NFL Player News

Hockenson had two receptions for eight yards on two targets in Sunday's loss to Baltimore.

Hockenson hasn't had much action with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback as he's had just 12 targets in his four games behind center. He's not blocking more with Josh Oliver sidelined (foot) as he went out on a route on 44 of his 58 snaps on offense, so there's some hope for an increase in receptions.

The Bengals announced Monday that Burrow (toe) has been designated for a return from IR and will practice in a limited capacity.

Burrow now kicks off a 21-day window wherein his can practice without counting against the 53-man roster, allowing him to begin ramping up his activity level with the target of making a return to the lineup in December. The franchise quarterback is recovering from surgery undergone Sept. 21 to address a Grade 3 turf toe injury. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network have confirmed that December remains the Bengals' tentative target for Burrow to retake the field, but it's encouraging to see him already ready to handle limited practice reps. Joe Flacco will continue operating as Cincinnati's starting quarterback until such time as Burrow gains full clearance, including Sunday on the road against Pittsburgh.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that Stewart will require season-ending surgery to address the left quadriceps injury he sustained in Sunday's 36-29 win over the Jaguars, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

The eight-year veteran took over as a starting safety for Houston in Week 4 following the release of C.J. Gardner-Johnson in September. In nine appearances on the season, Stewart tallied 25 tackles, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Washington secured his lone target for 15 yards during Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Chargers.

Washington had one of his best performances of the season against the Colts in Week 9, securing four of six targets for 43 yards in the win. However, he was held in check during the Steelers' primetime matchup in Week 10, and he also ranked last among the team's tight ends in playing time, as he was on the field for 48 percent of the offensive snaps. Washington has shown glimpses of production this season, but he remains an unreliable fantasy option as part of a crowded group of tight ends in Pittsburgh.

Coach Todd Bowles said Monday that Irving's shoulder injury is what's keeping him sidelined, and he has to be able to take a hit before being cleared to return to game action, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

It sounds like Irving may be past the foot issue, though the team has continued to list both injuries on weekly practice reports. Bowles added that it's too soon to know if Irving will be able to play Week 11 against the Bills. Irving has missed the past five contests after being injured Week 4. As long as Irving remains sidelined, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will continue to handle backfield duties for Tampa Bay.

Burks secured all three of his targets for 58 yards during Sunday's 44-22 loss to Detroit.

Burks led Washington in terms of receiving yards against Detroit with Marcus Mariota under center and Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) sidelined, though he was outpaced by both Deebo Samuel and tight end Zach Ertz in terms of targets. As Burks was signed to the active roster in advance of Sunday's contest, he'll get another chance to contribute on offense as the Commanders travel to Madrid in Week 11 to take on the Dolphins. If McLaurin is unavailable again versus Miami, Burks could be considered as an emergency pivot option at wide receiver in deeper fantasy formats.

Freiermuth secured all three of his targets for 33 yards during Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Chargers.

Freiermuth was on the field for 50 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday, which ranked second among the team's tight ends. However, he was somewhat involved in the passing game and recorded his second-highest yardage total of the season in the loss. Freiermuth has logged at least three receptions in each of his last four appearances, securing 14 of 17 targets for 184 yards and three touchdowns during that time.

Smith secured one of two targets for four yards during Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Chargers.

Although Smith led Pittsburgh's tight ends by playing 67 percent of the team's offensive snaps Sunday, he had a season-worst performance in primetime. He was held to season-low marks in receptions, targets and receiving yards, although none of the team's tight ends recorded more than 33 yards in the defeat. The Steelers' passing game hasn't been stellar despite the offseason addition of Aaron Rodgers, and Smith's fantasy upside has been minimal with his new team.

Hooper didn't recorded a catch (on one target) in Sunday's 28-23 win over the Buccaneers.

Hooper was on the field for 34 of a possible 61 snaps on offense Sunday, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, while fellow TE Hunter Henry logged 53 snaps and one catch for nine yards on four targets. As long as he works in a timeshare that tilts in Henry's favor, Hooper is off the fantasy lineup radar in all but the deepest of formats.

Johnson rushed twice for three yards during Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Chargers.

Johnson was on the field for just four offensive snaps Sunday, and he didn't generate much production during the blowout loss. The rookie third-round pick has totaled just nine offensive snaps over the last four weeks, and he's been a non-factor in fantasy over the first half of the season, rushing 17 times for 43 yards while securing one of two targets for nine yards over six appearances.