The Lions elevated Ricci from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Rams.

This will be Ricci's first elevation since joining the Lions' practice squad Nov. 30. The sixth-year tight end will provide Detroit with some much-needed insurance at tight end, as both TE1 Sam LaPorta (back) and TE2 Brock Wright (neck) are on IR. Ricci's playing time in Week 15 will almost certainly depend on whether Shane Zylstra (knee) plays after being activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Detroit activated Zylstra (knee) from injured reserve Saturday.

Zylstra has been dealing with a knee injury since Week 2, and he was designated to return to practice Dec. 1. The 29-year-old remained sidelined during last week's win over the Cowboys, but he's trending toward playing ahead of this Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. Zylstra has been a reliable blocking tight end over the past four seasons with Detroit, but with TE1 Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) both on IR, he could be more involved as a pass catcher alongside Anthony Firkser moving forward. It's still unclear if Zylstra will be active versus the Rams.

The Seahawks signed Saubert (calf) to a one-year contract extension Saturday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.

Saubert joined Seattle on a one-year contract in March after spending the previous campaign with the division-rival 49ers. The veteran tight end has never figured into a significant role as a pass catcher during his 10-year career, and he's now on his ninth team in Seattle. He's been well regarded for his value as a blocker, and that's been the basis of his role with the Seahawks, as he's tallyed just one catch over seven appearances this season. Saubert has been dealing with a calf injury that's kept him on IR over the last six games, and he was designated to return to practice Wednesday.

Culp brought in his only target for a six-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

Culp was able to crack the stat sheet for the first time all season, making his one catch count via a six-yard score just past the midway point of the third quarter. He had a solid preseason and entered the 2025 campaign with expectations of a more prominent role behind Cade Otton (knee), but it took the latter's first absence of the season Thursday for Culp to finally get on the board while playing a season-high 20 snaps.

Ruckert is set to have a bigger role in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

In the absence of Mason Taylor (neck), Ruckert is set to take on a bigger role, likely in both the pass and run game. The tight end will likely be utilized as an additional blocker to protect Brady Cook and to open up holes for Breece Hall, but his ability in the receiving game cannot be understated. Ruckert has 18 receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown on 21 targets this season as the backup to Mason Taylor. Being thrust into the No. 1 tight end role means the 2022 third-rounder could see a further increased target share in Sunday's contest as well.

Thomas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.

Thomas continued to trend in a positive direction with full participation in practice Friday after opening the week as a non-participant with a calf injury sustained in Week 14. The 29-year-old's progression is a good sign for his availability Sunday against the Eagles. If Thomas is unable to play, Carter Runyon will act as the No. 3 tight end behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.

Smartt (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Smartt was able to practice Friday without limitations, but he'll need to pass an evaluation from an independent neurologist in order to clear the league's concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game. The fourth-year pro has mostly served on special teams this season, but he could see an expanded role on offense Sunday behind Jeremy Ruckert due to the absence of Mason Taylor (neck).

Zylstra (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Zylstra logged three limited practices heading into Week 15 against the Rams, a step up from his practice progression in Week 14 when he ended the week as a non-participant. If the 29-year old does return, he would be making his first appearance since Week 2 against the Bears. The fifth-year pro plays a majority of snaps on special teams but could possibly see a larger role on offense with Sam LaPorta (back) on injured reserve.

Adkins (knee) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Adkins' availability for Week 15 was initially suspected when the Broncos waived fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis on Thursday. Adkins has been absent since Week 9 with a persistent knee injury, and his return to the lineup is a valuable addition to a Broncos team that is attempting to secure the AFC's top seed. Adkins has six receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets through six games this season. The 26-year-old's ability to block for the run and pass game is arguably more valuable to the team, but he also has solid receiving upside.

Smartt (concussion) practiced fully Friday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Smartt advanced from a non-participant Wednesday to a full participant in Friday's session, but evidently he's yet to clear the NFL's concussion protocol, given that he carries a 'questionable' designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.