NFL Player News

New England signed Pettway to its practice squad Tuesday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Pettway tried out with the Patriots in late November and will now join the organization after being waived by Indianapolis with an injury settlement in August. The tight end has yet to suit up for an NFL game, though he has seen professional action in the USFL in both 2022 and 2023. Pettway could have a path to being elevated by the Patriots if Hunter Henry (knee) needs to miss more time.

Bellinger finished Monday's loss to the Eagles with four catches on five targets for 43 yards.

Primary tight end Darren Waller was healthy for the contest, though he and Bellinger logged an equal number of offensive snaps (40). Bellinger was somewhat surprisingly the more productive pass catcher, finishing second on New York in both receptions (four) and receiving yards (43). The former total was a season high for Bellinger, while the latter tied a season-best mark. Though this was Bellinger's best game of the season, Waller remains the better option for fantasy purposes.

The Cardinals cut Shenker from their practice squad Tuesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Less than a week after signing Shenker to its practice squad, Arizona has now decided to part ways with him. He's now set to become a free agent and will have to look for another opportunity with a different team.

Wright (hip) was listed as a non-participant on the Lions' practice estimate Tuesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Wright is apparently still being bothered by the hip issue he picked up in Week 15 versus the Broncos. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Wednesday or Thursday to give himself a chance to suit up in Week 17.

Hooper caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Monday's 20-14 win over Kansas City.

Hooper was the Raiders' second-leading receiver Monday despite notching a measly two catches for 13 yards, as the running game dominated the offense while maintaining a second-half lead. The veteran tight end logged 49 of a possible 55 offensive snaps with rookie Michael Mayer (toe) sidelined, and the latter's availability for a Week 17 tilt against the Colts remains uncertain.

Hockenson will require season-ending surgery after sustaining a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee during Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Lions, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson is expected to be placed on injured reserve in the coming days, while the Vikings likely turn to Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt to fill most of the available snaps at tight end for the remainder of the season. Given the late-December timing of the surgery, Hockenson could face an uphill battle to gain clearance for Week 1 of the 2024 season. He finishes his first full season in Minnesota with career highs in catches (95), receiving yards (960) and targets (127) in addition to scoring five touchdowns over 15 games.

The Titans signed Asiasi to the practice squad Tuesday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Asiasi gives Tennessee depth behind Chigoziem Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, Trevon Wesco and Kevin Rader. Wesco missed Week 16 with a shin injury. 26-year-old Asiasi was a 2020 third-round pick by New England and has four career catches for 44 yards and one touchdown.

Sokol reverted to the Patriots' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Sokol was elevated to make his season debut during Sunday's loss to Denver, but he now returns to the practice squad. He played 10 of 58 offensive snaps Sunday with Hunter Henry (knee) out, behind Mike Gesicki's 38 snaps and Pharaoh Brown's 27.

Firkser reverted to Detroit's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Firkser was elevated for Sunday's win over the Vikings with Brock Wright (hip) ruled out. He played two offensive snaps and 10 snaps on special teams but didn't record any stats. Now, the veteran tight end will await another opportunity to be elevated for game action. One such opportunity could come again Week 17 if Wright remains sidelined.

Knox caught both of his targets for 26 yards in Buffalo's 24-22 win over the Chargers on Saturday.

Knox was on the field for 46 percent of the offensive snaps compared to 40 percent for rookie teammate Dalton Kincaid, who also was targeted twice but caught just one ball for seven yards. With every game crucial for the Bills here on out and both tight ends healthy, it's becoming clear this is going to be a timeshare depending on the game situation and offensive formation. The offense is clicking, but there's also plenty of talent, and it's become tough to trust anyone on a weekly basis outside of Josh Allen, James Cook and Stefon Diggs, and even Diggs, the star, has struggled lately. Knox at least looks healthy after returning from a wrist injury three weeks ago, but he's totaled just five catches for 62 yards over that three-game span.