NFL Player News

Johnson (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Johnson had his practice reps capped Wednesday while he was nursing the shoulder issue coming out of the Giants' Week 9 loss to the 49ers, but the injury doesn't look as though it will be anything that prevents him from playing this Sunday in Chicago. The second-year tight end has settled into an elevated role in the New York passing attack in recent weeks, playing at least 80 percent of the snaps in each of the last five games while accruing a 17-173-4 receiving line on 28 targets over that stretch.

Fidone (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Fidone appears to have picked up a foot injury during practice, so his activity level during Friday's session will be informative as to his chances of being able to play Sunday versus Chicago. During New York's loss to the 49ers in Week 9, Fidone played a season-high 19 percent of offensive snaps, though he has yet to draw a single target this year.

Fannin (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Fannin wasn't on the Browns' initial Week 10 injury report, so the tight end's 'DNP' on Thursday is notable. Through eight games, Fannin leads the Browns in catches (38) and receiving yards (352), and if he's limited or out Sunday against the Jets, fellow TE David Njoku would be in line for added work, with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates available to mix in.

Hill (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill has now logged back-to-back limited practices, an indication that he's nearing a return to full health after having missed Miami's last two games due to an ankle injury. If cleared for action Sunday versus Buffalo, Hill will stand to operate as the Dolphins' top tight end, though Tanner Conner will also have a role on offense and Greg Dulcich may have earned increased opportunities after impressing as a pass catcher Week 9.

Kmet (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Kmet was forced out of this past Sunday's 47-42 win over the Bengals and was later diagnosed with a concussion, but he appears to be making rapid progress through the five-step protocol. After opening Week 10 prep Wednesday as a limited participant, Kmet has taken another step forward by practicing fully Thursday. He'll still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to suit up this weekend, but he appears to have a real chance at being available for Sunday's game against the Giants. If Kmet plays, however, he may have to settle for a smaller role than he's handled for most of the season; rookie tight end Colston Loveland broke out with a 6-118-2 receiving line on seven targets in the win over the Bengals and may have earned himself a larger share of the playing time as a result.

Long (hip/knee) is not participating in practice Thursday, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Long is missing a second consecutive practice, making his status for Week 10 cloudy. With Brenton Strange (quadriceps) still on IR, Johnny Mundt and Quintin Morris will operate as Jacksonville's top tight ends versus Houston on Sunday if Long is unavailable. Jordan Akins and Patrick Herbert would also be candidates to be elevated from the practice squad.

Dissly (illness) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Dissly was a healthy scratch for Week 8 and then sat out Week 9 due to an illness, but he's now fully recovered. There's no guarantee that Dissly will be active for Sunday's game against the Steelers, however, even at full health. Tucker Fisk and Tyler Conklin have operated as Los Angeles' top reserve tight ends following the emergence of Oronde Gadsden.

Oliver (foot) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Oliver was forced to miss Sunday's game at Detroit because of a foot sprain he suffered in Week 8 against the Chargers, and now his status for Week 10 is in question, too. He'll probably need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to have a chance to play Sunday versus the Ravens.

Stoll (ankle) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Stoll was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain following Sunday's loss to the Rams and is considered week-to-week. That makes it surprising that he practiced in any capacity Wednesday, though he is still likely a long shot to play in Week 10 against the Panthers.

Bryant (shoulder) didn't participate in Houston's practice Wednesday.

Bryant popped up on the injury report after catching one pass for two yards in the Week 9 loss to the Broncos. The Texans could be shorthanded at tight end for Sunday's matchup versus the Jaguars, as Dalton Schultz is dealing with a knee injury, and Cade Stover (foot) is still on injured reserve.