NFL Player News

Rader cleared waivers and signed with the Steelers' practice squad Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Rader was called up from the practice squad in November but never played a game before being cut this week. The Pittsburgh native will stick with the team, adding depth at tight end behind Eric Ebron (back) and Vance McDonald.

Brown (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

This is a new injury for Brown, and it makes his status uncertain for Week 16. He has two more sessions to upgrade to full speed to ensure he'll be in the lineup in Sunday's game against the Bengals. If Brown's unable to go, Kahale Warring should see more reps behind Jordan Akins and Darren Fells.

Sternberger (concussion/illness) did not practice Wednesday.

Sternberger has missed back-to-back games while working through the concussion protocol, and he's now also dealing with an undisclosed ailment. Top tight end Robert Tonyan could see a slight uptick in targets during Sunday's game against the Titans if Sternberger isn't cleared to suit up.

Daniels (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.

The same can be said for fellow tight end Maxx Williams (ankle). With the duo not able to practice so far this week, Dan Arnold is the sole healthy TE on Arizona's active roster. The Cardinals will determine the availability for both Williams and Daniels upon the release of their final Week 16 injury report Thursday.

Lewis (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Lewis has had his practice reps capped due to a knee issue for much of the season, but he's suited up for each of the Packers' games since Week 4. As long as he can resume practicing in at least a limited fashion, the veteran tight end should be in good shape for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Henry didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness.

Henry's status will need to be monitored as Sunday's game against the Broncos approaches. A return to practice Thursday in any capacity would suggest that the tight end is in no danger of sitting out Week 16.

Swaim (ankle) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Swaim missed last week's game with an ankle injury, but he appears to have regained health ahead of Sunday's prime time trip to Green Bay. The backup tight end turned in his best performance of the season with 34 yards and a touchdown last time he took the field, and he'll look to build on that effort in what's expected to be a high-scoring affair against the Packers.

Alie-Cox (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Alie-Cox's bothersome knee has routinely capped his practice reps in recent weeks, but unless he's dealing with a setback, he should be able to suit up Sunday against the Steelers. If that's the case, he'll likely be sharing snaps at tight end with Jack Doyle and Trey Burton.

Gesicki (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Practicing in a limited capacity wasn't enough for Gesicki to get clearance to play Week 15 against the Patriots, so his status for Saturday's road game against the Raiders remains murky. The tight end may need to upgrade to a full session Thursday in order to guarantee his availability for the contest. Durham Smythe and Adam Shaheen will be in line for increased roles again if Gesicki can't go.

Engram was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice with a calf injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The same injury limited him in practice last week, but he suited up for the Giants' loss to the Browns without issue. As such, there's no real reason to worry about Engram's status for Week 16 as long as he can continue logging at least limited participation in practices.