NFL Player News

The Lions elevated Zylstra from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Zylstra was unable to make the Lions' 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp, but he opted to stick around on the practice squad. It's his first elevation of the season, though he will likely only see the field on special teams as he serves as the No. 4 tight end behind Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and Parker Hesse. If Zylstra does see playing time Sunday against the Vikings, it'll be his first regular-season action since 2022, during which he caught 11 passes (on 15 targets) for 60 yards and four touchdowns over 13 games.

The Vikings signed Tonyan from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Tonyan began the regular season on the Vikings' practice squad after he was unsuccessful in making the 53-man roster at the end of training camp. He signed with the active roster Oct. 3 after being elevated from the practice squad twice, but he was released five days later to make room for running back Myles Gaskin. Tonyan is now back on the active roster and will serve as the No. 3 tight end Sunday against the Lions behind Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt. T.J. Hockenson (knee) had his 21-day practice window open Oct. 2, and it's unclear what Tonyan's fate will be once the former returns from injured reserve.

Hockenson (knee) was downgraded to out Saturday and will not play Sunday against the Lions, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This isn't entirely surprising, as head coach Kevin O'Connell was non-committal about Hockenson making his season debut Sunday when asked by reporters earlier this week. The talented tight end will aim to be available Week 8 against the Rams.

Durham (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against Baltimore, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham has been unable to practice this week due to a calf injury he sustained during the Buccaneers' Week 6 win over the Saints. His next chance to suit up will be Week 8 against the Falcons on Oct. 27. Durham's absence opens the door for Ko Kieft and Devin Culp to see more snaps as the backup tight ends behind starter Cade Otton.

Head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Higbee is "ahead of schedule" of his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Higbee suffered the injury during the Rams' playoff loss to the Lions in January. He's been on the PUP list since training camp, and while he hasn't returned to practice, McVay relayed that the veteran tight end has been present at practices and hinted that Higbee could return later in the regular season. While Higbee remains sidelined, Colby Parkinson will continue to serve as the Rams' No. 1 tight end while Hunter Long and Davis Allen operate as the backups.

Tremble has cleared the concussion protocol but remains questionable for Sunday's game at Washington due to a back injury, per the NFL's transaction log.

After sitting out Week 6 due to a concussion, Tremble made notable progress this week with a limited session Wednesday and full practice Thursday. However, he wasn't able to log any reps Friday due to a new health concern, leaving his status up in the air for Week 7 action. The Panthers don't play until 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, so if Tremble is deemed inactive 90 minutes prior, the combo of Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas (hip) will handle the team's TE duties.

Mitchell-Paden has been re-signed to Baltimore's practice squad, Clifton Brown of the team's official site reports.

The FAU product will make his return to the practice squad with tight end Qadir Ismail (undisclosed) being placed on the injured list. Mitchell-Paden has yet to appear in an NFL game.

Dissly (shoulder) practiced fully Friday.

After being listed as limited on Thursday's practice estimate, Dissly worked in full a day later, which sets the stage for him to suit up Monday night against the Cardinals. With fellow TE Hayden Hurst (groin) logging another DNP listing Friday, Dissly -- who has recorded a 13-111-0 line on 15 targets in five contests -- could be in line to see a modest uptick in Week 7 opportunities if Hurst ends up unavailable versus Arizona.

Okwuegbunam (abdomen) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

Okwuegbunam has now logged three consecutive full practice sessions after being designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday. The 26-year-old tight end still must be activated to the Eagles' active roster in order to suit up Sunday. If Okwuegbunam is able to make his 2024 debut in Week 7, he could see increased offensive work with Dallas Goedert (hamstring) sidelined.

Hurst (groin) wasn't spotted at practice Friday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Hurst is set to log a second straight DNP after exiting in the first half of the Chargers' Week 6 win over the Broncos due to a groin injury. He'll have one more chance to practice in some capacity Saturday, but Hurst is fighting an uphill battle to gain clearance for Monday's game against the Cardinals. If Hurst is unavailable, Eric Tomlinson and Stone Smartt could see additional playing time alongside Will Dissly (shoulder).