NFL Player News

Smythe (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Smythe suffered the injury Week 5 against the Jets and sat out the team's Week 6 loss to the Vikings. He closed out last week with limited practices, so although his continued inability to log a full practice could be a cause for concern, he's at least not taking any steps backward. His status to close out the week will be worth watching for fantasy purposes, as although he has not been productive as a receiver, Mike Gesicki did see an uptick in snaps in Smythe's absence, and he posted his best game of the season statistically Sunday against the Vikings.

Andrews was listed as a non-participant at practice Wednesday due to a knee issue.

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com previously relayed that head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the tight end was getting a rest day Wednesday. With that in mind, Andrews' status for Sunday's game against the Browns doesn't appear to be in immediate danger. A return to practice Thursday, in any capacity, would solidify the notion that he'll be available to handle his usual role this weekend.

Thomas (calf) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice.

In the midst of missing two games due to a calf issue, Thomas hasn't practiced since Oct. 10. He told John Keim of ESPN.com on Wednesday that his calf is feeling "better every day," but the tight end is unsure if he'll be able to play Sunday against the Packers. According to Pete Hailey of NBC Sports Washington, Thomas logged some work on a side field, so he may be gearing up for some drills Thursday and/or Friday. Those sessions likely will determine whether or not Thomas puts himself in a position to be active this weekend.

Granson was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a neck injury.

Granson logged 31 of a possible 81 snaps on offense in this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars, catching all four of his targets for 38 yards. Through six games, Granson has totaled 159 yards on 16 catches while working in a timeshare at tight end with Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods .

Hurst (groin) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Hurst has been managing the same injury for most of the season and saw his snaps reduced Weeks 3 and 4. He then rebounded to an 81 percent snap share in a Week 5 loss to Baltimore and a 70 percent share in a Week 6 win over New Orleans, with negative game scripts also perhaps playing a role in the increased playing time. Whatever the case, Hurst is averaging 3.8 catches for 29.7 yards and 0.33 touchdowns on 5.2 targets through six games, and he'll get to face a former team for the second time in three weeks this Sunday against the Falcons, assuming no setbacks with the groin injury.

Freiermuth (concussion) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

The tight end likely will return for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, but it won't be certain until the Steelers announce his removal from the concussion protocol. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett (concussion) was also a full participant Wednesday, following an early exit from last Sunday's win over the Buccaneers. Freiermuth missed the upset victory, leaving Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward to split tight end snaps for Pittsburgh.

Head coach John Harbaugh noted that Andrews was given a rest day Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

The tight end was among the Baltimore players who didn't practice Wednesday, but he's not dealing with an injury and as a result is slated to play Sunday against the Browns. Through his first six games this season, Andrews has compiled a fantasy-friendly 39-455-5 receiving line on 57 targets.

Moreau (knee) practiced Wednesday, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

Moreau sat out two straight games due to a knee injury and is looking to make his return to action following the Raiders' Week 6 bye. Before being ruled out for Week 5, Moreau returned to practice as a limited participant for the first time since the injury. The extent of his participation Wednesday won't be known until Las Vegas releases its first Week 7 injury report, but he'll likely need to log at least one full practice before being cleared for Sunday's matchup against the Texans.

Trautman (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against Arizona, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Trautman suffered the ankle injury in the team's Week 6 loss to the Bengals and was unable to practice during the short week ahead of Thursday's matchup. The tight end will turn his sights on preparing for Week 8, while Juwan Johnson will likely see increased snaps Week 7 as the Saints' No. 1 tight end.

Bell (hip) could return after the team's Week 8 bye, according to head coach Andy Reid, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Bell was placed on IR on Sept. 5 after undergoing surgery to repair a hip flexor injury he suffered in late August. A timetable for his return was previously unknown, but he's already surpassed the minimum four-week stay on injured reserve. So, as soon as he's feeling healthy enough to get back on the field, he'll be eligible.