James was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

James was one of five Chicago players to be removed from COVID-19 protocols Monday. He will likely assume his usual role behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham during the Bears' Week 17 matchup with the Giants.

James will remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list and won't be available for Monday's game against the Vikings, Larry Mayer of the Bears' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The reserve tight end is one of 14 members of the Bears roster or practice squad who won't suit up Monday after being placed on the list in recent days. James had drawn just one target over the Bears' last five games, so his absence will likely go unnoticed for fantasy purposes.

James was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The tight end will now likely be unavailable for the team's Monday night matchup with the Vikings as he goes through COVID-19 protocols. With Cole Kmet (illness), Jesper Horsted (illness) and Jimmy Graham (knee) questionable for Week 15, J.P. Holtz is the only healthy option remaining at the position going into Friday.

James caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 33-22 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

With Jimmy Graham (COVID-19) missing this game, James caught all three of his targets, including the only touchdown pass Justin Fields threw. For the second straight game, James caught three passes, though once Graham returns, there's a strong chance James returns to the reserve he held, which resulted in zero catches through Week 6.

James caught three passes for 20 yards in the Bears' 38-3 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

James took over the second tight-end role with Jimmy Graham (COVID-19) sitting this one out, but he had most of his production when the game was well out of hand. Stuck in an anemic Chicago passing attack while not being the lead tight end, James has limited fantasy upside.

James (personal) doesn't appear on Chicago's injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

James missed Chicago's previous game due to personal reasons but should make his return for this clash of NFC North rivals. With Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham occupying the top two spots on the Bears' tight end depth chart, James isn't expected to play a major role in his return.

James (personal) won't play Sunday against the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

James didn't practice all week and will consequently sit out when his teammates travel to Vegas. Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham should continue to dominate snaps at the tight end position for Chicago.

James caught four passes for 54 yards in Chicago's 41-15 preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

James played with both the starters and reserves, catching passes from both Andy Dalton and Justin Fields, and he was second on the team with five targets. After his second-straight solid performance, he appears to be in the driver's seat to open the season as the team's No. 3 tight end behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham.

Although James was wide open on an easy 30-yard touchdown reception in Saturday's preseason win over the Dolphins, his overall work is solidifying his role as Chicago's third tight end, Adam Jahns of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Playing primarily with the backups in the Bears' first preseason game, James was second on the team with four targets, hauling in two of them for 38 yards and a score. Although the seven-year veteran has yet to surpass 423 yards or three touchdowns in any season, he has ability as both a blocker and receiver that would allow him to step in if either Cole Kmet or Jimmy Graham was forced to miss time during the season.

James signed a one-year contract with the Bears on Sunday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

James averaged 377.7 yards per season from 2016 to 2018 with the Steelers, but he totaled just 271 yards and two touchdowns with the Lions across the last two seasons. The 27-year-old will have to compete behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham for targets in Chicago.