NFL Player News

Smith may be in line for more targets with Delanie Walker (ankle) sidelined Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Even with Walker active this season, Smith has started six of the Titans' seven games while getting a 58.8 percent share of the offensive snaps, most among the team's tight ends. Smith has flashed at times, with four 20-plus-yard receptions, but overall his line reads 9-161-0 on 12 targets. Walker told John Glennon of The Athletic on Friday that he's dealing with an injury to the same ankle that was dislocated last season, so the veteran could be a week-to-week consideration for the foreseeable future. Such a scenario opens up Walker's 4.4 targets per game for the likes of Smith, MyCole Pruitt and Anthony Firkser in an offense that looks somewhat better with Ryan Tannehill and not Marcus Mariota under center.

Tonyan (hip) is doubtful for Sunday's game at Kansas City, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Tonyan appeared ready to return after working as a full practice participant Wednesday, but his participation regressed over the last two days to leave him little chance of playing Week 8. Evan Baylis once again appears poised to serve as the Packers' No. 3 tight end behind Jimmy Graham (ankle) and Marcedes Lewis (rest), both of whom are good to go for Sunday.

Kittle (groin) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Panthers, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle played through the same groin injury the past two weeks, logging 83 and 95 percent of offensive snaps in those contests. He should be fine for his usual role Sunday, but he'll have to contend with a stout Carolina pass defense.

Graham (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Kansas City, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Graham lives on the injury report but hasn't actually missed a game since 2015. With Davante Adams (toe) listed as doubtful, the veteran tight end theoretically moves up in the pecking order for targets, though Graham averaged just four per game the past three weeks when Adams was inactive.

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.