NFL Player News

Bellinger is lined up to work as the Giants' starting tight end for an extended period, with Darren Waller (hamstring) a candidate to miss several weeks, per Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record.

Bellinger worked almost exclusively as a starter as a rookie last season, but he's taken a back seat for the most part in 2023 with New York signing Waller in the offseason. However, Waller suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Jets and has indicated that he's likely to miss multiple contests. That should push Bellinger into a more prominent role, though he shouldn't be expected to match Waller's success as a pass catcher. Daniel Jones (neck) is expected to return to action Sunday against Las Vegas after missing each of New York's past three games, which should boost the outlook of Bellinger and the team's entire pass-catching corps. Still, Bellinger averaged a modest 2.5 catches for 22.3 yards over 12 contests working with Jones as the team's top TE last year, so expectations for his production in Waller's stead should be tempered.

Heyward brought in two of three targets for 16 yards in the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday night.

Heyward was minimally involved as the top pass-catching tight end for the Steelers in the ongoing absence of Pat Freiermuth (IR-hamstring). The second-year pro had posted a season-high five receptions in Week 8, but as Thursday demonstrated, his week-to-week production will be difficult to trust in a middling Kenny Pickett-led passing attack.

Okonkwo brought in three of four targets for 28 yards in the Titans' 20-16 loss to the Steelers on Thursday night.

Okonkwo was on the field for 73 percent of the Titans' snaps on offense Thursday, but the athletic tight end's yardage total continued in the same underwhelming range it's typically been this season. Okonkwo has been at 35 yards or less in each game despite serving as the top pass-catching option at tight end, and to this point, he hasn't seen any bump from the switch at quarterback from Ryan Tannehill (ankle) to Will Levis.

Njoku (ankle) returned to a limited practice Thursday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Njoku didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to a limited session one day later bodes well for his chances of being available Sunday against the Cardinals. That said, Njoku -- who caught four passes (on eight targets) for 77 yards and a TD in the Browns' Week 8 loss to the Seahawks -- likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid a Week 9 injury designation.

Everett (hip) practiced fully Thursday.

Everett was held out of this past Sunday night's win over the Bears, but the tight end's full participation in Thursday's practice sets the stage for him to rejoin the Chargers' lineup Monday night against the Jets. Through six games, Everett has put up a 19-149-2 line on 23 targets, a pace that limits his fantasy utility to deeper formats, though it's worth noting that the 2017 second-rounder has found the end zone in each of his last two outings.

Morris (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Morris was able to log a limited session Wednesday, and the fact that he upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice bodes well for his chances to suit up against the Bengals in Week 9. He's missed the last two games after sustaining an ankle injury in Week 6 against the Giants, and his return would help bolster the Bills' depth at tight end, with Dawson Knox (wrist) set to miss the next three games while on IR.

Thomas (heel) was a full practice participant Thursday.

One day removed from having a cap on his reps due to a heel injury Wednesday, Thomas was able to handle all on-field work. He's thus on pace to face a Patriots defense Sunday that has conceded the 10th-most yards per targets (7.7) to opposing tight ends this season.

Everett (hip) was present for practice Thursday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Everett was inactive for this past Sunday night's win over the Bears, but the tight end's presence at Thursday's practice suggests that he has a chance to return to action Monday night against the Jets. The Chargers' first injury report of the week will reveal Everett's official participation level.

Hurst (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Hurst appears to have moved past the illness that kept him from practicing Wednesday, but that won't guarantee him a role as the Panthers' top tight end Sunday against the Colts. After playing barely north of 50 percent of the Panthers' offensive snaps in both of the team's final two games before a Week 7 bye, Hurst dropped down to a season-low 31 percent snap share in this past Sunday's 15-13 win over the Texans. Tommy Tremble ended up leading the position group with a 54 percent share and caught two passes for four yards and a touchdown on three targets. Tremble's modest production still outpaced that of Hurst, who failed to corral either of his two targets en route to finishing without a reception for the first time in seven appearances on the season.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Musgrave (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.

Musgrave maintained his same level of practice activity from Wednesday, but if he's able to get back to full participation Friday, he could re-emerge as a more of a factor in Green Bay's passing game this Sunday against the Rams. After sustaining a left ankle injury during Week 7 action, Musgrave proceeded to suit up and play 74 percent of the Packers' snaps on offense in last week's loss to the Vikings, but he finished with a meager two catches for nine yards on three targets.