NFL Player News

Okonkwo (hamstring) won't play Sunday at Dallas, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Okonkwo didn't practice this week but was spotted with the rehab group Friday. He left Washington's Week 1 contest late in the third quarter, which allowed John Bates to play 70 percent of snaps in the fourth quarter (Ben Sinnott took 45 percent, while Colson Yankoff played only five percent). Bates figures to again play the most snaps Week 2 at Dallas, but he may be subbed out for Sinnott or Yankoff in some passing situations.

LaPorta brought in six of seven targets for 52 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 41-31 loss to the Bills on Thursday.

The fourth-year tight end was one of Jared Goff's primary targets Thursday, finishing tied for second in receptions while checking in third in both receiving yards and targets. LaPorta also recorded his first touchdown catch of the season on a one-yard grab early in the fourth quarter, and over the first two games of the new campaign, he's encouragingly been targeted 15 times and parlayed those opportunities into 11 receptions for 100 yards and the TD. LaPorta should remain a key complementary option during a Week 3 home matchup against the Jets on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Kincaid brought in seven of eight targets for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Bills' 41-31 win over the Lions on Thursday.

The star tight end put together a fitting encore to his season-opening 5-130-0 line against the Texans, setting the pace for the Bills in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night. Kincaid repeatedly got into the second level of the Lions defense during the high-scoring victory -- including on his 16-yard scoring grab late in the first half -- and his particularly elevated workload was partly the byproduct of DJ Moore's exit with a shoulder injury shortly before the tight end's touchdown catch. Kincaid will remain a vital component of the Bills' red-hot air attack in a Week 3 home showdown against the Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Delp (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day Thursday.

The tight end has been dealing with the hamstring issue since August and had to miss the Saints' Week 1 loss to the Lions. Delp had to miss practices last week, though, so he is at least trending in the right direction. The third-round pick in April's draft is still trying to make his regular-season NFL debut.

Bowers (knee) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

Since undergoing a meniscus trim in his left knee on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Bowers hasn't been able to practice in any capacity and sat out a Week 1 win against the Dolphins. He thus has just one more chance to mix into drills Friday before the Raiders potentially make a ruling on his status for Sunday's game at the Chargers. If Bowers ultimately can't go this weekend, Michael Mayer will be the primary beneficiary at tight end for Las Vegas.

Kittle (Achilles) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps in the early going this season, which isn't a surprise considering he tore his right Achilles nine months ago. In Week 1 against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, he recorded two catches (on five targets) for 12 yards on a 46 percent snap share, more or less looking like his normal self. Because WRs De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Christian Kirk (calf) are all sidelined for varying lengths of time, Kittle stands to benefit in the 49ers' passing game, assuming he's active on a weekly basis.

Johnson (illness) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Johnson took a step in the right direction after sitting out practice entirely Wednesday. He still has a chance to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens if Johnson can upgrade to full participation Friday. Johnson caught three of seven targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' Week 1 overtime loss at Detroit.

Okonkwo (hamstring) is officially listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Okonkwo has missed Washington's first two practices ahead of a Week 2 clash with the NFC East rival Cowboys. The offseason acquisition was injured in his Commanders debut against the Eagles. John Bates would take on an expanded role if Okonkwo sits out Sunday against Dallas, with more snaps likely available for Ben Sinnott as well.

Johnson (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

After missing Wednesday's practice due to an illness, Johnson got back in the mix Thursday. The Saints' injury report will clarify whether he was a limited or full participant. Regardless, this is a good sign for Johnson's availability heading into Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Bowers (knee) is not participating during the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Bowers has a chance to play Sunday against the Chargers after sitting out the Week 1 win over the Dolphins due to a meniscus trim in his knee just before the start of the season. Bowers' inability to practice in any capacity Wednesday or Thursday suggests he may be heading toward a second consecutive absence to begin the season, though a return to practice in at least some capacity Friday could create some optimism regarding the star tight end's status. Michael Mayer caught six of a team-high seven targets for 32 yards during Bowers' absence in the season opener.