NFL Player News

Thomas (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

It's unclear if Thomas has made his way through the five phases of the concussion protocol, but he told Sam Fortier of The Washington Post after Wednesday's limited session that he expects to return to action Sunday at Philadelphia. The Commanders may clear up Thomas' status for Week 4 upon the release of Friday's injury report, but he appears on pace to make his first appearance since Week 2 this weekend.

Bellinger was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a neck injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The second-year tight end either sustained the neck injury at some point during Thursday's session or is still hurting after playing 43 total snaps (28 on offense, 15 on special teams) in the Giants' Week 3 loss to the 49ers. Though he's dropped to second on the depth chart at tight end behind offseason pickup Darren Waller in 2023, Bellinger has handled offensive snap shares north of 60 percent in two of the team's first three games. The Giants being on the wrong side of blowouts likely played a part in the elevated playing time, however, as he handled a more modest 40 percent share in a three-point win over the Cardinals in Week 2.

Washington (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Washington's knee issue isn't new, but this DNP comes after the rookie tight end wasn't even listed on the injury report Wednesday. His status for Week 4 is now in question. He's been a complete non-factor in the box score through three weeks, failing to draw a single target on 79 offensive snaps.

Smythe (hamstring) was upgraded to a full practice Thursday, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Smythe was limited in Wednesday's session, but it sounds like it was mostly nothing. After playing 100 percent and 97 percent of the offensive snaps in Weeks 1 and 2, Smythe's playing time dipped to 36 percent in Week 3's rout of the Broncos, though it's fair to wonder if the blowout or an injury played a factor. Despite the every-down nature of his role, Smythe has just seven catches for 82 scoreless yards on 11 targets through three games.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Dissly (shoulder) won't practice Thursday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Dissly will miss a fourth consecutive practice while he continues to tend to a shoulder injury that he picked up Week 2 in Detroit. Though he'll have the benefit of a longer turnaround between games with the Seahawks playing the Giants on Monday, Dissly will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday or Saturday to have any chance at avoiding the inactive list for a second straight contest.

Smith (hamstring) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Smith was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, so the tight end's absence Thursday clouds his status for Sunday's game against the Titans. If Smith misses his second game in a row this weekend, Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox would once again be in line for added snaps as the Bengals' primary tight ends.

Gray (illness) did not practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Gray was also absent from practice Wednesday as he continues to work to get himself back to full health. The Duke product still has a couple of days to recover before the Chiefs' game against the Jets on Sunday, but he'll remain questionable for the contest for now.

Kieft logged 10 snaps on offense but did not draw a target in the Buccaneers' 25-11 loss to the Eagles on Monday night.

The blocking tight end saw Baker Mayfield throw in his direction on three occasions without success in Week 1 against the Vikings, and he's subsequently failed to draw a target over the next two games. Kieft didn't even officially run any routes Monday night, as his blocking presence was needed versus an aggressive Eagles defense. Kieft's fantasy value figures to remain nonexistent as long as complementary pass-catching options at tight end like David Wells and Payne Durham are healthy behind Cade Otton.

Tonges was signed to the 49ers' practice squad Wednesday.

Tonges will head to San Francisco after he was waived from the Bears' injured reserve in August with an undisclosed injury. He has clearly left the injury in the past and he'll look to earn an elevation to the 49ers' active roster down the road.

Higbee was a non-participant in Wednesday's walk-through session due to an Achilles injury.

The Rams' passing attack has been dominated by rookie fifth-round pick Puka Nacua (oblique) with Cooper Kupp (hamstring) on injured reserve to start the season, but Higbee has been a nice complementary piece with two games of 40-plus yards, including 71 during Monday's loss in Cincinnati. Unfortunately for Higbee, he's tending to an Achilles injury, which could put him at risk of missing Sunday's game at Indianapolis. The Rams will see if Higbee can get back on the practice field in some capacity Thursday and Friday before potentially giving him a designation heading into the weekend.