NFL Player News

LaPorta recorded five receptions on six targets for 56 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 42-17 win over the Broncos.

LaPorta had a typical performance from an opportunity and yardage perspective, but he found the end zone three times to deliver a standout effort. He didn't tally his first reception until the last play of the first quarter, but he then went on to record touchdowns in each of the final three quarters of the game from 19, three and 10 yards, respectively. LaPorta won't continue to maintain the touchdown efficiency he displayed Saturday night moving forward, but he has impressively found the end zone nine times in his first 14 games as a pro. LaPorta also has three-plus catches in all but one of his games this season, proving himself a high-floor player in addition to some big outings.

Waller (hamstring), who is officially listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Waller was activated from injured reserve Saturday, so the expectation is that he will play for the first time since Week 8. Nevertheless, his status won't become official until shortly before the Giants kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. If he does suit up, Waller will bolster a pass-catching corps that is currently led by Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson.

Wright exited Saturday's game against the Broncos with a groin injury and is questionable to return.

Wright suffered the injury in the first half of the game and was not targeted prior to his exit. The severity of the issue is currently unclear.

The Broncos signed Krull to their 53-man roster Saturday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Krull had already been elevated to the practice squad three times this season, so it was necessary for Denver to sign him to the active roster in order for him to suit up Saturday. He caught the first pass of his NFL career last week against the Chargers, gaining 35 yards on the play. Krull's spot on the team has arrived with Greg Dulcich (hamstring) on injured reserve, though Dulcich has been designated to return and could be back as soon as next week.

Hockenson caught six passes for 63 yards on seven targets in the 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals on Saturday.

Hockenson was highly efficient and turned in a solid game for his fantasy investors, but it was easy to overlook his contributions in a game where he was overshadowed by Jordan Addison (six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns on six targets) and Justin Jefferson (seven catches for 84 yards on 10 targets). Addison seemingly remains behind Hockenson in the overall target rotation, though, so Hockenson is a good bet to rank higher in the team receiving category when the Vikings play against Detroit in Week 17.

Brown has been deemed questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs due to a foot injury.

Brown wasn't listed on the Patriots' injury report until Saturday, so it's unclear when the foot issue cropped up. The veteran tight end regularly logs about half of New England's offensive snaps, but his work as a pass catcher has been limited. Over his past five games, Brown has totaled just one catch on one target for four yards.

Waller (hamstring) was activated off injured reserve Saturday, but the tight end is still listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.comreports.

The Giants haven't officially removed Waller's injury designation, but it'd be strange to activate a player from injured reserve and then opt not to play him. While the offense hasn't generated a ton of yardage with Tommy DeVito at quarterback, Waller easily profiles as the team's best offensive weapon and certainly will help the rookie quarterback come Sunday, should he be active.

Smartt caught all three of his targets for 15 yards in Thursday's 63-21 loss to the Raiders.

With Donald Parham (shoulder) out, Smartt saw a jump in playing time and benefitted to the tune of a career-high three receptions, but the massive blowout also played a factor in the extra workload. It's hard to imagine Smartt being utilized frequently, so long as Parham and Gerald Everett are both healthy.

Pederson was elevated to the Jaguars' active roster Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

This marks the third straight week Pederson has been promoted from the practice squad. He has primarily served as a special teams option, playing seven (22 percent) and six (18 percent) snaps there in the previous two games. He will presumably see a similar role versus the Ravens.

Sample (illness) is listed as active for Saturday's game against the Vikings.

Sample was a late addition to the Bengals' Week 15 injury report, but he'll give it a go Saturday and will continue to log tight end reps along with Tanner Hudson, Mitchell Wilcox and Irv Smith. In 13 games this season, Sample has logged a 14/97/2 receiving line on 17 targets, a pace that limits his fantasy utility to deep formats.