NFL Player News

Okwuegbunam (abdomen) was not activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

Okwuegbunam had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week on Wednesday, but he's not yet ready to return to game action. He'll miss a sixth straight game to open the 2024 campaign, and it's notable with Dallas Goedert (hamstring) ruled out for Week 7. Grant Calcaterra is expected to handle pass-catching duties at tight end for the Eagles against the Giants, while Jack Stoll likely focuses on the blocking responsibilities.

Moreau reeled in both targets for 38 yards during Thursday's 33-10 loss against the Broncos.

Moreau logged exactly two catches on exactly two targets for the third week in a row. He continued to play almost as many offensive snaps (42) as fellow tight end Juwan Johnson (51). However, the latter totaled four more targets than Moreau. The Saints have started to utilize both tight ends more over the last three games, but the absences of starting quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) and do-it-all tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) have severely impacted the team's overall offensive production. With Carr likely to remain out this coming week versus the Chargers, it's probably not worth picking up either Johnson or Moreau on the waiver wire in season-long fantasy formats.

Hurst (groin) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Cardinals.

The Chargers are dealing with a number of injuries to their pass catchers including Quentin Johnston (ankle, doubtful), Ladd McConkey (hip, questionable), Simi Fehoko (shoulder/groin, questionable) and Hurst. If the veteran tight end misses time, Will Dissly will see a small bump in snaps, with Eric Tomlinson and Stone Smartt still mixing in plenty to boost the running game.

The Jets signed Firkser from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Firkser began the regular season on the Jets' practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He's played 28 snaps (six on offense, 22 on special teams) in the two games he's been elevated for, but he'll now join the active roster and provide depth at tight end. Firkser could serve as the Jets' No. 2 tight end behind Jeremy Ruckert on Sunday against the Steelers if starter Tyler Conklin (hip) is unable to play.

The Lions elevated Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Zylstra was unable to make the Lions' 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp, but he opted to stick around on the practice squad. It's his first elevation of the season, though he will likely only see the field on special teams as he serves as the No. 4 tight end behind Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Parker Hesse. If Zylstra does see playing time Sunday against the Vikings, it'll be his first regular-season action since 2022, during which he caught 11 passes (on 15 targets) for 60 yards and four touchdowns over 13 games.

The Vikings signed Tonyan from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Tonyan began the regular season on the Vikings' practice squad after he was unsuccessful in making the 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He signed with the active roster Oct. 3 after being elevated from the practice squad twice, but he was released five days later to make room for running back Myles Gaskin. Tonyan is now back on the active roster and will serve as the No. 3 tight end Sunday against the Lions behind Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt. T.J. Hockenson (knee) had his 21-day practice window open Oct. 2, and it's unclear what Tonyan's fate will be once the former returns from injured reserve.

Hockenson (knee) was downgraded to out Saturday and will not play Sunday against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This isn't entirely surprising, as head coach Kevin O'Connell was non-committal about Hockenson making his season debut Sunday when asked by reporters earlier this week. The talented tight end will aim to be available Week 8 against the Rams.

Durham (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against Baltimore, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham has been unable to practice this week due to a calf injury he sustained during the Buccaneers' Week 6 win over the Saints. His next chance to suit up will be Week 8 against the Falcons on Oct. 27. Durham's absence opens the door for Ko Kieft and Devin Culp to see more snaps as the backup tight ends behind starter Cade Otton.

Head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Higbee is "ahead of schedule" of his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Higbee suffered the injury during the Rams' playoff loss to the Lions in January. He's been on the PUP list since training camp, and while he hasn't returned to practice, McVay relayed that the veteran tight end has been present at practices and hinted that Higbee could return later in the regular season. While Higbee remains sidelined, Colby Parkinson will continue to serve as the Rams' No. 1 tight end while Hunter Long and Davis Allen operate as the backups.

Tremble has cleared the concussion protocol but remains questionable for Sunday's game at Washington due to a back injury, per the NFL's transaction log.

After sitting out Week 6 due to a concussion, Tremble made notable progress this week with a limited session Wednesday and full practice Thursday. However, he wasn't able to log any reps Friday due to a new health concern, leaving his status up in the air for Week 7 action. The Panthers don't play until 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, so if Tremble is deemed inactive 90 minutes prior, the combo of Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas (hip) will handle the team's TE duties.