NFL Player News

James (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

James hurt his ankle during Sunday's 26-9 win over the Vikings, but that didn't stop him from playing 96 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps. Fellow tight end Vance McDonald, who missed the first two games with a back injury, wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report. McDonald will likely take over as the starter if James isn't ready for the Week 3 game in Chicago.

Engram was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol Wednesday, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Engram was nonetheless listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's practice, which is unusual for a player that was just placed in the concussion protocol. While no injury was reported after Monday's 24-10 loss to the Lions, the rookie tight end likely suffered his concussion at some point during the contest. Engram was one of the Giants' few bright spots in that game, catching four of seven targets for 49 yards and a score. Should he end up missing the Giants' Week 3 game in Philadelphia, Jerell Adams or Shane Smith would likely fill in as the top pass-catching tight end. Starter Rhett Ellison primarily is used as a run blocker.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that Graham (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Liz Matthews of USA Today reports.

Graham's injury has evolved from a "banged knee" to a "sore ankle" to its current standing as "an ankle sprain," per Carroll. The tight end's downturn in health comes on the heels of sparse production (four receptions on nine targets for nine yards) through two games, during which the Seahawks have produced the sixth-fewest points (21) in the league. Until the offense gets on the same page and Graham maintains a modicum of health, he'll be seriously devalued when compared with his ranking among tight ends heading into the campaign.

Higbee was unable to connect with quarterback Jared Goff on his lone target of the game during Sunday's 27-20 loss to Washington.

Higbee, a classic flex tight end, seemed to be getting his perfect coach when Sean McVay was hired in January. A former tight ends coach, McVay made great use of the them as a coordinator in Washington, but it hasn't played out that way thus far this season. Though Higbee has taken starter-level snaps, including 41 of 50 on Sunday, it's been rookie Gerald Everett with the big plays thus far with three catches of at least 20 yards in the first two weeks of the season.

Kittle (hip) was limited in practice Tuesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle was listed as a non-participant on the 49ers' injury report Monday so his limited participation Tuesday could be viewed as a step in the right direction. However, his status for Wednesday's practice should offer a better understanding of whether the tight end will suit up for Thursday's tilt with the Rams. Should he be sidelined, look for Garrett Celek to take over starting tight end responsibilities.

Everett (thigh) was limited in practice Tuesday, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.

Everett did not participate in practice Monday, so his limited participation Tuesday is a reassuring sign that the tight end could be ready to go for Thursday's showdown with the 49ers. Look for Wednesday's practice report to give a better indication of Everett's game status.

Dray was released Tuesday by the Cardinals, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

The Cardinals signed Dray last week in order to add depth to an injured tight end unit. Now, with his release, it would appear that starter Jermaine Gresham (ribs) likely will return for Week 3 after being inactive for Sunday's win over the Colts.

James (ankle) has been limited to start this week of practice, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

There aren't many concerns from the Steelers regarding James' ankle injury, as he was able to play through it in Week 2's win over the Vikings. The team will likely be cautious with James throughout this week of practice in order to ensure he is healthy for Week 3, especially with Vance McDonald (back) still banged up.

Engram caught four of seven targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 24-10 loss to the Lions.

Engram led the Giants across the board in the receiving categories, while also scoring the team's lone touchdown thus far with an 18-yard catch in the second quarter. Despite tipping a pass that was intercepted on the next drive, Ingram will be pleased by finding the end zone and aim to stay steadily involved in Week 3 versus the Eagles.

Kittle (hip) was listed as a non-participant on the 49ers' injury report Monday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The 49ers didn't practice Monday, but if they had, Kittle would have been held out. Since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, he's tended to hamstring, calf and hip concerns but played through the pain, at least in the regular season. With a short week to prepare for Thursday's game against the Rams, he may not be so lucky on this occasion. If he's among the team's Week 3 inactives, Garrett Celek and Logan Paulsen will handle tight end in Kittle's stead.