Njoku (knee) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Njoku also managed a knee injury ahead of Week 14 action, but now that the tight end is set to log back-to-back 'DNPs' this time around, what he does (if anything) at practice Friday will loom large in terms of his status for Sunday's game against the Bears. If Njoku is out or limited this weekend, Blake Whiteheart would be in line to see added TE snaps behind Harold Fannin.

Saubert (calf) logged a limited practice Wednesday, Corbin K. Smith of SI.com reports.

Saubert last suited up in Week 7 but was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday. He returned to the field by logging a limited session, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be activated for Seattle's Week 15 matchup against the Colts.

Arroyo (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Corbin K. Smith of SI.com reports.

Arroyo suffered the knee injury in Sunday's blowout win over Atlanta, and head coach Mike McDonald has since expressed skepticism that Arroyo would be able to play in Week 15 against the Colts. His inability to suit up at all Wednesday isn't a promising start, but he'll have two additional days to increase his participation.

Thomas (calf) did not practice Wednesday.

Thomas suffered a calf injury during the second half of this past Sunday's loss to the Broncos and did not return. His practice participation over the next two days will shed light on his status heading into this Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Dissly (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Dissly likely picked up the injury during Monday's 22-19 overtime win over the Eagles, when he played 40 snaps (27 on offense, 13 on special teams) and caught a one-yard pass on his only target from Justin Herbert (left hand). Dissly will have two more chances to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's AFC West tilt against the Chiefs.

Adkins (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Adkins has missed the Broncos' last five games due to a knee injury, but his return to practice Wednesday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- is a sign that he is progressing in his recovery. He has two more chances to log a full practice and be cleared to play against the Packers on Sunday. Adam Trautman and Marcedes Lewis will continue to provide depth at tight end behind Evan Engram for as long as Adkins is sidelined.

The Lions waived Rucci on Wednesday.

Rucci was claimed off waivers by the Lions on Dec. 1 to give the team added depth at tight end due to Brock Wright (neck) and Sam LaPorta (back) both being on injured reserve. Rucci did not appear in a game for Detroit before being let go, but he could remain with the Lions as a member of the team's practice squad if he clears waivers.

Bates (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Bates has missed both of Cleveland's past two games due to an ankle injury. He didn't practice at all each of the previous two weeks, so his ability to log a limited session Wednesday suggests he's showing improvement. When healthy this season, Bates has had a minor role on offense, logging two catches on two targets for 23 yards across five contests (three with the Texans and two with the Browns).

Zylstra (knee) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Zylstra is working his way back from a knee injury that has held him out since Week 3. He began last week with a similar limited practice before downgrading to no practice, so his progression this week should give an indication of whether he'll be able to return to the field in Week 15 against the Rams.

Mayer (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Mayer, who sustained an ankle injury Week 12 against the Browns, had missed six consecutive practices and two straight games heading into Wednesday's session. The tight end's ability to participate, albeit in a limited fashion, has him trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Eagles approaches.