NFL Player News

Graham (calf/wrist) didn't practice Wednesday.

Graham kicked off last week as a non-participant in practice, only to follow it up with "limited" listings on the next two injury reports and no designation in advance of a 31-13 win over the Giants. While he proceeded to play 42 percent of the offensive snaps in the victory, he caught his only target for 16 yards. Assuming he suits up again Sunday, Graham will have a more favorable matchup against a Redskins defense that has given up five catches for 53.1 yards per game and five touchdowns to tight ends in 12 games this season.

Hooper (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Hooper displayed progress last week by running on the side, but the tight end took the next step in his recovery from an MCL sprain in his left knee with some on-field reps. He'll aim to up his activity as the week goes on as he seeks his first game action since Nov. 10. Fellow tight ends Jaeden Graham (thigh) and Luke Stocker (back) were also limited Wednesday, so Carson Meier is the sole healthy member of the positional group at the moment.

Coach Freddie Kitchens said Wednesday that Njoku (wrist) is "getting closer" to rejoining the active roster, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.

Njoku would be eligible to play Sunday against the Bengals if activated from injured reserve, but the Browns have until Dec. 11 to make a decision on his reinstatement. The Browns will presumably observe Njoku in practices Wednesday through Friday before deciding as late as Saturday whether he's fit to play in Week 14. If Njoku remains out this weekend, Demetrius Harris (shoulder) and Ricky Seals-Jones would handle the bulk of the snaps at tight end.

Kittle (knee/ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle seemingly will operate with some limitations in practice for the rest of the season as he attempts to play through a lingering left knee injury and a bone chip in his ankle. He'll have two more days in which to elevate to full participation, but even if he doesn't, he may ditch his designation by the release of Friday's injury report, as he did last week.

Carlson (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Carlson has recorded four receptions for 46 yards over the last three weeks, so if he's unable to play Sunday against the Bengals, it will mainly affect the team's run-blocking schemes. The 22-year-old still has two practice sessions to elevate to full capacity.

Hooper (knee) took part in practice Wednesday, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

After running on a side field last week, Hooper is back at practice this week. While his activity level won't be known until the Falcons post their first Week 14 injury report later Wednesday, he's seemingly putting himself on a path to play for the first time since Week 10, when he initially suffered a sprained MCL.

Hollister caught six of eight targets for 44 yards in Monday's 37-30 win over the Vikings.

Hollister logged a season-high 81-percent snap share, with Luke Willson's (hamstring) inactive status helping his case. The third-year pro finished tied with DK Metcalf for the team lead in receptions. Over the last four weeks, Hollister has averaged five catches for 41.3 yards while totaling three touchdowns.

Engram (foot) said that he expects to be available for Monday's game against the Eagles, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Engram was present for the Giants' practice Wednesday, though his level of involvement won't be known until the team releases its first Week 14 injury report Thursday. If Engram's prediction comes to pass and he suits up versus the Eagles, he'll likely be catching passes from Eli Manning, as Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports that rookie starting quarterback Daniel Jones will likely be sidelined with a high-ankle sprain.

Smith caught one of three targets for a six-yard gain during Monday's 37-30 loss to Seattle.

The tight end caught a second-quarter pass in the flat and tried turning up field for a first down, but was met with a big hit by Quandre Diggs to bring him down short of the sticks. The outing snapped a five-game streak in which Smith had caught at least three passes per game, although he totaled a fairly modest 20 catches on 24 targets for 168 yards and a TD over that stretch. He should get back on track Sunday against the Lions, the team he started that streak against by hauling in five of six targets for 60 yards in Week 7.

Akins caught his only target for a 19-yard gain during Sunday's 28-22 win over the Patriots.

Akins was targeted only once for just the second time this season, and he caught a single pass for the second time in three weeks. The UCF product, and the Texans' tight end room in general, saw a slight dip from what was already middle-of-the-road production with Will Fuller back in the fold last week. Next up is Denver's fifth-ranked pass defense, though the Broncos have been so-so against tight ends this season.