NFL Player News

Sample secured seven of 10 targets for 45 yards in the Bengals' 35-30 loss to the Browns on Thursday.

The 2019 second-round pick's role in the passing game quickly become more prominent upon C.J. Uzomah's Achilles injury in the fourth quarter. Sample caught several short passes down the stretch as Joe Burrow checked down underneath against the Browns' nickel and dime defenses, and he was able to make good uses of his opportunities overall. The University of Washington product saw his rookie season cut short due to a Week 10 ankle injury, but if Uzomah's injury is deemed to be a long-term one, Sample would be set for primary tight end duties in his absence beginning with a Week 3 road battle against the Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Uzomah has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Browns due to a right Achilles injury, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Uzomah was carted off the field in the fourth quarter and never appeared to have a real chance to return, so Cincinnati's decision to rule him out isn't necessarily an indication of the severity of his injury. However, Achilles' injuries are always worrying by nature. Uzomah logged four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown before leaving the field Thursday. If Uzomah is forced to miss time beyond Week 2, Drew Sample figures to take over starting tight end duties in his stead.

Uzomah exited Thursday's divisional match against the Browns due to an apparent knee injury, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Uzomah was injured while making a grab in the fourth quarter, and he quickly clutched his right knee and removed his helmet. The 27-year-old then had to be carted off the field. In Uzomah's stead, Drew Sample will see added opportunities at tight end.

Everett (back) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Prior to the session, coach Sean McVay told Eric D. Williams of SI.com that he expected Everett to take part in some capacity after sitting out Wednesday due to a bruise on his lower back, an injury that isn't believed to be a concern in the long term. Friday's practice report will be telling for Everett's Week 2 availability.

Kittle (knee) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle emerged from Week 1 with a left knee sprain, which he played with from halftime of this past Sunday's loss to the Cardinals onward. Coach Kyle Shanahan noted Kittle doesn't have to practice this week in order to suit up Week 2 against the Jets, but the tight end will need to gain medical clearance first to do so. If Kittle is limited or even absent Sunday, Jordan Reed, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner will be in line for elevated snap counts.

Deguara didn't practice Thursday due to shin and ankle injuries, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

The downgrade in activity level is somewhat concerning, as Deguara was listed as limited with a shin issue Wednesday. Now with another health concern in tow, he may be trending in the wrong direction for a Week 2 matchup with the Lions. Continue to watch his status as the weekend approaches.

Kittle (knee) wasn't participating at the start of Thursday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle got dinged up during the 49ers' Week 1 loss to the Cardinals, causing a stir when he went to the locker room just before halftime. He alleviated concerns in the short term by playing the entire second half, but he was diagnosed with a sprained left knee Monday. If he indeed doesn't practice Thursday, it'll mark his second DNP in as many days. Still, coach Kyle Shanahan is confident Kittle can gain medical clearance for Sunday's road game against the Jets. However, such a decision may not arrive until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Keene (neck) practiced fully Wednesday.

Keene was limited in practice last Thursday and Friday, eventually getting a questionable designation before being among the Patriots' inactive players for Sunday's win over the Dolphins. With a full session under his belt, the 2020 third-round pick can set his sights on making his professional debut this weekend in Seattle. It'll be interesting to see if Keene can break into a tight-end rotation led by Ryan Izzo and supplemented by Devin Asiasi, assuming he's active.

Everett (back) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

While he got the start Week 1 against the Cowboys, Everett played second fiddle to Tyler Higbee, earning 24 offensive snaps to the latter's 65 (out of 73 total). Everett incurred a back injury in the second half, though, so the breakdown of work is understandable. On Monday, coach Sean McVay didn't consider any of the Rams' health concerns to be serious, but just two days later, Everett was unable to take any reps on the practice field. Everett has two more days to put himself in a position to suit up Sunday at Philadelphia.

Deguara was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a shin injury, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

In his NFL debut Week 1 at Minnesota, Deguara ranked third among Packers tight ends in offensive snaps behind Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis, and ahead of Jace Sternberger. In the process, Deguara hauled in one of two targets for 12 yards. This injury could inhibit him some throughout the week, and Friday's injury report will provide a sense of his ability to play Sunday against the Lions.