Bates caught four of five targets for 48 yards over a combined nine regular-season games for Houston and Cleveland in 2025.

EDGE Analysis

Bates spent the first half of the season with the Texans before latching on with the Browns for the second half. While Cleveland often targeted its tight ends, most of those went to Harold Fannin (groin) and David Njoku (knee). Bates will become an exclusive rights free agent and can be brought back for one year at the league minimum.

Bates logged a full practice Friday and carries no injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Bengals.

EDGE Analysis

Bates should garner some interest as both Harold Fannin (groin) and David Njoku (knee) having been ruled out for Week 18. Bates and Blake Whiteheart are poised to see more playing time, although practice-squad member Sal Cannella, who led Cleveland's tight ends in targets last week, could steal some thunder if added to the roster for the game.

Bates (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

A shoulder injury limited Bates' practice participation Wednesday, but his full session Thursday puts him on track to play against the Bengals on Sunday. The second-year tight end has stepped into a more prominent role in the Browns' offense during the absence of David Njoku (knee/personal), and the former could see even more snaps in Week 18 if rookie Harold Fannin (groin) is unable to play.

Bates (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bates managed an ankle issue earlier in December, but the shoulder injury appears to be something new. The second-year tight end has been seeing more offensive reps of late, logging 53 offensive snaps over the past two weeks and catching one of two targets for 19 yards while David Njoku (knee/personal) has been sidelined. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, and Njoku remained a DNP as well, so Bates could have a path to even more work Week 18 against the Bengals if he's able to suit up.

Bates caught his lone target for 19 yards in Sunday's 13-6 win over Pittsburgh in Week 17.

EDGE Analysis

After starting tight end Harold Fannin (groin) was removed from the game late in the first quarter and later ruled out, Bates and Cleveland's other backups got more involved. The reception was Bates' first since joining the Browns in late October. Fannin, who has been a regular on injury reports the last few weeks, is an important piece for the future. As such, the club may want to end his season early, which could lead to more opportunities for Bates, Sal Cannella and Blake Whiteheart in next week's regular-season finale against Cincinnati.

Bates (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bates was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, but he was a full participant Friday. He is now ready to play Sunday against the Bears for the first time since Week 12 versus the Raiders. The 26-year-old has had minimal impact on offense when healthy this season, hauling in two receptions on two targets for 23 yards in five games played (three with the Texans and two with the Browns).

Bates (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bates has missed both of Cleveland's past two games due to an ankle injury. He didn't practice at all each of the previous two weeks, so his ability to log a limited session Wednesday suggests he's showing improvement. When healthy this season, Bates has had a minor role on offense, logging two catches on two targets for 23 yards across five contests (three with the Texans and two with the Browns).

Bates (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old logged consecutive DNPs to begin the Browns' week of practice and is now in line to miss his second game in a row due to an ankle injury. While Bates is sidelined again Sunday, Cleveland's tight-end room will likely consist of Blake Whiteheart, David Njoku and Harold Fannin.

Bates (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Bates missed last week's loss to the 49ers, and he's in danger of missing this Sunday's game versus the Titans unless he can return to the practice field by Friday. Even if Bates is able to play, he likely won't factor into the offensive gameplan because David Njoku (knee) is trending towards playing while Harold Fannin has the top spot locked up.

Bates (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bates was injured in last Sunday's win over the Raiders. A deep reserve at tight end, Bates has logged just 41 offensive snaps this season.