NFL Player News

Wolf was placed on the Saints' practice squad COVID list Friday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Wolf had been elevated to the active roster ahead of two of New Orleans' past three games but looks likely to sit this one out with so little time remaining before Sunday's tilt against the Panthers. With the Saints' tight end room healthy again, the 26-year-old's potential absence probably won't affect the team's plans much in Week 17.

Thomas and recent practice squad call-up Stephen Sullivan are left as the only tight ends on Carolina's roster as Sunday's game against the Saints approaches after Tommy Tremble landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Thomas could be headed for a three-down role, though he's had that opportunity plenty of times in the past and never did much with it. He's also been quiet this season while splitting snaps with Tremble, catching 15 passes for 155 yards in 15 games.

Vannett (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Vannett was limited in practice all week due to an ankle injury, but he'll be able to suit up in Week 17. Since Adam Trautman (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Vannett should revert to a backup role against Carolina.

Conklin (hamstring) turned in a full practice Friday but will carry a questionable designation into Sunday's game in Green Bay, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.

For the first time all season, Conklin heads into game day with a designation, though his ability to take every rep Friday bodes well for his chances of avoiding the inactive list. Assuming Conklin gets the green light to play, he could prove to be a trusted safety valve underneath for fill-in starting quarterback Sean Mannion, who is less likely to take chances downfield than Kirk Cousins. With Cousins on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus Friday, the Vikings could struggle to keep pace with a high-powered Green Bay offense in the rematch of a game that produced 65 points between the teams in Week 11, though Conklin may be less likely than wideouts Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn to be hindered from a production standpoint.

Freiermuth (concussion) was a full participant in Friday's practice, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Freiermuth missed last week's loss to Kansas City due to a concussion, but he hasn't had any limitations in either of Pittsburgh's first two Week 17 practices. The Steelers haven't formally indicated that Freiermuth has passed the final step of the NFL's concussion protocol -- gaining clearance from an independent neurologist -- but that will be verified if he doesn't have an injury designation Saturday, when Pittsburgh releases its final practice report ahead of Monday's game against Cleveland.

Holtz (personal) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Holtz missed practice Thursday and Friday due to a personal matter, and he'll likely be held out in Week 17. The 28-year-old has played mainly on special teams this year, so his status shouldn't significantly impact Chicago's offensive plans.

Tremble was added to the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday afternoon.

Given the timing, Tremble is unlikely to play in Sunday's game against the Saints. His probable absence should give Ian Thomas more snaps, with Stephen Sullivan potentially also taking on some work. Tremble has yet to see more than four targets in a contest but does have a 13-game streak with at least one.

Conklin (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Green Bay, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Conklin has a shot to play after his return to practice Thursday, but there'll be some extra risk for fantasy managers if he's a game-time decision with the Packers and Vikings kicking off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday. There's also the matter of Sean Mannion replacing Kirk Cousins (reserve/COVID-19 list) at quarterback, though the change might affect a short-area possession target like Conklin less than it affects wideouts Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn. All of it makes Conklin a risky Week 17 fantasy play, while Chris Herndon and Luke Stocker likely will form some kind of timeshare if the Vikings' starting tight end is inactive Sunday.

Farrell (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Farrell tested positive for the virus Monday but is back on the active roster without missing a game. James O'Shaughnessy (hip) has been unable to practice this week while Chris Manhertz (illness) and Jacob Hollister (illness) remain in the health and safety protocols, so Farrell could be in line for an increased workload this weekend in New England.

Vannett (ankle) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice session.

Vannett served as the Saints' top tight end in Monday's loss to the Dolphins but was targeted just once. He apparently sustained an ankle injury that rendered him a limited participant at practice Wednesday and Thursday. If he hopes to avoid the Week 17 injury report, he'll likely need to practice fully Friday.