NFL Player News

LaPorta (ankle) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

LaPorta departed this past Sunday's win at Arizona two times due to an ankle issue but was able to finish out the game. Afterward, it was revealed that the second-year tight end was diagnosed with a low-ankle sprain. Fortunately for LaPorta, the Lions have a Monday night matchup with the Seahawks on tap, so he's been afforded a bit more time than normal to recover this week. His activity level, or lack thereof, Friday and Saturday likely will be key for his odds to suit up Week 4.

Kraft (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Bill Huber of SI.com reports.

Kraft briefly exited last week's win over the Titans on account of the shoulder issue that had bothered him heading into the game, but his ability to open Week 4 prep with a pair of limited practices rather than sitting out either or both sessions entirely suggests he's trending toward being available this Sunday versus the Vikings. In order to avoid carrying a designation into the weekend, however, Kraft may need to upgrade to full participation during Friday's practice. Kraft has outpaced fellow tight end Luke Musgrave (quadricep) in playing time in each of Green Bay's first three games, logging at least two-thirds of the snaps on offense while turning in a collective 6-77-0 receiving line on eight targets.

Musgrave (quadricep) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Bill Huber of SI.com reports.

Tucker Kraft (shoulder) joined Musgrave as a limited participant for the second day in a row, but the Packers haven't indicated that either of their top two tight ends are in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Vikings. Assuming both are cleared to play this weekend, Musgrave will likely operate as the No. 2 option, though he's seen his snap share pick up in each successive game this season. Musgrave topped out with a 56 percent share in this past Sunday's win over the Titans, but he drew just one target on the day.

The Chiefs placed Cupp (undisclosed) on the practice-squad injured list Thursday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Cupp will need to miss at least Kansas City's next four games due to his placement on the practice-squad injured list. The undrafted rookie out of Texas Tech is still looking for a chance to make his regular-season debut.

Njoku (ankle) returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Per Cabot, Njoku was spotted in full uniform in the media-access portion of Thursday's practice and was taking part in individual work, but the Browns seemingly held the tight end out of drills. In any case, Njoku's return to the field in any fashion is a welcome sight after he hadn't practiced since Sept. 6 and missed the last two games due to a high-ankle sprain. A determination on Njoku's status for this Sunday's game in Las Vegas has yet to be made, but he'll likely need to put in a full practice Friday to at the very least avoid taking a designation into the contest.

McBride (concussion) wasn't spotted during the part of Thursday's practice open to the media, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

If McBride indeed goes down as a non-participant for a second day in a row, he'll have just one more chance for on-field reps during Week 4 prep. On top of that, he'll have significantly reduced odds to make his way through the protocol for head injuries ahead of Sunday's contest against the Commanders. Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman are on hand to handle TE reps for the Cardinals if McBride misses any game action.

Kansas City signed Fortson to the practice squad Thursday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Fortson, who spent the offseason with the Dolphins, now gets a chance to reunite with the Chiefs as a member of the practice squad. The fifth-year tight end spent time developing with Kansas City from 2019-23.

Swinson signed with the Packers' practice squad Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Swinson spent training camp with Green Bay and was on the Packers' practice squad before being signed away to the Panthers' active roster ahead of Week 1. However, the Arizona State product never suited up for Carolina and was waived by the team Tuesday. He'll now get another chance with the Packers.

Allen (back) was a limited participant at the Rams' practice Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Allen was forced to miss the team's 27-24 win over the 49ers in Week 3 due to a back injury, but his ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday is a step in the right direction. The tight end will look to increase his workload at one of the team's two remaining practices this week prior to Sunday's matchup with the Bears.

Henry was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

After a big game in Week 2 (eight catches for 109 yards on 12 targets), Henry caught two of his three targets for nine yards in this past Thursday's loss to the Jets, while recording a 63 percent snap share in the contest. Now managing an ankle issue as the Patriots begin Week 4 prep, the tight end will need to practice fully by Friday in order to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers.