NFL Player News

Thomas (hamstring) was spotted working off to the side during Thursday's practice, but Washington has yet to designate him for return from injured reserve, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Until Washington designates him for return, Thomas won't be eligible to formally join the Football Team for practice. Given that Thomas has been sidelined since Oct. 3 with the sore right hamstring, Washington will almost certainly want Thomas to get a full week of practice in before deeming him ready for game action. With that in mind, Thomas can likely be ruled out from coming off IR ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, though a return Week 11 against Carolina could still be realistic.

Wells (hand) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

With A.J. Green activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, Arizona placed Wells on injured reserve to make room. The fourth-string tight end played his only snap of the season Sunday against San Francisco before exiting the game with a hand injury.

Forristall reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Forristall was elevated from Cleveland's practice squad ahead of Week 9, but the tight end was inactive for this past Sunday's game against the Bengals. Forristall will now await his next opportunity to see the field for Cleveland as a member of the team's practice squad.

Morris reverted to the Bills' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Morris was a gameday elevation for Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, and he'll return to the practice squad after not taking the field.

Smith (shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Smith was forced out of this past Sunday's win over the Panthers after playing 28 snaps and one catch on two targets for four yards. The fact that he practiced Wednesday in some capacity bodes well for his chances of suiting up this weekend against the Browns. If he does, Smith will continue to work in a timeshare with fellow tight end Hunter Henry.

Bryant (thigh) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Bryant played through the thigh issue during Sunday's win over the Bengals, catching both his targets for 26 yards. Though he's still nursing the injury heading into Week 10, the 23-year-old should be able to avoid a designation for the Browns' upcoming game in New England if he's able to turn in full practice Thursday or Friday.

Denver activated Fant (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

Fant, who was placed on the list Nov. 2 and missed Sunday's win over the Cowboys, will rejoin the Broncos for practice Wednesday and is in line to return to the lineup this weekend against the Eagles. In eight games this season, Fant has logged 37 catches (on 53 targets) for 320 yards and three touchdowns, numbers that make him a viable weekly fantasy option at tight end.

Okwuegbunam (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Okwuegbunam was listed as questionable with the same injury ahead of the Broncos' Week 9 win over the Cowboys, but he proceeded to play 79 percent of the offensive snaps and finished with four receptions for 25 yards on five targets. Assuming he experienced no setbacks coming out of that contest, his absence from practice to begin Week 10 may just be maintenance-related. In any event, Okwuegbunam looks headed for a smaller role this weekend against the Eagles, as No. 1 tight end Noah Fant (illness) is on track to return from a one-game absence due to a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Thomas' hamstring remained sore following Monday's workout, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Monday's test was intended to gauge the state of Thomas' health, and he doesn't seem to be ready just yet to come back to the active roster. He can't officially take part in practice until Washington designates him to return from injured reserve, so he was contained to activity on a side field Wednesday. Head coach Ron Rivera further relayed Thomas will continue to be monitored as the week goes on, and the tight end's status will be determined by Friday. If Thomas isn't able to suit up Sunday against the Buccaneers, Ricky Seals-Jones will handle the bulk of the tight-end reps, with rookie fourth-rounder John Bates mixing in behind him.

Knox (hand) will be limited in Wednesday's practice, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Knox has resumed practicing for the first time since suffering a broken bone in his hand Oct. 19 and then undergoing surgery. If Knox is able to maintain at least limited participation in practice the next two days, he should have a fair shot at suiting up for Sunday's road matchup against the Jets. Tommy Sweeney will bump back down to a backup role if Knox gets the green light to play.