NFL Player News

Allen (knee) returned to the practice field Thursday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Allen was unable to suit up in the Patriots' win over the Jets on Sunday, but he finally made his return to the practice field Thursday. The fact that Allen was able to return to practice is a positive sign for his Week 13 availability.

Coach Pat Shurmur said Engram (hamstring) will not participate in Thursday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

This is not a good sign for Engram's status heading into the weekend, as there has also been nothing to suggest that the tight end will even be able to put in a limited effort Friday. When Engram was sidelined in Sunday's loss to the Eagles, Rhett Ellison operated as the team's No. 1 tight end, hauling in four passes for 77 yards.

Graham (thumb/knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Graham played through a fractured left thumb in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Vikings, catching two of four targets for 34 yards across just 22 offensive snaps. He's probably looking at a repeat of the limited role Week 13 against Arizona, as coach Mike McCarthy said the tight end will still need his thumb heavily taped in order to play, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Graham also missed Wednesday's practice last week before returning as a limited participant Thursday and Friday, so he'll look to follow a similar path again.

Hewitt (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Hewitt's ability to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday is a step in the right direction, given that he didn't suit up for a single practice last week. The depth tight end has missed three straight games due to a lingering ankle issue, and his status for Sunday's tilt against the Jaguars remains up in the air. With Eric Ebron (back), Erik Swoope (knee) and Mo Alie-Cox (calf) all nursing injuries, Hewitt could be in line for a notable workload if he's able to play Week 13.

Arnold (chest) doesn't carry an injury designation into Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Arnold was a full participant in Wednesday's practice after having been limited to begin the week. The second-year tight end picked up a chest injury during his breakout game Thanksgiving Day against the Falcons, during which he brought in four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. That performance may have earned him a heightened role in the Saints' passing attack going forward.

Engram (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com reports.

Aside from riding a stationary bike off to the side, Engram was a non-participant in the first session of Week 13. The lack of activity followed no offensive snaps in Sunday's 25-22 loss to Philadelphia, which came after Engram injured his hamstring in pregame warmups. Engram will have two more opportunities to prove his health during practices in advance of this weekend's tilt with the Bears.

Njoku (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The knee issue has resulted in Njoku being listed as questionable ahead of the Browns' past two games, but he's suited up on both occasions while playing normal snap counts. In the Browns' Week 12 triumph over the Bengals, Njoku bounced back from a three-game scoring drought with five receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown on five targets. The fact that he's beginning the Browns' Week 13 preparations on the field in any capacity suggests the injury won't put his status in much jeopardy for Sunday's game in Houston.

Allen (knee) was not among the participants at Wednesday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

After missing last week's game against the Jets because of the knee issue, Allen has started off Week 13 on the wrong end of the playing spectrum. Unless he can progress to at least limited participation by Friday, there's a good chance he will miss out on a second consecutive game.

Manhertz (foot) will not take part in practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Manhertz was spotted in a walking boot Monday, so his absence from practice Wednesday shouldn't be a major shock. The third-string tight end's status shouldn't have many fantasy implications considering he has hauled in just one pass during the 2018 season. However, the Panthers could be down some depth at the position Sunday if Manhertz doesn't progress to play against the Bucs.

Engram (hamstring) rode a stationary bike during Wednesday's practice, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

There was some optimism about the tight end's practice availability when he was spotted at the morning walk-through, but it now sounds like he'll be listed as a non-participant on the first injury report of the week. Withheld from Sunday's 25-22 loss to the Eagles after hurting his hamstring during pregame warmups, Engram was optimistic Monday about his chances of avoiding another absence Week 13 against the Bears. He'll have two more chances to practice before the weekend arrives.