NFL Player News

Alie-Cox (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Though Alie-Cox didn't take part in Friday's practice, the fact that he's not even being listed as questionable for Sunday's game suggests his lack of activity to conclude the week was merely for maintenance purposes. Alie-Cox has seen an uptick in work over the past three weeks, playing between 42 and 66 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps in those contests while hauling in nine of 11 targets for 99 yards. He could see his playing time tail off Week 11, however, as the Colts may have another tight end in Jack Doyle available if he can clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol before Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

Marhertz (shoulder) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Manhertz hasn't yet missed a game this season, but it looks like he isn't a lock to suit up versus Detroit. The veteran tight end hasn't had more than one catch in a single contest this season, so it's safe to say that he remains off the fantasy radar.

Hollister hauled in two of three targets for 14 yards Thursday in the Seahawks' 28-21 win over the Cardinals.

Hollister only played 13 offensive snaps in the contest, but he made the most of his limited reps. Perhaps more significant than Hollister's performance itself was the fact that head coach Pete Carroll revealed after the game that top tight end Greg Olsen suffered what the team fears is a ruptured fascia in his left foot, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN.com. While the Seahawks aren't putting a timeline on Olsen's return, he seems likely to miss multiple weeks -- if not months -- with the injury, which should open the door for Will Dissly and Hollister to both see increased work.

Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Smith appears truly questionable after logging limited practices throughout the week. He was held out of the 19-13 win over Chicago on Monday, when fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph responded with season highs for targets (five), catches (four) and yards (63). However, Rudolph's 78 percent snap share was about the same as usual, while Tyler Conklin got the big bump in playing time, with 63 percent easily his season high. None of the bunch is a strong bet to see more than three or four targets, regardless of Smith's status.

Fant (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

If Fant suits up, he could be catching passes from backup quarterback Brett Rypien, as starter Drew Lock (elbow) is also questionable. Nick Vannett -- who has just six catches all season -- would start at tight end in the event Fant is sidelined.

Fant (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

If Fant suits up, it's possible he'll be catching passes from backup Brett Rypien, as starting quarterback Drew Lock (elbow) is also questionable. Nick Vannett -- who has just six catches all season -- would top Denver's tight end depth chart if Fant ends up sitting out.

Dissly caught his lone target for 10 yards in Thursday's 28-21 win over the Cardinals.

For a fourth straight week, Dissly recorded just one reception, and he hasn't been targeted more than four times in a game this year. However, the third-year tight end registered his highest snap share (65 percent) of the season, and he could enjoy an increased workload moving forward following news that Greg Olsen likely will miss extended time with a foot injury. Jacob Hollister figures to see a bump in usage, too, but Olsen doesn't leave behind much fantasy upside for either player, as he averaged just 2.3 receptions and 22.4 receiving yards per game.

Smith (illness) will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus Friday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Smith's placement on the COVID-19 list amid New York's bye week creates doubt about his availability for the team's next game Nov. 29 against Cincinnati. Levine Toilolo will serve as the top backup to Evan Engram if Smith is indeed forced to miss any time.

Ertz (ankle) is unlikely to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Ertz returned to practice earlier this week, but he apparently still needs more time to get back to full speed before the Eagles feel comfortable adding him back to the 53-man roster. Look for Dallas Goedert to continue handling the bulk of the reps at tight end Week 11.

Hill will start Sunday's divisional matchup against the Falcons, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Though Jameis Winston filled in for an injured Drew Brees (chest) midway through last weekend's win over the 49ers, Hill has since received all of New Orleans' first-team reps in practice. The versatile signal-caller is now on track to draw his first career start against the Falcons, while Winston serves as his backup. Schefter also notes that Winston won't be involved in any portion of the Saints' offensive gameplan, a hint that the team doesn't foresee the possibility of making any sort of mid-game switch. Hill has completed only 10 passes in his career, but he seems destined to surpass that mark Sunday against a subpar Falcons defense.