NFL Player News

Hill logged nine carries for 56 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 17-10 victory over the Browns. He did not record a target or passing attempt.

Hill played a primary role in this comeback effort during Saturday's brutally cold and windy conditions. After struggling to establish any consistency with its banged-up receiving corps, New Orleans turned to an option running game between Hill and running back Alvin Kamara, the latter of whom paced the team with 20 rushing attempts for 76 yards. Hill totaled 27 yards on his first two carries in the second quarter, and he finished with his most carries since the Week 8 win over Las Vegas. This included an eight-yard rushing touchdown through the middle of Cleveland's defense to tie the game 10-10 early in the third quarter. While Hill's increased usage was largely due to the unique conditions of Saturday's game, New Orleans' recent success with its rushing game could mean an increased role for Hill over the final two games of the regular season.

Quitoriano (knee) has been downgraded to out and won't return to Saturday's game against the Titans.

With O.J. Howard a healthy inactive for the Week 16 contest, the Texans will have to get by with Jordan Akins and Brevin Jordan at tight end for the rest of the day. Quitoriano failed to haul in his lone target before departing the game.

Smith exited Saturday's game against the Bengals with a head injury and is questionable to return, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.

After he was initially evaluated in the blue medical tent on the New England sideline, Smith headed to the locker room to presumably undergo further evaluation for a possible concussion. He's the second Patriots tight end to leave Saturday's contest early, as Hunter Henry was already ruled out for the rest of the game with a knee injury. The 6-foot-5, 217-pound Scotty Washington, who is listed as a receiver but has previous experience at tight end, is likely to fill in as the Patriots' tight end the rest of the way if Smith is unable to return.

Quitoriano is considered questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Titans due to a right knee injury.

Quitoriano failed to record any receptions before exiting the contest. If he is ulitmately unable to return, Brevin Jordan would be the lone backup at tight end behind Jordan Akins.

Ferguson (concussion) has been deemed active for Saturday's game versus Philadelphia, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Ferguson missed last Sunday's loss to Jacksonville after sustaining a concussion during the Week 14 win over Houston. The rookie tight end was then limited in each practice during Week 16 prep, though he apparently cleared protocols ahead of Saturday. Ferguson has caught 16 of 19 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns this season, and he should reprise his role as Dallas' No. 2 tight end behind Dalton Schultz.

Henry (knee) won't return to Saturday's game against the Bengals, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Initially labeled questionable after exiting the Patriots' first possession with the knee injury, Henry will remain on the sideline for the rest of the afternoon and will finish the day without any recorded statistics. Jonnu Smith is the Patriots' only healthy tight end and should play nearly every snap during the second half of the contest.

Henry is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Bengals due to a knee injury.

Henry went without a target before exiting the contest to have his knee evaluated. If Henry is done for the day, Jonnu Smith will serve as the Patriots' primary tight end for the rest of the afternoon.

Granson (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Chargers.

Granson was unable to practice at any point during Week 16 prep due to an ankle injury, so the Colts' ruling on his status Saturday comes as no surprise. With the second-year pro sidelined for the second time this season, Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods will handle most of the TE reps for Indianapolis on Monday.

Sweeney (coach's decision) has been deemed inactive for Saturday's game against the Bears.

Sweeney will be a healthy scratch for the second straight week. The 27-year-old has not logged a target since Week 6, as Quintin Morris has served as the No. 2 tight end behind Dawson Knox for the majority of the season. Barring injuries to Morris or Knox, it's likely Sweeney will remain inactive for the final two weeks of the regular season as well.

Fant (knee) is active for Saturday's game against the Chiefs.

Fant managed just one limited practice this week while he battled the knee issue, but head coach Pete Carroll said after Thursday's session that the tight end would be good to go for Saturday. As anticipated, the 25-year-old will indeed suit up for the Week 16 contest, and assuming he avoids any in-game setbacks with the ankle, Fant and fellow tight end Will Dissly could be both in store for larger roles in the Seattle passing game. The Seahawks are without starting receiver Tyler Lockett (hand) this weekend, leaving Fant, Dissly and wideout Marquise Goodwin as candidates to absorb some of the looks that don't go to top target DK Metcalf.