NFL Player News

Ertz hauled in seven of nine targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles' 34-13 win over the Giants on Thursday.

Although Alshon Jeffery supplanted him as Carson Wentz's favorite target on the night, Ertz wasn't too far behind. The talented tight end logged the second-highest number of looks on the Eagles, and he managed to cross the goal line for the second consecutive week. Thursday marked Ertz's first game with single-digit targets -- albeit by one -- and he clearly remains a must-play each week regardless of format. He'll look to continue building on his average of eight receptions per contest when he faces the Panthers in Week 7.

Kittle (knee) was limited at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan was of the belief Kittle wouldn't practice Thursday due to a knee injury stemming from Sunday's loss at Arizona. Clearly, Kittle bucked those expectations and may be ahead of the schedule set by the 49ers' training staff. No matter, his status should continue to be watched due to his standing as the NFL's third-leading tight end in terms of receiving yards (399 in five games).

Hurst is turning in a strong week of practice and could have an increased role Sunday against the Titans, Clifton Brown of the team's official site reports.

Offensive coordinator Marty Morhinweg told reporters Thursday that he felt Hurst was "on the rise" after another strong practice. Morhinweg noted that Hurst spent much of last week knocking off the rust after a long time on the sidelines while recovering from a foot injury. Hurst debuted in Week 5 against the Browns but was lightly used, catching one of two targets for seven yards while playing just 21 snaps. Now that Hurst has game experience and another week of practice under his belt, he could start to emerge as a go-to pass catcher in a tight end group that sorely needs one.

Smythe was limited in Thursday's practice with an ankle injury, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

This is Smythe's first appearance on the injury report this week, so it's likely he hurt his ankle during Wednesday's practice. Being simply limited, there's a good chance he still plays Sunday versus the Bears, but Friday's practice will be more telling. The rookie fifth-round pick has suited up for all five games, but he's failed to come up with either of his two targets.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Kittle (knee) wouldn't participate in Thursday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle picked up the knee injury at some point during the Week 5 loss to the Cardinals, but still finished with a productive stat line of five catches for 83 yards on seven targets. The tight end has been the preferred option in the passing game for quarterback C.J. Beathard since the latter took over for the injured Jimmy Garappolo (knee), but Kittle will need to put the knee issue behind him before he can be considered an elite fantasy play this weekend. Kittle would be able to allay concerns about his health by practicing in some capacity Thursday or Friday.

Coach Adam Gase said Thursday that Gesicki "has made a lot of strides" in his blocking since the season began, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Gesicki's credentials as a pass catcher were never in much dispute after he was one of the FBS' most productive receiving tight ends during his college career at Penn State, but his less refined blocking skills prevented him from securing a starting role heading into his inaugural campaign. The rookie was thrust into a more pronounced role over the last two weeks, however, while A.J. Derby (foot) was sidelined, as Gesicki logged 30-plus snaps in both contests. Derby could be ready to return Week 6 against the Bears, but Gase's comments about Gesicki's blocking offer hope that the latter may retain the edge in tight-end snaps.

Vannett (back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Vannett was absent from Wednesday's session due to a back injury, which was worrisome due to a history of such issues, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. In a media session Thursday, though, coach Pete Carroll told Mike Vorel of The Seattle Times that Vannett is "good" and "fine." Friday's injury report will confirm as much for the Seahawks' No. 1 tight end.

Kroft (foot) was listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Kroft has started Week 6 preparations with back-to-back absences from practice and was spotted with a walking boot on his right foot Wednesday, suggesting he's in serious danger of missing Sunday's game against the Steelers. The 25-year-old could alter his outlook for the better with any involvement in Friday's practice, but for now, C.J. Uzomah looks poised to handle the majority of tight-end snaps this weekend.

Graham (knee) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Along with Graham, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) was withheld from team work in the Packers' first session of the week, but it's suspected that both players were merely receiving maintenance. The knee issue isn't a new concern for Graham, whose practice reps have been capped the past couple of weeks while he's managed the issue. Graham was able to avoid a questionable tag heading into both of the past two games, so it's expected that he'll follow a similar path in advance of Monday's tilt with the 49ers.

Vannett (back) is participating in Thursday's practice, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Vannett's back injury prevented him from taking part in Wednesday's session. The tight end's return to the field Thursday suggests he's on track to play Sunday against the Raiders in London, a notion echoed by coach Pete Carroll, per Mike Vorel of The Seattle Times. The Seahawks will release their practice report later Thursday, at which point it will be revealed whether Vannett was a limited or full participant.