NFL Player News

Arnold is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the 49ers with a back injury, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Arnold didn't appear on the Cardinals' first two injury reports of Week 16 before being listed as a limited participant at Thursday's session due to the back issue. With Arnold's status for Saturday's game now muddled, the Cardinals are lacking in healthy bodies at tight end. The other two options at the position currently on the 53-man roster -- Darrell Daniels and Maxx Williams -- are also listed as questionable with hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that Kittle (foot) is expected to play in Saturday's game at Arizona, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Shanahan noted Kittle fared well enough in practice to warrant the 49ers activating the tight end from injured reserve, a move that is slated to happen prior to Saturday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff. In his first game action since Week 8, though, Kittle will be on a snap count nearly eight weeks removed from suffering a broken cuboid bone in his foot, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. Considering the recent play of Jordan Reed and Ross Dwelley, Kittle may not warrant a ton of looks from C.J. Beathard, but his rapport with the QB going back to college at Iowa could be enough to make his return a productive one.

Gesicki (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Raiders after being listed as a limited practice participant this week.

Gesicki logged back-to-back limited sessions Thursday and Friday last week before being made inactive this past Sunday against the Patriots. If he's limited or out Saturday night, Durham Smythe and Adam Shaheen once again would be in line for added tight end work Week 16.

Smith (knee) didn't practice Thursday, John Glennon of BroadwaySportsMedia.com reports.

The tight end wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his Thursday addition is notable. What Smith is able to do at practice Friday should clarify if he's in any danger of missing Sunday night's game against the Packers. If he is limited or out for the contest, added targets would be available for Anthony Firkser and Geoff Swaim, along with MyCole Pruitt to a lesser degree.

Engram (calf) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The calf issue limited Engram's participation in Wednesday's practice and throughout the Giants' sessions last week, but his return to full activity Thursday clears the way for the tight end to play Sunday in Baltimore. Engram's 95 targets on the season are good for third among all tight ends this season, but a poor 6.0 yards per target average has diminished some of the value of all those looks he's received.

Gilliam (knee/hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report.

Gilliam is the one guy on the Bills' roster capable of playing fullback even though he also serves as a depth tight end, though he's really more of a special teams guy at this stage of his career. We'll see if he can upgrade his practice participation ahead of Monday's game at New England.

Coach Anthony Lynn relayed Thursday that Henry is on the COVID-19 reserve list, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Lynn added that Donald Parham would start at tight end for the Chargers this weekend against the Broncos if Henry is unable to play Sunday.

Alie-Cox (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Alie-Cox has been managing the knee injury for much of the season, but he hasn't been forced to miss a game since Week 6. With Alie-Cox returning to full participation at practice Thursday, he's now on track to be available for Sunday's game against the Steelers. The 27-year-old's playing time and usage in the passing game has been capped for much of the season due to the Colts' three-man timeshare at tight end, but both Alie-Cox and Trey Burton could be in store for expanded roles Week 16 if the quadriceps injury that sidelined Jack Doyle for practice Thursday keeps him out for Sunday's game.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Bell won't practice Thursday while he recovers from a non-COVID-19-related illness, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Though Bell will miss his second straight workout, McCarthy said he expects the tight end to be ready to go for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Bell has served as the top backup to Dalton Schultz for much of the season, totaling 10 receptions for 103 yards on 14 targets over 14 games.

Togiai (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Togiai now has 21 days to be evaluated and activated from IR. Prior to his injury, the undrafted rookie out of Oregon State played in just four games and failed to catch his only target. Once he's ready to return, he'll slot in behind Jack Doyle, Trey Burton and Mo Alie-Cox (knee).