NFL Player News

Kincaid (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Back-to-back listings of DNP cloud Kincaid's status for Sunday night's game against the 49ers, with the tight end down to one chance to return to practice ahead of Week 13 action. If Kincaid ends up remaining sidelined for the contest, Dawson Knox would be in line to maintain an expanded role in the Bills offense as the team's top TE option versus San Francisco.

Dissly (groin) was spotted at practice Thursday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

It's not yet clear whether Dissly was limited or if he practiced in full, but either way his participation is a step up after he was deemed a non-participant Wednesday. The Chargers' top tight end's practice level Friday should determine whether he'll enter the weekend with an injury designation. Tucker Fisk and Stone Smartt are the other tight ends currently on Los Angeles' 53-man roster.

Oliver (ankle) was a non-participant in practice Thursday.

Oliver was also estimated as a DNP on Wednesday. The tight end hasn't practiced since spraining his ankle Week 11 against Tennessee and missed last Sunday's game against the Bears. Johnny Mundt figures to again get increased offensive snaps this Sunday versus Arizona if Oliver is unable to suit up.

Sanders (neck) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders is in recovery mode from a neck injury that he sustained this past Sunday against the Chiefs in which he was carted off the field and required further evaluation at a Charlotte area hospital. Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Sanders to be available for Sunday's game versus the Buccaneers, per Gantt, but the tight end may get back on the practice field before week's end. Friday's injury report will reveal as much and also may include a ruling on his Week 13 status.

Firkser was elevated from Kansas City's practice squad Thursday ahead of Friday's game against the Raiders.

Firkser will get his first elevation since signing to Kansas City's practice squad Nov. 2. He got into four games with the Jets earlier this season, totaling eight offensive snaps and 60 snaps on special teams without recording any other stats. Firkser's elevation this week follows the placement of fellow tight end Peyton Hendershot on IR due to a calf injury.

Higbee (knee), who was designated for return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, was a limited participant in practice to begin Week 13 prep.

Higbee appears to be in the final stages of his recovery from the ACL and MCL tears that he sustained Jan. 14 in a postseason loss at Detroit. However, head coach Sean McVay implied Tuesday that Higbee likely won't be able to suit up Sunday in New Orleans, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. Aside from Week 13, the Rams have two more games (Dec. 8 against the Bills and Dec. 12 at San Francisco) within Higbee's 21-day practice window, so he may have a better chance to return in one of those contests.

Russell (foot) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Russell missed the Seahawks' last two games due to a foot injury. Wednesday was his first practice since the injury, and he'll have two more chances this week to increase his participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets. Russell has mostly played on special teams and has not registered a target across nine regular-season games.

Fant (groin) practiced fully Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Going back to last week, Fant has put together two straight uncapped sessions, indicating he's past the groin injury that has sidelined him for the last three games. Prior to his absence, he regularly paced Seahawks tight ends en route to a 27-285-0 receiving line on 32 targets during the first eight contests of the campaign. Fant likely will settle back into the starting role Sunday at the Jets.

The Rams designated Higbee (knee) for return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday.

This transaction follows comments from head coach Sean McVay on Tuesday that Higbee was in line to return to practice this week, per Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. At the same time, McVay relayed that Higbee is unlikely to play Sunday at New Orleans. The Rams will likely take a cautious approach with Higbee, who suffered ACL and MCL tears in his right knee back on Jan. 14 in a playoff loss in Detroit. With his 21-day window in which to get back on the active roster opened, he's drawing closer to making his season debut.

Quitoriano (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Quitoriano dealt with a calf issue earlier this season, but the knee injury is a new one. He's played 22 percent of the offensive snaps across seven games since rejoining the Texans on Oct. 8. Quitoriano has yet to draw a target in the pass game and is mostly used as a blocker.