NFL Player News

Smythe (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Smythe didn't practice Wednesday and logged limited sessions Thursday and Friday, but he'll still have a chance to suit up in Week 6. The backup tight end has played at least 30 offensive snaps in each game this season, so his potential absence would likely thrust Tanner Conner and Hunter Long into increased roles.

Gentry is expected to serve as the Steelers' starting tight end in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with Pat Freiermuth (concussion) having been ruled out for the Week 6 contest, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

With Freiermuth having yet to clear the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries after suffering his third concussion in two seasons in last week's loss to the Bills, Gentry is the next man up at tight end. Even with Freiermuth playing roughly half of the game last week, Gentry still saw the field for 64 percent of the Steelers' offensive plays and parlayed the added playing time into a 5-43-0 receiving line on six targets. The Steelers' large deficit throughout the second half likely played a part in the team running a pass-heavy game script, but Sunday's matchup with the heavily favored Buccaneers should continue to open up opportunities in the passing game for Gentry and Connor Heyward, who is expected to serve as the No. 2 option at tight end. The 6-foot-8 Gentry should provide rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett with a big target in the short and intermediate areas of the field as well as the red zone.

Schultz (knee) has no injury designation for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

He progressed to full practice participation Friday after limited showings Wednesday and Thursday. There's no doubt Schultz will suit up, but he's caught just one pass since suffering a PCL sprain Week 2, missing Week 3 entirely and then exiting early Week 5.

Hudson (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus Baltimore.

Hudson apparently fell ill Thursday, and he now appears to be at risk of missing his first game action of the season Sunday. If he can't play versus the Ravens, the Giants could be forced to lean more heavily on rookie Daniel Bellinger.

Hurst (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints after practicing in a limited fashion this week.

Hurst also headed into Week 5 action listed as questionable due to his groin injury, but he was able to suit up for the Bengals' loss to the Ravens this past Sunday, logging an 81-percent snap share en route to catching six of his seven targets for 53 yards and a touchdown. Assuming he didn't experience any setbacks in that contest or in practice this week, expect Hurst to give it a go this weekend.

Myarick doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's contest against the Ravens, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Myarick was limited at each practice during Week 6 prep due to an ankle issue, but he doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's matchup. The third-year pro has played at least 20 offensive snaps in four straight games while operating as the Giants' No. 2 tight end and occasional fullback.

Freiermuth (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Freiermuth, who suffered a concussion against the Bills last weekend, was listed as a limited practice participant this week, but he's still in the concussion protocol and will now look to gain clearance to play ahead of Week 7 action. In his absence, fellow tight end Zach Gentry (who notched five catches against Buffalo) is line to see an expanded role versus Tampa Bay along with 2022 sixth-rounder Connor Heyward.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Higbee (ankle) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, but the tight end is expected to play, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

The Rams are giving questionable designations to both of their top pass catchers in Higbee and wideout Cooper Kupp (foot), but McVay doesn't believe either player is in serious danger of missing the Week 6 contest. With offseason pickup Allen Robinson having yet to demonstrate much of a rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford, Higbee has established himself as the Rams' clear No. 2 target behind Kupp. Through five games, Higbee has yet to find the end zone, but he's amassed 33 catches for 290 yards on 48 targets.

Kroft (knee) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Falcons, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kroft is listed as questionable for the first time since suffering an MCL sprain during Week 2. Even if he's deemed available, it's possible the veteran tight end will be limited following a three-game absence.

Knox (foot/hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Kansas City.

Though he never advanced beyond limited participation in practices Wednesday through Friday after sitting out the Week 5 win over the Steelers, Knox showed enough improvement in his recovery from the pair of injuries for the Bills to clear him to play Sunday. Knox should step back into the No. 1 role at tight end in what should be one of the higher-scoring matchups of Week 6, making the 25-year-old a viable lineup option coming off the one-game absence. Through four outings this season, Knox has accrued 12 catches for 111 yards and no touchdowns on 17 targets.