NFL Player News

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.

The Giants signed Jackson to their active roster Saturday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Jackson joined the Giants' practice squad Aug. 30 after failing to make the Eagles' 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp. He's been elevated twice this season but has not recorded a stat. Jackson will serve as the third tight end on the depth chart behind Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

The 49ers placed Dwelley (ankle) to the injured reserve Saturday.

Dwelley sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 13 against the Eagles. He hasn't managed to suit up since, and with his placement on IR, his season is officially over since the 49ers have a max of four games left. Dwelley had one catch on two targets for 12 yards over 12 games this season, operating mostly as a pass-blocking tight end and special-teams player.

The Patriots signed Pettway to a two-year contract Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The move corresponds with New England placing Hunter Henry (knee) on the injured reserve list Saturday. Pettway joined the Patriots' practice squad Dec. 26 after trying out with the team a month prior. Now that he's on the active roster, he'll provide depth at tight end behind Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown, the latter of whom is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets with a rib injury.

Henry (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Henry was at times a touchdown hog for the Patriots this season, scoring six times in 14 games despite being saddled in a moribund offense at times. The team isn't necessarily in a bad spot cap-wise, but it'd be hard to argue that Henry has lived up to the three-year, $37.5 million contract signed back in 2021, and he could be an offseason departure if a new regime does ultimately take over in Foxborough.

Ruckert (concussion) was placed on the Jets' injured reserve Saturday.

This means Ruckert's season is over, and he will now have to set his sights on preparing for the 2024 campaign. He will end the year with 151 yards on 16 receptions across 15 games. In his absence, Kenny Yeboah and Zack Kuntz will be available to provide depth at tight end behind Tyler Conklin.

Mayer (toe) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Mayer had already been ruled out for Sunday's finale prior, but the Raiders wanted to open up a roster spot for the final week of the regular season. The rookie tight end was widely lauded as a sure-fire starter in the league, but he ended up splitting time frequently with Austin Hooper the entire campaign and ended up with a 27-304-2 line on the season. The 22-year-old Mayer likely still projects as a clear-cut starter in future seasons, but it's certainly been a frustrating season for fantasy managers who expected Mayer to flash to the same extent as fellow rookies Sam LaPorta, Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave.

The Packers activated Musgrave (kidney) from injured reserve Saturday, but he remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Musgrave has strung together back-to-back weeks of limited listings on Green Bay's injury reports as he put the finishing touches on his recovery from the lacerated kidney that he sustained Week 11 against the Chargers. If he's able to suit up Sunday, he may serve in a secondary role behind fellow tight end Tucker Kraft as the former eases back into the rigors of game action. Prior to the IR stint, Musgrave was putting together a nice rookie campaign (33-341-1 on 45 targets in 10 games).