NFL Player News

Sample caught all three of his targets for 38 yards in Saturday's 34-11 loss to the Steelers.

Sample's three receptions tied a season-high for the veteran, while his 38 yards were the most he's gained in a single contest in 2023. The 27-year-old played 55 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps, ahead of both Tanner Hudson (50) and Mitchell Wilcox (23). Despite his increased involvement against the Steelers, Sample should remain far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Chiefs.

Trautman failed to reel in his lone target in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Patriots.

Trautman was held catchless in a contest for the fifth time this season, despite his standing as the Broncos' No. 1 tight end. The veteran continues to play a minimal role in Denver's passing attack and less involvement than backup Lucas Krull, who totaled four catches on five targets for 28 yards and a touchdown.

Krull secured four of five targets for 28 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Patriots.

Krull's touchdown was his first of the season, while his four receptions were also his most over five appearances in 2023. The 25-year-old played 32 percent of Denver's offensive snaps, trailing fellow tight ends Adam Trautman (49) and Chris Manhertz (35). Despite the limited playing time, Krull's five targets were tied for a team-high in the contest. Even with his increased usage Sunday, Krull should remain far off the fantasy radar when the Broncos host the Chargers in Week 17.

The Raiders reverted Fotheringham to their practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

With primary tight end Michael Mayer (toe) unable to play Monday against Kansas City, Las Vegas elevated Fotheringham from the practice squad for the first time in his career. In his initial taste of NFL regular-season action, the Utah product played 19 offensive snaps and eight special-teams snaps, catching his only target for a six-yard gain. Whether Fotheringham gets elevated again this week likely depends on Mayer's ability (or inability) to suit up.

New England signed Pettway to its practice squad Tuesday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Pettway tried out with the Patriots in late November and will now join the organization after being waived by Indianapolis with an injury settlement in August. The tight end has yet to suit up for an NFL game, though he has seen professional action in the USFL in both 2022 and 2023. Pettway could have a path to being elevated by the Patriots if Hunter Henry (knee) needs to miss more time.

Bellinger finished Monday's loss to the Eagles with four catches on five targets for 43 yards.

Primary tight end Darren Waller was healthy for the contest, though he and Bellinger logged an equal number of offensive snaps (40). Bellinger was somewhat surprisingly the more productive pass catcher, finishing second on New York in both receptions (four) and receiving yards (43). The former total was a season high for Bellinger, while the latter tied a season-best mark. Though this was Bellinger's best game of the season, Waller remains the better option for fantasy purposes.

The Cardinals cut Shenker from their practice squad Tuesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Less than a week after signing Shenker to its practice squad, Arizona has now decided to part ways with him. He's now set to become a free agent and will have to look for another opportunity with a different team.

Wright (hip) was listed as a non-participant on the Lions' practice estimate Tuesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Wright is apparently still being bothered by the hip issue he picked up in Week 15 versus the Broncos. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Wednesday or Thursday to give himself a chance to suit up in Week 17.

Hooper caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Monday's 20-14 win over Kansas City.

Hooper was the Raiders' second-leading receiver Monday despite notching a measly two catches for 13 yards, as the running game dominated the offense while maintaining a second-half lead. The veteran tight end logged 49 of a possible 55 offensive snaps with rookie Michael Mayer (toe) sidelined, and the latter's availability for a Week 17 tilt against the Colts remains uncertain.

Hockenson will require season-ending surgery after sustaining a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee during Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Lions, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson is expected to be placed on injured reserve in the coming days, while the Vikings likely turn to Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt to fill most of the available snaps at tight end for the remainder of the season. Given the late-December timing of the surgery, Hockenson could face an uphill battle to gain clearance for Week 1 of the 2024 season. He finishes his first full season in Minnesota with career highs in catches (95), receiving yards (960) and targets (127) in addition to scoring five touchdowns over 15 games.