NFL Player News

Tremble (hip) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Since playing 41 percent or fewer of the offensive snaps in each of the first four games of the season, Tremble has seen more than 50 percent in nine of the last 11 contests. His production hasn't matched the usage, as he's put together a combined 10-97-2 receiving line on 20 targets during that stretch. Fellow tight end Ian Thomas has mustered a 14-103-0 line on 17 targets in that same span, so neither is an appealing fantasy option at tight end at this stage. In any case, Tremble will have two more chances to get back to full activity ahead of Sunday's all-important outing at Tampa Bay.

The Vikings designated Smith (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The team now has 21 days to activate Smith to the roster or else keep him on IR for the rest of the season. He'll presumably rejoin the Vikings for the playoffs, if not one or both of the final two games of the regular season, though in a secondary role behind standout trade acquisition T.J. Hockenson.

Henry (knee) was present for Wednesday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Henry is considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith (head) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday and if either of the two tight ends are out this weekend, the Patriots could elevate Matt Sokol from the team's practice squad ahead of the Week 17 contest.

Smith (head) wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Meanwhile, Hunter Henry (knee) was present for Wednesday's session. In any case, the statuses of both tight ends will be worth monitoring ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. If either Smith or Henry are out this weekend, Matt Sokol and Scotty Washington would be candidates to be elevated from the Patriots' practice squad.

Rogers (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Rogers has been out since late November while dealing with knee and ankle injuries, but he will now have a shot at being activated before the end of the regular season. The tight end has appeared in 10 games this year, reeling in five catches for 64 yards while also rushing for 24 yards on his only carry. Rogers has split time evenly between the offensive unit and special teams and he will likely return to a similar role if activated.

The Patriots placed Washington (undisclosed) on their practice-squad injured Tuesday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Washington was elevated from New England's practice squad for Week 16's loss to the Bengals and ended up seeing the first NFL action of his career, logging 22 offensive snaps as a result of both Hunter Henry (knee) and Jonnu Smith (concussion) exiting the game due to injury. Week 17 could have presented Washington a prime opportunity with the aforementioned tight ends questionable to play against Miami, but he'll instead miss the remainder of the regular season. At the moment, Matt Sokol -- who is on New England's practice squad -- is the team's lone healthy tight end.

Keene signed with the Broncos' practice squad Tuesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Keene previously spent time on Denver's practice squad this season, although it was only for three days. He'll now work to have a more productive second opportunity with the team.

Fisk was cut from the Falcons' practice squad Tuesday.

Fisk joined the team as a UDFA in May, and made his way to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. The 23-year-old never made it to the active roster with Atlanta, and he'll now pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.

Seattle placed Dissly on injured reserve Tuesday with an injury head coach Pete Carroll has labeled as a knee contusion, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Though Dissly's injury doesn't sound especially serious, his 2022 campaign will come to an end unless the Seahawks secure a playoff spot and make an improbable run to the NFC Championship Game. The 26-year-old appeared in 15 games this season, recording 34 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns on 38 targets. Dissly's absence for the final two games should free up more snaps for Colby Parkinson, who steps in as Seattle's No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Tuesday that he's "very optimistic" Hurst (calf) will be available for Monday's game against the Bills, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Even though Taylor said Hurst had a "good week" of practices last Tuesday through Thursday, the tight end proceeded to sit out Saturday's 22-18 win over the Patriots, marking his third consecutive absence. The Bengals may have just wanted to exercise some caution with Hurst by holding him out Week 16, but once he gets the chance to pick up some more practice reps and regain conditioning, the 29-year-old looks like he'll be on pace to play Monday night. Through his first 12 appearances of the season, Hurst cobbled together a 48-400-2 receiving line on 63 targets.