NFL Player News

Njoku could benefit from an injury to tight end Harold Fannin (hamstring), who was added to Cleveland's injury report Thursday.

Following a healthy session Wednesday, Fannin sat out Thursday's practice, which is something to monitor in the days leading up to Sunday's game against the Jets. Njoku and Fannin have been the leading targets for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, whose 4.9 yards per attempt is among the lowest in the league. In three games with Gabriel under center, Njoku has averaged seven targets, recorded six of his seven red-zone targets this season and scored two touchdowns. While the Browns might tilt toward their running game against New York's suspect rush defense, which became weaker following the trade deadline, the theme coming out of practice this week has been about using the ground game to enhance the passing attack. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who was named the team's new play caller Monday, was the tight ends coach in 2024, which could factor into his approach. The Athletic's Zac Jackson also speculates that by not trading Njoku, who is in the final year of his contract, the Browns are hinting that he could be heavily involved in the offense the rest of the way and may be brought back in 2026.

Bowers brought in one of three targets for 31 yards and rushed once for minus-4 yards in the Raiders' 10-7 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night.

After putting together a career-best yardage total and recording three touchdowns just four days earlier against the Jaguars in a narrow overtime loss, Bowers saw a major downturn in production against a much stingier Broncos defense. The talented tight end did make a nice splash on his one reception and logged a rush attempt for the second straight contest, but he fell victim to another modest night for Las Vegas' air attack. Bowers' upside is above question, but Geno Smith's (quadriceps) ongoing struggles always have the potential to cap the 2024 first-round pick's production. Bowers and the Raiders do have a more palatable matchup next time out, as they'll host the Cowboys for a Monday night Week 11 matchup on Nov. 17.

Heyward (knee) did not practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Heyward had his usual role this past Sunday in a win over Indianapolis, logging four offensive snaps and 18 snaps on special teams. He wasn't on the injury report Wednesday before popping up as a DNP on Thursday, so he may have hurt his knee during practice. Heyward's practice participation level Friday should help clarify how serious the knee issue is and whether he's at risk of missing Sunday's tilt versus the Chargers.

Stoll (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Stoll has now recorded consecutive limited practices after leaving Sunday's game against the Rams due to a high-ankle sprain. Coach Kellen Moore said Monday that Stoll is unlikely to play this week, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com, so it's somewhat surprising that the tight end has been able to practice (even in a limited capacity) two days in a row. When the Saints release their final injury report of the week Friday, it will become clear whether Stoll has a chance to suit up against Carolina on Sunday.

Barner (calf) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Barner maintained his activity level from Wednesday's walkthrough, giving him just one more chance to prove his health this week before the Seahawks potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Cardinals. Elijah Arroyo (elbow, FP this week) and Nick Kallerup are the healthy tight ends on Seattle's active roster at the moment.

Washington (foot) practiced fully Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Washington didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to a full session a day later suggests that his absence was maintenance-related. In the Steelers' Week 9 win over the Colts, Washington led his team's tight ends in catches (four) and receiving yards (43) while logging six targets, but his production this season has been hit or miss due to the fact that Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth also are commanding their share of Pittsburgh's TE snaps and targets.

Washington (foot) returned to practice Thursday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Washington didn't practice Wednesday, but his return Thursday is encouraging, though it remains to be seen if he'll manage to practice without limitations. Working as part of a rotation alongside Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, Washington has accrued 127 yards receiving yards and one touchdown through eight games. He hasn't missed a regular-season game in his three-year career heading into Sunday's road matchup against the Chargers.

The Broncos have elevated Lewis from the practice squad for Thursday's matchup against Las Vegas, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Lewis was previously elevated for Denver's win over the Texans in Week 9, a contest in which he played six offensive snaps and was not targeted. The veteran tight end will get another chance to handle reserve duties versus the Raiders on Thursday Night Football, as Nate Adkins (knee) is sidelined for a second straight contest.

Schultz (knee/shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Schultz has been listed on Houston injury reports with the knee and shoulder issues for three straight weeks, but he's played in the previous two games and is on track to suit up once again this Sunday versus the Jaguars. The veteran tight end turned in one of his better performances of the season in the Texans' Week 9 loss to the Broncos, finishing with six catches for 77 yards on eight targets.

The Dolphins waived Conner on Thursday.

Conner being cut is a clear sign that Miami expects Julian Hill (ankle) to be ready for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Bills. It could also be extrapolated that the team is encouraged by the pass-catching chops Greg Dulcich displayed during Week 9's loss to the Ravens, when he secured all five targets for 49 yards, or that the recovery of Darren Waller (pectoral) is proceeding on track. Across nine regular-season appearances with Miami, Conner mostly contributed as a blocker while hauling in nine of 15 targets for 91 yards.