NFL Player News

Thomas brought in nine of 11 targets for 77 yards and a touchdown in the Commanders' 40-20 loss to the Bears on Thursday night. He also lost a fumble.

The veteran tight end was in vintage form during a game in which Sam Howell was forced to put the ball up 51 times, leading the Commanders in receptions, receiving yards and targets. Thomas' lost fumble didn't lead to any Bears points, and his catch total for the night actually matched the one he came in with for the entire season. With his first big game of the campaign under his belt, Thomas will next take aim at the Falcons in a Week 6 road matchup Sunday, Oct. 15.

Kmet secured all five targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 40-20 win over the Commanders on Thursday night. He also committed a fumble but recovered it.

Kmet's sudden touchdown surge extended to a second game, as he found the end zone on a four-yard grab just before halftime four days after crossing the goal line twice in a Week 4 loss to the Broncos. The fifth-year tight end hadn't scored in the first three games of the season, but he's now recorded at least four catches in four of five contests to open the campaign. He could have a good chance of continuing to serve as a force in the red zone against a vulnerable Vikings pass defense during a Week 6 home NFC North matchup Sunday, Oct. 15.

Musgrave (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Musgrave made an early exit last Thursday against the Lions to be evaluated for a concussion and eventually was ruled out for the rest of that contest. The Packers held an unofficial practice Tuesday, when the rookie tight end was spotted taking part in drills. By logging a full session to begin Week 5 prep, Musgrave appears on the precipice of emerging from the protocol for head injuries, as Demovsky suggested earlier Thursday. Still, neither the team nor coach Matt LaFleur has confirmed as much.

Smith (hamstring) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Smith looks like he'll be able to return for Sunday's Week 5 game against the Cardinals after missing the previous two contests. It'll likely send Tanner Hudson back to the bench. Smith has five catches for 27 scoreless yards on nine targets through two games. Smith could see increased targets if Tee Higgins (ribs) is unable to play in Arizona.

Alie-Cox (ankle) was a full participant during practice Thursday.

Alie-Cox was a DNP on the Colts' estimated injury report Wednesday, but the 30-year-old didn't face any limitations day later. After scoring his first touchdown of the season in Week 4, he'll work to keep that momentum going Sunday against the Titans.

Bellinger (knee) was a limited participant at practice Thursday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Per Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record, Bellinger began the day working off to the side with trainers but joined his fellow tight ends when the time came for position drills. That's a relatively encouraging sign, but he'll still likely need to practice in full Friday to avoid an injury designation going into the weekend.

Sullivan (hip) was a limited participant during Wednesday's and Thursday's practices.

Sullivan has participated in a limited fashion throughout his first two practices since he was designated to return from injured reserve. The 26-year-old appeared in 14 games for Carolina last season, recording two catches for 46 yards and playing primarily on special teams.

Ricci (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's and Thursday's practices.

The 26-year-old seems to be dealing with a shoulder injury after the Panthers' Week 4 loss to Minnesota. Ricci is a core special-teams player for Carolina, as he's played on 66 percent of the team's special-teams snaps and recorded two tackles on the year.

Johnson (calf) won't participate in Thursday's practice, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

After injuring his calf in pregame warmups and not appearing in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers, Johnson has yet to mix into drills during the Saints' first two Week 5 practices. Unless Johnson bucks the trend and is able to return to the field Friday as a limited or full practice participant, he'll likely wind up missing a second straight game this Sunday at New England. Foster Moreau and Jimmy Graham would both be in store for expanded roles at tight end if Johnson is sidelined this weekend.

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

With two limited practices in a row to begin Week 5 prep, Knox will likely need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid taking an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Jaguars. With eight catches for 58 yards and a touchdown over four games thus far, Knox's fantasy utility has been modest while he's had to fend of rookie first-round pick Dalton Kincaid for snaps at tight end.