NFL Player News

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.

The Broncos are expected to activate Dulcich (hamstring) from injured reserve ahead of Thursday night's game against the Chiefs, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Dulcich, who was limited at practice Tuesday and listed as a full participant on Wednesday's injury report, was deemed questionable for Week 6 action by the Broncos, but if he indeed comes off IR on Thursday, he'd be on track to face Kansas City. If he does, the 2022 third-rounder would provide his team's offense with a boost, as Dulcich profiles as Denver's top pass-catching TE when healthy, per James Palmer of NFL Network.

Waller (groin) is slated to practice Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Per Tom Rock of Newsday, Waller sat out Wednesday's session as part of a planned rest protocol, so the tight end's return to the field Thursday was expected. The Giants' upcoming injury report will reveal Waller's official participation level.

The Cowboys placed Hendershot (ankle) on injured reserve Thursday.

Per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News, Hendershot hasn't progressed from his ankle issue as hoped, despite not playing either of the past two weeks, and the tight end now will be forced to miss at least the next four games after landing on IR. As a result, the soonest he can rejoin the lineup is Sunday, Nov. 19 against the Panthers. In Hendershot's absence, Luke Schoonmaker and Sean McKeon will provide depth at tight end behind starter Jake Ferguson.