NFL Player News

Coach Kevin O'Connell expects Smith (ankle) to avoid surgery and gave a timeline estimate of 4-to-8 weeks Friday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The Vikings hope to get Smith back at some point in December or January, though his role won't be what it was if new teammate T.J. Hockenson stays healthy. The Vikings traded for Hockenson at the trade deadline after Smith injured his ankle in a Week 8 win over Arizona, with initial reports suggesting the latter would miss 8-to-10 weeks. O'Connell apparently is a bit more optimistic but still expects Smith to be out a while. The tight end was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

Turner (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Vikings, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Turner has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol and will see game action for the first time since suffering the concussion in Week 7 against the Packers. Washington has battled injuries at tight end, but with the team's top options at the position having regained health, Turner will likely be used primarily on special teams while playing sparingly, if at all, on offense.

Thomas (calf) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

It remains to be seen if Thomas will take on more work after handling 56 percent of offensive snaps (but zero targets) last week in his first game back from a three-week absence due to a calf injury. He should see a few targets this time around, but the threat of losing snaps/routes to Armani Rogers, John Bates and/or Cole Turner still is present for Thomas.

Sullivan (illness) is doubtful to play Sunday versus the Bengals.

Sullivan failed to participate at any of the Panthers' practices this week while dealing with an illness, making it unlikely that he will be ready to go for Week 9 against Cincinnati. If the tight end is absent from the contest, Ian Thomas could pick up a few extra offensive snaps.

Akins did not catch his lone target in Thursday's 29-17 loss to the Eagles in Week 9.

For a second consecutive week, Akins was not heavily involved. He had a four-week stretch -- 10 catches, 154 yards, one touchdown -- that hinted at fantasy worth at a notoriously unproductive position. If there was a game where Houston tight ends could make a difference, it was Thursday when both Brandin Cooks (personal) and Nico Collins (groin) were unavailable, but it did not materialize for Akins.

Jordan caught one of two targets for five yards in Thursday's 29-17 loss to Philadelphia in Week 9.

Jordan's disappointing season rolls on. After a strong second half during his rookie 2021 season, Jordan was projected as a key target for quarterback Davis Mills this season, but the former Miami Hurricane has just six catches on 17 targets for 32 yards in five games.

Quitoriano caught his lone target for a two-yard touchdown reception in Thursday's 29-17 loss to Philadelphia in Week 9.

Quitoriano made his season debut after managing knee swelling since training camp. His TD came on Houston's first drive and was a contested 50/50 ball. It was an odd night for targeting, as the Texans' top two receivers -- Brandin Cooks (personal) and Nico Collins (groin) -- were inactive. There's no reason to believe Quitoriano will play a large role going forward.

Goedert brought in eight of nine targets for 100 yards and a touchdown during the Eagles' 29-17 win over the Texans on Thursday night.

Goedert and Jalen Hurts consistently tormented the Texans' defense throughout the night, the former pacing the Eagles in receptions, receiving yards and targets in the process. The fifth-year tight end's catch total tied a season high as well, and the 100-yard effort was his first since Week 15 of last season. Goedert recorded his second touchdown of the season on a four-yard grab early in the fourth quarter for good measure, and he'll next take aim at the Commanders in a Week 10 home divisional clash on Monday night, Nov. 14.

Fant (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

After kicking off Week 9 prep with back-to-back capped sessions, Fant has just one more opportunity to get back to all activity Friday before Seattle potentially tags him with a designation for Sunday's game in Arizona. If he's able to suit up, he'll be looking to build upon the 22-176-1 line he's put together in eight games this season.

Parham (concussion) was listed as a DNP due to a hamstring issue on the Chargers' injury report Thursday.

Parham missed the first four games of the 2022 campaign with a hamstring injury before making his debut in Week 5. The 25-year-old then suffered a concussion in Week 6 and was sidelined for the following game against Seattle as a result. Parham apparently cleared protocols during the Bolts' bye week and returned to practice in full Wednesday, though he is now dealing with a hamstring issue once again. He will have one more practice to increase his activity before Sunday's game against the Falcons, or else he'll likely sit out for the sixth time this season.