Bowers (knee) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Bowers, who was sidelined for the first time in his career in last Sunday's 40-6 loss to the Colts, has now missed four straight practices dating back to last week, so what he's able to do during Friday's session will loom large in terms of his chances of playing this weekend against the Titans. If Bowers ends up sitting out a second straight game, Michael Mayer -- who has cleared concussion protocol and practiced fully Wednesday -- would step in as the Raiders' top tight end.

Johnson (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday.

With back-to-back capped sessions under his belt to begin Week 6 prep, Johnson has one more chance to prove the health of his ankle Friday before the Saints potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Patriots. He played through the issue during a Week 5 win versus the Giants and handled a typical 85 percent snap share, but he managed just two catches (on four targets) for 17 yards.

Higbee (hip) is participating in team drills Thursday, Adam Grosbard of the LA Daily News reports.

Higbee didn't practice Wednesday after sitting out last Thursday's loss to the 49ers, so his return Thursday marks a significant step in the right direction, though it remains to be seen whether he'll go down as a full or limited participant. If Higbee gains clearance to suit up Sunday against the Ravens, he would likely reclaim the top spot on a tight end depth chart that also includes Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson (concussion) and Terrance Ferguson.

Sample (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sample missed practice Wednesday, so his ability to handle limited reps bodes well for the depth tight end's chances of being cleared to suit up on the road against Green Bay on Sunday. Cincinnati's move to trade for a new starting quarterback in the form of veteran Joe Flacco could provide a spark for this passing game, but both Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant rank ahead of Sample on the depth chart, especially as pass-catching options. If Sample can upgrade to full practice reps Friday, he'll likely avoid an injury designation for Week 6.

Kincaid (oblique) was limited at practice Thursday.

Per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, Kincaid sported a non-contact jersey during Thursday's session, with the Bills' first practice report of the week revealing that the tight end is working through an oblique issue. Kincaid now has two more chances to upgrade his participation level ahead of Monday night's game against the Falcons. In this past Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Patriots, Kincaid logged a 54 percent snap share while catching all six of his targets for a team-high 108 yards.

Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

With an uncapped session under his belt, Sanders looks on track to make his return to action Sunday against the Cowboys, after a right high-ankle sprain had kept him out of commission for each of the Panthers' last two contests. Assuming he gets the green light to play this weekend, Sanders should step back in as Carolina's top tight end, which would result in a reduced snap share for Tommy Tremble.

Kincaid (undisclosed) is wearing a non-contact jersey at Thursday's practice, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Kincaid appears to be dealing with an injury ahead of Monday's road matchup against the Falcons. At the latest, Thursday's official injury report will reveal both the nature of Kincaid's issue and his practice level. The third-year pro has scored three times across five-regular season appearances so far, and he surpassed 100 receiving yards Week 5 versus the Patriots, performances which have inspired confidence in his status as a weekly fantasy starter. If Kincaid were to miss any time, Dawson Knox would step into the No. 1 role at tight end.

Waller (hip/rest) is participating in Thursday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller sat out practice Wednesday, though it seems he's simply continuing to have his reps managed. The veteran tight end ramped up his playing time Week 5, handling 58 percent of offensive snaps, and despite playing a part-time role across his two appearances thus far, he's managed to produce an impactful 8-105-3 receiving line on nine targets. With Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year, Waller seems to have solidified himself as one of the focal points of Miami's offense, joining WR Jaylen Waddle and RB De'Von Achane. Waller will work to gain clearance for Week 6 and keep up his momentum at home against the Chargers on Sunday.

Parkinson (concussion) logged a limited practice session Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official sitereports.

Parkinson is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in Thursday's loss to the 49ers. Though Parkinson will need to be officially cleared, coach Sean McVay said that he expects the tight end to be available in Week 6 against Jacksonville.

Waller (rest/hip) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

It sounds like it was more of a rest day than anything else for the veteran tight end, who missed all of training camp and the preseason with the hip injury. After playing 27 percent of the offensive snaps in his Week 4 debut, Waller's playing time skyrocketed to 58 percent in Week 5. Through two games, Waller has a productive 8-105-3 receiving line on nine targets and has put himself in the fantasy TE1 conversation moving forward due to Tyreek Hill (knee) being done for the season.