NFL Player News

Thomas (calf) was a non-participant at practice Thursday, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

For a second day in a row, Thomas was spotted on the side getting in some work, but he again went down as a DNP. He may need to log a limited session before week's end to put himself on a path to ending a two-game absence as he tends to a calf issue. Friday's injury report ultimately may paint a clearer picture for Thomas' availability (or lack thereof) for Sunday's game against the Packers. Fellow tight end John Bates (hamstring) also hasn't practiced this week, leaving Cole Turner and Armani Rogers as the only healthy options at the position on the team's active roster.

Johnson is expected to serve as the Saints' starting tight end and primary option at the position in Thursday's game against the Cardinals with Adam Trautman (ankle) ruled out for the contest.

Trautman led the position group in snaps from Weeks 3 through 5, but his early exit in last Sunday's loss to the Bengals opened the door for Johnson to clear 70 percent of the offensive snaps for the first time since Week 2. Johnson finished the contest with four receptions for 41 yards on six targets on a 77 percent snap share, and he could see his play count tick up Thursday while Trautman is out for the entirety of the contest. Moreover, the Saints are down two of their top three receivers in Michael Thomas (foot) and Jarvis Landry (ankle), though Chris Olave (concussion) is back in action after a one-game absence. Even so, Johnson could conceivably find himself as the Saints' No. 3 target behind Olave and running back Alvin Kamara, as New Orleans' other pass-catching options at wideout and tight end are mostly underwhelming.

Kroft (knee) was a full participant in the 49ers' practice Wednesday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Kroft sprained his MCL in Week 2 against Seattle. While he returned to practice in a limited fashion for the first time last Wednesday, the tight end was ultimately sidelined for the fourth consecutive game Sunday against Atlanta. Now, Kroft seems ready to make his full return heading into this Sunday's contest versus the Chiefs. The 29-year-old has caught one of his two targets for nine yards this season, and he'll likely slot in alongside fellow backups Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner.

Moreau (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Despite coming off a bye week, Moreau was once again limited in practice after missing the Raiders' last two games with a knee injury. The 25-year-old previously returned to practice in a limited fashion before sitting out Las Vegas' Week 5 loss to the Chiefs. Moreau will look to increase his practice activity either Thursday or Friday. If he doesn't, the Raiders may be extremely thin at tight end Sunday against the Texans, as starter Darren Waller (hamstring) also sat out practice Wednesday.

Fant was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to an illness, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Until Wednesday, Fant had avoided appearances on Seattle's injury reports in his first season in the Pacific Northwest. He'll look to get back to full participation Thursday and/or Friday, at which point the Seahawks may remove his designation entirely. While he had a relatively slow start to his tenure with team -- he logged a combined 10-56-1 receiving line on 11 targets through four games -- Fant has come to life somewhat over the last two contests, hauling in nine of 12 targets for 94 yards and no scores.

Parham (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Gerald Everett (illness) also sat out Wednesday's practice, which leaves Tre' McKitty as the Chargers' top healthy tight end at this stage of the week. Parham, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, now has two more chances to return to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Everett didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness.

Everett, who caught five of his seven targets for 29 yards in Monday's 19-16 overtime win over the Broncos, now has two more chances to return to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks. In addition to Everett, Donald Parham (concussion) missed practice Wednesday, leaving Tre' McKitty as the Chargers' top healthy tight end at this stage of the week.

Jordan (ankle) took part in practice Wednesday as a limited participant, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Jordan missed three straight contests leading up to Houston's Week 6 bye, but his return to the field Wednesday in a limited capacity is a step in the right direction. Given his lengthy absence, he'll likely have to log at least one full practice Thursday and/or Friday to have a shot at playing Sunday in Las Vegas. Regardless, when available, Jordan could challenge O.J. Howard for the top spot on the depth chart at tight end.

Schultz (knee) practiced fully Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schultz has missed two of the Cowboys' six games this season due to a sprained PCL in his right knee, including last Sunday at Philadelphia. With a full practice behind him to begin Week 7 prep, he appears to be healthy enough to give it a go this Sunday versus the Lions. Assuming he gets through practices Thursday and Friday unscathed, Schultz likely will be drawing targets from Dak Prescott (thumb) instead of Cooper Rush this weekend after the former gained medical clearance to return to action.

Smythe (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Smythe suffered the injury Week 5 against the Jets and sat out the team's Week 6 loss to the Vikings. He closed out last week with limited practices, so although his continued inability to log a full practice could be a cause for concern, he's at least not taking any steps backward. His status to close out the week will be worth watching for fantasy purposes, as although he has not been productive as a receiver, Mike Gesicki did see an uptick in snaps in Smythe's absence, and he posted his best game of the season statistically Sunday against the Vikings.