NFL Player News

Graham (ankle) was a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Graham's prior appearances on injury reports this season were due to finger, groin and quadriceps concerns. On this occasion, an ankle issue is to blame for Wednesday's absence, but he has two additional opportunities to make his presence felt at practice this week.

Thomas was a limited participant for practice due to a shoulder injury.

There wasn't news that Thomas had been dealing with an injury, but it's serious enough to force him to miss some practice reps. The 28-year-old hasn't been featured in the offense yet this season, considering he's seen just six targets through five games. If he can't go Sunday against Minnesota, T.J. Hockenson and Jesse James would be the only healthy tight ends on the roster.

Oliver (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's practice.

Oliver has yet to suit up in game action this season due to the lingering hamstring injury, but coach Doug Marrone said Monday that he thinks Oliver could suit up Sunday. Considering Geoff Swaim is nursing a concussion and James O'Shaughnessy (knee) resides on injured reserve, Oliver could play for a key role in the offense against the Bengals if fully healthy. Expect his practice availability to show a more accurate picture throughout the week.

Kittle was held out of Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Despite being a game-time call with the same health concern this past Sunday versus the Rams, Kittle was active and gathered in all eight passes directed his way for 103 yards. Wednesday's DNP may be a precautionary measure, but the tight end's situation still should be monitored closely as the weekend draws closer.

The Packers have designated Sternberger (ankle) to return from IR, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sternberger will be eligible to practice this week, and he could return to action as soon as Week 9 against the Chargers. The rookie third-round pick is nursing an ankle injury sustained during Green Bay's final preseason game. The Packers are hoping Sternberger can make an immediate impact in their tight end room, which currently houses Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan (hip) and Evan Baylis.

Kittle (undisclosed) didn't take part in the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle popped up on the practice report last Friday as a limited participant due to a groin injury, inducing a questionable designation for a Week 6 matchup with the Rams. He proceeded to suit up and play 83 percent of the offensive snaps this past Sunday en route to his first 100-yard game of the season. Wednesday's report will reveal what's ailing Kittle as well as his activity level.

Dissly will undergo season-ending surgery Thursday to address a torn Achilles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Seahawks feared Dissly suffered a serious injury during Sunday's over the Browns, and follow-up tests ultimately confirmed as much. The injury is a major blow both to the Seahawks offense and the tight end's outlook moving forward, as his rookie season was previously cut short due to a patellar tendon tear in his right knee. On a brighter note, Dissly is expected to be ready to go for the 2020 campaign.

Engram (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Engram sat out New York's loss to the Patriots in Week 6 due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, but he looks like he'll return to action after missing just one game. Barring any setbacks, Engram is on track to suit up Sunday, taking on a Cardinals defense that has consistently struggled to slow down tight ends this season. Star running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) also practiced in full Wednesday and is trending toward availability Week 7.

Kroft (ankle) is practicing fully Wednesday, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Coming out of a bye week, Kroft appears ready to make his Bills debut Sunday against the Dolphins. He recovered from offseason foot surgery in time for Week 3, but then sprained the ankle on his other leg during practice. With rookie tight end Dawson Knox making a strong impression, it isn't quite clear how Kroft will fit in with the Buffalo passing attack, though a three-year, $18.75 million contract suggests the veteran will at least get some snaps.

Swaim (concussion) won't practice Wednesday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

With James O'Shaughnessy (knee) out for the season, Josh Oliver still recovering from a hamstring injury and Swaim in the concussion protocol, Seth DeValve and Ben Koyack are left as the healthy tight ends in Jacksonville. There's a chance that Swaim and/or Oliver could be ready for Sunday's game in Cincinnati. Swaim and DeValve drew two targets apiece in last week's 13-6 loss to the Saints.