NFL Player News

Freiermuth (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pittsburgh also listed Freiermuth as a limited participant on its initial Week 6 injury report released Wednesday, so it's unclear if he's made any tangible progress through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol a day later. According to Curt Popejoy of USA Today, the concussion Freiermuth sustained in last Sunday's loss to the Bills was his third in his first two seasons in the NFL, and his history could make it tougher challenge for him to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in advance of this weekend's game against Tampa Bay. If Freiermuth isn't able to play, Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward would see increased roles at tight end.

Sullivan (back) was a limited participant in the Panthers' practice Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sullivan returned to practice in a limited fashion Wednesday after being held out of practice last Thursday and Friday with a back injury. While the exact nature and severity of this issue are still unclear, it proved significant enough to keep him sidelined for Carolina's Week 5 loss to San Francisco. Sullivan recorded the first reception of his NFL career in Week 2, but he's played just six offensive snaps over three games so far this season.

Hudson did not practice Thursday due to a non-COVID related illness, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Hudson was not listed with any issues on the Giants' practice report Wednesday, and the exact nature and severity of this illness are still unknown. The backup tight end has caught three of his five targets for 40 yards through the first five games of the season, though he's played an increased percentage of the Giants' offensive snaps over the past two weeks, with 61 percent against Chicago and 45 percent against Green Bay. Hudson will have two more days to overcome this illness before Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Knox (foot/hamstring) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Since missing the Bills' Week 5 victory over the Steelers, Knox has logged back-to-back limited practices, which suggests that he could be back in action Sunday against the Chiefs. Friday's final injury report will reveal whether the tight end heads into the weekend with an injury designation or cleared to play against Kansas City.

Head coach Nathaniel Hackett said Thursday that he hopes to have Dulcich (hamstring) back from injured reserve for the Broncos' Week 6 game against the Chargers, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

The third-round rookie out of UCLA has missed the Broncos' first five games of the season, but he was cleared to resume practicing Tuesday and looks to be making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Broncos will presumably assess Dulcich in practices over the next three days before deciding whether he's fit to handle some snaps in Monday's game. With Albert Okwuegbunam having handled a lesser role than anticipated with Hackett at the helm, Dulcich could get the opportunity to step in as Denver's top pass-catching tight end once he gets up to full speed. If he's active for Week 6, Dulcich will likely be tasked with only a limited role in his first game back from his injury.

Smythe (hamstring) did not participate during the Dolphins' practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Smythe was forced out with a hamstring injury during Miami's Week 5 loss to the Jets, though the exact nature of this issue is still unclear. His absence from practice Wednesday appears to indicate that this issue may affect his availability heading Sunday's game against the Vikings. Smythe caught six of seven targets for 50 yards through the first five games of the season, and his potential absence would lead to a bigger role for fellow tight end Mike Gesicki in Week 6.

Higbee was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Higbee joined Cooper Kupp (foot) on the sideline to kick off Week 6 prep, which isn't surprising after head coach Sean McVay told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times earlier Wednesday that the teams will "be smart" with a few key contributors this week. Kupp and Higbee rank first and second on the team in terms of catches, targets and receiving yards, respectively, this season, so their statuses will be of keen interest as the weekend approaches.

Freiermuth (concussion) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

During this past Sunday's blowout loss at Buffalo, Freiermuth made an early exit from the contest due to a concussion. After initially listing Freiermuth as a non-participant on the first Week 6 injury report, the team issued a correction later Wednesday, noting that he practiced in a limited capacity. With that knowledge, Freiermuth is further along in the protocol for head injuries than thought and has a clearer path to being available Sunday against the Buccaneers. The second-year player has two chances this week to get back to full participation in practice, at which point the team may provide some clarity into his upcoming availability.

Higbee didn't take part in the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

The same can be said for Cooper Kupp (undisclosed), but head coach Sean McVay said earlier Wednesday that the Rams will "be smart" with a few key players this week, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Higbee's current concern isn't known, but Wednesday's injury report will reveal what exactly the tight end is dealing with.

Bates could make another start Thursday against the Bears with fellow tight end Logan Thomas (calf) ruled out for a second straight game.

Bates handled a three-down role a few times late last season when Thomas was out, but in the Week 5 loss to the Titans, the Commanders often subbed in Cole Turner for obvious passing situations. As a result, Bates was limited to playing 59 percent of snaps, though he reeled in his three targets for 39 yards. Meanwhile, Turner finished without a catch on three targets and 32 snaps (51 percent).