NFL Player News

Sternberger won't return to Sunday's game against the Eagles after being diagnosed with a concussion.

Sternberger will enter the league's five-step concussion protocol, which he'll need to clear in order to play against the Lions next week. For the time being, Marcedes Lewis and Dominique Dafney will serve as depth behind lead tight end Robert Tonyan.

Sample secured all seven targets for 49 yards in the Bengals' 19-7 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Sample surprisingly tied Tee Higgins for the team lead in targets while setting the pace in receptions, with slot receiver Tyler Boyd's first-half ejection likely playing a pivotal part in the tight end's elevated role. Sample has had numerous solid efforts during his second season, but Sunday's catch tally tied a career high, while his target total checked in as his second highest of the season. His production is likely to continue fluctuating week to week, but he could enjoy relatively robust volume again in a favorable Week 14 matchup against the Cowboys, especially considering current Bengals quarterbacks Brandon Allen (chest) and Ryan Finley have run conservative attacks thus far in place of Joe Burrow (IR, knee).

Graham failed to catch his lone target in Chicago's 34-30 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

After a solid start to the season, Graham has accounted for just 32 yards over his last three games while being out-targeted by rookie Cole Kmet during that time. In addition to his recent struggles, he scored just a single touchdown over the last six games while surpassing 34 yards on one occasion, making him difficult to trust during the fantasy playoffs.

Kmet caught five passes for 37 yards and a touchdown in Chicago's 34-30 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

After failing to see more than three targets in any game during his rookie season, Kmet tied Allen Robinson for the team lead with seven targets while posting the only touchdown reception by a Chicago player. Coming into this game, he had been targeted three times in each of the prior two contests, which was the same number seen by Jimmy Graham. It appears the rookie may be emerging as the team's top tight end, though he'll be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups until he shows more consistency.

Sternberger is being checked for a concussion during Sunday's game against the Eagles, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Sternberger went to the locker room for evaluation in the second quarter. Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis and Dominique Dafney will handle the tight end reps for the time being.

Gesicki brought in nine of 11 targets for 88 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 19-7 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

The third-year tight end led the Dolphins in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon, with his catch tally also serving as a season high. Gesicki's fourth touchdown of the season -- his second in as many games -- capped off Miami's first second-half drive and was an ideal bonus to what was already a very strong effort for the Penn State product in both seasonal and daily PPR formats. Gesicki may be leaned on heavily once again in a Week 14 showdown against the Chiefs that figures to feature an aggressive offensive game plan for coach Brian Flores' squad.

Hill completed 27 of 37 pass attempts for 232 yards and two touchdowns, adding 14 carries for 83 yards during Sunday's 21-16 win against the Falcons. He also fumbled three times, losing one to the opposition.

In what was his third start at quarterback for the Saints, Hill threw his first TD pass since Nov. 26, 2016 (his final game played for BYU). The 30-year-old had a much cleaner passing outing Sunday compared to his Week 12 showing against the Broncos, when he completed just 56.3 percent of his passes for 78 yards and one interception. Hill has been a force on the ground all along, collecting 44-plus rushing yards and two rushing scores in each of his first two QB starts Weeks 11 and 12. Drew Brees (ribs) has a chance to return next Sunday for a matchup against the Eagles, but with New Orleans sitting at 3-0 since Hill took over, it's possible the Saints roll Brees back slowly to ensure he's fully healed for the postseason.

Waller caught 13 of 17 targets for 200 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 31-28 win over the Jets.

Waller was uncoverable for the porous Jets defense, scoring touchdowns of nine and 38 yards among his eight catches for 123 yards in the first half. He didn't slow down much after halftime, including a 15-yard catch on Vegas' final drive to get the team close enough for Henry Ruggs' game-winning 46-yard touchdown with five seconds left. This was Waller's second game with over 100 yards this season, and he's up to seven touchdowns heading into a Week 14 matchup with a Colts team that has defended tight ends well this season.

Holtz exited Sunday's loss to the Lions with a shoulder injury, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Holtz wasn't targeted before leaving the game during the second half. The 27-year-old was considered questionable to return but never appeared to retake the field.

Brown (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's matchup against the Colts.

With Brown confirmed out for the rest of Week 13, Darren Fells and Kahale Warring stand as the No. 2 and 3 options behind starting tight end Jordan Akins. The 26-year-old came down with his first career TD catch three weeks ago against the Browns, but from here, he'll have to clear concussion protocol before being able to play again.