in Week 17. The tight end at least appeared to be healthier in practice this week, as he turned in a limited practice Thursday before upgrading to full activity Friday.

Johnson (chest), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Johnson carries an injury designation into the regular-season finale after he sat out practice Wednesday before closing Week 18 prep with a pair of limited sessions. Though he sustained the chest injury in last week's 23-13 win over the Buccaneers, Johnson was able to return to the contest and finished with his best stat line of the season, as he hauled in eight of 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. Assuming he's officially cleared ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Johnson could remain a prominent part of the passing attack with receiver Michael Thomas (knee) stuck on injured reserve and with wideout A.T. Perry (illness) and running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) both listed as questionable but uncertain to play.

Mallory hurt his hamstring in Saturday's contest against Houston and has been ruled out from returning.

It's unclear when Mallory suffered the injury, but he was ruled out during the second quarter. The rookie didn't catch his only target prior to his departure. The Colts will be down to Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox at tight end for the remainder of the matchup.

Likely hauled in both of his targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 17-10 loss to the Ravens.

Likely continued his recent tear with a 27-yard catch in the second quarter for his fifth touchdown over his last five contests. The late-season standout produced the best fantasy line for Baltimore despite just two targets in the loss to Pittsburgh. Likely has generated 17 receptions off 20 targets with 282 yards and five scores while replacing injured starter Mark Andrews (ankle). The latter is still eyeing a potential return from IR during the Ravens' upcoming playoff run, which will begin either Jan. 20 or Jan. 21 for the AFC divisional playoffs. Likely has proven in recent weeks that he can produce usable fantasy numbers on low target totals, but he would still take a considerable hit in value if and when Andrews returns.

The Lions signed Firkser to their practice squad Saturday.

Firkser was cut by the Lions on Thursday after being signed to their active roster Dec. 30. With Brock Wright (hip) ruled out for Detroit's regular-season finale against the Vikings, Firkser could be called up to the active roster and operate behind Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell.

The Patriots elevated Sokol to the active roster Saturday.

The move corresponds with the Patriots placing Hunter Henry (knee) on IR. Sokol could be activated for New England's season finale against the Jets, with Pharaoh Brown listed as questionable with a ribs injury. Sokol has played two games this season and has not recorded a target over 11 offensive snaps.