NFL Player News

Smith (groin) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Smith sat out Week 10 with the groin injury, but he returned for the Week 11 loss to Dallas and played 53 percent of snaps on offense. His likely absence could benefit Kyle Rudolph, who had season highs for targets (five) and yards (63) in the previous game Smith missed, though it was No. 3 TE Tyler Conklin who took on most of the vacated snaps.

Schultz caught all five of his targets for 24 yards in Thursday's loss to Washington.

With Andy Dalton under consistent pressure from Chase Young and the Washington pass rush, Schultz was utilized as little more than a bail-out option by the veteran quarterback, with his longest reception going for only seven yards. The tight end has still caught at least four passes in four straight games, giving him a steady floor in PPR formats heading into Week 13's road clash with the Ravens.

Browns played 30 snaps and was not targeted in Thursday's 41-25 win over Detroit.

Brown led the position group in snaps, but it was a slim margin as Darren Fells (28 snaps) and Jordan Akins (26) also had significant run. And Houston added a fourth tight end to the mix when Kahale Warring was activated from injured reserve. One week after the position group tied a season-high with 11 targets, the four tight ends combined for three targets and zero catches.

Akins was targeted twice in Thursday's 41-25 win over the Lions.

Akins and the rest of tight ends did not play a significant role Thursday. He had two of the position group's three targets, including one red-zone chance. Houston was down two wide receivers, which gave the tight ends a chance to make an impact, but that never materialized. The snap count was relatively even among the group with Akins (26 snaps) third behind Pharaoh Brown (30) and Darren Fells (28). Week 13 brings a matchup with Indianapolis, which has allowed the fourth fewest yards and just one touchdown to opposing tight ends.

Thomas caught all four of his targets for 20 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 41-16 win over the Cowboys.

While he wasn't exactly stretching the field, Thomas was on the other end of Alex Smith's only TD pass of the afternoon, a five-yard strike late in the second quarter that put Washington up for good. The tight end has caught multiple passes in six straight games, hauling in three of his four touchdowns on the season during that stretch, but he faces a tough test in Week 13 on the road against the undefeated Steelers.

Higbee (elbow) was held out of practice Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Sean McVay called Higbee day-to-day Wednesday, but just one day later the coach referred to the tight end as a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the 49ers, per Rodrigue. Ideally, Higbee will get in some practice reps before week's end, but he only has one more chance to do so Friday. If Higbee is inhibited or not able to play this weekend, Gerald Everett and Johnny Mundt will take on larger roles in the Rams' passing attack.

Hockenson caught five of eight targets for 89 yards in Thursday's 41-25 loss to the Texans.

While Marvin Jones caught one more ball, it was Hockenson who led Detroit in receiving yards on the afternoon. The second-year tight end has caught multiple passes in every game so far this season, and he should remain one of Matthew Stafford's main options in Week 13's road contest against the Bears.

Andrews (thigh) was listed as limited on Thursday's practice estimate.

We'll revisit the tight end's status Friday to see if he approaches the Ravens' Week 12 game against the Steelers -- now scheduled for Sunday at 1:15 p.m. ET -- fully cleared to play or tagged with an injury designation.

Smith (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report.

After practicing in a limited capacity Wednesday, Smith was held out entirely one day later, which may signify a setback with his groin injury. On the other hand, he may have stayed off the field for maintenance reasons. Look for Smith's status to receive some clarification upon the release of Friday's injury report.

Hurst (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Prior to getting blanked on two targets this past Sunday in New Orleans, Hurst notched at least four catches six times in nine games before Atlanta's Week 10 bye. One practice remains before the Falcons potentially give him a designation for a Week 12 contest against the Raiders.