NFL Player News

Kmet (knee) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Kmet caught four passes for a season-high 107 yards in the first half of last week's matchup versus the Cardinals but was forced out of the game due to a knee injury. His injury was described as soreness, and he didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday but returned Friday as a limited participant. The 2020 second-round pick has officially been cleared to extend his streak of consecutive games played to 66, but Kmet's snaps may be limited to avoid a potential setback. On the other hand, Darnell Mooney (concussion) isn't available, so Chicago may need everything they can get out of Kmet, who'll likely be Justin Fields' second-favorite target behind DJ Moore on Sunday.

Kmet is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Falcons and will test out his sore knee before the Bears make a call on his status, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kmet is officially listed as questionable after he practiced just once (on Friday, and as a limited participant) this week. Though Rapoport reported earlier Sunday that Kmet was expected to be available for the Week 17 matchup, the tight end's status is now more muddled just a few hours later after he was more sore than expected after arriving at Soldier Field this morning. Fantasy managers considering Kmet for Week 17 lineups will get official word on his status when the Bears release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. If Kmet is forced to miss the first game of his career Sunday, the Bears would be left with Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis as their available tight ends.

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

Kmet has yet to miss a game during his four-year NFL career, and he looks poised to continue his streak of consecutive appearances Sunday, despite managing just one limited practice this week while battling the knee injury. Because of his lack of full practice reps this week, Kmet could be at risk of having his snaps managed to some degree, though the Bears haven't indicated that will be the case. In any event, Kmet's status will be verified when Chicago releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Ferguson recorded four receptions on six targets for 33 yards in Saturday's 20-19 win over the Lions.

Ferguson entered the game having seen eight targets in four consecutive games, but he was overshadowed by Brandin Cooks as the secondary producer in Dallas' offense in Saturday's win. The end result was Ferguson's lowest yardage total since Week 12. Positively, he still has at least four catches in five consecutive games.

LaPorta secured seven of 12 targets for 84 yards in the Lions' 20-19 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night.

LaPorta led the Lions in receptions and targets while checking in second to Amon-Ra St. Brown in receiving yards. The talented tight end was especially impressive on the final drive, kickstarting the march with two receptions for 35 yards and adding a 15-yard grab later in the possession that set up St. Brown's 11-yard touchdown catch. LaPorta's reception and yardage totals were his best since Week 13, and he'll have a chance to put a stamp on a stellar regular season against the Vikings in a Week 18 divisional home clash on Jan. 7.

The Raiders elevated Fotheringham to their active roster Saturday.

With both Michael Mayer (toe) and Jesper Horsted (hamstring) missing Sunday's affair, Fotheringham has been elevated to Las Vegas' active roster to ensure some extra depth at tight end. The 26-year-old is coming off his NFL debut in Week 16, where he caught his only target for six yards and played 27 total snaps (19 offensive and eight on special teams).

The Patriots elevated Sokol from their practice squad to their active roster Saturday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Last week, Sokol was elevated for the first time this season and played 10 offensive snaps against Denver, finishing the contest without any stats. His elevation for Week 17 comes as starting tight end Hunter Henry is questionable with a knee injury and in danger of missing his second straight game. Even if Henry sits out again Sunday, Sokol isn't likely to log the necessary playing time to be a relevant fantasy option.

The Giants placed Cager (groin) on injured reserve Saturday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Cager was expected to miss his second game in a row in Week 17 after being listed as doubtful, but it now seems as if New York has decided to shut down the fourth-year pro for the remainder of the season. Barring any signings or practice squad elevations, the Giants will go into their final two games with Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger as the only two tight ends on their active roster.

The Lions signed Firkser from their practice squad to their active roster Saturday.

Firkser was elevated from the team's practice squad for last Sunday's win over Minnesota and played two offensive snaps without recording any stats. With Brock Wright (hip) deemed out Saturday versus Dallas and unable to practice at all during Week 17 prep, the Lions have decided to sign Firkser to the active roster rather than elevate him again. The third-year tight end will serve as depth behind Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell for Saturday's clash.

The Buccaneers elevated Wells to their active roster Saturday.

Tampa Bay will be without Ko Kieft (shoulder) in Week 17, so Wells' elevation ensures some extra depth at tight end. The 28-year-old is in line to appear in his first game since Week 4 on Sunday, and he'll likely serve as the team's No. 3 option at TE.