NFL Player News

Kmet (knee) is listed as questionable but is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Packers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kmet should be formally cleared when Chicago releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Though Kmet looks poised to play through the knee injury for the second week in a row, it's unclear how much larger of a role he'll be able to handle Sunday after he was limited to just 13 snaps on offense in the Bears' 37-17 win over Atlanta in Week 17. The tight end at least appeared to be healthier in practice this week, as he turned in a limited practice Thursday before upgrading to full activity Friday.

Johnson (chest), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Johnson carries an injury designation into the regular-season finale after he sat out practice Wednesday before closing Week 18 prep with a pair of limited sessions. Though he sustained the chest injury in last week's 23-13 win over the Buccaneers, Johnson was able to return to the contest and finished with his best stat line of the season, as he hauled in eight of 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. Assuming he's officially cleared ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, Johnson could remain a prominent part of the passing attack with receiver Michael Thomas (knee) stuck on injured reserve and with wideout A.T. Perry (illness) and running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) both listed as questionable but uncertain to play.

Mallory hurt his hamstring in Saturday's contest against Houston and has been ruled out from returning.

It's unclear when Mallory suffered the injury, but he was ruled out during the second quarter. The rookie didn't catch his only target prior to his departure. The Colts will be down to Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox at tight end for the remainder of the matchup.

Likely hauled in both of his targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 17-10 loss to the Ravens.

Likely continued his recent tear with a 27-yard catch in the second quarter for his fifth touchdown over his last five contests. The late-season standout produced the best fantasy line for Baltimore despite just two targets in the loss to Pittsburgh. Likely has generated 17 receptions off 20 targets with 282 yards and five scores while replacing injured starter Mark Andrews (ankle). The latter is still eyeing a potential return from IR during the Ravens' upcoming playoff run, which will begin either Jan. 20 or Jan. 21 for the AFC divisional playoffs. Likely has proven in recent weeks that he can produce usable fantasy numbers on low target totals, but he would still take a considerable hit in value if and when Andrews returns.

The Lions signed Firkser to their practice squad Saturday.

Firkser was cut by the Lions on Thursday after being signed to their active roster Dec. 30. With Brock Wright (hip) ruled out for Detroit's regular-season finale against the Vikings, Firkser could be called up to the active roster and operate behind Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell.

The Patriots elevated Sokol to the active roster Saturday.

The move corresponds with the Patriots placing Hunter Henry (knee) on IR. Sokol could be activated for New England's season finale against the Jets, with Pharaoh Brown listed as questionable with a ribs injury. Sokol has played two games this season and has not recorded a target over 11 offensive snaps.

The Giants signed Jackson to their active roster Saturday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Jackson joined the Giants' practice squad Aug. 30 after failing to make the Eagles' 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp. He's been elevated twice this season but has not recorded a stat. Jackson will serve as the third tight end on the depth chart behind Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

The 49ers placed Dwelley (ankle) to the injured reserve Saturday.

Dwelley sustained a high-ankle sprain in Week 13 against the Eagles. He hasn't managed to suit up since, and with his placement on IR, his season is officially over since the 49ers have a max of four games left. Dwelley had one catch on two targets for 12 yards over 12 games this season, operating mostly as a pass-blocking tight end and special-teams player.

The Patriots signed Pettway to a two-year contract Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The move corresponds with New England placing Hunter Henry (knee) on the injured reserve list Saturday. Pettway joined the Patriots' practice squad Dec. 26 after trying out with the team a month prior. Now that he's on the active roster, he'll provide depth at tight end behind Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown, the latter of whom is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets with a rib injury.

Henry (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

Henry was at times a touchdown hog for the Patriots this season, scoring six times in 14 games despite being saddled in a moribund offense at times. The team isn't necessarily in a bad spot cap-wise, but it'd be hard to argue that Henry has lived up to the three-year, $37.5 million contract signed back in 2021, and he could be an offseason departure if a new regime does ultimately take over in Foxborough.