NFL Player News

Smythe (quadriceps) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Smythe was limited in practice to begin the week, but he now looks back to full health. He'll play his usual role behind starter Mike Gesicki in Miami's tight end corps Week 17.

Thomas (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Thomas was limited in practice to begin the week, but he now appears to have put his ankle issue behind him. With Greg Olsen (knee) also expected to suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Saints, Thomas is on track to split reps at the tight end position once again Week 17.

Andrews (ankle) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

We'll revisit the tight end's status no later than Friday, but with the Ravens having already clinched the AFC's top playoff seed, it's not hard to imagine the team playing it safe with Andrews on Sunday against the Steelers if his ankle remains problematic heading into the weekend.

Seals-Jones (illness) wasn't present on the field for Thursday's practice, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The Browns listed Seals-Jones as a non-participant on their initial practice report released Wednesday, and the tight end looks poised to maintain that listing for a second straight day. If Seals-Jones is able to return to practice Friday and put in a full workout, he'll stand a good chance at avoiding a designation heading into Sunday's season finale versus the Bengals.

Ertz (ribs) won't practice Thursday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

On the plus side, coach Doug Pederson noted that Ertz "is progressing and getting better," which sets the stage for Friday to be a pivotal day with regard to the tight end's chances of playing Sunday against the Giants. Per Tim McManus of ESPN.com, Pederson previously suggested that it's more realistic that Ertz sits out Week 17 and returns from his fractured rib to play in a potential wild-card round game the following week, but the Eagles will see what's he able to do Friday before deciding on his status for the regular-season finale.

The Ravens listed Andrews as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report with an ankle injury.

Andrews' Week 17 status is worth tracking, especially with the Ravens having already clinched the AFC's top seed for the playoffs. Even if Andrews' ankle issue isn't a major concern, it could be bothersome enough to prompt the team's coaching staff to rest or limit him Sunday against the Steelers.

Seals-Jones (illness) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The Browns didn't actually practice, but if they had, Seals-Jones was the only member of the roster that would have sat out. However, a return to the field Thursday or Friday could be all Seals-Jones needs to get the green light to play Sunday against Cincinnati.

Smythe (quadriceps) was credited with a limited practice Wednesday, Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Smythe must have picked up the injury in Sunday's win over the Bengals, yet it wouldn't have sidelined him completely if the Dolphins had actually held practice Wednesday. The 24-year-old's status bears monitoring over the course of the week.

Thomas was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report due to an ankle injury, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Just like Thomas, Greg Olsen (knee) also drew a "limited" tag, but both of Carolina's top tight ends are expected to be ready to go for Sunday's game against the Saints. After starting in place of a concussed Olsen in Weeks 14 and 15, Thomas predictably saw his role decline in last weekend's loss to the Colts while Olsen returned to action. Thomas played only 46 percent of the Panthers' offensive snaps in the blowout, finishing with three catches for 16 yards on three targets.

Hudson (concussion) was projected to be a full participant in the team's projected practice report Wednesday.

Hudson was held out of the team's Week 16 matchup against the Texans with a concussion. It's progress that Hudson was projected to practice fully Wednesday, though he will still need to clear the league's concussion protocol before he can participate in the team's Week 17 matchup against the Falcons.