NFL Player News

Ricci (neck) was listed as a full participant on the Panthers' injury report Thursday.

Ricci was forced out with a neck injury during last Thursday's win over the Falcons, leaving him limited during Carolina's first practice leading up to Week 11. However, the fullback practiced without any limitations Thursday, so he should be ready to suit up Sunday against the Ravens. While Ricci has strictly been used as a blocker in the Panthers' running game so far this season, he's hauled in seven of eight targets for 68 yards over 10 games.

Bellinger (eye), who didn't practice Wednesday, was able to catch passes on the side while wearing a protective visor on his helmet, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Since fracturing his left eye socket Week 7, Bellinger has missed two games sandwiched around the Giants' Week 9 bye. The swelling around and the double vision within the eye in question has nearly subsided, and the next step in Bellinger's recovery is an upcoming visit to a specialist, which may happen by the end of this week, per Stapleton. Once that comes to pass, the Giants may have some clarity on the final stages of Bellinger's recovery timeline. For the time being, though, Lawrence Cager likely will be the main beneficiary at tight end, with Tanner Hudson and Chris Myarick on hand in reserve.

Kieft did not log a target over 23 snaps during the Buccaneers' 21-16 win over the Seahawks in Week 10.

The blocking-first tight end had recorded a reception apiece over the prior three games, but with Cameron Brate returning from a neck injury Sunday, his minuscule pass-catching role disappeared altogether. Kieft will have negligible fantasy value as long as Cade Otton and Brate are healthy in front of him.

Everett (groin) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

According to Omar Navarro and Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site, head coach Brandon Staley relayed that the tight end is "going to work back into practice" this week after suffering the groin injury in last Sunday's loss to the 49ers. With that in mind, Daniel Popper of The Athletic relays that Everett is likely being viewed as day-to-day as this weekend's game against the Chiefs approaches.

Thomas was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report due to a rib injury.

Knee and calf issues have previously resulted in Thomas being listed on injury reports this season, and a new health concern is inhibiting him to kick off Week 11 prep. He'll have a pair of sessions to get back to full activity before the Commanders potentially tab him with a designation for Sunday's game in Houston.

Njoku (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.

Njoku, who last suited up Week 7, has two more chances to return to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills. If he ends up sitting out a third consecutive game, Harrison Bryant and Pharaoh Brown would once again continue to see the majority of the snaps at tight end for Cleveland.

Bellinger (eye) didn't practice Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Bellinger has already missed two games after fracturing his left eye socket Week 7 against the Jaguars. He's in danger of missing another game this weekend against the Lions, though he expects to play again this season.

Woods (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Woods is back at practice after missing last week's win over the Raiders. His absence freed up a bit more playing time for Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, with the former taking advantage by catching each of his four targets for 57 yards. None of the three tight ends is likely to see more than three or four targets in any given game, even if one of the group is unavailable. It's unclear at this point if Woods will be ready for Sunday's matchup with Philadelphia.

Kmet missed Wednesday's practice due to a thigh injury.

Along with quarterback Justin Fields, Kmet has been on fire the past three games, gathering in 11 of 15 targets for 126 yards and five touchdowns during that stretch. His five touchdowns on the season places Kmet tied for second among true tight ends in the NFL, trailing only Travis Kelce (eight). There's no telling if Kmet's current health concern threatens his availability for Sunday's game in Atlanta, but his status will continue to be watched as the week goes on.

Andrews (shoulder/knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

According to Hensley, Andrews wasn't spotted during the early portion of the session, but he apparently took the field Wednesday once practice was closed to the media. The limited showing marks his first practice activity of any kind since he suffered his injuries Week 8. With that, Andrews appears to be trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Panthers approaches.