NFL Player News

Graham (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Graham is in better shape than a week ago, when he followed a DNP/DNP/LP practice regimen due to an ankle issue. He's already taken the field twice this week, albeit with a cap on his reps, and likely will have his designation removed when the Packers release their final Week 8 injury report. If he does so, he'll be looking to exploit a Chiefs defense Sunday that has allowed the third-most catches (47) to tight ends this season.

Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo suggested Thursday that Oliver could have an expanded role on offense in Jacksonville's Week 8 game against the Jets, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports. "I think you'll see more of Josh this week," DeFilippo said.

After missing Jacksonville's first six games with a hamstring injury, the rookie third-round pick was cleared to make his debut in last week's win over Cincinnati. Oliver wasn't targeted in the contest while playing 25 offensive snaps, trailing Seth DeValve (49) for the team lead among tight ends. Jacksonville saw its depth at the position take a hit when Geoff Swaim (concussion/ankle) joined James O'Shaughnessy (knee) on injured reserve earlier this week, so both Oliver and DeValve should have opportunities over the next several games to vie for the top spot on the depth chart.

The Patriots clarified Thursday that Tomlinson remains on the 53-man roster, Nick Goss of NBC Sports reports.

This corrects Wednesday's mistaken report that the Patriots had cut Tomlinson in order to acquire Mohamed Sanu (via trade) and Justin Bethel (via free agency). In actuality, the placement of Josh Gordon (knee) on IR allowed Tomlinson to retain his spot on the active roster. For the time being, Tomlinson figures to reprise his usual depth role on New England's roster.

Tonyan (hip) was a full participant for Wednesday's practice.

Tonyan missed Week 7 after sitting out practice Thursday and Friday of last week, but as evidenced by this news, appears on track for a return. Even though he's healthy, Tonyan will likely serve as the Packers' No. 3 tight end for Sunday's game against Kansas City behind Jimmy Graham (ankle) and Marcedes Lewis.

Graham (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Graham has been a regular on Packers injury reports this season, and while he's managed just 30.6 receiving yards per game, he's taken advantage of his team-high nine red-zone targets, scoring three touchdowns through seven contests. He'll look to shed his injury before Sunday's visit to Kansas City, whose defense has given up 62.3 yards per game to tight ends in 2019.

Kittle (groin) will be limited in Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle entered Sunday's win over Washington nursing a groin injury, so it's likely that Wednesday's limited practice is simply a result of rep management. He managed to play through the issue during the 49ers' last two contests. The tight end's situation will be worth monitoring as Week 8's tilt against the Panthers draws closer.

The Patriots cut Tomlinson on Wednesday, Nora Princiotti of The Boston Globe reports.

The Patriots needed to free up roster spots after acquiring Mohamed Sanu via trade and Justin Bethel via free agency, so Tomlinson and safety Jordan Richards were the casualties. Tomlinson recorded a reception for one yard in his only game with the Patriots.

The Patriots released Tomlinson on Wednesday.

Tomlinson's release clears a spot for newly acquired wideout Mohamed Sanu and suggests that either Ryan Izzo (concussion) or Matt LaCosse (knee) is ready to return to action for the Patriots. In his only game with New England, Tomlinson caught one pass for one yard while working behind Ben Watson at tight end.

Engram has ditched the wrap around his left knee, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Engram missed just one game with an MCL sprain, but he didn't have a positive impact in his first contest back from injury, catching one of five targets for six yards in Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Cardinals. He gets a decent spot to rebound Week 8, facing a slumping Lions defense that's allowed tight ends to produce 9.9 yards per target and 7.8 fantasy points per game (14th-most).

Dwelley caught one of this three targets for a two-yard gain during Sunday's 9-0 win over Washington.

Dwelley's three targets during Sunday's sloppy outing represented a season high, but the sophomore tight end still has a net loss of a yard for the season. It would have been foolish to look his way anyway with Carolina's seventh-ranked pass defense on deck Sunday, but what small role he had in the passing game will probably be further reduced with the addition of Emmanuel Sanders from Denver.