NFL Player News

Smith is in line to start Sunday's game against the Packers, Tom Rock of Newsday reports.

Smith caught five of six targets for 17 yards and a touchdown in last week's 19-14 loss to the Bears, playing 98 percent of snaps with both Evan Engram (foot) and Rhett Ellison (concussion) inactive. Engram and Ellison have been ruled out for another game, likely leaving Smith in an every-down role at tight end for a second time in as many weeks. With Golden Tate (concussion) also unavailable, it won't come as any surprise if Smith matches his target total from Week 12. That said, the Sunday weather forecast for East Rutherford doesn't look especially promising for passing and receiving production, as the game could be impacted by a mixture of snow, rain and wind.

Teammate Dallas Goedert said he expects Ertz (hamstring) to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Ertz was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday but returned to the field Friday. It isn't clear if Ertz was a limited or full participant in the session, and he'll likely be listed as questionable even if the Eagles fully expect him to play this weekend. For what it's worth, Ertz confirmed that he's on track to suit up, saying "See ya Sunday" when he walked past reporters, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Engram (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Engram was spotted stretching before Friday's practice, but it isn't clear if he did anything more. Whatever the case, he'll miss a third consecutive game, and fellow tight end Rhett Ellison (concussion) will join him on the sideline for a second straight week. Kaden Smith acted as Engram's primary replacement in the Week 12 loss to the Bears, logging a 98 percent snap share on offense and catching five of six targets for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Knox brought in three of four targets for 17 yards during Thursday's 26-15 win over the Cowboys.

Aside from John Brown's touchdown pass, no receiver or tight end did much of note Thanksgiving Day besides Cole Beasley, who piled up 110 yards and a score against his former team. Knox was targeted on a couple of other plays involving penalties that didn't show up on the stat sheet, while Tyler Kroft wasn't even looked at in the passing game and saw just 18 percent of the offensive snaps compared to Knox's 78 percent. There's probably one big game down the stretch where the plan will center around the rookie, but Brown remains the only weapon in the Buffalo passing game that can be counted on week after week.

Engram (foot) took part in stretching drills before Friday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear if Engram did anything beyond stretching since the Giants closed the rest of the session to media, but it's at least noteworthy that he was present. The Giants will provide an official update on Engram's practice participation as well as his status for the Week 13 matchup with Green Bay when they release their final injury report later Friday.

Ertz (hamstring) will practice Friday, and there's growing optimism that he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

It won't be clear until after Friday's practice how much Ertz was able to do in the Eagles' final session of Week 13, but even if he goes down as a limited participant, that would represent a step up from what he did either of the previous two days. The Eagles will reveal whether Ertz carries a designation into Sunday shortly after practice concludes, but a final call on his availability may not be made until game day.

Hill rushed twice for 33 yards and a touchdown, adding two receptions for 12 yards and an additional touchdown in the Saints' 26-18 win over the Falcons on Thursday.

Hill had himself a day, producing the first multi-score effort of his career. He got things going early with a three-yard reception touchdown, before taking a direct snap and darting through the line for a 30-yard scamper just before halftime. The versatile quarterback has flashed his elite athleticism throughout his career, though he rarely logs more than a handful of touches per game, making this an outlier performance.

Horsted caught an 18-yard touchdown pass in the Bears' 24-20 win over the Lions on Thursday.

With Ben Braunecker (concussion) and Adam Shaheen (foot) sitting this one out, Horsted saw the only target that Mitch Trubisky threw to a Chicago tight end, and he made a terrific leaping catch to tie the game in the third quarter. Even if he continues to see playing time, it's unlikely he'll be a strong fantasy option, as the Bears have yet to have a tight end post 20 yards in a game this season.

Everett (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Kevin Modesti of the Los Angeles Daily Newsreports.

Everett has now missed two consecutive days of practice, threatening his availability in what appears to be a prime matchup against a porous Cardinals defense. Check the tight end's status following Friday's final injury report, but if Everett were unable to play, look for Tyler Higbee to be the prime beneficiary of the extra playing time.

Kittle (knee/ankle) returned to a limited practice Thursday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle sat out Wednesday's session, but his return to the field Thursday puts him on track to play Sunday against the Ravens. Friday's final injury report figures to reveal whether the tight end heads into the contest listed as questionable or minus a Week 13 injury designation.