NFL Player News

Derby (foot) wasn't present for Thursday's practice, Chris Perkins of The Athletic reports.

Derby has opened Week 5 preparations with back-to-back absences from practice, a development that doesn't bode well for his odds of suiting up Sunday in Cincinnati. Unless Derby takes part in Friday's practice to offer more optimism about his prospects heading into the weekend, rookie Mike Gesicki will likely be in store for a second straight game as the Dolphins' primary tight end.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Graham (knee) would participate in Thursday's practice, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy didn't specify what Graham's level of involvement in the session would be, but more clarity on that front should arrive later Thursday when the team releases its practice report. Even if Graham faces some restrictions in practice, it would still amount to a positive step forward for the tight end, who was held out Wednesday for maintenance purposes. It's expected that Graham will be ready to go by the time Sunday's game against the Lions arrives, and he could be in store for a more substantial target load than normal due to the battered state of the Green Bay receiving corps. Each of the Packers' top three wideouts -- Davante Adams (calf), Randall Cobb (hamstring) and Geronimo Allison (concussion) -- are expected to go down as non-participants in Thursday's practice.

Higbee (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Higbee suffered the knee injury in last Thursday's 38-31 win over the Vikings and remains hobbled six days after the fact. He'll look to return to practice at some point during the next two days to boost his odds of suiting up Week 5 against the Seahawks. Higbee's possible absence would free up more snaps for Gerald Everett in a Rams offense that rarely uses its tight ends in the passing game.

Graham didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

Last Wednesday, Graham was also withheld from the Packers' first practice session of the week, with coach Mike McCarthy labeling the tight end's absence as a day of "maintenance." Graham followed it up with limited participation Thursday and Friday, but was cleared of an injury designation on the Packers' final Week 4 injury report. He'll aim to do the same this week after recording his first touchdown of the season in last Sunday's win over the Bills.

Hurst (foot) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Coach John Harbaugh relayed that Hurst was nearly able to play in Week 4, so barring any setbacks, there's a solid chance the first-round pick will make his NFL debut Sunday against the Browns. In such a scenario, he'll join a crowded tight-end corps that also includes Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews and Maxx Williams. Hurst has some long-term upside, but he would probably need to turn in a full and productive game before he becomes worth grabbing off the waiver wire.

Hollister (chest) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Colts.

Fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is also listed as questionable, which adds a layer of intrigue to Hollister's Week 5 status. If he's active and Gronkowski is not, Hollister could see added targets in the team's passing game Thursday. The other tight end on the roster, Dwayne Allen, is likely to be tasked mainly with blocking.

Engram (knee) may be a few weeks away from playing in a game, but he's already progressed to straight-line running, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Engram at least did some light side work, which amounts to minor progress in his recovery from an MCL sprain. He still doesn't seem to have much shot at playing in Sunday's game against Carolina and Week 6 will also be tough with the Giants hosting the Eagles in the Thursday night game. Rhett Ellison will fill in as the top tight end for the duration of Engram's absence.

Engram (knee) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Engram is a long shot to be ready for Sunday's game in Carolina, given that his recovery timeline was estimated at 2-to-4 weeks after he suffered an MCL sprain during the Giants' Week 3 win over the Texans. Rhett Ellison filled in as the No. 1 tight end in Sunday's 33-18 loss to the Saints, catching three of five targets for 29 yards while playing 87 percent of the offensive snaps. There's a decent chance Engram ends up missing at least three games, as the Giants host the Eagles on Thursday Night Football in Week 6.

Daniels was promoted to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Wednesday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

With Will Dissly (kneecap) landing on injured reserve after undergoing surgery for a patella injury, the Seahawks are extremely thin at the tight end position. Daniels joins the team as the second option at the position and could see some playing time in Sunday's contest against the Rams. He served as a special teams contributor prior to being waived before last week's game against the Cardinals and landing on the practice squad.

Graham wasn't present at practice Wednesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

It's unclear if Graham is dealing with an injury or merely getting a veteran day off. The tight end missed last Wednesday's session for maintenance due to a knee concern, but ultimately suited up for Sunday's 22-0 win over the Bills. The reason for his absence will be revealed when the Packers release their first Week 5 injury report later Wednesday.