NFL Player News

Njoku (ankle) is listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday against the Commanders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Njoku missed the past three games due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered against Dallas in Week 1. He managed just two limited practices this week, though it's worth noting that his absence from Thursday's session was a scheduled day off. Because he isn't yet practicing fully and is coming off a three-game absence, Njoku could be subject to a more limited snap count than what he might usually handle. The Browns elevated tight end Geoff Swaim from the practice squad Saturday as insurance for Njoku.

Hill (ribs) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's matchup against the Chiefs, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Hill failed to practice all week as the Swiss army knife of an offensive player is dealing with fractured ribs suffered in Week 4. Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson will likely each take a share of the work, but neither can comfortably fill the shoes of Hill from a fantasy perspective.

Thomas (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Chicago, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas gave himself a shot at returning from injured reserve after logging limited practice sessions all week, but he'll have to wait until Week 6 against Atlanta to potentially make his 2024 debut. Thomas has been on IR since injuring his calf in early September.

Engram (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, is not expected to play, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Engram sustained the hamstring injury during pregame warmups back in Week 2, and the talented tight end looks as though he'll miss a fourth consecutive game as a result. He had been a limited participant in practices Wednesday through Friday, but the Jaguars may want to see Engram upgrade to full participation before clearing him for game action. Brenton Strange has taken over as the clear starter in Engram's absence, tallying eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown across 14 targets over the past three contests.

The Cardinals list McBride as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a rib injury.

McBride cleared concussion protocol earlier this week after missing the team's Week 4 loss to the Commanders, but despite being a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday, he apparently picked up a rib injury at some point along the way. Elijah Higgins was the de facto starting tight end in his absence last week and would likely see most of the playing time if McBride were to miss a second straight game. Expect more clarity on McBride's status to emerge when the Cardinals release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Browns elevated Swaim from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Swaim will be elevated for a third straight week to provide depth at tight end in case David Njoku (ankle) is unable to play Sunday against the Commanders. This is the last time Cleveland can call Swaim up from the practice squad, and even if he's inactive for Sunday's contest, he would need to be signed to the active roster in order to suit up for the Browns moving forward.

Kansas City signed Fortson from the practice squad to the active roster Friday.

Fortson joined the Chiefs' practice squad Sept. 26 after being cut by the Dolphins towards the end of training camp. The 28-year-old will serve as the No. 4 tight end behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray and Jared Wiley. Fortson last played in 2022 with the Chiefs, during which he registered nine catches (on 13 targets) for 108 yards and two touchdowns over 13 regular-season games.

Brown (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Giants, Corbin K. Smith of SI.com reports.

Brown popped up on the Seahawks' injury report Wednesday as a limited participant in practice due to a foot issue, but it now appears he'll play Sunday. Expect Brown to see some offensive work and serve as Seattle's No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant in Week 5.

Njoku (ankle), who is listed as questionable, said he's feeling "pretty good" and is hoping to return Sunday against the Commanders, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and Friday, while he had a scheduled day off Thursday. His fantasy managers are advised to have a replacement lined up for a fourth consecutive week. Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart have been filling in for Njoku, but Njoku is a far more accomplished pass catcher than either backup when all three are healthy.

McBride (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at San Francisco, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

McBride cleared concussion protocol and managed full practice participation both Thursday and Friday. He's back in as one of Kyler Murray's top targets after missing a Week 4 loss to the Commanders.