NFL Player News

Sternberger (concussion) didn't suit up in Thursday's practice.

Sternberger missed his second straight practice Thursday, as he appears in jeopardy of missing Week 14. The second-year pro appears to still reside in concussion protocol, so he'll need to be fully cleared in order to suit up. With both Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis (knee) missing practice Thursday, Robert Tonyan is currently the only healthy tight end on the roster.

Lewis was a non-participant during Thursday's practice due to a knee injury.

It's not great news for the veteran, as he was listed as a limited participant just a day earlier. Lewis appears in jepoardy of missing Sunday's game against Detroit, as he'll likely need to log some practice time Friday in order to suit up. With both Lewis and Jace Sternberger (concussion) missing practice Thursday, Robert Tonyan is currently the only healthy tight end on the roster.

Asiasi (undisclosed) has been activated off IR in advance of Thursday night's game against the Rams, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Meanwhile, Ryan Izzo (hamstring/hand/neck) was placed on IR, leaving Asiasi, Dalton Keene and Jordan Thomas as the Patriots' available tight ends Week 14. Though Asiasi has some long-term potential, he has yet to record a catch through his first five games as a pro and therefore has much to prove before he can be considered for fantasy lineups.

Hurst (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

With yet another capped session under his belt, Hurst doesn't appear to be getting any healthier from the ankle issue that's plagued him for a third straight week. His status should continue to be monitored as the week goes on, especially with Julio Jones not able to practice yet this week due to a hamstring injury.

Smith (knee) practiced fully Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Smith sat out this past Sunday's loss to the Browns, but his return to a full practice Thursday puts him on track to resume action this weekend against the Jaguars. With Anthony Firkser also in the Titans' tight end mix, Smith profiles as a hit-or-miss fantasy option Week 14, but he at least has been helpful in TD-heavy formats, with seven trips to the end zone in 11 games this season, including scores in two of his last three outings.

Smith (back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak told Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com that Smith had a "positive" day of practice Thursday and may be back "in the mix" this weekend if he looks good again Friday. "He picked up his work today so we're heading in the right direction towards Sunday," Kubiak said. With Kyle Rudolph (foot) not yet able to practice this week, it could be the Smith and Tyler Conklin show at tight end for the Vikings on Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Smith (back) was spotted at practice Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Meanwhile, fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) remained sidelined, with the Vikings' upcoming injury report slated to reveal whether Smith was limited or logged a full session in his return to practice Thursday.

Hill is expected to once again start at quarterback Week 14 against the Eagles, Jeff Duncan of The Athletic reports.

Hill continues to have a firm hold on the quarterback job while early season starter Drew Brees (ribs) remains on IR and hasn't participated much in practice. While the situation with Brees could change by the time Week 15 rolls around, it would be exceedingly difficult to bench a player like Hill, especially if he picks up a win Sunday to improve to 4-0 as a starter. According to the report from Duncan, Hill's three-game effort has only helped his case for being the future franchise QB in the eyes of New Orleans brass.

The Jets designated Wesco (ankle) for a return from injured reserve Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Wesco has resided on IR since Nov. 9 with the ankle issue, and the team will have 21 days to activate him. Whether Wesco returns to the lineup shouldn't affect things from a fantasy perspective, as he's only caught one of two targets this season for five yards.

The 49ers signed Helm to their practice squad Wednesday.

Helm was let loose by the 49ers last week after coming off the reserve/COVID-19 list, so he appears healthy in his return to the organization. The Duke product has suited up in three games with the 53-man roster in San Francisco this season, failing to record a fantasy-relevant stat over that span.