NFL Player News

Hockenson (ribs) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

Hockenson continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps as the Vikings navigate their way through Week 10 prep. A rib issue is to blame, but Hockenson told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com on Thursday, "That's the plan," when asked about his chances to play Sunday against the Saints. That comment echoed one from coach Kevin O'Connell on Monday, but Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not Hockenson enters the weekend with an injury designation.

Coach Sean Payton said Thursday that the Broncos expect Dulcich (hamstring) to return this season, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Dulcich has been seeing multiple specialists about his chronic hamstring issues that have caused him to miss 13 of a possible 25 games in two seasons as a pro. Currently on injured reserve, Dulcich is eligible to return in Week 12 against the Browns. Adam Trautman will continue to handle tight end duties in his absence.

The Bears elevated Carlson to their active roster ahead of Thursday night's game against the Panthers, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports.

Carlson has spent the majority of this year on the Bears' practice squad, and his last in-game action came back in 2020 with the Browns. The 26-year-old tight end has appeared in 25 games throughout his two-year NFL career, recording 62 receiving yards and primarily playing on special teams.

Njoku (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku was DNP Wednesday and has missed multiple practices with various ailments this season. He's still managed to start all eight games and has now scored touchdowns in back-to-back games headed into Sunday's Week 10 date with the division-rival Ravens. Njoku is averaging 7.7 targets per game over his last three outings.

Jordan (foot) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The 23-year-old tight end missed his second consecutive practice Thursday, and it seems increasingly likely that he'll be out for the second game in a row this Sunday. Jordan has seen a limited role in Houston's offense through six appearances this season, recording 51 yards on only five receptions.

Ogletree (foot) did not practice Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Ogletree exited Sunday's game against the Panthers with the foot injury and will need at least another day to recover before returning to the field. He'll have another opportunity to do so Friday ahead of the team's Week 10 matchup with the Patriots in Germany. If the Youngstown State product is unable to suit up, Will Mallory could see extra snaps in the contest.

Parkinson was held out of practice Wednesday due to a biceps injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

It's unclear when Parkinson hurt his biceps, as he logged his usual allotment of snaps in Sunday's loss to Baltimore. The 24-year-old has maintained a fairly even snap count with fellow tight ends Noah Fant and Will Dissly over the past four weeks, and Parkinson has paced the trio with six catches over that span. His status for Sunday's contest against Washington should become clearer as the practice week progresses.

Graham (rest) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Graham has not suited up for either of New Orleans' last two games, and he's now limited to start the Saints' new week of practice. His odds of playing in Week 10 would get a big boost if he were able to practice in full Thursday or Friday.

Hooper was limited practice participant Wednesday due to a calf injury.

Hooper now has two chances to upgrade to full participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets. That said, with just 13 catches for 128 yards through nine games, Hooper is mostly off the fantasy radar while working in a timeshare at tight end with rookie second-round pick Michael Mayer.

Las Vegas signed James to its practice squad Wednesday.

James was cut by New Orleans prior to Week 1, but he has now found a new opportunity with the Raiders ahead of Week 10. In two games with Cleveland in 2022, James played a total of 18 offensive snaps and did not draw a target.