NFL Player News

Njoku (wrist) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Njoku's return from injured reserve couldn't have come at a better time, as the Browns face both the Bengals and Cardinals --- the latter of which could go down as one of the historically worst teams at covering tight ends --- in consecutive weeks. The 23-year-old isn't expected to be limited either, as Njoku was reportedly doing well in terms of conditioning weeks before Saturday's roster decision. It's pretty clear the third-year pro will immediately jump to the top of the depth chart, with Demetrius Harris (shoulder) and Ricky Seals-Jones expected to see a drastic step back in terms of playing time.

Engram (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Eagles, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The outcome is a disappointing one for Engram, as coach Pat Shurmur had previously expressed optimism that the tight end would be ready to return from a four-week absence to play Monday night. With Engram's strained left foot still troubling him, however, rookie Kaden Smith should be in line to act as the Giants' top pass-catching tight end for another week. Engram's top backup, Rhett Ellison (concussion), has also been ruled out for Week 14.

Engram (foot) was on the sideline during the portion of practice available to the media Saturday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

This is certainly a troubling development after head coach Pat Shurmur suggested the tight end appeared poised to make his return from a Week 9 foot injury, although the Giants have not officially listed Engram's game-time status for Monday's contest. Fantasy owners should check in prior to the team's official injury report, which should come later Saturday afternoon.

Higbee will be the Rams' leading tight end Sunday against the Seahawks with Gerald Everett (knee) sidelined again, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

In Everett's first absence Week 13 at Arizona, Higbee earned 91 percent of the offensive snaps and put up the first 100-yard game of his four-year career. The performance wasn't surprising, as it occurred versus a Cardinals defense that has been torched by tight ends this season. While the Seahawks aren't as porous, they still have yielded a 77-802-6 line to the position through 12 games, making Higbee a decent enough roll of the dice.

Graham (calf/wrist) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest versus the Redskins.

For the second week in a row, Graham was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report before logging back-to-back limited showings to wrap it up. With no designation attached to him, he'll again lead the Packers' tight end group, which also includes a motley crew of Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan and Jace Sternberger.

Everett (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

A hyperextended knee will keep Everett in street clothes for the second straight contest. While he remains in recovery mode, the Rams will roll with Tyler Higbee as their primary tight end, though Johnny Mundt also is on hand to bolster the position.

Akins (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Akins popped up on the Texans' injury report after practicing in a limited fashion Thursday, but he upgraded to full participation during Friday's session. His ability to take every rep in the final practice of the week likely means he won't face any restrictions Sunday, so expect Akins to once again split the tight-end snaps with Darren Fells, as is typically the case.

Hooper (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The tight end will return from a three-game absence, hoping to pick up where he left off in the midst of a breakout season. Hooper's presence pushes Jaeden Graham back to a reserve role, while Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage face more competition for targets (Julio Jones has also been cleared to return from an injury).

Carlson (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Carlson does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's contest against the Bengals. The 22-year-old is set for his usual depth role in Cleveland's tight end corps Week 14.

Kittle (knee/ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in New Orleans, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle played through the same injury the past two weeks, logging a 79 percent snap share against the Packers and a 100 percent snap share against the Ravens. Given the importance of Sunday's game for NFC playoff seeding, the 49ers presumably intend for their star tight end to handle another large workload. Kittle was able to log limited practices throughout the week.