NFL Player News

Musgrave (quadriceps) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.

Both of the Packers' top two tight ends tended to injuries this week, but Tucker Kraft was able to get back to full participation Thursday, while Musgrave did the same Friday. Considering both are clear for Week 4 action, Musgrave will continue to work behind Kraft, which so far has equated to snap shares in the range of 25-56 percent and a cumulative 2-9-0 line on four targets.

Engram (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Engram, who last saw game action Week 1, thus will target a potential return to action Sunday, Oct. 6 against the Colts. In Engram's continued absence, Brenton Strange once again is slated to lead the Jaguars' TE corps this weekend.

LaPorta (ankle) was a full participant in practice Friday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

LaPorta thus is set to play in Monday's game against the Seahawks, with full practice participation confirming a quick recovery from the ankle sprain that limited his snaps in the second half of last week's win over the Cardinals. He's been a huge disappointment to fantasy managers this season, but the overall struggles of the TE position make it especially wise to practice patience.

Hudson (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Hudson has been sidelined since the Week 1 opener versus New England. In his absence, Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample and rookie Erick All have claimed tight end duties in Cincinnati. If Hudson is cleared to play Sunday, it's unclear how much action he'll see on offense.

Mayer (personal) won't play in Sunday's game against the Browns, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Mayer showed up on the Raiders' injury report Thursday as a non-participant due to a personal matter, which now won't allow him to suit up Week 4. Brock Bowers is the clear-cut top tight end for Las Vegas, but Harrison Bryant and practice-squad members Justin Shorter and John Samuel Shenker will be candidates to fill in behind the rookie first-rounder in place of Mayer.

Carlson suffered a serious collarbone injury during Thursday's practice and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Carlson's injury happened while he was catching a pass on the final play of Thursday's session, and it sounds like he's looking at a multi-week recovery at the very least. He had just signed with the 53-man roster off the practice squad earlier in the week. Carlson played only one special teams snap for the Bears last season and otherwise hasn't appeared on offense in a regular-season contest since 2020 with Cleveland.

Oliver (wrist) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Packers and is expected to play, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Oliver missed some practice reps earlier in the week with the wrist issue but is good to go in a key divisional matchup with Green Bay. The veteran tight end has played more of a blocking role alongside Johnny Mundt at tight end for the Vikings. Oliver has two catches for 27 yards on three targets through three games.

Higgins is expected to play an expanded role in Sunday's game against the Commanders, as Trey McBride (concussion) has been ruled out, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Higgins is the logical next man up at tight end for the Cardinals, as his 30 pass routes are second to McBride's 84 at the position in Arizona. On that limited playing time, Higgins has reeled in all four of his targets for 41 yards and one touchdown. Higgins was a sixth-round choice in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Dolphins, but he was amongst Miami's final cuts last year and was claimed off waivers by Arizona. Higgins is an above-average athlete and is worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues this week against Washington.

LaPorta (ankle) returned to practice Friday, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

It's his first practice of the week, and he'll have another opportunity Saturday before the Lions host the Seahawks on Monday. LaPorta played through the ankle injury during last week's win at Arizona, but his playing time was scaled way back in the second half after he suffered the injury at the end of the second quarter.

Akins again is expected to operate as Cleveland's top tight end Sunday against the Raiders, as David Njoku (ankle) has been ruled out for a third consecutive game.

Akins set season bests in last week's loss to the Giants, working 67 percent of the offensive snaps into a 4-29-0 line on seven targets. The veteran tight end has eight catches for 66 scoreless yards on 12 targets through three games but hasn't shown much of a ceiling for fantasy purposes. He looks like a touchdown-or-bust fantasy bet versus Las Vegas.