NFL Player News

Jordan (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

Jordan still has Friday to make a potential practice appearance this week, but even if he does he's not likely to be especially close to full strength. The Texans also will have to watch the status of Pharaoh Brown, who popped up on the injury report Thursday with a shoulder issue. O.J. Howard would likely have to do any lifting Jordan or/and Brown cannot against Chicago in Week 3.

Hurst (groin) returned to a full practice Thursday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Hurst, who was on the field for 57 of 70 snaps on offense and caught five of his seven targets for 24 yards in the Bengals' Week 2 loss to the Cowboys, thus is slated to continue to start at tight end Sunday against the Jets. Through two games, he's logged 15 total targets and recorded back-to-back five-catch efforts, a level of output that gives the 29-year-old modest fantasy utility in PPR formats.

Hockenson (hip) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

Hockenson has opened Week 3 prep with back-to-back capped sessions as he deals with a hip injury. He'll look to log every rep Friday, but even if he's unable to, he doesn't seem to be a candidate to sit out Sunday in Minnesota. Friday's practice report could provide some insight into Hockenson's upcoming availability.

Knox (foot) returned to a limited practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Knox missed Wednesday's session, but the tight end's return to the field Thursday bodes well for his chances of playing Sunday against the Dolphins. Friday's final injury report seems destined to relay whether he approaches the contest officially listed as questionable or minus a Week 3 injury designation.

Blanton was signed off of the Chiefs' practice squad by the Rams on Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

Blanton was waived by the Rams on Aug. 20, then found his way onto Kansas City's practice squad after a short stint with the Commanders. The addition of the 26-year-old comes a day after the news that fellow tight end Brycen Hopkins would be serving a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Blanton should be able to slide right into the team's offense after having been with the franchise recently, including appearing in 11 games last season. He'll likely operate as the team's No. 2 tight end Sunday in a divisional matchup with the Cardinals.

Hockenson (hip) is participating in practice Thursday, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Hockenson was limited to begin the week Wednesday, and while the extent of his participation Thursday has yet to be clarified, it's good that he's able to take the field. The 25-year-old tight end doesn't appear to be in danger of sitting out in Week 3 against the Vikings, and he'll look to step up his production after mustering just 64 yards through two games.

Forristall was elevated to Cleveland's active roster Thursday.

Forristall was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Thursday's game against the Steelers. He'll provide depth at tight end behind David Njoku and Harrison Bryant, taking the spot of Jesse James (biceps). The Browns can elevate Forristall for one more game after this but would have to sign him to the active roster to dress him for a third time.

Rader was signed to Tennessee's active roster from the practice squad on Thursday, Turron Davenport of ESPN reports.

Rader will provide tight end depth for the Titans moving forward, starting with Sunday's game against the Raiders. His usage will likely be limited primarily to special teams with Austin Hooper, Geoff Swaim and Chigoziem Okonkwo all ahead of Rader on the depth chart.

Schultz (knee) will increase his practice workload every day leading up to Monday's game against the Giants, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Schultz will have a chance to suit up for Monday Night Football as long as things progress on track through Sunday. The tight end is dealing with a PCL sprain to his right knee, and while it seems like he won't practice in full Thursday, the extent of his participation Friday and Saturday should be more telling as to his game-time status. If Schultz does manage to take the field versus New York on Monday, he will once again be catching passes from Cooper Rush in place of Dak Prescott (thumb).

Sample will likely be forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season due to MCL and PCL damage in his right knee, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Tuesday that Sample is set to undergo surgery following a right knee injury suffered during Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. While the tight end was initially expected to be sidelined for at least a few months, it now appears that he will sit out the rest of the year after initial tests revealed damage to his MCL and PCL, according to Fowler. Sample recorded 11 catches for 81 yards while playing 440 offensive snaps last season, and he will now look to work his way back from this injury as he approaches free agency this offseason. In his stead, Cincinnati will likely turn to Mitchell Wilcox to step up as the team's No. 2 tight end behind Hayden Hurst.