NFL Player News

Thomas (calf) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Thomas appears to be nearing a return to the field after missing Carolina's first five games of the season due to a calf issue, but the 28-year-old must still be activated from injured reserve if he's to suit up Sunday against the Falcons. Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Thomas could "absolutely" be back for the Panthers' Week 6 matchup if he proves he's moved past his calf injury during practice this week, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

Mayer (personal) remains away from the Raiders ahead of Wednesday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Mayer missed the past two games and appears in danger of missing another this Sunday against the Steelers. Harrison Bryant has taken on more playing time in Mayer's absence, while Brock Bowers is still dominating the tight-end targets but hasn't gotten much of a playing-time boost.

Tremble (concussion) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Tremble endured a helmet-to-helmet hit from Bears safety Jaquan Brisker this past Sunday, which resulted in the tight end entering the concussion protocol. With just two more chances to mix into drills this week, he could be hard-pressed to put himself in a position to play Sunday against the Falcons. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Ian Thomas (calf) -- who remains on injured reserve -- practiced fully Wednesday, and head coach Dave Canales said that Thomas "absolutely" has a chance to return this weekend, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press. If that comes to pass, the Panthers may have to roll with Thomas, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Feleipe Franks as their options at the position for Week 6.

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.