NFL Player News

Coach Mike Vrabel ruled out Smith (knee) for Sunday's game versus the Browns, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Smith missed every practice this week as he tends to a knee injury and now will sit out for the first time this season. His significant snap share thus is slated to filter down to Geoff Swaim, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt.

The Vikings ruled Smith (back) out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Smith will be inactive for a third time this season and for the second week in a row after his back injury prevented him from practicing in any capacity Wednesday through Friday. With Smith out of the picture, Kyle Rudolph should be freed to run more routes at tight end after typically serving as more of a blocking specialist when both players dress. While Smith was sidelined Weeks 10 and 12, Rudolph recorded 11 receptions for 131 yards on 13 targets.

Gilliam (hamstring) returned to full practice participation Friday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

The fullback's full practice participation suggests he'll be able to suit up Monday against the 49ers. Gilliam has caught only two passes all season, though one went for a touchdown.

Smith (knee) didn't practice Friday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

After failing to record a reception in last week's win over the Colts, Smith has now sat out each of the Titans' three Week 13 practices. The Titans will provide a designation for Smith later Friday, but the tight end is most likely going to sit out Sunday against the Browns for what would be his first absence of the season. If that's the case, Anthony Firkser would likely see the bulk of the snaps and targets at tight end.

Coach Doug Pederson expressed optimism Ertz (ankle) will be able to play Sunday against the Packers, EJ Smith of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The 30-year-old was activated off injured reserve this week and was a limited practice participant Wednesday and Thursday, so he appears on track to return to the field this weekend. According to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News, Pederson also said the team has "to be smart" about Ertz's usage if he's cleared, given it would be his first game action since Week 6. Dallas Goedert should continue operating as the team's No. 1 tight end for now.

Tomlinson reverted to the Ravens' practice squad Thursday, per the NFL's official transactions report.

Tomlinson was called up to the active roster for Wednesday's loss to the Steelers alongside Luke Willson and Sean Culkin. He played just 16 snaps on offense and didn't draw a target.

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.