NFL Player News

Bland (foot) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

The Fresno State product had already been ruled out for Dallas' Week 16 matchup against the Chargers, but following his placement on IR, he'll be forced to miss the remainder of the regular season. Bland may return later in the playoffs if the Cowboys were to qualify, but that currently seems unlikely. Over 12 appearances this season, the 26-year-old recorded 73 total tackles and six passes defensed, including one pick-six. While he's sidelined, expect Shavon Revel and Trikweze Bridges to have expanded roles in Dallas' secondary.

Diggs (knee) was activated from the injured reserve list Saturday, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

The 27-year-old has missed Dallas' last eight games due to a knee injury, but it now appears he'll return for the Week 16 matchup against the Chargers. In six contests prior to the injury, Diggs tallied 18 total tackles but allowed a 148.7 passer rating when targeted. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of the Cowboys' top boundary corners during Sunday's matchup.

Smyth signed a three-year deal with the Saints on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 24-year-old from Northern Ireland has served as the Saints' placekicker in each of their last three games, converting on four of five field-goal attempts and all five of his extra-point tries. Following his new deal Saturday, Smyth is expected to remain New Orleans' top kicker for the foreseeable future.

Kuntz (knee) has been upgraded and has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Lions.

The Duquesne product was a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday due to a knee injury, but it now appears he's ready to play in Sunday's contest. Expect Kuntz to serve as the Steelers' long snapper during the Week 16 matchup.

Conklin (concussion) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday.

The 31-year-old hasn't played since suffering his second concussion of the season in the Browns' Week 13 loss to the 49ers, and he's now in line to miss the remainder of the year. Conklin agreed to a reworked contract this past offseason with Cleveland that makes him a free agent after the 2025 season, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. KT Leveston is likely the next man up at right tackle for Sunday's matchup against the Bills.

Turner (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.

The third-year pro from Michigan was a late addition to the Bengals' injury report and is now in jeopardy of missing Sunday's contest. Turner has been a bright spot in Cincinnati's secondary, recording 36 total tackles and 17 passes defensed, including two interceptions, over 14 appearances this season. If he's sidelined for the Week 16 matchup, expect DJ Ivey and Josh Newton to receive more snaps with the Bengals' first-team defense.

The Chiefs signed Godrick off their practice squad Saturday.

The 25-year-old from Nigeria will join Kansas City's active roster for the second consecutive week ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans. With Jawaan Taylor (elbow), Wanya Morris (knee), Josh Simmons (wrist) and Jaylon Moore (knee) all sidelined for the Week 16 contest, Godrick is expected to start at right tackle.

Jefferson (back) is trending toward being cleared to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Jefferson sustained a back injury during the Titans' Week 15 loss to the 49ers. The sixth-year wideout posted a DNP-LP-FP practice log during Week 16 prep, and while he's listed as questionable for Sunday's game, Jefferson is trending in the right direction. Over his last nine games, Jefferson has caught 20 passes (on 43 targets) for 256 yards and one touchdown.

Taylor (elbow) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday.

The 28-year-old had already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Titans due to a triceps injury, but he's now been placed on IR and won't return to the field this season. While Taylor is sidelined, expect Chukwuebuka Godrick to start at right tackle in Week 16.

Helm (toe) is expected to play against the Chiefs on Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Helm is working through a toe injury that he sustained during the Titans' Week 15 loss to the 49ers, when he caught four passes on as many targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He was tagged as questionable for Week 16, but his ability to practice in full Friday -- coupled with Fowler's report Saturday -- puts the rookie tight end on track toward being available for Sunday's home tilt. Helm has caught 41 passes (on 50 targets) for 347 yards and two touchdowns through 14 regular-season games.