NFL Player News

Bowers was placed on the Raiders' practice squad COVID-19 list Thursday, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

The undrafted rookie out of Penn State has yet to see any in-game action, though the Raiders have, at least, remained steadfast in keeping Bowers on the roster since signing him in April. This latest development gets him no closer to an appearance, as he'll now have to be away from the team until able to clear league protocols.

Arnold (knee) was a full practice participant Thursday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Arnold increased his activity from Wednesday's limited session, clearing him to play through a knee injury Sunday versus the Rams. Having said that, he's the nominal No. 2 tight end behind Maxx Williams in Arizona, so Arnold's production is hit or miss on a weekly basis.

Lewis (knee) was a non-participant during the Packers' practice session Thursday.

The veteran tight end is trending in the wrong direction for Week 13, as he was able to contribute a limited session in practice the day prior. Lewis has been dealing with recurring knee issues since early October, but he's only been forced to sit out one game all season. If Lewis were unavailable to face the Eagles on Sunday afternoon, Green Bay may need to add reinforcements at the position, as Robert Tonyan and Jace Sternberger would stand as the team's only two available options.

Helm was activated off the practice squad COVID-19 list and cut by the 49ers on Thursday.

Helm had resided on the list since Nov. 20, so it's a positive sign that he was finally cleared from the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. Helm will now look for a an opportunity elsewhere around the league, as he saw action in three games on the 53-man roster for the 49ers this season thus far.

Hurst (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Considering Hurst opened the week with a limited practice Wednesday, the step back he took in terms of activity a day later is somewhat concerning. The Falcons may have been deliberately withholding Hurst from the session as part of a pre-planned maintenance program, but he'll likely need to get back on the field in some capacity Friday to have a realistic shot at suiting up Sunday against the Saints. Luke Stocker and Jaeden Graham are the Falcons' backup options at tight end, with Graham representing the greater threat in the passing game of the two.

Ertz (ankle) was listed as limited on Thursday's injury report.

The Eagles activated Ertz from injured reserve Wednesday, and he's followed it up with back-to-back limited sessions. He's seemingly on the cusp of making his first appearance since sustaining a high-ankle sprain Oct. 18 against the Ravens, but his status should continue to be watched to make sure Philly clears him to return Sunday at Green Bay.

Smith (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Smith also missed Wednesday's practice, so what the tight end is able to do on the field Friday, if anything, will be telling with regard to his status for Sunday's game against the Browns. Though he logged a 75 percent snap share in the Titans' Week 12 win over the Colts, Smith -- who's scored eight TDs this season -- wasn't targeted in the contest.

Gilliam (hamstring) was listed as limited for Thursday's practice session.

While he's not playing much on offense -- just six snaps in Week 12 -- Gilliam suited up over tight end Tyler Kroft in Sunday's win and has been utilized on special teams, so opportunity continues to knock for the FB/TE hybrid out of Toledo, assuming the hamstring issue proves to be something minor.

Smith (back) won't participate in Thursday's practice, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.

Though Smith is at the Vikings' facility, he'll be working out off to the side for a second straight day while he manages the back injury. The Vikings will wait and see if he's able to do anything Friday before ruling on his status for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, but the back-to-back absences from practice to begin the week don't bode well for his chances of gaining clearance to play.

Arnold (knee) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

In the five games in which Maxx Williams has been available this season -- Week 1, plus Weeks 9 through 12 -- Arnold has had a wide range of offensive snap shares (26 to 55 percent). The result has been nine catches for 92 yards and one touchdown on 12 targets for Arnold. While the production is nothing to write home about, it's far more than what Williams has produced (a 5-43-1 line on seven targets). Assuming he's out there Sunday against the Rams, Arnold is the best bet among Cardinals tight ends to make an impact in the box score.