NFL Player News

Smith (quadriceps) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game versus the Texans, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Smith started the week as a non-participant but practiced without limitations Friday, which gives him a green light for Week 6. The fourth-year tight end has been fantastic this season, as he's posted 18 receptions for 221 yards and five touchdowns through four games. Smith's value could take a slight hit if Corey Davis (illness) returns from the reserve/COVID-19 list, but as one of the top fantasy tight ends this year, he should be utilized accordingly.

Akins (ankle/concussion) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Akins practiced in a limited fashion all week, and coach Romeo Crennel said Friday that Akins will be a game-time decision Sunday. Crennel also confirmed that Akins is still in the league's concussion protocol while also working through an ankle injury, so he'll need clearance on both fronts in order to play Sunday. Darren Fells will be the main beneficiary if Akins can't go.

Lewis (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran tight end never put in a full practice session this week due to the knee issue, but it won't impact his availability for Sunday's contest. Lewis has two receptions for 22 yards and is mostly serving as a blocking tight end this season.

Knox (calf) did not practice for the second straight day Friday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

While the Bills' starting tight end has the benefit of an extra day this week given the Monday night matchup, his status is looking very much in doubt at this stage. Tyler Kroft isn't a bad pickup in deeper formats if Knox does get officially ruled out.

Hurst (back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Minnesota.

The Falcons listed a slew of players on their injury report this week, but it appears they'll have all their key skill-position players on offense available Sunday, including WR Julio Jones. It's mostly been a disappointing season for Hurst, who has just one game with double-digit PPR points so far.

Alie-Cox (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Bengals, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

With Alie-Cox out, Jack Doyle and Trey Burton should both benefit from extra snaps at the tight end position against Cincinnati. The Colts will be on bye in Week 7, giving Alie-Cox two weeks to heal up before a Week 8 road tilt in Detroit.

Fant (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Coach Vic Fangio said that Fant "is 50-50 to go this week," so it looks like the second-year tight end's status is still truly up in the air. Fant originally sprained his ankle Week 4 against the Jets but has since gotten the benefit of an unexpected Week 5 bye after Denver's initially scheduled game against the Patriots was postponed. New England once again cancelled practice Friday due to a positive COVID-19 test, so there are numerous factors surrounding Fant's availability for Week 6.

Smythe (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Smythe missed Week 5's contest against the 49ers, but he's now coming off three straight limited practice sessions. If he's able to gain clearance versus New York, Smythe stands to reprise his usual role as the top backup to Mike Gesicki.

Akins (concussion) is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday at Tennessee, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Coach Romeo Crennel said the 28-year-old "made a little progress," but he clearly remains in the concussion protocol. Akins has practiced as a limited participant in four straight sessions and appears likely to tally another one Friday, but the release of the Texans' official injury report later in the day will provide the final answer on his practice participation.

Akins (concussion) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Akins has now logged four straight limited practices, dating back to last week, while working to progress through the league's five-step concussion protocol. If he's unable to gain full clearance ahead of Sunday's contest in Tennessee, Darren Fells will draw another start at tight end.