NFL Player News

With the Chargers on bye this week, Henry (knee) remains on the team's PUP list.

Last month Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times relayed that the tight end had progressed to the point that he was able to run diagonal sprints while wearing a knee brace. That said, given the timing of Henry's torn ACL (May 22), the odds have never favored him playing this season, though his placement on the Chargers' PUP list left open that small possibility. With that in mind, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports noted this past Sunday that the "odds of (Henry) actually making it back this season remain quite remote." In the meantime, Antonio Gates, Virgil Green and Sean Culkin are handling the team's tight end duties, with none of that trio having approached the sort of production the Chargers envisioned for Henry in 2018.

Akins and fellow tight end Jordan Thomas will fill in for Ryan Griffin (illness, out) on Thursday against the Dolphins, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The rookie tight end tandem filled in for Griffin last week as well and had a combined one target. Houston's coaches have talked about getting the tight end position more involved, but it just never materializes. Akins has 11 targets in seven games, and we expect a similar rate of attention Thursday. With Deshaun Watson playing through a chest injury and facing the NFL's 29th-ranked rushing defense, Houston's game plan will be about getting the ball in the hands of running back Lamar Miller.

Vannett (back) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

After receiving treatment for the back issue during the Seahawks' Week 7 bye, Vannett is kicking off the current week in a positive manner. He'll look to build upon Wednesday's limited showing as the week continues with an eye toward returning Sunday in Detroit. He could be joined by veteran tight end Ed Dickson (quadriceps), who is practicing with the intent of coming off the reserve/non-football injury list.

Seals-Jones (arm) practiced fully Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

After taking a direct hit to his forearm while attempting to recover a fumble last Thursday against the Broncos, Seals-Jones didn't return to the game. Fortunately for the tight end, he relayed that he merely suffered a bruise. according to Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site. Seals-Jones' ability to practice without any cap on his reps Wednesday indicates he's not in danger of missing time as a result of the injury. He'll have look to improve on his worst line of the season Sunday against the same 49ers defense that held him to zero catches on five targets Week 5.

Gesicki (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Texans, Alain Poupart of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Gesicki was a full participant during the Dolphins' walk-through practice Wednesday, but it wasn't enough for him to avoid an injury designation on a short week. It would be surprising if Gesicki wasn't available Thursday, but those relying on the rookie will want to examine his status prior to the 8:20 p.m. EDT kickoff. Gesicki hauled in all three of his targets for a season-high 44 yards in Week 7 against the Lions and could see his role expand this week with the team down two of its top wideouts in Albert Wilson (hip) and Kenny Stills (groin).

Graham (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

In the three games prior to the Packers' Week 7 bye, Graham had some limitations in practice due to a knee injury. His reality appears to be the same after the week off, but it wouldn't surprise if he ditches the designation altogether by the release of Friday's injury report, as he did for all three of those aforementioned contests.

Derby (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Texans, Alain Poupart of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Derby was unable to take part in practice at all to begin the week, but his limited participation in Wednesday's walk-through session likely helped him being ruled out entirely for Thursday. The tight end has missed four consecutive games due to a foot injury, so the Dolphins could be reluctant to bring him back on a short week without the benefit of a full practice ahead of time. With rookie Mike Gesicki (shoulder) also listed as questionable for Week 8, Nick O'Leary looks like the safest bet to deliver useful fantasy production among the Miami tight ends.

Njoku was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The second-year tight end apparently picked up the injury while catching four of six targets for 52 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to Tampa Bay. His ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday is a good sign for his availability Week 8 against the Steelers. Njoku and Jarvis Landry have been doing the heavy lifting for Cleveland's passing game of late, with the former racking up 228 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 22 catches over the past four weeks.

Kroft is still donning a protective boot on his fractured right foot and may not be close to returning to game action, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Marvin Lewis said last week that he expects Kroft to play again at some point this season, but there does seem to be real chance the tight end doesn't make it back. He's recovering from an injury that may ultimately require surgery, leaving C.J. Uzomah to handle a three-down role in the meantime. Kroft can safely be ruled out for at least the Bengals' Week 8 game against Tampa Bay.

Hurst was unable to haul in either of his targets during Sunday's 24-23 loss to the Saints.

Through three active games, Hurst has been able to catch just one of his five targets for seven yards -- not exactly what Baltimore was hoping for out of its first-round pick. The Ravens' tight-end room is crowded, and fellow rookie Mark Andrews and veteran Nick Boyle have apparently emerged as the primary contributors. Until that changes, Hurst shouldn't be on your radar -- even with a matchup against a so-so Panthers pass defense Sunday.