NFL Player News

Hewitt (ribs) is active for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys.

Hewitt recorded a full practice Friday but still ended up on the injury report. The 27-year-old has overcome his minor issue and is ready to go as the Colts No. 3 tight end. That spot in the lineup gives Hewitt little fantasy upside, especially since the Cowboys have yielded just six touchdowns to tight ends this year.

Thomas (hamstring) is listed as inactive Sunday against Detroit.

A late addition to the injury report, Thomas will miss his second contest in just a three-week span. Charles Clay should once again draw the start, with Jason Croom on hand in a reserve capacity to help out primarily as a blocker.

Hewitt (ribs) was downgraded to questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

Hewitt initially popped up on the injury report after registering a full practice Friday. Even though he practiced in full, he must've received medical treatment for his ribs injury. Hewitt didn't carry an injury designation on the injury report Friday, however, so his sudden downgrade comes with some concern. If Hewitt isn't able to play, Mo Alie-Cox (calf) would likely see an increase in snaps if he can make his return after missing the last three games -- otherwise, Eric Ebron would be the only healthy tight end for the Colts.

Alie-Cox (calf) no longer has an injury designation and will play Sunday versus the Cowboys.

Alie-Cox sat out the last three games but will gear up for his Week 15 return. The 25-year-old has six catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns this year and will slot in as the No. 2 tight end behind Eric Ebron. He's a low-volume player but the Colts use tight ends enough in the red zone that he could be good for a score.

Swaim (wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Swaim required surgery on a broken wrist suffered Nov. 18. It was accompanied by a prognosis of 3-to-4 weeks, but now that he's fast approaching the back end of that timetable with no return to practice in sight, there's no telling when the fourth-year tight end will be available to the offense again. His next chance to practice will be Wednesday, Dec. 19 in preparation for a Week 16 matchup with the Buccaneers.

Graham (knee/thumb) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Still playing through a broken thumb, Graham has struggled with drops but hasn't shown any limitation in terms of snaps or targets. He gets a tough Week 15 matchup against a Bears defense that's holding opponents to 6.4 yards per pass attempt, including just 5.8 YPT for tight ends.

Thomas (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Lions.

Thomas was a late addition to the injury report, registering a full practice Thursday. The Virginia Tech product was able to practice Friday as well, but in a limited capacity. Thomas is listed last on the tight end depth chart and only has three targets in his last two games, so the team likely wouldn't be impacted much if he misses the game Sunday.

Paulsen (knee/ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation going into Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Paulsen was a limited participant in practice each day this week. The UCLA product missed his first game of the season last week against the Packers. On the season, Paulsen has eight receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown.

Coach Dan Quinn said Hooper (knee/ankle) will play in Sunday's game against the Cardinals after returning to practice Friday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

The same goes for Julio Jones (foot), while running back Ito Smith (knee) is listed as questionable but is expected to play, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Matt Ryan thus figures to have his full complement of weapons against an Arizona defense that allows just 7.0 yards per pass attempt. The Cardinals have limited tight ends to just 52 catches for 538 yards and three touchdowns, including modest performances from the likes of Travis Kelce (6-46-0), George Kittle (5-83-0, 5-57-0) and Jared Cook (3-31-1). It doesn't help that Hooper managed just one day of practice this week.

Hooper (knee/ankle) suited up for Friday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Hooper sat out the Falcons' first two practice sessions of the week, but it appears he will get some work in Friday, which bodes well for his chances of taking the field in Week 15. His official injury designation for Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals will be revealed after Friday's practice concludes.