NFL Player News

The Packers designated Musgrave (kidney) for return from injured reserve Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Musgrave has been sidelined since lacerating his kidney during a Week 11 win against the Chargers. He displayed progress in his recovery when he joined the Packers' injury rehab group last Thursday, and while he won't participate in practice this Thursday, he was a part of the team stretch prior to the session. According to Ryan Wood of USA Today, head coach Matt LaFleur is "cautiously optimistic" about Musgrave's chances of playing again this season after the tight end was "running and catching some balls with the trainers" Thursday, but the rookie isn't a candidate to play Sunday in Carolina, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Fellow rookie Tucker Kraft should thus be in store for another start at tight end this weekend, though Musgrave could be back in the lineup as soon as Week 17 versus the Vikings.

Smythe was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Smythe, who caught all four of his targets for 32 yards in a 30-0 win over the Jets in Week 15, has been dealing with an ankle injury since early November. He hasn't missed any of the Dolphins' last four games, however, and his ability to begin Week 16 prep on the field in some capacity bodes well for his chances of playing Sunday against the Cowboys.

The Cardinals signed Shenker to their practice squad Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Shenker had a couple stints on Las Vegas' practice squad early in the campaign, but he's been without a team since late October. Arizona placed Geoff Swaim (calf) on IR on Wednesday, so Shenker was brought aboard to serve as organizational tight-end depth. The undrafted rookie has yet to log an NFL snap.

The Cardinals signed Vokolek to their active roster Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Vokolek has spent the campaign on Baltimore's practice squad, and he's yet to log an NFL snap. The undrafted rookie out of Nebraska will nonetheless join Arizona's active roster with the team moving Geoff Swaim (calf) to injured reserve Wednesday. Vokolek isn't likely to see many offensive opportunities given Trey McBride's recent emergence as one of the league's top pass-catching tight ends.

Whyle (knee) was a full participant at the Titans' practice Wednesday.

Whyle missed the team's last two contests due to a knee injury, but he now appears to be ready to go for Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks. The tight end has caught nine passes for 94 yards and a touchdown over 11 games in 2023.

The Cardinals placed Swaim (calf) on injured reserve Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Swaim suffered a calf injury in the first half of Sunday's 45-29 loss to San Francisco and wasn't able to return. With Arizona out of playoff contention, the tight end's placement on IR means his season is over. Swaim finishes the campaign with 10 catches on 11 targets for 94 yards and no touchdowns.

Dulcich (foot) didn't practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Denver designated Dulcich to return from injured reserve Dec. 13 after a hamstring injury resulted in him being placed on IR for the second time this season back in late October. The tight end appears to have mostly moved past the hamstring issue, but head coach Sean Payton said Dulcich is now dealing with swelling and soreness in his right foot. Despite yet another setback on the health front, Dulcich is still expected to play again this season, according to DiLalla.

Wright didn't practice Wednesday due to a hip injury.

Wright departed in the first half of Saturday's 42-17 win over Denver with what was called a groin injury at the time, though Detroit is now labeling the health concern differently. The tight end regularly logs 30 to 60 percent of the Lions' offensive snaps, but his contributions in the team's passing game have been limited behind standout rookie Sam LaPorta. Wright's status is up in the air for Sunday's contest against Minnesota, and if he's unavailable, James Mitchell could see more work as the No. 2 tight end.

Jordan didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness.

Jordan still has two more chances to get back on the practice field and potentially clear up concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns. Assuming Jordan recovers in time to suit up this weekend, he should remain the team's No. 2 option at tight end behind Dalton Schultz.

Wesco (shin) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

It's not clear when Wesco picked up the shin issue or how serious it might be, but his availability for Week 16 is now in doubt. If he can't practice Thursday or Friday, he'll likely miss his first game of the season Sunday.