NFL Player News

Thomas was added to the injury report Friday with a calf injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Tennessee, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

The timing is suboptimal with Washington set to play two games in a span of five days, facing the Bears on Thursday Night Football after Sunday's tilt with the Titans. Thomas is expected to be a game-time decision ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday, with John Bates next up for snaps and targets at tight end, though the Commanders also might give Armani Rogers a look in obvious passing situations. Thomas is fifth on the team with 20 targets this year, averaging 3.3 catches for 26.5 yards per game with one TD in four contests.

Pitts (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Pitts has missed three consecutive practices due to a hamstring injury, and the question now becomes whether he'll manage to recover in time for Week 6 versus the 49ers. Parker Hesse and Anthony Firkser will work to pick up the slack at tight end versus Tampa Bay on Sunday, but fantasy managers in need of a replacement for Pitts could have better luck perusing the waiver wire than Atlanta's positional depth chart.

Pitts (hamstring) is not practicing Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Pitts appears destined to be ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, as he's coming off three straight missed practices due to a hamstring injury. That would mark the first absence of Pitts' professional career and potentially even cast doubt on his availability for Week 6. Parker Hesse and Anthony Firkser will stand to handle increased reps if Pitts indeed is sidelined Sunday, but fantasy managers may want to look to another situation entirely for replacement production at the tight end position.

Sullivan (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Sullivan was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, but he was unable to take the field Thursday or Friday due to his back injury. He'll miss at least one game, and his next chance to suit up will be Oct. 16 against the Rams.

Knox (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Knox's absence as the No. 1 tight end leaves Buffalo's already depleted receiving corps even more short-handed. Jamison Crowder (ankle) is set to miss time due to a fracture, and Isaiah McKenzie remains in the concussion protocol, while depth receiver Jake Kumerow (ankle) also is sidelined this weekend. For the tight end position, Quintin Morris and Tommy Sweeney will work to fill in for Knox.

Everett (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday.

Everett was listed as a full participant Wednesday, so it's possible the tight end tweaked his hamstring during Thursday's session. Either way, his status now is worth monitoring ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns. If Everett ends up out or limited this weekend, Donald Parham (hamstring) is a candidate to help fill in, having practiced fully so far this week after missing the Chargers' first four games.

Waller (shoulder) was limited at practice Thursday, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Per Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Waller sported a red non-contact jersey Wednesday, but by Thursday the tight end was able to practice without said jersey. Waller now has two more chances to upgrade to full practice participation ahead of Monday night's game against Kansas City, which he'll presumably need to do in order to avoid a Week 5 injury designation.

Ferguson (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Ferguson failed to practice Wednesday due to an apparent knee issue, but his ability to participate during Thursday's session in a limited fashion is a step in the right direction. Friday's practice/injury report should provide further clarity regarding the rookie tight end's availability for Sunday's contest against the Rams, but Dalton Schultz and Peyton Hendershot would presumably take on larger roles if Ferguson is eventually ruled out.

Hill (ribs) practiced fully Thursday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

With Jameis Winston's status in limbo due to back and ankle injuries, Hill is in line to serve as the backup quarterback to Andy Dalton as long as Winston is unavailable. Winston hasn't practiced since Week 3 prep, and his status for Sunday's contest against the Seahawks may gain clarity as soon as Friday. Hill has yet to throw a pass in three games this season, instead rushing 12 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns and hauling in his only target for two yards.

Smith (ankle) was limited at practice Thursday.

After missing Wednesday's practice, Smith upgraded to limited participation Thursday, signalling that he has a chance to suit up Sunday against the Lions. If he does, Smith would continue to work in a tight end timeshare with Hunter Henry in Week 5.