NFL Player News

Gesicki didn't practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Gesicki was on the field for 29 of the Bengals' 67 snaps on offense in this past Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens, finishing with two catches for 31 yards on two targets. After logging 18 targets in his first three games this season, the veteran has seen just three over his last two outings, with the emergence of rookie Erick All (14-92-0 receiving line on 14 targets over the last four games) having begun to hamper Gesicki's fantasy upside.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski labeled Njoku (knee) "day-to-day" after the tight end didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

While the day-to-day label suggests Njoku isn't dealing with anything serious, he'll still likely need to practice in some fashion Thursday and/or Friday to have a realistic chance of avoiding a fourth absence in a five-game span Sunday against the Eagles. He returned from an ankle injury in Week 5 against the Commanders, but the knee injury doesn't seem to be related.

Engram (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Engram hasn't played in a game since injuring his hamstring in pregame warmups ahead of the Jaguars' Week 2 loss to the Browns, but head coach Doug Pederson said earlier this week that the tight end has a "pretty good" chance of playing this weekend against the Bears in London, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Jaguars will wait and see if Engram is able to upgrade to full participation in practice Thursday or Friday before deciding whether he takes a designation into Sunday.

Thomas (calf) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Thomas appears to be nearing a return to the field after missing Carolina's first five games of the season due to a calf issue, but the 28-year-old must still be activated from injured reserve if he's to suit up Sunday against the Falcons. Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Thomas could "absolutely" be back for the Panthers' Week 6 matchup if he proves he's moved past his calf injury during practice this week, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

Mayer (personal) remains away from the Raiders ahead of Wednesday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Mayer missed the past two games and appears in danger of missing another this Sunday against the Steelers. Harrison Bryant has taken on more playing time in Mayer's absence, while Brock Bowers is still dominating the tight-end targets but hasn't gotten much of a playing-time boost.

Tremble (concussion) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Tremble endured a helmet-to-helmet hit from Bears safety Jaquan Brisker this past Sunday, which resulted in the tight end entering the concussion protocol. With just two more chances to mix into drills this week, he could be hard-pressed to put himself in a position to play Sunday against the Falcons. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Ian Thomas (calf) -- who remains on injured reserve -- practiced fully Wednesday, and head coach Dave Canales said that Thomas "absolutely" has a chance to return this weekend, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press. If that comes to pass, the Panthers may have to roll with Thomas, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Feleipe Franks as their options at the position for Week 6.

Njoku (knee) doesn't appear to be practicing Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

He wasn't listed on the Browns' pre-practice injury report, but Njoku apparently isn't on the field for the portion of practice that was open to media. He returned from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury for Sunday's 34-13 loss to Washington, only to pick up a new injury and play just seven snaps in the second half. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that he's viewing Njoku as day-to-day, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com.

The Browns signed Swaim to the active roster from the practice squad Wednesday.

Swaim had been elevated for Cleveland's past three contests, so the Browns had to sign the veteran tight end to the 53-man roster in order for him to be available for Sunday's road matchup against the Eagles. In those three games Swaim has played 10, 24 and 20 offensive snaps, respectively, but he's yet to earn his first target of the season.

Ertz caught two of eight targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns.

Despite handling a season-low 57 percent offensive snap share Week 5, Ertz led all Washington tight ends in playing time while also recording a season-high target total. The veteran wasn't able to take advantage of his increased opportunities Sunday, as he was able to reel in just two passes in the contest, his lowest reception total in a game this season. Even with the Commanders leading the NFL in scoring (31.0 points per game) through five weeks, Ertz remains a low-ceiling fantasy option in an offense that has skewed run-heavy.

Barner caught his lone target for 13 yards in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants.

Barner was minimally involved Sunday, playing just 15 of the Seahawks' 58 offensive snaps as the No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant. The 22-year-old rookie has now recorded six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown through the first five games of the 2024 campaign. Barner should be ignored for fantasy purposes as the Seahawks host the 49ers in Week 6.