NFL Player News

Ertz (concussion) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

After suffering a concussion this past Sunday at New Orleans, Ertz sat out Wednesday's session, but he was spotted in a black non-contact jersey Thursday, per Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site, before the team tagged the tight end as limited. Ertz thus is making his way through the protocol for head injuries, but he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to suit up Sunday against the Eagles.

Musgrave (ankle) was limited at Thursday's practice, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Musgrave has been listed as limited on Packers' injury reports since the team designated him for return from injured reserve last Wednesday. He's in the later stages of his recovery from ankle surgery that was performed in early October, and he may need to get back to full participation by Saturday in order to have a chance to be activated ahead of Monday's game against the Saints.

Njoku (hamstring) didn't participate in the open portion of Thursday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku missed Wednesday's practice, so what the tight end is able to do, if anything, during Friday's session will be telling with regard to his chances of returning to action Sunday against the Bengals. If Njoku remains sidelined this weekend, Jordan Akins would be in line to continue to have an expanded role in the Browns passing game.

Alie-Cox (hip) is not practicing Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Alie-Cox will miss a second consecutive practice due to the hip injury he managed to play through during the Colts' loss to the Broncos in Week 15. The veteran tight end hasn't yet missed a game this season, but across 14 appearances he's racked up just 11 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown on 18 targets. Friday will represent the last chance for Alie-Cox to resume practicing ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup against the Titans.

The Chargers plan to activate Hurst (hip) from IR ahead of Thursday night's game against the Broncos, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Hurst last saw game action in Week 10, but his looming return to the mix arrives at an opportune time, with fellow tight end Will Dissly still sidelined with a shoulder injury. With that in mind, Hurst should have an opportunity to contribute as pass catcher Thursday while working alongside Stone Smartt, who caught five passes for 50 yards in Week 15 with Dissly inactive.

Strange was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury.

According to Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union, head coach Doug Pederson said that Strange sustained an AC joint sprain in last week's 32-25 loss to the Jets. Fortunately, Pederson said that Strange will be fine to play in Sunday's game at Las Vegas, but the tight end may need to upgrade to full practice participation by Friday to avoid taking a designation into the weekend. After Evan Engram (shoulder) placed on injured reserve last week, Strange stepped in as the Jaguars' top tight end in the loss to New York and turned some heads by recording 11 catches for 73 yards on 12 targets. Strange could struggle to reach that lofty target count again in Week 16, but he should nonetheless represent one of the top options in the passing game for quarterback Mac Jones.

Fant practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday due to a knee injury, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Fant has exactly three catches in four straight contests, compiling a 12-81-0 line on 19 targets during that stretch. He's now enduring some practice restrictions to kick off Week 16 prep, but there's been no indication he's in danger of sitting out Sunday against the Vikings.

Otton didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.

Since earning 10-plus targets in three consecutive games from Weeks 7 through 9, Otton has mustered a 15-179-0 line on 25 targets over the last five games. The downturn in production was likely a byproduct of Mike Evans' return to the lineup Week 12, but Otton also has just three red-zone targets over the last four games and hasn't scored a touchdown during that time. Otton's health is now worth tracking as the Buccaneers prepare for Sunday's contest at Dallas.

Hurst (hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

Hurst practiced without limitations Tuesday and Wednesday after being designated to return from injured reserve Monday. If Hurst is activated from IR and plays Thursday for the first time since Week 10, he could step in as a starter with Will Dislly (shoulder) having been ruled out. However, Hurst may not take on a robust snap count if cleared to play, as Stone Smartt has fared well as a pass catcher the past two weeks and could challenge Hurst for playing time.

Dissly (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

Dissly will miss a second consecutive game due to the shoulder injury. Hayden Hurst (hip) is listed as questionable and could be activated from injured reserve ahead of Thursday's game to restore some depth at tight end, but if not, Stone Smartt would have a clear path to serving as the Chargers' top pass-catching option at the position. Dissly's next chance to take the field will come Dec. 28 against the Patriots.