NFL Player News

Conklin caught four of seven targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 30-28 win over the Commanders.

The veteran tight end finished third on the Jets in catches, targets and receiving yards, but his production and usage paled in comparison to Breece Hall (12-96-0 on 16 targets) and Garrett Wilson (9-76-0 on 15 targets.) Conklin has found a steady role in the offense no matter who's been under center for New York, hauling in three or four passes in five straight games on between five and nine targets. However, he's still looking for his first touchdown of 2023 heading into a Week 17 clash with the Browns.

Pitts brought in three of four targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 29-10 win over the Colts on Sunday.

The talented but often underused tight end was able to put the Falcons on the board for the first time on the afternoon with a 24-yard scoring grab in the first quarter, his second touchdown in the last three games. Pitts' three-catch tally was also his third straight, and he could have a chance at more productive outings over the last two games of the season with Taylor Heinicke now at quarterback in place of the inconsistent Desmond Ridder.

Thomas caught five of six targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Jets.

The tight end caught the only TD pass of the day for a Washington quarterback, connecting with Jacoby Brissett on a 15-yard strike late in the third quarter after Sam Howell had been benched once again. It was Thomas' fourth touchdown of the season but his first since late October, and he could be a more appealing fantasy option in Week 17 against the 49ers if Commanders coach Ron Rivera makes the call to give the start to Brissett.

Kraft was targeted six times and caught four passes for 60 yards in Sunday's 33-30 victory over the Panthers.

It was not a huge afternoon for Kraft, but he did record four receptions and at least 57 yards for the third straight game. His role will change when fellow tight end Luke Musgrave (abdomen) returns, but it's unclear if that will occur in Week 17, as the Packers are being cautious with Musgrave as he works his way back from a lacerated kidney. Either way, Kraft will have his work cut out for him next week, as he and the Packers will square off against a Vikings team that just shut down Sam LaPorta and ceded just one touchdown to opposing tight ends over its last 10 games.

Ruckert (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Ruckert sustained a concussion in the third quarter and will not return to Sunday's contest. He finishes the game without recording a stat. Kenny Yeboah will step into the backup tight end role behind Tyler Conklin.

Hockenson won't return to Sunday's game against the Lions due to a right knee injury, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson suffered the injury on the Vikings' opening drive of the third quarter, when he took a hard shot to the knee following a reception, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. He'll finish the contest with four catches for 58 yards on four targets. The Vikings will likely provide an update on Hockenson's condition in the coming days, but for the time being, his status for the team's Week 17 game versus the Packers is uncertain.

Kmet (quadriceps) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

The Bears tacked Kmet on to their Week 16 injury report Thursday as limited due to a quadriceps injury, and he maintained that activity level Friday before entering the weekend as questionable. Now that he's confirmed as active, he'll extend his streak to 65 straight appearances to begin his career. Since Justin Fields returned to action Week 11 following a four-game absence due to a dislocated right thumb, Kmet has gathered in 20 of 24 targets for 152 yards and one touchdown over the last four contests.

Hooper is expected to serve as the Raiders' starting tight end in Monday's game against the Chiefs with Michael Mayer (toe) and Jesper Horsted (hamstring) both ruled out for the Week 16 contest, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran had taken a back seat to the rookie Mayer in recent weeks, but Hooper could be in store for one of his largest snap shares of the season Monday now that the other two tight ends on the Raiders' 53-man roster are sidelined with injuries. The Raiders could elevate Cole Fotheringham from their practice squad to provide additional depth Monday, but he shouldn't be a major threat to poach playing time from Hooper. Through 14 appearances on the season, Hooper has cobbled together a 16-154-0 receiving line on 20 targets.

Strange (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

The tight end missed the Jaguars' last three games and was limited in practice throughout the week. Strange enters Sunday's contest as Jacksonville's third tight end behind Evan Engram and Luke Farrell. Strange has four catches for 34 yards and a touchdown on 246 offensive snaps this season.

Horsted (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Chiefs, Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Horsted was a late addition to the Raiders' injury report Saturday after practicing in limited fashion. With Michael Mayer (toe) already ruled out, Austin Hooper is now the only healthy tight end on the team's active roster.