NFL Player News

LaPorta didn't practice Thursday due to a calf injury.

After not showing up on the Lions' initial injury report of Week 6 prep Wednesday, LaPorta wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of Thursday's session, per Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. The reason for the rookie tight end's absence now is known, and it remains to be seen if it'll impact his availability for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. Friday's report will relay whether or not he heads into the weekend with a designation, but reserve TE Brock Wright would stand to benefit if LaPorta is limited or sidelined.

Kelce (ankle) is expected to play Thursday against the Broncos, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per Schefter, Kelce -- who remains listed as questionable for the contest -- is expected to play with his right ankle heavily taped. Official confirmation of the star tight end's status for Thursday's contest will arrive when the Chiefs post their inactive list approximately 90 minutes ahead of the game's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Alie-Cox (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Alie-Cox suffered a concussion during the Colts' Week 5 win over the Titans, and he went from no participation in Wednesday's practice to limited work Thursday. The 30-year-old tight end seems to be trending in the right direction to play in this coming Sunday against Jacksonville, but he'll still have to clear the league's five-step protocol before he's cleared to take the field.

Knox (wrist) remained a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Dalton Kincaid (concussion) was also limited Thursday, and the Bills' top two tight ends likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid injury designations ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants. If Kincaid doesn't end up clearing the NFL's concussion protocol in time, Knox could be in store for added opportunities in the passing game, provided he suits up this weekend.

Waller (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Waller's activity level marks a step forward from Wednesday, when he was held out of the Giants' first Week 6 practice session entirely. According to Tom Rock of Newsday, Waller attributed his absence Wednesday to being part of a "rest protocol," and the tight end said that he expects to suit up Sunday against the Bills. If Waller is to avoid entering the weekend without an injury designation, he'll likely need to turn in a full practice Friday.

Kincaid (concussion) remained a limited participant at practice Thursday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Per Fitzgerald, Kincaid sported a no-contact jersey during Thursday's session. The tight end now has one more chance to upgrade to full participation in practice and gain clearance from an independent neurologist ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

Kmet (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Kmet's reps were capped for the second practice in a row, and he may need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Vikings. Through the Bears' first five games, Kmet has performed as one of the league's better fantasy tight ends with a 23-231-3 receiving line on 29 targets.

Johnson (calf) won't participate in Thursday's practice, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Johnson hasn't been able to practice in any capacity since suffering a calf injury in pregame warmups ahead of the Saints' 26-9 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 4. Unless he's able to mix into drills at the Saints' final Week 6 practice Friday, Johnson will most likely miss a third consecutive game this Sunday at Houston. Foster Moreau served as the primary replacement for Johnson in the Saints' Week 5 win over the Patriots, starting at tight end and playing 48 of 72 (67 percent) of the snaps on offense, while finishing with a six-yard touchdown reception on his lone target.

The Cowboys signed McKeon to their 53-man active roster Thursday.

McKeon's promotion to the practice squad comes in response to fellow tight end Peyton Hendershot (ankle) being placed on injured reserve Thursday. The 25-year-old was already elevated for two games this season, playing 23 total snaps on offense and 30 on special teams. For the duration of his stay on the roster, McKeon will likely serve as the Cowboys' No. 3 tight end behind Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker.

Njoku (hand/face) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

After suffering burns to his face and hand in a home accident Sept. 29, Njoku proceeded to play two days later with a protective cover on his face, recording six receptions for 46 yards on seven targets in a 28-3 loss to the Ravens. Though he had the benefit of an extra week of rest while the Browns were on bye Week 5, Njoku may still be experiencing some discomfort. With consecutive absences from practice to begin Week 6 prep, Njoku will likely need to get back on the field in some capacity Friday for both the Browns and fantasy managers to feel good about his chances of playing Sunday versus the 49ers.