NFL Player News

Freiermuth (concussion) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

During this past Sunday's blowout loss at Buffalo, Freiermuth made an early exit from the contest due to a concussion. After initially listing Freiermuth as a non-participant on the first Week 6 injury report, the team issued a correction later Wednesday, noting that he practiced in a limited capacity. With that knowledge, Freiermuth is further along in the protocol for head injuries than thought and has a clearer path to being available Sunday against the Buccaneers. The second-year player has two chances this week to get back to full participation in practice, at which point the team may provide some clarity into his upcoming availability.

Higbee didn't take part in the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

The same can be said for Cooper Kupp (undisclosed), but head coach Sean McVay said earlier Wednesday that the Rams will "be smart" with a few key players this week, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Higbee's current concern isn't known, but Wednesday's injury report will reveal what exactly the tight end is dealing with.

Bates could make another start Thursday against the Bears with fellow tight end Logan Thomas (calf) ruled out for a second straight game.

Bates handled a three-down role a few times late last season when Thomas was out, but in the Week 5 loss to the Titans, the Commanders often subbed in Cole Turner for obvious passing situations. As a result, Bates was limited to playing 59 percent of snaps, though he reeled in his three targets for 39 yards. Meanwhile, Turner finished without a catch on three targets and 32 snaps (51 percent).

Schultz (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schultz aggravated the PCL sprain in his right knee this past Sunday at the Rams, an injury that he initially sustained Week 2. He lasted just nine offensive snaps in the Cowboys' most recent outing before hitting the sideline. Fortunately for the fifth-year pro, he didn't suffer any new damage to his knee, and there's a belief that if he gets through Week 6 prep OK, he should be able to play this Sunday in Philadelphia, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Schultz has two more sessions in front of him before Dallas potentially makes a determination on his status for game day.

Hill (ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Hill was listed with the same injury last week, but he ended up suiting up in Sunday's win over the Seahawks and proceeded to score three touchdowns on the ground while passing for a fourth. He even picked up 112 yards on nine carries after taking no more than five carries in each of his first three games this season. Hill is unlikely to match the Week 5 eruption anytime soon, but the red-zone-heavy rushing work is enough to give him some value in formats where he's classified as a tight end rather than a quarterback.

Smith (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Smith was inactive for this past Sunday's win over the Lions, but he's now logged three straight limited practices, which suggests that he could return to action this weekend against the Browns. If he remains sidelined, however, Hunter Henry would once again be in line for added snaps at tight end for New England.

Gentry (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Gentry saw an increased role during the team's Week 5 loss to the Patriots after Pat Freiermuth (concussion) left the game, but he appears to have picked up an injury as well, leaving Connor Heyward, a rookie sixth-round pick, as the only tight end to practice Wednesday. The extent of Gentry's knee injury remains unclear, but he'll have two more opportunities to practice before the team needs to make a decision on his status for Week 6.

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

Hurst has been dealing with the groin injury since at least Week 3, and while his workload was scaled back for a couple of games, he rebounded to 81 percent snap share in Sunday's 19-17 loss to Baltimore, catching six of seven targets for 53 yards and a touchdown. Hurst should be out there again this weekend in New Orleans.

Pitts (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

One week removed from not practicing at all before missing the first game of his career this past Sunday at Tampa Bay, Pitts was back on the field as Atlanta gears up for a Week 6 matchup with the 49ers. He told Josh Kendall of The Athletic on Wednesday that he expects to return Sunday, but he may need to practice in full Thursday and/or Friday to enter the weekend without a designation.

Freiermuth (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Freiermuth remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, while fellow tight end Zach Gentry missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury. If neither Freiermuth nor Gentry is able to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, rookie Connor Heyward would be the Steelers' next man up at tight end.