NFL Player News

Hockenson had season-ending surgery on his left thumb Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The first inclination that Hockenson may be dealing with a serious injury was last Thursday, when he was spotted with a heavy wrap on his left hand. He eventually was deemed doubtful for Week 14 action and inactive Sunday in Denver. Upon returning to Detroit earlier this week, coach Dan Campbell relayed hope that Hockenson would be able to play Week 15, but the ensuing procedure will bring his campaign to an abrupt conclusion, with the expectation he'll complete his recovery by the offseason program. Hockenson will end his third season as a pro with 61 catches (on 84 targets) for 583 yards and four touchdowns in 12 appearances. The Lions will turn to Brock Wright and practice squad member Shane Zylstra at tight end down the stretch.

Njoku, who had been on the reserve/COVID-19 list, returned to practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku's return to the mix is a welcome one, with fellow tight end Austin Hooper among the numerous Cleveland players on the list in advance of Saturday's game against the Raiders and Harrison Bryant managing an ankle injury. With that in mind, Njoku figures to see a key role in the Browns' Week 15 passing game.

Hockenson (hand) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Since turning in a limited session last Wednesday due to a left hand injury, Hockenson hasn't taken any reps in any of the Lions' subsequent four practices. He was listed as doubtful before being placed on the inactive list for last week's loss to the Broncos, and unless he gets back on the field in some capacity Friday, Hockenson will likely carry a designation into this weekend's contest against Arizona, if he's not ruled out beforehand. Backup tight ends Shane Zylstra (63 percent of offensive snaps, six targets) and Brock Wright (55 percent, five targets) saw similar workloads and involvement in the passing game while Hockenson was sidelined in Denver.

Thompson signed with the Panthers' practice squad Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Thompson was waived by Carolina on Tuesday, but he'll return to the organization after he went unclaimed on waivers. The 28-year-old has appeared in 10 games this year but failed to haul in his lone target thus far.

The Cardinals have designated Wells (hand) to return from IR, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Wells has only appeared in one game for Arizona this season, when he played one offensive snap against San Francisco in Week 9. Now, the depth tight end will begin a 21-day window to practice with his team.

The Saints designated Trautman (knee) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Trautman landed on IR after he suffered an MCL sprain during a Week 11 loss to the Eagles. He's missed the mandatory three games in order for him to be eligible to return to the active roster, but Trautman is no lock to be available for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. At the time he suffered his injury, Trautman received an estimated recovery timeline of 4-to-6 weeks, so he'll need to demonstrate he's healthy in practice this week if he hopes to be activated for the short end of that window. New Orleans will need to decide whether or not to activate him for the Week 15 matchup no later than Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline for roster moves.

Parham (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Parham worked as a full practice participant Wednesday and was able to avoid the questionable tag for the Week 15 game. Top tight end, Jared Cook (quadriceps) is also good to go for Thursday, so Parham should fill his usual role as the Chargers' No. 2 option at the position.

McKeon (neck) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

McKeon was unavailable for last Sunday's game against Washington due to a neck injury, but it doesn't appear as though he'll be limited ahead of Week 15. Across his last five appearances, he's hauled in four of six targets for 27 yards and a touchdown.

Long didn't participate in Wednesday's practice session due to a non-COVID illness, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Long recorded his first reception of the season in Week 13 but is dealing with an illness ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jets. Even if he's unable to suit up in Week 15, his absence wouldn't have a significant impact on Miami's offense.

Wesco (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Wesco missed each of the last two games due to an ankle injury, but it appears as though he'll be back in action Sunday against the Dolphins. He's appeared in 10 games to begin the season but has hauled in just two of four targets for 16 yards.