NFL Player News

Smith failed to draw a single target in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Cardinals.

Smith was a complete non-factor Sunday despite playing 61 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps. The veteran tight end missed Weeks 3 and 4 due to a hamstring injury, and he wasn't a part of Cincinnati's game plan in his return while star wideout Ja'Marr Chase earned 19 targets in the contest. In the three games he's played this season, Smith has totaled just five catches for 27 yards.

Dulcich (hamstring) was a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough, Aric DiLilla of the team's official site reports.

The 21-day practice window for Dulcich to return from injured reserve opened just two days before Thursday's game against Kansas City, making it unlikely he'll be active for that contest. That said, coach Sean Payton told Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post that the tight end was close to gaining clearance to suit up. Dulcich will have one more chance to prove the health of his hamstring before the Broncos determine his availability for Week 6.

Kelce (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Tuesday.

Prior to Tuesday's session, coach Andy Reid told Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site that Kelce was slated to take part in drills. During the media-access portion, Kelce was spotted with a heavy tape job on the sprained right ankle that he sustained Sunday at Minnesota. He was able to play through the issue en route to 10 catches (on 11 targets) for 67 yards and one touchdown, but it remains to be seen if he can put himself in a position to suit up Thursday against the Broncos. Wednesday's injury report will unveil whether or not Kelce has a designation ahead of that contest.

The Broncos designated Dulcich (hamstring) for return from injured reserve Tuesday, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Denver will have a 21-day period in which to observe Dulcich on the practice field before determining if he's able to rejoin the team's active roster. The second-year tight end has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring in the season opener, and his activity Tuesday included stretching and individual drills, per Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Considering the Broncos play Thursday at Kansas City, Dulcich seems unlikely to gain clearance to return in Week 6. Adam Trautman will continue to be the team's top TE in Dulcich's absence, with Chris Manhertz and Nate Adkins filling out the depth chart.

Detroit signed Firkser to its practice squad Tuesday.

Firkser has been a free agent since parting ways with New England prior to Week 1, but he has now found another opportunity with the Lions. Detroit already holds four tight ends on its 53-man roster, though, so Firkser will have to make space for himself if he is going to find any at all.

Swaim secured both of his targets for 22 yards during Sunday's 34-20 defeat to the Bengals.

Swaim entered Week 5 action with just one target through the first four games of the season, while No. 1 tight end Zach Ertz (34) and second-year pro Trey McBride (10) have dominated that category at the position for the Cardinals. Having said that, Swaim has nearly matched McBride's snap count (110 versus 114). Without some sort of absence from Ertz, Swaim remains on the outside looking in to relevance in Arizona's offense.

McBride recorded two catches on three targets for 17 yards during Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Bengals.

With Zach Ertz back from last year's torn ACL, McBride has split the backup workload with Geoff Swaim through the first five games of the season. Overall, McBride has logged 114 offensive snaps to Swaim's 110 (out of a possible 299), and McBride has managed to haul in eight of 10 targets for 79 yards versus Swaim's two receptions on three targets for 22 yards. Considering the lack of output for both players, McBride likely will need some sort of absence from Ertz to make a fantasy impact.

Wright secured three of three targets for 16 yards during Sunday's win over Carolina.

The blocking-proficient Wright has easily seen his highest snap counts of the season over the past two games with Detroit leaning heavily on the run. However, these were the first targets he has seen since Week 1, and Wright won't be needed for much more in the receiving department as long as Sam LaPorta is available to play.

Gray gathered in both of his targets for 21 yards during Sunday's 27-20 victory versus the Vikings.

Gray saw an uptick in his playing time this week due to Travis Kelce missing some action during the contest after Kelce suffered an ankle injury midgame. Pending the status of Kelce for Thursday's contest against the Broncos, Gray could be in line for a slightly healthier workload, though that doesn't guarantee a sizable fantasy output.

Coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Kelce (ankle) is in line to practice Tuesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

In the wake of Sunday's win at Minnesota, it was revealed that the injury that knocked Kelce out for a spell was a low-ankle sprain. He was able to play through it with his right foot heavily taped and even recorded a touchdown among his 10-catch, 67-yard performance on 11 targets. With a short week to prepare for Thursday's matchup with the Broncos, the Chiefs didn't hold practice Monday but were required to post an injury report, which estimated Kelce as a non-participant. It appears the tight end will be at least limited on Tuesday's version following Reid's comments.