NFL Player News

Bryant is slated to work as the Browns' top tight end Monday night against the Bengals, with David Njoku (ankle) inactive, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Meanwhile, Pharaoh Brown is in line to serve as the team's No. 2 TE on Monday, with practice squad elevation Miller Forristall also on hand. In Njoku's absence, Bryant -- who has caught 14 passes (on 21 targets) for 114 yards in seven games to date -- is in line for an uptick in snaps and targets, making him an option for those looking to replace Njoku in Week 8 fantasy lineups.

Brown (concussion/neck) is listed as active for Monday night's game against the Bengals.

Given that David Njoku (ankle) is inactive for the contest, look for Harrison Bryant to work as Cleveland's top tight end Monday, while Brown and possibly Miller Forristall also mixing in. With just nine catches (on 13 targets) for 93 yards in six games (three with Houston, three with Cleveland) to date this season, Brown is only an option for those in deeper fantasy formats.

Cager reverted to the Giants' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

With Daniel Bellinger (eye) out, Cager was elevated to the active roster for Week 8 and operated as the third tight end behind Tanner Hudson and Chris Myarick. Cager played 12 of 65 offensive snaps but failed to haul in his only target. As long as Bellinger remains sidelined, Cager figures to be a likely candidate for elevation.

Hollister reverted to the Vikings' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Hollister was elevated to the active roster for a second time this season and played primarily on special teams. However, with Irv Smith (ankle) unlikely to play in Week 9, it's possible Hollister gets another elevation and may even crack the offensive rotation while operating as the No. 2 tight end behind Johnny Mundt.

Forristall was elevated to the Browns' active roster Monday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Forristall will get a chance to play Monday against the Bengals with David Njoku (ankle) already ruled out and Pharaoh Brown (concussion) questionable. Harrison Bryant is currently the only healthy tight end on the Browns' roster, which means Forristall could receive a healthy workload if Brown is unable to compete.

Woods did not have a catch or target in Sunday's loss to Washington.

While Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Kylen Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox and 15 for Woods), and all three went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Woods). There were not any major changes in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback. Woods remains third in the pecking order for playing time and has fantasy value only for the rare end-zone target.

Alie-Cox did not have a catch and had one target in Sunday's loss to Washington

That's three consecutive games where Alie-Cox hasn't had a reception. He didn't even have a target the prior two games. While Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Kylen Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox), and all three tight ends went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Jelani Woods). There were not any major changes in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback.

Granson had three receptions for 11 yards on three targets in Sunday's loss to Washington.

While Mo Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox) and went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Jelani Woods). There were not any major changes in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback. Granson looks to lead the trio, and none of the three are used much except for an occasional end-zone target.

Mundt had a one-yard touchdown reception on his only target in Sunday's win over Arizona.

It was just Mundt's fifth target in his last three games (five receptions for seven yards during that stretch). He's been an afterthought in the passing game once Irv Smith got up to full speed after the first few games after a preseason thumb injury. However, Mundt could be pressed into a larger role with Smith now likely out several weeks with an ankle injury. Still, Mundt's role may not increase too much, as he's not seen as skilled as a receiver.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Smith (ankle) looks "week-to-week," Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

This news isn't all that surprising given Smith is believed to have a high-ankle sprain, which normally sidelines players for multiple weeks. However, it's noteworthy because it's the first official indication that Smith is unlikely to play Sunday against the Commanders. The talented tight end still is awaiting MRI results, so the extent of the situation isn't known yet, but if Smith misses time, expect Johnny Mundt and Jacob Hollister to garner increased roles Week 9.