NFL Player News

Brown (thigh) did not participate in practice Wednesday.

Brown missed the Texans' Week 8 game against the Rams after getting injured in practice. Brown will try to hit the practice field Thursday, but if he can't his Week 9 status against the Dolphins will definitely be in Jeopardy. Should Brown miss Week 9, Jordan Akins and more so Brevin Jordan will step into larger roles.

Hill (concussion) officially was limited at Wednesday's practice.

In his first on-field work since suffering a concussion Week 5, Hill had a cap on his reps, but it's a sign that he's making progress through league protocols for head injuries. The Saints have a bit of a quandary at quarterback after Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL and also damage to his MCL this past Sunday against the Buccaneers. Trevor Siemian took over for Winston and completed 16 of 29 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the 36-27 victory. Coach Sean Payton may wait to make a decision on the Week 9 starter until he sees where Hill stands as of Friday, but Hill's upcoming role could be anything from No. 1 QB to inactive player.

McKeon (anke) was activated from IR on Wednesday, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

McKeon was injured in a preseason game against the Cardinals and was placed on IR on Sept. 3. The second-year pro played 14 games last season with the Cowboys -- primarily on special teams -- and never made a reception. His return comes at an opportune time since backup tight end Blake Jarwin (hip) is questionable for the Cowboys' Week 9 contest against the Broncos.

Hill (concussion) returned to practice Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Hill's return to drills for the first time since sustaining a concussion Week 5 is well timed following Jameis Winston's diagnosis of a torn ACL in addition to damage to his MCL from Week 8. It's unclear where Hill stands in the protocol for head injuries, and also whether he'd be the first quarterback to step in for Winston. Coach Sean Payton could opt to roll with Trevor Siemian under center after he stepped in and led the Saints to a 36-27 win over the Buccaneers this past Sunday, completing 16 of 29 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Such a scenario likely would place Hill in his customary jack-of-all trades role, assuming he's able to get cleared in time for a Week 9 matchup with the Falcons.

Coach Sean McDermott said Wednesday that Knox (hand) will not participate in practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

McDermott said Monday that Knox is day-to-day and has been improving, but the starting tight end still isn't ready to resume handling practice reps. Knox, who is recovering from hand surgery, will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's contest against the Jaguars. If Knox isn't able to retake the field Week 9, Tommy Sweeney will once again stand to handle the No. 1 tight end reps.

Stoll caught his lone target for nine yards in Sunday's 44-6 win over the Lions.

Stoll played 42 of a possible 65 snaps (68 percent), just two fewer than Dallas Goedert. Goedert saw six more targets, however, which is probably a good indicator about how the stats will break down going forward between the two. The Eagles only attempted 16 passes the whole game, however, so perhaps Week 9 at home against the Chargers will provide a more accurate sample, one which doesn't contain such a lopsided score.

Fant's placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday was the result of a positive test for the virus, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Thus, Fant will need to produce a pair of negative tests 24 hours apart in order to be eligible to play Sunday at Dallas. He has time to do just that, but the Broncos likely are preparing for him to be sidelined for at least one game. If Fant doesn't clear league protocols in time to suit up Week 9, the Broncos will turn to Albert Okwuegbunam to take on a bigger role, with Eric Saubert and Andrew Beck also in the mix at tight end.

Fant (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Fant has served as the Broncos' No. 1 tight end this season, recording 37 catches on 53 targets for 320 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. It's unclear if he tested positive for COVID-19 and whether or not he's vaccinated, two big factors in determining when he might be able to rejoin his teammates. If he takes a seat Sunday in Dallas, Fant will yield top TE duties to Albert Okwuegbunam, with Eric Saubert and Andrew Beck also factoring in.

Sternberger was waived by Washington on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old was added to the team Oct. 6 after Logan Thomas (hamstring) was place on injured reserve but failed to play in any contests. With Thomas likely returning following Washington's bye in Week 9, they no longer need Sternberger. The tight end will either be claimed by another team, moved to the practice squad or out right released.

Thomas (hamstring) will have his 21-day window to return from injured reserve opened next week, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Thomas hurt his right hamstring Week 4 in Atlanta and has missed the past four games. Washington opted not to bring him back to the active roster prior to its Week 9 bye, but he seemingly will make his presence felt at practice again once the team reconvenes next week. Thomas' next chance to play arrives Sunday, Nov. 14 against the Buccaneers.