NFL Player News

Otton didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.

Since earning 10-plus targets in three consecutive games from Weeks 7 through 9, Otton has mustered a 15-179-0 line on 25 targets over the last five games. The downturn in production was likely a byproduct of Mike Evans' return to the lineup Week 12, but Otton also has just three red-zone targets over the last four games and hasn't scored a touchdown during that time. Otton's health is now worth tracking as the Buccaneers prepare for Sunday's contest at Dallas.

Hurst (hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

Hurst practiced without limitations Tuesday and Wednesday after being designated to return from injured reserve Monday. If Hurst is activated from IR and plays Thursday for the first time since Week 10, he could step in as a starter with Will Dislly (shoulder) having been ruled out. However, Hurst may not take on a robust snap count if cleared to play, as Stone Smartt has fared well as a pass catcher the past two weeks and could challenge Hurst for playing time.

Dissly (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

Dissly will miss a second consecutive game due to the shoulder injury. Hayden Hurst (hip) is listed as questionable and could be activated from injured reserve ahead of Thursday's game to restore some depth at tight end, but if not, Stone Smartt would have a clear path to serving as the Chargers' top pass-catching option at the position. Dissly's next chance to take the field will come Dec. 28 against the Patriots.

Ertz (concussion/rest) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

Ertz sustained a concussion in the middle of the second quarter in this past Sunday's win at New Orleans. With no activity to speak of to begin Week 16 prep, he may be hard-pressed to make his way through all five phases of the concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles. No matter, Ertz will have two more chances Thursday and Friday to mix into drills and potentially put himself on a path to play this weekend.

Alie-Cox (hip) didn't practice Wednesday.

The VCU product played through his hip injury in Indianapolis' Week 15 loss to the Broncos and failed to record a stat across 28 total snaps (22 offensive and six on special teams). Wednesday's DNP is likely an indication that the injury worsened Sunday, putting Alie-Cox in jeopardy of missing the Week 16 divisional matchup against the Titans. His likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to play.

Bates played 42 of the Commanders' 78 snaps on offense and hauled in his lone target for a six-yard reception in Sunday's 20-19 win over the Saints.

Bates and fellow reserve tight end Ben Sinnott (42 snaps, 1-7-0 receiving line on one target) turned in nearly identical lines in Week 15 in terms of both playing time and production, with both seeing their roles expand after starter Zach Ertz (concussion) left the game early. If Ertz can't clear concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles, another near-even timeshare at tight end between Bates and Sinnott could be in the offing. Sinnott profiles as the more fantasy-friendly option of the two, as the rookie second-round pick recorded 49 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns during his final collegiate season at Kansas State.

Sinnott played 42 of the Commanders' 78 snaps on offense and recorded a seven-yard reception on his lone target in Sunday's 20-19 win over the Saints.

Though the Commanders invested a second-round pick in April's draft into Sinnott, the 22-year-old tight end out of Kansas State has handled a relatively muted role during his rookie campaign. His reception in the Week 15 win was just his fifth of the season, but he could see his best opportunity to date to produce in this Sunday's game against the Eagles if top tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) is unable to play. After Ertz logged just 18 snaps against the Saints before departing, Sinnott and John Bates (42 snaps) finished with an even split of the playing time at tight end.

Njoku (hamstring) is not in line to practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

On Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski noted that he was hopeful that Njoku -- who was inactive for the Week 15 loss to the Chiefs -- could return to action Sunday against the Bengals. However, with the tight end set to miss his fourth consecutive practice Wednesday, he'll be left with two more chances to log some on-field work before the Browns post their Week 16 game designations. If Njoku is forced to miss a second straight game, Jordan Akins would once again have an expanded role in Cleveland's passing game.

The Browns signed Bates off the Jets' practice squad Wednesday.

Bates suited up for five games with New York early in the season, before bumping down to the team's practice squad mid-October. The undrafted rookie out of Kentucky is still looking for an opportunity to log his first career catch in the NFL.

Mayer caught one of two targets for 11 yards in Monday's 15-9 loss to the Falcons.

Mayer didn't come close to repeating his Week 14 performance that included seven catches for 68 yards on nine targets in Tampa Bay, but he did reach a 70 percent offensive snap share on Monday Night Football as the Raiders continued to use plenty of two-TE sets. Rookie standout Brock Bowers remains the alpha at this position ahead of a Week 16 matchup against the Jaguars, but Mayer shouldn't yet be completely crossed off in deeper formats, especially with quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) possibly returning to the lineup.