NFL Player News

Smith had three receptions for 21 yards on three targets in Thursday's win over Washington.

Smith was tied for third in targets, but he didn't get a huge boost in usage despite Adam Thielen (hamstring) missing the game. The rookie did play his most snaps on offense all season (64 percent), which is a good sign his role may continue to grow.

Kittle (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

A groin issue has impacted Kittle's practice reps the past three weeks, so the cap in his reps likely is for maintenance purposes more than anything. In two contests with the injury in tow, he's totaled 11 catches (on 13 targets) for 141 yards. He'll attempt to bounce back Sunday against the Panthers' seventh-ranked pass defense (225 yards per game).

Tonyan (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Tonyan was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, but he's now been downgraded to a limited session. After missing the last two games due to a lingering hip issue, Tonyan's availability for Sunday's tilt against the Chiefs can't be considered a sure thing. Jimmy Graham (ankle) and Marcedes Lewis (rest) were also limited Thursday.

Graham (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Graham is in better shape than a week ago, when he followed a DNP/DNP/LP practice regimen due to an ankle issue. He's already taken the field twice this week, albeit with a cap on his reps, and likely will have his designation removed when the Packers release their final Week 8 injury report. If he does so, he'll be looking to exploit a Chiefs defense Sunday that has allowed the third-most catches (47) to tight ends this season.

Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo suggested Thursday that Oliver could have an expanded role on offense in Jacksonville's Week 8 game against the Jets, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports. "I think you'll see more of Josh this week," DeFilippo said.

After missing Jacksonville's first six games with a hamstring injury, the rookie third-round pick was cleared to make his debut in last week's win over Cincinnati. Oliver wasn't targeted in the contest while playing 25 offensive snaps, trailing Seth DeValve (49) for the team lead among tight ends. Jacksonville saw its depth at the position take a hit when Geoff Swaim (concussion/ankle) joined James O'Shaughnessy (knee) on injured reserve earlier this week, so both Oliver and DeValve should have opportunities over the next several games to vie for the top spot on the depth chart.

The Patriots clarified Thursday that Tomlinson remains on the 53-man roster, Nick Goss of NBC Sports reports.

This corrects Wednesday's mistaken report that the Patriots had cut Tomlinson in order to acquire Mohamed Sanu (via trade) and Justin Bethel (via free agency). In actuality, the placement of Josh Gordon (knee) on IR allowed Tomlinson to retain his spot on the active roster. For the time being, Tomlinson figures to reprise his usual depth role on New England's roster.

Tonyan (hip) was a full participant for Wednesday's practice.

Tonyan missed Week 7 after sitting out practice Thursday and Friday of last week, but as evidenced by this news, appears on track for a return. Even though he's healthy, Tonyan will likely serve as the Packers' No. 3 tight end for Sunday's game against Kansas City behind Jimmy Graham (ankle) and Marcedes Lewis.

Graham (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Graham has been a regular on Packers injury reports this season, and while he's managed just 30.6 receiving yards per game, he's taken advantage of his team-high nine red-zone targets, scoring three touchdowns through seven contests. He'll look to shed his injury before Sunday's visit to Kansas City, whose defense has given up 62.3 yards per game to tight ends in 2019.

Kittle (groin) will be limited in Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle entered Sunday's win over Washington nursing a groin injury, so it's likely that Wednesday's limited practice is simply a result of rep management. He managed to play through the issue during the 49ers' last two contests. The tight end's situation will be worth monitoring as Week 8's tilt against the Panthers draws closer.

The Patriots cut Tomlinson on Wednesday, Nora Princiotti of The Boston Globe reports.

The Patriots needed to free up roster spots after acquiring Mohamed Sanu via trade and Justin Bethel via free agency, so Tomlinson and safety Jordan Richards were the casualties. Tomlinson recorded a reception for one yard in his only game with the Patriots.