NFL Player News

Hooper (knee) wasn't spotted at Friday's practice, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hooper's absence shouldn't come as a surprise to fantasy players, given that head coach Dan Quinn labeled the tight end a "longshot" to play Sunday against the Panthers. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier this week that Hooper could be sidelined for about a month, so there may be absences in the tight end's future beyond Week 11.

Seals-Jones wasn't targeted in Thursday's 21-7 win over Pittsburgh.

Seals-Jones returned to action after missing one game with a knee injury. He played only 11 snaps, his fewest since Week 3.

Carlson caught his lone target for an eight-yard touchdown in Thursday's 21-7 win over the Steelers.

Carlson, an undrafted rookie out of Princeton, was promoted from the Browns' practice squad to the active roster in Week 9 after injuries hit the tight end group. He hadn't made much of an impact until Thursday's win, when he had his first NFL target, catch and touchdown. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has made ample use of his tight ends near the goal line this season, as Carlson became the fourth member of the position group to catch a red-zone touchdown.

Higbee (knee) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Higbee hasn't put himself in a good position to be available Sunday versus the Bears with no practice to date this week. Having said that, coach Sean McVay told Cameron DaSilva of USA Today that he expects Higbee and Gerald Everett (wrist) to suit up. Friday's injury report will have the final word on both tight end's potential to play.

Mundt was a limited practice participant Thursday due to a groin injury, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Mundt was listed on the injury report Wednesday, so he appears to have picked up the injury at practice. Gerald Everett (wrist) was also limited and Tyler Higbee (knee) didn't practice, leaving the Rams without any healthy tight ends.

Everett (wrist) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

The Rams' entire tight end room is injured at the moment, with Tyler Higbee (knee) still sidelined at practice and Johnny Mundt (groin) showing up Thursday as limited. Per Cameron DaSilva of USA Today, coach Sean McVay expects both Everett and Higbee to play Sunday versus the Bears, but Friday's injury report will reveal their chances to do so.

Seals-Jones (knee) is listed as active Thursday against the Steelers.

Prior to his absence Week 10 against the Bills, Seals-Jones didn't practice at all but still was considered a game-time decision. On this occasion, he was on the field all week, following an LP/LP/FP regimen. In his return, Seals-Jones likely will rotate with Demetrius Harris and Pharoah Brown at tight end.

Smythe (knee/elbow) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Smythe was limited during Wednesday's practice due to knee and elbow injuries, and he's already resumed participating without limitations. The second-year pro looks primed for his usual depth role against the Bills on Sunday.

Coach Sean McVay expects Higbee (knee) to play Sunday versus the Bears, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

McVay's sentiment extends to fellow tight end Gerald Everett (wrist). Higbee himself was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, so he'll seek to increase his reps Thursday and/or Friday in order to back up McVay's statement.

Coach Sean McVay expects Everett (wrist) to suit up Sunday against the Bears, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

The same can be said for fellow tight end Tyler Higbee (knee). Limited by a wrist injury at Wednesday's practice, Everett will aim to get in a full practice Thursday and/or Friday to lend more credence to McVay's statement.