Smith has been held out of practice this week with a minor injury but should return soon, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that "at worst" the tight end would return for joint practices with Miami ahead of the two teams' Aug. 11 preseason opener. The Falcons haven't revealed how they plan on deploying Smith in an offense that also has tight end Kyle Pitts, but Atlanta presumably have a significant role in mind for Smith after acquiring the soon-to-be 28-year-old in a trade with New England this offseason. Granted, a significant real-life role is unlikely to equate to fantasy value, unless maybe Pitts misses a chunk of the season again.

The Patriots are slated to trade Smith to the Falcons in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move frees up cap space for the Patriots, while leaving Hunter Henry as the team's clear-cut top tight end ahead of free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Smith is in line to provide the Falcons with an experienced pass-catching option to work behind starting TE Kyle Pitts. This past season -- his second with New England -- Smith recorded 27 catches on 38 targets for 245 yards in 14 games.

Smith finished the 2022 season with 27 catches on 38 targets for 245 yards in 14 games.

EDGE Analysis

Since signing a four-year, $50,000,000 deal with the Patriots that runs through the 2024 season, Smith's fantasy impact has been modest, while working in a tight end time-share that has tilted in favor of Hunter Henry, whose deal with the team goes through 2023. In that context, Smith's weekly lineup utility next season figures to be limited to deeper leagues, though in the event that Henry is sidelined at any point, Smith -- who missed time down the stretch in 2022 due to a concussion -- could yield dividends as a streaming option.

Smith (concussion) was downgraded and will not play Sunday against the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

That's now two consecutive games Smith will miss after suffering a concussion Week 16 against the Bengals. Expect Hunter Henry to see more work with the veteran tight end unavailable. The 28-year-old tallied five receptions and 52 yards in last week's win over the Dolphins with Smith sidelined.

Smith (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in a limited fashion Thursday and Friday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith, who didn't play in the team's Week 17 win over the Dolphins, but he'll have a chance to suit up this weekend. If available, Smith would likely work as the No. 2 option behind fellow tight end Hunter Henry, rendering Smith an unreliable fantasy option. In 14 games to date, Smith has caught 27 of his 38 targets for 245 yards and has yet to record a touchdown.

Smith (concussion) returned to a limited practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith -- who was inactive Week 17 -- didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to Thursday's session suggests that the tight end could be available Sunday against the Bills. Friday's final injury report will provide added context with regard to Smith's availability for the contest.

Smith (concussion) was present for practice Thursday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to the field Thursday suggests that the tight end has a chance to return to action in Sunday's scheduled game against the Bills. The Patriots' upcoming injury report will clarify Smith's official participation level.

Smith (concussion) didn't participate in practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Smith didn't play in the Week 17 win over the Dolphins, and his continued absence from practice clouds his status for this Sunday's game against the Bills. If Smith remains sidelined, Hunter Henry would once again be in line to log added snaps and targets as New England's clear-cut top tight end.

Smith (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Dolphins, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fellow tight end Hunter Henry (knee) is listed as questionable, but if Henry's able to suit up, Smith's absence may afford him more playing time against a Dolphins defense that's allowed 10 touchdowns to tight ends, which is tied for the most in the league. Smith's last opportunity to return before the end of the regular season will come in Week 18 against the Bills.

Smith (concussion) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has one more chance to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, but if he's out this weekend, then Hunter Henry would be in line for added tight end snaps for the Patriots, assuming he plays through the knee issue that limited him during Wednesday's practice session.