NFL Player News

Kieft brought in one of two targets for six yards in the Buccaneers' 16-13 win over the Rams on Sunday.

The rookie tight end continued to operate primarily in a blocking capacity while logging 16 snaps. Kieft made an appearance on the stat sheet in the form of one catch apiece over the last three games, and he could once again garner active status in the Week 10 contest versus the Seahawks in Munich, especially if Cameron Brate (neck) remains out.

Baltimore activated Kolar (sports hernia) from its injured reserve list Tuesday ahead of its Week 10 bye.

Kolar spent the first nine weeks of his rookie season on the Ravens' injured reserve list with a sports hernia, but with the additional benefit of a Week 10 bye, it seems he should be ready to go for Week 11 versus Carolina. The fourth-rounder out of Iowa State boasts great length and an impressive college stat sheet, but he probably won't see many opportunities as long as Mark Andrews (shoulder) is healthy.

The Rams waived Blanton on Tuesday.

Blanton signed with the Rams back in late September, while fellow tight end Brycen Hopkins served a three-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. However, Hopkins' suspension was lifted Monday, and Los Angeles has since parted ways with the 262-pounder after he played just 25 offensive snaps across the team's last four games. Blanton will now hope to earn another opportunity for playing time elsewhere.

McBride logged 13 of 63 offensive snaps during Sunday's 31-21 defeat to the Seahawks.

Since seeing the first three targets of his career Week 4, the rookie second-round pick has received consistent offensive snaps in five games in the interim. That said, McBride hasn't been targeted during that stretch, despite earning at least a 21 percent share of the plays. Meanwhile, veteran Zach Ertz continues to dominate reps at tight end for the Cardinals with 68 targets through nine contests, a reality that makes McBride a fantasy nonentity in the middle of his first pro campaign.

Quitoriano could play an expanded role in Sunday's game against the Giants, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Quitoriano made his season debut in Week 9, catching a touchdown pass while playing 18 snaps. The 2022 fifth-round draft pick out of Oregon State can bolster the "Y" position -- the in-line blocking tight end that is most often considered an extra tackle -- against the New York defense the blitzes more frequently than any other NFL team and pressures quarterbacks at the ninth-highest rate.

Johnson recorded two receptions on two targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 27-13 loss to the Ravens.

As was expected, Johnson saw a dip in targets due to the return of Adam Trautman. Despite his lack of involvement, Johnson managed a fortunate 41-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter that came after Marcus Peters mistakenly believed he pushed Johnson out of bounds and gave up on the play. Despite the decent stat line, Johnson is at risk of poor production until he proves capable of racking up consistent targets once again.

Likely recorded one reception on five targets for 24 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 27-13 win over the Saints.

Likely turned in an underwhelming effort in the absence of Mark Andrews (shoulder) despite leading the team with five targets. He looked to be in for a big performance after connecting with Lamar Jackson for a 24-yard catch to tally Baltimore's first touchdown of the game, but he was silent from that point forward. Likely's run as the team's starting tight end could also be coming to an end, as Andrews will have the chance to rest and recover during Baltimore's Week 10 bye.

Okonkwo recorded one reception on three targets for 48 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Chiefs.

Okonkwo got off to a hot start, as he recorded his lone catch on a quick screen on Tennessee's first play from scrimmage. Despite the hot start, he saw only 18 offensive snaps -- his lowest total since the team's bye in Week 6. Okonkwo has six receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown across the first eight games of his career.

Swaim was not targeted in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Chiefs.

As is typically the case, Swaim led the Titans' tight ends in snaps. However, his role is limited almost exclusively to blocking, as he has only reception combined across his last five games.

The Vikings reverted Muse to their practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Minnesota elevated Muse for the second time this season prior to Sunday's Week 9 win over the Commanders. Though the 23-year-old didn't log any snaps on offense, he did see four special-teams snaps. Even if he's elevated again, Muse is unlikely to see much (if any) work on offense with T.J. Hockenson and Johnny Mundt ahead of him on the depth chart.