NFL Player News

Engram (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Engram, who last saw game action Week 1, was unable to practice last week, so his involvement in Wednesday's session offers hope that he could play Sunday against the Colts. The tight end has two more chances to increase his practice participation ahead of the contest, though he'll presumably need to put in a full session by Friday in order to avoid a Week 5 injury designation.

Njoku (ankle) was a limited participant Wednesday in his return to practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku missed the past three games after suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 1 against the Cowboys. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier Wednesday that the Browns will need to see Njoku practice throughout the week before deciding if he's ready to play this Sunday at Washington. An upgrade to full participation Thursday and/or Friday would put Njoku on track to play.

Pruitt (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pruitt sustained a knee injury during the Steelers' Week 2 win over the Broncos that has sidelined him for the team's last two games. The Southern Illinois product will likely have to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to suit up for the Steelers' Week 5 matchup against the Cowboys.

Kmet was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury.

Kmet handled a full workload in Sunday's 24-18 win over the Rams, playing 93 percent of snaps and catching all three of his targets for 34 yards. He's back to a near-every-down role after opening the season in a timeshare with Gerald Everett, and while a knee injury may limit Kmet's practice participation this week, his ability to do some work Wednesday suggests he's on track to play this Sunday against the Panthers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle (ribs) won't take part in Wednesday's practice, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

After Shanahan termed Kittle day-to-day Monday, it comes as no surprise that the 49ers are taking a cautious approach with the veteran tight end, especially considering all the injuries that have affected the skill positions through just four games this season. Kittle will have two more chances for on-field work this week before San Francisco potentially tags him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday the team plans to designate Hockenson (knee) for a return to practice Friday, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson spent the first four games of the regular season on the reserve/PUP list while working his way back from right ACL and MCL tears sustained Dec. 24 of last season. Minnesota plans for Hockenson to travel with the team to London ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets and have his first practice session Friday. At that time, Hockenson's official 21-day practice window will open. Hockenson doesn't seem to be in consideration to face New York on Sunday, after which point the Vikings will benefit from a bye week. The team hasn't yet offered a definitive timetable for Hockenson's return, but Oct. 20 versus the Lions in Week 7 and Oct. 24 against the Rams in Week 8 could be in play.

Njoku (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Njoku was expected to resume practicing this week, but Stefanski didn't comment on expectations for the tight end for Sunday's game at Washington. With Njoku out the past three weeks, Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart split playing time at tight end.

Mayer (personal) remained away from the Raiders on Wednesday and doesn't have a timeline to return, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

Mayer was added to the injury report last Thursday and ended up missing Sunday's win over the Browns. Harrison Bryant took over most of Mayer's snaps, with rookie tight end Brock Bowers essentially handling the same role he had Weeks 1 through 3. A similar plan will likely be in place again if Mayer isn't back with the team before Sunday's game in Denver.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that McBride (concussion) is slated to practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Gannon indicated that McBride will be "coming out of the concussion protocol," but it's unclear whether the standout tight end has yet gained full clearance. In any case, McBride getting back on the practice field represents a positive step forward after he was forced to miss Arizona's 42-14 loss to the Commanders in Week 4. McBride will still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before exiting the protocol and potentially suiting up Sunday in San Francisco.

Thomas (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Thomas has been out of action since before the season began and has missed the mandatory four games on IR. He'll now be able to practice with the team, although he'll have to be added back to the 53-man roster to suit up Sunday against the Bears.