NFL Player News

Okwuegbunam (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Okwuegbunam was listed as questionable with the same injury ahead of the Broncos' Week 9 win over the Cowboys, but he proceeded to play 79 percent of the offensive snaps and finished with four receptions for 25 yards on five targets. Assuming he experienced no setbacks coming out of that contest, his absence from practice to begin Week 10 may just be maintenance-related. In any event, Okwuegbunam looks headed for a smaller role this weekend against the Eagles, as No. 1 tight end Noah Fant (illness) is on track to return from a one-game absence due to a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Thomas' hamstring remained sore following Monday's workout, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Monday's test was intended to gauge the state of Thomas' health, and he doesn't seem to be ready just yet to come back to the active roster. He can't officially take part in practice until Washington designates him to return from injured reserve, so he was contained to activity on a side field Wednesday. Head coach Ron Rivera further relayed Thomas will continue to be monitored as the week goes on, and the tight end's status will be determined by Friday. If Thomas isn't able to suit up Sunday against the Buccaneers, Ricky Seals-Jones will handle the bulk of the tight-end reps, with rookie fourth-rounder John Bates mixing in behind him.

Knox (hand) will be limited in Wednesday's practice, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Knox has resumed practicing for the first time since suffering a broken bone in his hand Oct. 19 and then undergoing surgery. If Knox is able to maintain at least limited participation in practice the next two days, he should have a fair shot at suiting up for Sunday's road matchup against the Jets. Tommy Sweeney will bump back down to a backup role if Knox gets the green light to play.

Thomas (hamstring) is working on a side field Wednesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

The activity represents a sign of progress for Thomas following three missed games and a Week 9 bye, but he still hasn't returned to practice and thus remains uncertain to play in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. A report last week suggested Thomas would be designated to return from injured reserve soon, which will open his 21-day window to begin practicing and potentially rejoin the active roster. Ricky Seals-Jones has been filling in at tight end in an every-down role throughout Thomas' absence.

Rader reverted to the Steelers' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transactions report.

Rader automatically reverted to Pittsburgh's practice squad after having been elevated for Monday's contest against the Bears. Versus Chicago, in what was his first appearance of the season, Rader secured his only target for a one-yard reception.

Sample logged three receptions for 36 yards on three targets Sunday in the Bengals' 41-16 loss to the Browns.

After falling behind by two touchdowns at halftime and by 24 points after three quarters, the Bengals were forced to abandon the run. As a result, Sample and fellow tight end C.J. Uzomah (five targets) had fewer blocking responsibilities and were more involved as route runners than usual. The four targets were a season-high total for Sample, who hadn't drawn a look in the passing game in either of the Bengals' prior two contests.

Ertz caught three of five targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 31-17 win at San Francisco.

Since the Cardinals acquired Ertz from the Eagles in mid-October, he's made three appearances with the team, earning either four or five targets on each occasion. In the first two, he was on the receiving end of passes from Kyler Murray, but with the latter out due to a sprained ankle, veteran Colt McCoy was directing the offense in Week 9. The result was Ertz' worst receiving line as a Card, and McCoy again may be under center Sunday against the Panthers due to Murray's injury.

Kroft (chest) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

As a result, Kroft will be sidelined for at least the next three games, making a Week 13 matchup with the Eagles on Dec. 5 his earliest possible return date. Before sustaining a lung laceration in last week's loss to the Colts, Kroft had appeared in six games and tallied 10 receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. While Kroft is sidelined, Ryan Griffin is set to serve as the Jets' clear No. 1 tight end.

Smith (knee) missed practice Tuesday due to a chronic knee injury, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Smith left Sunday's game against the Raiders early and did not return after being evaluated for a concussion. However, it turns out he did not have a concussion, but he is still dealing with a knee injury. Smith will try to return to the practice field Wednesday.

Cager did test positive for COVID-19 on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Cager was placed on the Browns' practice squad COVID-19 list Monday, but it was not known if he had actually tested positive or was a close contact. Cager will try to clear protocols and return to the field as quickly as possible.