NFL Player News

Ricci (neck) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Ricci hasn't played since Week 10 due to a neck issue. This isn't the first time he's logged limited participation since picking up the injury, so he'll likely have to submit at least one full practice before returning to game action.

Kieft brought in one of two targets for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Saints on Monday night.

Kieft was able to once again make an appearance on the stat sheet with Cameron Brate (illness) sidelined, recording a catch for the fifth time in the last six games. Despite the frequent cameo appearances in the air attack, the rookie sixth-round pick is the Buccaneers' clear block-first tight end even when a pass-catching option at the position like Brate is sidelined.

Swaim recorded one reception on one target for four yards in Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Eagles.

Swaim played a season-low 20 snaps while continuing to give way to both Austin Hooper and Chigoziem Okonkwo. His lone catch of the game came midway through the third quarter and was not impactful. Even if Swaim sees his playing time tick back up, his primary role will almost certainly be as a blocker.

Bates was not targeted in Sunday's 20-20 tie against the Giants.

Bates played 45 of the team's offensive snaps, but he failed to tally any stats. It was just the third time in 12 contests the second-year pro failed to see a target, and the sixth time he's gone without a reception. After a Week 14 bye, Bates will work to get on the stat sheet Week 15 in a rematch with the Giants.

Mundt caught his only target for a 12-yard gain in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Jets.

Mundt operated as the team's No. 2 tight end behind T.J. Hockenson, seeing the field for 24 snaps on offense. It was the 28-year-old's third consecutive game with a reception. He'll likely play a similar role Week 14 against the Lions.

Trautman notched two receptions on three targets for 28 yards during Monday's 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers.

Trautman played a season-high 80 percent of the Saints' offensive snaps with Juwan Johnson (ankle) ruled out. Practice squad tight end Lucas Krull only saw action on 11 of the team's 59 offensive snaps while Taysom Hill continued to slot into a multi-purpose role as a rusher, passer and receiver. However, Trautman did not see a corresponding increase in production. With the Saints heading into a Week 14 bye, Johnson will get extra time to recover and could be back atop the depth chart for the team's next game against Atlanta on Sunday, Dec. 18.

Krull reverted to the Saints' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transaction report.

Krull operated as team's No. 3 tight end in Monday's loss to the Buccaneers. He saw 11 snaps on offense, but he failed to record any stats. With the Saints now on a bye, Juwan Johnson (ankle) will have extra time to heal before seeing the Falcons in Week 15. However, if Johnson were to remain out, Krull could have another opportunity with the active roster.

Waller (hamstring) told Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com on Tuesday that he's "on track" to be activated from injured reserve next week and perhaps suit up for Week 15 against the Patriots.

Waller's comment seemingly rule him out from playing in this Thursday's game at the Rams, especially because the Raiders have yet to designate him for return from IR. He's been sidelined since Week 5 due to a strained left hamstring, which has allowed Foster Moreau to serve as the team's No. 1 tight end.

Alie-Cox had one reception for six yards on his lone target but lost a fumble in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

Kylen Granson started at tight end and played more snaps than Alie-Cox (41 to 31). Alie-Cox was also third in routes run among the tight ends, as Granson had 22 and Jelani Woods had 12, compared to Alie-Cox's 10. Given Alie-Cox had a key fumble, he's likely to be the third option among the tight ends in the passing game when Indy returns from its bye week.

Ferguson caught both his targets for minus-1 yard in Sunday's win over the Colts.

The Cowboys racked up 54 points, but Ferguson didn't benefit from the offensive eruption. The rookie tight end has caught all seven of his targets over the last three games for 71 yards, but even in a TE Premium format he has little fantasy value while Dalton Schultz is healthy.