NFL Player News

Kmet (groin) did not participate during the Bears' practice session Thursday.

The second-round rookie had been dealing with a groin issue entering Chicago's Week 9 matchup against Tennesee, but he was ultimately able to suit up and field a season-high 36 offensive snaps during the contest. Kmet was not reported as having aggravated the groin injury postgame, but the issue continues to linger, docking his practice participation. Behind starter Jimmy Graham, longtime Chief Demetrius Harris would receive additional tight end snaps if Kmet is unable to go for Monday night's home game against Minnesota.

Smith (concussion) was a full participant during Thursday's practice.

Smith was diagnosed with a concussion following Sunday's game against Washington, and despite his full participation Thursday, it's not yet clear if he's officially cleared league protocol. If the tight end is able to gain clearance in time for Sunday's game against the Eagles, he'll assume his usual back-up role behind starter Evan Engram.

Fant (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Fant aggravated a lingering ankle injury during Sunday's loss to the Falcons and couldn't practice Wednesday, but it now looks like he's fully on track to suit up in Las Vegas. Health permitting, Fant could be in line to handle even more opportunities than usual as Denver's starting tight end, with impressive backup Albert Okwuegbunam (knee) out for the season due to an ACL tear.

Tonyan was limited in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Tonyan wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so the extent of his participation in Friday's session will warrant close monitoring. The 26-year-old tight end only saw one target during last Thursday's win in San Francisco, his least amount of looks since Week 1.

Smith didn't practice Thursday due to a groin injury.

On the heels of a two-touchdown performance Week 9 against the Lions, Smith is focusing on recovery rather than practice to kick off Week 10 prep. He'll have two more opportunities to prove his health before the Vikings potentially tab him with a designation for Monday's game at Chicago, but an absence from Smith would vault Tyler Conklin into a bigger role behind veteran TE Kyle Rudolph.

Hockenson (toe) didn't practice Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Hockenson wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so the extent of his participation during Friday's session should shed light on the tight end's chances of suiting up against Washington on Sunday, but for the time being question marks surround his availability. With Kenny Golladay (hip) trending in the wrong direction for Week 10, an absence on Hockenson's part could leave Detroit's pass catching corps depleted of two of its top options.

The Bills (foot) activated Sweeney off the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Sweeney has yet to suit up in game action this season, as he's battled a foot injury and placement on the COVID-19 list. The team is pretty set with Dawson Knox and Tyler Kroft as the top two receiving options at tight end, so if Sweeney does end up playing this season he'll likely only assume a blocking role for the offense.

Lewis (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Lewis has been a recurring member of the Packers' injury report due to this knee injury, but he's managed to play in the last four games. The veteran tight end typically sticks to a blocking role, but he has scored twice on just four receptions this year.

Smythe (concussion) is listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

The Dolphins only hosted a walk-through Wednesday, so Smythe's "limited" listing is just an estimation of what he would have done in a full practice. Nonetheless, it serves as an indication that the backup tight end is progressing through the concussion protocol.

Alie-Cox (knee) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report but is considered questionable for Thursday's game against the Titans.

The Colts held three walk-through sessions this week in lieu of practices, with Alie-Cox going down as a non-participant Monday and a limited participant Tuesday before upgrading to full activity. As such, Alie-Cox probably has a better than 50-50 chance of playing than his questionable designation implies, and he could have a heightened role if he suits up with fellow tight end Jack Doyle (concussion) ruled out for the contest.