NFL Player News

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.

Njoku was limited at practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

In three games this season, Njoku has been limited to five catches on seven targets for 63 yards and a touchdown. There's been plenty of speculation that the tight end may be dealt before the Nov. 3 trade deadline, and at this point, such a move would be Njoku's clearest path to regaining fantasy relevance. For now, he'll look to work through the shoulder injury and attempt to play Sunday in Cincinnati.

Knox (calf) didn't practice Wednesday.

Knox hasn't practiced since sustaining his calf injury in the Bills' Week 5 loss to the TItans. He'll need to heal up in a hurry to have a chance to suit up Sunday against the Jets. Tyler Kroft is set to serve as Buffalo's top tight end if Knox sits out again.