NFL Player News

Akins secured four of eight targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the Texans' 32-31 win over the Colts on Sunday. He also caught a game-winning two-point conversion pass.

The journeyman tight end played the unlikely hero in an unlikely win, corralling a 28-yard touchdown grab on a 4th-and-20 heave from Davis Mills late in the fourth quarter and then securing the subsequent two-point conversion pass that proved the difference in the contest. Akins' Week 18 production allowed him to finish the 2022 campaign having tied his career high in receptions (37) and setting new personal bests in receiving yards (495) and touchdowns (five). The fifth-year pro played this season on a one-year contract, and given his ability to once again offer solid production as a pass catcher, Akins shouldn't have much trouble finding an NFL home in 2023.

Hill recorded five carries for 24 yards and hauled in his only target for one yard during Sunday's 10-7 defeat versus Carolina.

Hill saw a downturn in workload during Sunday's regular-season finale, as he logged his fewest number of touches since the Week 13 loss to Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old was limited by a back injury during Week 18 prep, so it's possible that issue could have affected his usage. Hill finishes the 2022 campaign with career lows as a passer, completing 13 of 19 attempts for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Instead, his versatile role on offense shifted distinctly toward the ground game, as he recorded career highs in carries (96) and rushing yards (575) to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. He also collected nine receptions (on 13 targets) for 77 yards and two touchdowns, and his 11 total touchdowns are the second-most of any season in his six-year career. With the Saints lacking both a clear starting quarterback and No. 2 running back heading into the offseason, Hill seems poised to continue serving as a key component of the team's offense in 2023.

Kmet caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 29-13 loss to the Vikings in Week 18 and ended the season with 50 receptions, 544 yards and seven touchdowns over 17 games played.

Although Kmet easily set his career high in touchdowns, it was a disappointing season after he had 612 yards in 2021. Of course, the passing offense was broken for much of the season, and at no point was it a high-volume passing attack. He went on a scoring binge between Weeks 8 and 10 with five touchdowns, but he then failed to score over the following five games. His future fantasy value will be dependent upon whether the Bears will be able to improve their overall passing attack and is under contract with the team through the 2023 season.

Freiermuth was forced out of Sunday's game against the Browns with a left knee injury, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to his exit from the contest, Freiermuth didn't catch a pass. Connor Heyward and Zach Gentry will handle the reps at tight end for the Steelers for the rest of the game.

Dwelley (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Cardinals, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Dwelley has only suited up once in the team's last six games, including Week 18. He'll work to earn a chance to play once the playoffs begin for the 49ers.

Tomlinson (ankle) is active Sunday against the Chargers.

Tomlinson was unable to practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he'll take the field Sunday in the Broncos' regular-season finale. He'll likely fall behind Albert Okwuegbunam as the team's No. 3 option at tight end.

Saubert (knee) is active Sunday against the Chargers.

Saubert was unable to practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he'll take the field Sunday in the Broncos' regular-season finale. He'll likely fall behind Albert Okwuegbunam as the team's No. 2 option at tight end.

Jordan (knee) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Colts.

Jordan will finish out the remainder of Sunday's game off the field, effectively ending his 2022 campaign. With the nature and severity of this knee issue still unclear, it will be worth monitoring his injury status heading into this upcoming offseason since Houston is not in contention for a playoff spot. In the short term, Jordan Akins and Teagan Quitoriano will serve as Houston's only available tight ends for the remainder of this Week 18 contest.

Jordan is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Colts with a knee injury.

Jordan did not record a target before exiting in the first half, though it's unclear when or how this injury first arose. The second-year tight end caught at least one pass in each of the Texans' previous three contests. With fellow backup O.J. Howard (hip) already inactive, Teagan Quitoriano could be in line for increased usage alongside top tight end Jordan Akins for the time being.

Holtz (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Holtz was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad Saturday, but he'll ultimately be a healthy scratch for Week 18. The fourth-year tight end made six appearances for New Orleans this season, but he was held without a target across 84 offensive snaps.