NFL Player News

Hill (ribs) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

While a rib injury is never the greatest thing for a rugged runner like Hill, the fact that he was a limited practice participant both Wednesday and Thursday sets him on a reasonably good track to play his usual off-the-bench role against Carolina on Sunday.

Schultz (knee) did not practice Thursday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jon Machota of The Athletic previously reported that Dallas would increase Schultz's practice workload "a little" each day leading up to Monday's game against the Giants, so by that reading Schultz's absence from Thursday's practice is inconclusive about his current status. If Schultz progresses to a limited practice Friday then he might have a shot to suit up Monday, but if Schultz goes into Saturday with no practice time logged it might make him a long shot at that point.

Brown (shoulder) did not practice Thursday.

Brown was not on the injury report Wednesday, so that he was listed as a non-participant rather than a limited participant Thursday might indicate Brown developed the shoulder injury following Wednesday's practice. With no diagnosis or other clarity offered by Houston in the meantime, a wide range of outcomes are possible for Brown. If he returns to practice Friday he should have a good shot of playing against Chicago on Sunday, but if he misses Friday's practice then the Texans might need O.J. Howard to step up into a three-down role since fellow tight end Brevin Jordan (ankle) is also looking iffy for Sunday.

Jordan (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

Jordan still has Friday to make a potential practice appearance this week, but even if he does he's not likely to be especially close to full strength. The Texans also will have to watch the status of Pharaoh Brown, who popped up on the injury report Thursday with a shoulder issue. O.J. Howard would likely have to do any lifting Jordan or/and Brown cannot against Chicago in Week 3.

Hurst (groin) returned to a full practice Thursday, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Hurst, who was on the field for 57 of 70 snaps on offense and caught five of his seven targets for 24 yards in the Bengals' Week 2 loss to the Cowboys, thus is slated to continue to start at tight end Sunday against the Jets. Through two games, he's logged 15 total targets and recorded back-to-back five-catch efforts, a level of output that gives the 29-year-old modest fantasy utility in PPR formats.

Hockenson (hip) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

Hockenson has opened Week 3 prep with back-to-back capped sessions as he deals with a hip injury. He'll look to log every rep Friday, but even if he's unable to, he doesn't seem to be a candidate to sit out Sunday in Minnesota. Friday's practice report could provide some insight into Hockenson's upcoming availability.

Knox (foot) returned to a limited practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Knox missed Wednesday's session, but the tight end's return to the field Thursday bodes well for his chances of playing Sunday against the Dolphins. Friday's final injury report seems destined to relay whether he approaches the contest officially listed as questionable or minus a Week 3 injury designation.

Blanton was signed off of the Chiefs' practice squad by the Rams on Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

Blanton was waived by the Rams on Aug. 20, then found his way onto Kansas City's practice squad after a short stint with the Commanders. The addition of the 26-year-old comes a day after the news that fellow tight end Brycen Hopkins would be serving a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Blanton should be able to slide right into the team's offense after having been with the franchise recently, including appearing in 11 games last season. He'll likely operate as the team's No. 2 tight end Sunday in a divisional matchup with the Cardinals.

Hockenson (hip) is participating in practice Thursday, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Hockenson was limited to begin the week Wednesday, and while the extent of his participation Thursday has yet to be clarified, it's good that he's able to take the field. The 25-year-old tight end doesn't appear to be in danger of sitting out in Week 3 against the Vikings, and he'll look to step up his production after mustering just 64 yards through two games.

Forristall was elevated to Cleveland's active roster Thursday.

Forristall was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Thursday's game against the Steelers. He'll provide depth at tight end behind David Njoku and Harrison Bryant, taking the spot of Jesse James (biceps). The Browns can elevate Forristall for one more game after this but would have to sign him to the active roster to dress him for a third time.