NFL Player News

Thomas brought in five of seven targets for 45 yards in Washington's 30-29 win over the Giants on Thursday night.

Thomas checked in third on the team in receptions, receiving yards and targets during the wild win, marking a second straight serviceable performance to open the season. Thomas had accounted for a touchdown on three catches in Washington's season-opening loss to the Chargers, and with a relatively inexperienced quarterback in Taylor Heinicke manning the controls of the offense for at least the next several games, the sure-handed tight end should continue to see his fair share of opportunities.

Deguara (concussion) didn't practice Thursday.

Deguara sustained a concussion in Sunday's season opener against the Saints and was unable to participate in the team's first practice of the week. His status for Monday's game against the Lions will likely come into focus based on whether he's able to return to practice this weekend.

Myarick was elevated from the Giants' practice squad Thursday, Michael Eisen of the Giants' official site reports.

Myarick joined the Giants' initial practice squad this year and wasn't active for the season opener. However, he'll provide depth at tight end Thursday against Washington since Evan Engram (calf) will be sidelined.

Ertz (hamstring/rest) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

The Eagles held Ertz out of Wednesday's session, with the reason being a combination of a hamstring issue and "rest." The former clearly stemmed from the injury that sidelined him for a spell Week 1, but his veteran status likely spurred the latter. Now that he's back on the field, it'll be interesting to see if Ertz can avoid a designation entirely for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Smith (hip) was limited at practice Thursday.

Smith was added to the Patriots' Week 2 injury report Thursday, so it remains to be seen if his Thursday limitations were maintenance-related or indicative of an in-practice injury. What he's able to do Friday thus will be telling, but if Smith is sidelined or limited at all Sunday against the Jets, added opportunities would be available for fellow tight end Hunter Henry.

Brown (shoulder/ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Brown's back-to-back absences from practice to open Week 2 prep doesn't bode well for his early chances of gaining clearance for Sunday's game against the Browns. The Texans will formally rule on Brown's status after Friday's practice, and if he can't go, Jordan Akins and Brevin Jordan would likely handle the pass-catching responsibilities at the tight end position. Houston could add a more blocking-oriented tight end to the roster if Brown is out, as neither Akins nor Jordan is particularly adept in that area.

Ertz (hamstring/rest) returned to practice Thursday, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

Ertz didn't practice Wednesday, with his absence attributed to a combination of rest and a listed hamstring issue. The tight end's return to the field Thursday bodes well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the 49ers. The Eagles' upcoming practice/injury report will clarify Ertz's participation level in Thursday's session.

Firkser was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday with a knee injury, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Firkser exited practice early Wednesday, so his status will need to be monitored as Sunday's game against the Seahawks approaches. The tight end logged three catches on four targets for 19 yards in the Titans' season-opening loss to Arizona.

Brown missed Wednesday's practice with shoulder and ankle injuries.

An earlier report identified an unspecified upper-body injury as the likely reason for Brown's absence on the heels of his surprising 4-67-1 receiving line on five targets and a 76 percent snap share in the Texans' 37-21 win over Jacksonville in Week 1. He appears to have suffered the injury at the tail end of the game, considering Brown played 11 of 17 snaps in the fourth quarter. An absence for Week 2 at Cleveland would leave more work available for Jordan Akins and Brevin Jordan, though the Texans may also look to add a blocking tight end to the roster. Brown was widely expected to focus on blocking this year, with Akins the likely replacement for third downs and hurry-up scenarios.

Ertz (hamstring/rest) didn't practice Wednesday.

Among starters on offense, Ertz, running back Miles Sanders (ankle/rest, limited) and right guard Brandon Brooks (knee/rest, no practice) were listed with an injury and "rest" next to their names. The designation is likely a good sign for Ertz after he was unable to take part in stretching before Wednesday's session, but his status will be one to watch as the week goes on. In Sunday's season opener in Atlanta, he missed some time due to a hamstring issue but was able to finish out the game with two catches (on two targets) for 34 yards.