NFL Player News

Hockenson (shoulder) is listed as active Thursday versus the Bears.

After showing up Saturday on the practice report with a shoulder injury, Hockenson now will play two games in the span of five days. With undrafted rookie David Blough under center, Hockenson may be called upon to block more often than not against a tough Bears front seven. Moreover, Hockenson may split reps with fellow tight ends Jesse James and Logan Thomas, though the latter (a college quarterback) may be the emergency QB option due to Jeff Driskel's sore hamstring.

Bell (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Bell wasn't able to suit up against the Chargers in Week 11, but he appears back to full health following Kansas City's bye. In any case, Bell doesn't carry much (if any) fantasy value as long as top tight end Travis Kelce remains healthy.

Alie-Cox (thumb) didn't practice Wednesday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

This appears to be routine recovery for Alie-Cox, who suffered this injury Week 11 but was able to play in last Thursday's loss to the Texans. It'll be important to follow Alie-Cox's progress, though, as he could be depended on for more pass-catching situations following Eric Ebron's (ankle) move to injured reserve.

Graham was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report due to a calf injury.

Graham has dealt with a number of lower-body issues this season, but this is the first time that a calf injury has made an appearance. Despite being banged up, he's played at least 70 percent of the offensive snaps in seven of the Packers' 11 contests this season. However, he's topped out at 65 yards (Week 7 against the Raiders) in a given game, while scoring three touchdowns along the way. With another health concern in tow, Graham's status bears watching as the week continues.

Everett (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

In the span of five games between Weeks 5 and 10, Everett received 10-plus targets on three occasions en route to 23 catches (on 41 targets) for 278 yards and one touchdown. His other six appearances this season have been a different story: a combined 14-130-1 line on 18 targets. Per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, coach Sean McVay considers Everett day-to-day due to his knee injury. Consequently, Everett's listing may upgrade to limited or even full on the Rams' final two practice reports of Week 13.

Ertz missed Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury.

During the portion of the session open to the media, Ertz worked out a side field, per Tim McManus of ESPN.com. The lack of activity with the team manifested itself as a "DNP" on the Eagles' first report for Week 13, leaving Ertz as the highest-profile player on the roster to track as the week goes on. Behind Ertz, Dallas Goedert is next up at tight end.

Kittle (knee/ankle) won't take part in practice Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle didn't miss a beat in his return to action in Sunday's win over the Packers, turning his 38 offensive snaps into six catches (on six targets) for 129 yards and a touchdown. As coach Kyle Shanahan told Wagoner on Wednesday, the 49ers will move forward with a maintenance plan for Kittle's pair of health concerns, hence the lack of practice activity to begin Week 13 preparations. Expect Kittle's status to receive some clarity by the weekend, when the 49ers take on the Ravens.

Hockenson (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Bears.

Hockenson was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, which is a good sign for his availability after he was labeled as a limited participant in the first two sessions of Week 13. If the rookie first-round pick suits up Thanksgiving Day, he'll lead a tight-end room that also features Jesse James and Logan Thomas.

Smith is expected to serve as the Titans' top tight end for the remainder of the season after teammate Delanie Walker (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

Smith can now play the final five games without looking over his shoulder, knowing he's locked in as the No. 1 tight end in Tennessee. His pass-catching production has been much less consistent than his playing time, with Smith averaging 3.3 catches for 31.5 yards on 4.5 targets in the four games Walker has missed and playing between 73 and 94 percent of the offensive snaps in those contests. The 94 percent share from Week 12 could prove useful if it holds, though Smith didn't draw a single target despite rarely leaving the field in a 42-20 win over the Jaguars. He should at least have some some level of passing-game involvement Week 13 at Indianapolis.

Ertz was seen working out on the side during the portion of Wednesday's practice that was open to the media, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

The Eagles haven't previously revealed that Ertz is tending to an injury, but the team's first practice report of Week 13 will provide an explanation for why the tight end wasn't participating with the main group. Given that Ertz has logged 36 targets over the last three contests, it's possible that the Eagles are simply giving the 29-year-old some much-needed rest.