NFL Player News

Dwelley (ribs) didn't practice Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Dwelley sat out the team's first practice ahead of Monday's showdown with the Rams due to a rib issue. The extent of the injury remains unclear, but he'll have two more opportunities to practice before the team needs to make a decision on his status. With George Kittle back in the mix, Dwelley saw just four offensive snaps in Week 3, so his potential absence wouldn't be major loss to San Francisco's offense.

Njoku (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Cabot previously suggested that Njoku's absence was rest-related, a notion that would be confirmed by his return to practice in any capacity Friday. The tight end is coming off a strong Week 3 effort in which caught nine of his 10 targets for 89 yards and a TD in the Browns' win over the Steelers last Thursday.

Moreau (knee) was unable to practice Thursday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Moreau missed his second consecutive practice, leaving his status for Sunday against the Broncos in question. The fourth-year tight end will likely need to participate in some fashion Friday, or he'll be trending much closer to doubtful for the contest. If he is unable to play, Jesper Horsted will slide up to the No. 2 tight end spot behind Darren Waller, while a practice-squad elevation of Cole Fotheringham would be likely.

Hooper (neck) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, John Glennon of SI.com reports.

Hooper took a step forward in activity from Wednesday and will look to graduate to full participation Friday, which would likely allow him to enter this weekend's matchup with the Colts without an injury designation. Even if the neck issue results in no restrictions for Hooper, his fantasy ceiling will be suppressed while he continues to share snaps at tight end with Geoff Swaim. Hooper hasn't played more than 62 percent of snaps or drawn more than five targets in any of the Titans' first three games.

Schultz (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Schultz took a seat Monday at the Giants after spraining his PCL in Week 2. Through two sessions this week, he's been limited while donning a brace on his right knee, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, but executive vice president Stephen Jones relayed to Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Thursday that the Cowboys believe the tight end should be available Sunday versus the Commanders. In the end, though, Friday's injury report will be telling for Schultz's odds to do so.

Hockenson (foot) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Hockenson sat out Wednesday's session due to the foot issue, but his ability to take some reps Thursday seemingly puts him in good position to suit up this weekend against the Seahawks. The availability of other key targets in Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), DJ Chark (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (shoulder/shoulder) is less certain, and Hockenson could be in store for more involvement in the passing game than usual if any of those three players aren't available Sunday. Through three games, Hockenson is averaging 27.3 receiving yards on six targets per contest.

Knox (back/hip) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Knox tended to a foot issue ahead of Week 3 action, but now the tight end is listed with a back/hip concern. Following back-to-back limited practices, Knox will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid approaching Sunday's game against the Ravens with an injury designation.

Thomas (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday.

Thomas played his typical percentage of snaps Sunday against the Saints, but he apparently picked up an injury along the way, which has left him limited for the Panthers' last two practices. If Thomas is unable to go Sunday against the Cardinals, Tommy Tremble will step into the starting role.

Hill (rib) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

For the second day in a row, Hill had his reps capped in practice and worked as the second-string quarterback while Andy Dalton directed the first-team offense in the absence of Jameis Winston (back/ankle/hip), according to Jeff Duncan of The Athletic. Even if Winston's injuries prevent him from playing Sunday in London against the Vikings, Dalton would be in store for the majority of reps under center, though Hill could see some snaps on designed runs. The versatile Hill would also be available to contribute on special teams and serve as a depth option at tight end.

Jordan (ankle) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Jordan has now been a spectator for five straight practices since tweaking his ankle in the Texans' Week 2 loss to the Broncos. Unless he's able to fit in some on-field work at Friday's session, Jordan will likely miss his second game in a row Sunday against the Chargers. In that scenario, Houston could promote Jordan Akins from the practice squad once again to provide another pass-catching option at tight end behind starter Pharaoh Brown.