The Bengals activated Gesicki (pectoral) from injured reserve Friday.

Since injuring his pectoral Week 6 at Green Bay, Gesicki has missed the requisite four games on IR, and his ability to practice in full Wednesday and Thursday was enough for Cincinnati to bring him back to the active roster ahead of the weekend. He thus will be among the top TE options along with Noah Fant for whoever is helming the offense Sunday against the Patriots. Those options include Joe Burrow (toe, IR) and Joe Flacco (right shoulder).

Njoku (knee) won't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Njoku didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday as he manages a knee issue, but the tight end's return to Friday's session paves the way for him to play versus Las Vegas this weekend. In the process, he'll remain a key target alongside fellow TE Harold Fannin, as well as WRs Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, in a Week 12 offense that will be helmed by Shedeur Sanders, who is making his first career regular-season start at QB with Dillon Gabriel (concussion) out.

Fidone (foot) won't play Sunday against the Lions, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Fidone has dealt with a foot injury throughout the season. The special teams contributor's next chance to play will come Dec. 1 at New England.

Njoku (knee) returned to practice Friday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Njoku didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so the tight end's return to the field Friday is a positive sign ahead of Sunday's 4:05 p.m ET game against the Raiders. The Browns' upcoming injury report will note both Njoku's official participation level Friday as well as his Week 12 game status.

LaPorta (back) has undergone surgery, and head coach Dan Campbell described LaPorta's chances of returning this season as "very, very slim" Friday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

LaPorta was placed on injured reserve Nov. 15. His earliest possible return date is Dec. 14, but Campbell's update suggests LaPorta will be out well beyond that point, most likely missing the remainder of the season. Campbell didn't completely shut the door on LaPorta returning, so the star tight end might make it back if the Lions put together a deep playoff run. Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley are the two remaining healthy options at the position on the active roster.

Stover was unable to bring in either of his two targets in Thursday's 23-16 win over the Bills in Week 12.

Stover played his second game since returning from a broken foot suffered in the season opener. He was on the field for 20 snaps, which represents an increase from Week 11. He's not a big piece of the offense but is a willing blocker as the No. 2 behind Dalton Schultz.

Schultz caught one of four targets for eight yards in Thursday's 23-16 win over Buffalo in Week 12.

Schultz, who battled through a shoulder injury on a short week, had his fewest targets since Week 8. Houston's offense got off to another slow start behind quarterback Davis Mills, and it greatly benefited from the defense, which forced three turnovers and created two short-field opportunities. Those factors kept a lid on the air attack. Despite the low output, Schultz remains a key component of the team's passing game and ranks second on the club with 72 targets and 497 receiving yards.

Buffalo elevated Latu from the practice squad ahead of Thursday night's game against the Texans.

With Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) sidelined once again, Latu has been elevated for the second straight contest. Latu played six offensive snaps last Sunday against Tampa Bay and caught one pass for four yards.

Likely (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Likely couldn't practice in any capacity Wednesday, so it's encouraging to see him handling limited reps Thursday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) also returned to practice for Baltimore on Thursday, handling full reps. If Likely is able to upgrade to a full session Friday, he could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's game against the Jets and handle his usual No. 2 tight end role behind Mark Andrews.

Hooper (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Hooper missed Week 11 while in the concussion protocol, but he's now trending toward a return for Sunday's road matchup against the Bengals. Of course, Hooper will need to gain full clearance, including from an independent neurologist, before retaking the field. If active for Sunday's game, Hooper will handle No. 2 tight end reps behind Hunter Henry.