NFL Player News

Hamm (undisclosed) was placed on practice squad injured reserve Thursday.

Hamm was signed to the Colts practice squad on Nov. 21 but will spend the rest of the season on injured reserve. He will likely work to make an NFL roster during 2019 training camp.

Graham (thumb/knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

As he usually does, Graham is building up his workload in anticipation of Sunday's game against the Falcons, who have conceded an average of 4.8 catches (on 6.7 targets) for 50.1 yards to go with four touchdowns to tight ends in 12 games this season.

Engram (hamstring) practiced fully Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Prior to Wednesday's limited showing, Engram was held off the field for two contests and every practice since injuring his hamstring during pregame warmups Nov. 25 at Philadelphia. Now with an uninhibited practice under his belt, he's slated to retake his role as the Giants' starting tight end. In his previous matchup with Sunday's opponent (the Redskins) in Week 8, Engram turned nine targets into five receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown.

Allen (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Allen has not taken the field since Week 10, and is still working to recover from a lingering knee injury. The veteran tight end is primarily used as a blocker in New England's offense, so he won't have fantasy value even when fully healthy.

Graham (thumb/knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

Graham returned to his usual role in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cardinals, catching eight of 11 targets for 50 yards while handling a 71 percent snap share. He still seems to be bothered by the fractured thumb, as he spent Wednesday's practice working off to the side with the rehab group, per Josh Tolentino of The Athletic. The 32-year-old tight end likely will continue playing through the injury Sunday against Atlanta.

Paulsen (knee/ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Paulsen exited Sunday's loss to the Ravens due to knee and ankle injuries, and continues to manage his recovery. It remains to be seen whether the depth tight end will get healthy in time to suit up against the Packers in Week 14. If Paulsen is unable to go, Eric Saubert will benefit from a slight increase in offensive usage.

Njoku (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku, who caught three of six targets for eight yards in the Week 13 loss to the Texans, has been up and down over his last six outings. With the knee issue not viewed as much of a concern, Njoku's chances of a bouncing back this weekend are supported by the fact that Sunday's opponent, the Panthers, have had trouble limiting tight ends this season.

Engram (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Engram hadn't taken the practice field since injuring his hamstring during pregame warmups Nov. 25 in Philadelphia, missing the Giants' overtime win against the Bears in Week 13 as a result. With a return to drills, the second-year tight end is trending in a positive direction, but it remains to be seen if it'll be enough to play Sunday in Washington. His listing on upcoming injury reports will be worth monitoring as the weekend approaches.

Thomas is primed for a key role at tight end for the rest of the season after the Panthers placed teammate Greg Olsen (foot) on injured reserve Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Thomas was unable to capitalize on Olsen's absence the first time around, catching eight of 14 targets for 68 yards over a three-game span while averaging 54.7 snaps per contest. However, the rookie fourth-round pick looked much better in Sunday's 24-17 loss to Tampa Bay, catching each of his five targets for 46 yards after hauling in just one pass over the previous seven weeks. Thomas will kick off his second run in the starting role with a favorable Week 14 matchup at Cleveland, facing a defense that has given up the most catches (75) and targets (111) to tight ends, albeit with a mark of just 6.5 yards per target.

Alie-Cox (calf) will not practice Wednesday, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Alie-Cox has sat out in the Colts' last two games. Last week, Alie-Cox was spotted with a protective boot over his calf. His practice status later this week will paint a better picture as to whether he'll play Sunday, but he should still be considered questionable at the least for now.