NFL Player News

Dissly caught two of four targets for 29 yards in Thursday's 26-17 loss to the Rams.

With top tight end Gerald Everett out due to COVID-19 protocols, Dissly logged 57 of 65 offensive snaps and finished third on the team in targets. However, Dissly didn't offer fantasy managers much with the opportunity, and his reign as the clear No. 1 tight end in Seattle likely won't last long. Everett is expected to return in Week 6 against the Steelers.

Higbee (shoulder) returned to Thursday's game against Seattle, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Higee appeared to suffer a potentially serious injury while blocking late in the second quarter. He was in significant pain on the sideline and also was evaluated in the medical tent. However, he was evidently cleared to return to the game and should be set to take on his typical role moving forward.

Higbee is questionable to return to Thursday's matchup against Seattle with a shoulder injury, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Higbee appeared to suffer the injury while blocking on a running play late in the second quarter. He was seen doubled over in pain on the sideline and ultimately went for further examination under the blue tent. There are no further details available at this time, though Johnny Mundt could see an increased role in Higbee's absence.

The Jets have ruled out Kroft (back) for Sunday's game against the Falcons in London, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Kroft was among three Jets that won't make the trip across the pond. With a back injury in tow and no practice so far this week, he'll be sidelined for the first time this season. In Kroft's stead, Ryan Griffin should be New York's primary tight end Sunday, while Trevon Wesco and Daniel Brown are candidates for elevated roles.

Everett (illness) tested negative twice for COVID-19 in advance of Thursday's game against the Rams, but the results didn't come through in time for the NFL to approve him to play, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports.

Everett needed to test negative twice 24 hours apart to be eligible for activation from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Apparently, he just missed out on doing so and will miss a second consecutive contest as a result. Everett will have plenty of time to get back on the active roster with the Seahawks' next outing not coming until Oct. 17 at Pittsburgh. In the meantime, Will Dissly is expected to pace the Seattle tight ends in snaps.

Everett wasn't activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list in advance of Thursday's game against the Rams, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

In Everett's continued absence, Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson are in line to head the Seahawks' tight-end corps. Neither of the two look like high-percentage fantasy options, however, after making a minimal impact in Seattle's Week 4 win over the 49ers.

Smith (knee) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The tight end missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, but was able to practice in a limited fashion Thursday. He is considered questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys and Friday's injury report will provide a greater indication of his availability.

Bates will operate as Washington's No. 2 tight end behind Ricky Seals-Jones while Logan Thomas (hamstring) is on injured reserve, Pete Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Bates played only four offensive snaps across the first three games of the season, but he logged 14 plays from scrimmage during Sunday's win over the Falcons with Thomas going down with the injury. Bates, a rookie fourth-round pick, has yet to be targeted in the passing game and is unlikely to have much fantasy relevance.

Hockenson (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Hockenson took a step forward with his activity after not practicing in any capacity Wednesday, but according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, the tight end wasn't doing much on the field during Thursday's session. With that in mind, Hockenson's status for Sunday's game against the Vikings could truly be in question, potentially further weakening a winless Lions squad that is already expected to be missing three starting offensive linemen (tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow) in Week 5. The Lions will evaluate Hockenson at Friday's practice before deciding whether he'll carry an injury designation into the weekend.

Kittle (calf) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.

For the second week in a row, Kittle's lingering calf injury has kept him off the field for consecutive practices. In Week 4, he returned to the field Friday in a limited capacity and took a questionable tag into the weekend, but he was active in the 49ers' loss to the Seahawks and played 92 percent of the team's offensive snaps while finishing with four receptions for 40 yards on 10 targets. So long as he's able to turn in another limited showing this Friday, Kittle should have a good shot at suiting up Sunday in Arizona, even if the 49ers give him a designation for the contest. If cleared to play this weekend, Kittle will likely be catching passes from rookie Trey Lance, who appears on track to make his first career start with Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) missing a second straight practice Thursday.