NFL Player News

Hurst (groin) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday's injury report.

Hurst was unable to play in Week 7 against the Cardinals due to a groin injury he suffered in Week 6 against the Broncos. He opened the week as a DNP on Wednesday, so his return to practice Thursday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- is a step in the right direction, and Friday's injury report should provide a clearer picture on Hurst's availability against the Saints. Hurst's return could be timely, as fellow tight end Will Dissly is in jeopardy of being sidelined for Sunday's game after missing the first two practices of the week due to a shoulder injury.

The Bears placed Sweeney (undisclosed) on the practice squad injured list Thursday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Sweeney joined the Bears' practice squad Oct. 9 after failing to make the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp. It's unclear what is hindering the 2019 seventh-round pick, but he is ineligible to be called up from the practice squad to the active roster for at least four regular-season games. The earliest Sweeney would be able to be elevated would be against the Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 24. With Sweeney on practice squad IR, Chicago signed tight end Joel Wilson to the practice squad in a corresponding move.

The Bears signed Wilson to the practice squad Thursday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wilson was waived by the Packers following training camp, and he spent some time on the Giants' practice squad before being cut Oct. 2. The 24-year-old tight end has yet to see NFL regular-season action since signing with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in April 2023. The move corresponds with tight end Tommy Sweeney (undisclosed) being placed on the Bears' practice-squad injured reserve.

Dissly (shoulder) didn't take part in Thursday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Dissly appeared on the Chargers' Week 7 injury report due to the same shoulder issue, but after logging a limited practice Thursday he put in full practices Friday and Saturday to clear the way for him to suit up Monday against the Cardinals. He proceeded to turn in a season-best line (eight catches for 81 yards on 11 targets) in the 17-15 win, but his shoulder injury may have worsened at some point along the way. Dissly has now been a spectator for both of the Chargers' first Week 8 practices, so he may need to participate in some capacity Friday to have a chance at playing Sunday versus the Saints.

Kittle (foot) returned to practice Thursday, David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard reports.

After sitting out Wednesday's session due to a foot sprain, Kittle was able to mix into at least individual drills one day later. Thursday's practice report will reveal how much work he was able to handle.

Engram (hamstring) was a full practice participant Thursday.

After missing four straight games with a hamstring injury from Weeks 2 through 6, Engram has suited up in both of Jacksonville's last two contests while putting together a 15-137-0 receiving line on 15 targets. He was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, but his ability to take every rep a day later likely implies that his reps were capped to begin the week merely for maintenance purposes. Engram should be ready to operate as one of quarterback Trevor Lawrence's top targets in Sunday's game versus the Packers.

The Vikings downgraded Hockenson (knee) to out for Thursday's game against the Rams, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Hockenson's 21-day practice window wraps up Friday, but the team intends to activate him from the reserve/PUP list before the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline and have him available for a Week 9 matchup agains the Colts on Sunday, Nov. 3. He tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee last season on Dec. 24, so he's exactly 10 months removed from sustaining the injuries.

Knox (ankle) returned to a limited practice Thursday.

Knox missed Wednesday's session, so his return to the field a day later has him moving in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Meanwhile, Dalton Kincaid (collarbone) was limited both days, which sets the stage for Friday's injury report to add valuable context with regard to the chances of the Bills' top two TEs playing this weekend.

Kincaid (collarbone) remained limited at practice Thursday.

While Kincaid maintained his practice participation level from Wednesday, Dawson Knox (ankle) returned to a limited session Thursday after being absent one day prior. Friday's injury report thus is slated to add context regarding the chances of Buffalo's top two tight ends playing Sunday against the Seahawks.

Goedert (hamstring) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Andrew DiCecco of InsideTheBirds.com reports.

Goedert hasn't been able to practice in any fashion since straining his hamstring early in the Eagles' Week 6 win over the Browns. He'll almost certainly need to get back on the field in some capacity Friday to have a chance at avoiding a second consecutive missed game this Sunday against the Bengals. In Goedert's absence during this past Sunday's win over the Giants, Grant Calcaterra served as the Eagles' top tight end and played 71 percent of the snaps, but he finished with just one catch for five yards on one target.