NFL Player News

Kroft (ankle) practiced on a full basis for the second straight day Thursday.

It looks like the Bills' big free-agent signee is finally ready to make his team debut this week against the Dolphins. If that does come to fruition, we still have no idea what type of workload Kroft is ready for, so the main immediate fantasy implication is that he'll start cluttering up the targets for rookies Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney.

Oliver (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Oliver appears ready to make his NFL debut against the Bengals on Sunday, barring any setbacks. The rookie third-round pick could be in line for a key role in Jacksonville's offense, with Geoff Swaim nursing a concussion. Still, he isn't yet worth fantasy consideration in leagues that start a single tight end.

Coach Bill Belichick indicated that the team still is determining how to best work Tomlinson's skill set into the offense, Zack Cox of NESN reports. "We'll see," Belichick noted of the tight end's potential role. "He's a bigger guy, has blocking ability. He has been in the backfield. He's played on the line of scrimmage."

In 39 career NFL contests, the 6-foot-6, 263-pounder has recorded 16 catches for 193 yards and a TD, so it's not likely that Tomlinson will make much of a fantasy splash with New England. He should, however, help out as a blocker while bringing some versatility to the table, given that he's played some fullback in the past.

Swaim (concussion/ankle) is not expected to practice Thursday.

This will be the second straight day of missed practice for Swaim, who appears to still be going through concussion protocol after the injury forced him to leave Sunday's game against the Saints. The report also states that Swaim picked up an ankle injury, so it looks like the tight end is at serious risk of missing Sunday's matchup with the Bengals. Swaim is the third tight end to pop up on the injury report for the Jaguars and it's all left the team rather thin at the position heading into Week 7.

Waller and the Raiders agreed on an extension that is expected to keep him under contract through the 2023 season, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Per Pelissero, the deal is expected to be worth around $9 million per season after his would-be restricted free agent year following the 2019 season. Waller has made a remarkable journey back from a battle with addiction and was originally signed off the Ravens' practice squad last November by the Raiders. The 27-year-old has established himself as a go-to guy for the Silver and Black this season, catching 37 of 42 targets for 359 yards through five games. More specifics surrounding the deal will likely become available in the coming days, but the Raiders were able to lock up their breakout tight end for the next three seasons.

Tonyan (hip) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Tonyan sustained the knee injury Week 5 against the Cowboys and didn't play versus the Lions on Monday after sitting out practice all week. The 25-year-old will likely need to advance to full participation by Friday to avoid an injury designation.

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.