NFL Player News

Updating a previous report, Ertz (ankle) is now expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Initial estimates on a return from the high-ankle sprain Ertz suffered in Week 6 gave the tight end a 3-to-4 week recovery timetable, but it turns out that may have been a bit too optimistic. It seems he'll be out through the team's Week 9 bye at a minimum, but given this is a contract year for the 29-year-old tight end, Garafolo suggests that Ertz will have little interest in returning early if he's anything less than 100 percent. This means a potentially extended run for Dallas Goedert (ankle) when he returns from the IR, with Richard Rodgers projected to lead the position group until then.

Akins' concussion symptoms have subsided, and his high-ankle sprain is the reason for him missing Wednesday's practice, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Akins has missed two games due to lingering concussion symptoms and an ankle sprain, both suffered against the Vikings in Week 4. Darren Fells has seen an uptick in snaps while Akins has been sidelined. Prior to the injury, Akins was the lead tight end in terms of snaps and targets.

Kroft caught one of two targets for seven yards in Monday's 26-17 loss to the Chiefs.

Kroft played 57 percent of the offensive snaps -- his second-highest share of the season -- with top tight end Dawson Knox out with a calf injury. The increased reps didn't translate into production, however, as Kroft was held to one or zero receptions for the fifth time in six games this season. Knox seems like a decent bet to sit out one more game, so perhaps Kroft can turn the temporary starting role into a touchdown; he previously had two scores in Week 3.

Dissly (Achilles) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Limited sessions to begin practice weeks have been the norm for Dissly this season, as the Seahawks look to manage the tight end's workload after he suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in 2019. He should be good to go in Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, filling a depth role behind starter Greg Olsen.

Pruitt (illness) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Pruitt was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, meaning he cleared the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. It's unclear if his current illness is related to the virus.

The 49ers signed Helm to their practice squad Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Helm cleared waivers Wednesday after he was cut by the team a day earlier, and the team elected to keep him in-house. The 25-year-old made his NFL debut in last week's win over the Rams, so he'll add nice depth and familiarity to the tight end depth chart on the practice squad.

Tonyan didn't practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury.

Tonyan tweaked his right ankle in the Week 6 loss to the Buccaneers, but he returned to the contest and finished with three catches (on four targets) for 25 yards. That seems to bode well for the starting tight end's chances of suiting up in Houston on Sunday, though he may need to upgrade to at least limited practice activity before being cleared to play.

Fant (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Fant was limited all week leading up to the Broncos' Week 6 win over the Patriots, with head coach Vic Fangio suggesting the tight end had a "50-50" chance to play. He was ultimately ruled out, but Fant should have a better chance at playing Sunday versus the Chiefs if he can continue to practice in some fashion Thursday and Friday.

Smith (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Smith is nursing a sprained ankle, which he sustained during Sunday's win over the Texans. The Titans reportedly consider Smith's injury minor, but his status for the Week 7 matchup with Houston will remain in question as long as he's unable to take on full practice reps. If Smith is sidelined Week 7, more work would open up for Anthony Firkser, who broke out with 113 yards and a touchdown versus Houston.

Akins (ankle/concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Akins has missed two straight games, but he practiced in a limited fashion all of last week. He isn't off to a good start to playing Sunday against the Packers, but Akins would still have a decent chance to suit up if he resumes practicing Thursday and/or Friday. If not, Darren Fells would continue to fill in as the Texans' top pass-catching tight end.