NFL Player News

Fant (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Prior to the workout, coach Vic Fangio labeled Fant as "50-50" to play Sunday at New England, according to DiLalla. Given that Fant's limited activity in practice matched his listing from Wednesday, it's unlikely the tight end did much to change his questionable status in Fangio's mind. If Fant can put in a full practice Friday, the Broncos would likely have more optimism about his chances of being ready to suit up this weekend without having missed any game action. Fant originally sprained his ankle in the Week 4 win over the Jets and benefited from an unexpected Week 5 bye after the Patriots-Broncos game was postponed following due to positive COVID-19 tests within New England's organization.

Hurst (back) was listed as limited on Thursday's injury report, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hurst is averaging 5.6 targets and 50.6 offensive snaps per game, but with 6.1 YPT and two touchdowns through five contests, he's been TD-dependent in his performances in his short stint with the Falcons. He's now dealing with a back issue, which may result in a questionable designation for Sunday's contest at Minnesota.

Smith was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice with a quadriceps injury, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

After Tennessee listed him as a non-participant on its estimated practice report Wednesday, Smith was able to take his activity up a notch when the Titans got back on the field Thursday. Assuming he's at least able to maintain his activity level in the team's final practice of the week Friday, Smith should be in good shape to play Sunday versus the Texans. With Corey Davis (illness) still on the Titans' reserve/COVID-19 list, Smith could be in store for another elevated target count Week 6. In the team's blowout win over the Bills on Tuesday, Smith hauled in five of seven targets for 40 yards and two scores.

Knox (calf) won't practice Thursday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Knox was forced out of this past Tuesday's loss to the Titans, and his non-participation in Thursday's jog-through suggests that he's not a lock to play Monday against the Chiefs. If he's out or limited Week 6, Tyler Kroft would be in line to see added pass-catching opportunities versus Kansas City.

Lewis (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Lewis usually takes a veteran rest day on Wednesdays when he's healthy, but it's encouraging that he's practicing in some capacity for the first time since Week 3. If he's able to play Sunday versus the Buccaneers, Lewis likely won't have a major role considering how well Robert Tonyan performed in a Week 4 win over the Falcons.

Akins (concussion/ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Akins logged two limited practices last week before being inactive for Sunday's win over the Jaguars. While Akins' presence on the practice field to begin Week 6 is a good sign, he apparently has a new ankle injury to work through in addition to clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. A return to full practice by Friday would likely erase any questions about Akins' status for this weekend's game against the Titans. Darren Fells will operate as Houston's No. 1 tight end if Akins isn't ready to play.

Hurst was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a back issue, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hurst appears to have picked up the injury in Sunday's loss to the Panthers, during which he only hauled in two of six targets for eight yards. He played a season-high 83 percent of offensive snaps in the contest, so getting the tight end some rest could have factored into Atlanta's decision to limit him in practice. As long as Hurst can upgrade to full participation Thursday or Friday, any concerns about his Week 6 availability will be dispelled.

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

Fant wasn't able to practice in any capacity last week, so handling restricted reps Wednesday represents a significant step in the right direction. Coach Vic Fangio initially labeled Fant as week-to-week due to the ankle injury he sustained Oct. 1, so it's possible that the tight end could have to upgrade to full practice by Friday in order to play Sunday against the Patriots.

Alie-Cox (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

This isn't a good start to the week for Alie-Cox, who picked up a knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Browns while also failing to record a catch. With Trey Burton and Jack Coyle back in action after previously missing time with injuries earlier this season, Alie-Cox likely won't be in store for a significant amount of snaps and targets if he shakes off the injury in time for this weekend's game versus the Bengals.

Fant (ankle) will participate in Wednesday's practice, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

The extent of Fant's practice activity remains to be seen, but it's encouraging to see him get on the field in some capacity after having been absent all last week. The tight end is working to overcome the ankle sprain in time for Sunday's game in New England.