NFL Player News

Paulsen (knee/ankle) did not participate in Thursday's practice session, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran blocking tight end has logged consecutive missed practices after being pulled midway through the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Baltimore with knee and ankle injuries. As his status for a Week 14 tilt against the Packers remains very much in doubt, 2017 fifth-round draft choice Eric Saubert is primed to see an increase in his season-long offensive snap count percentage of 11.3.

Firkser caught all three of his targets for 27 yards in Thursday's 30-9 win over the Jaguars.

Firkser's night was highlighted by a 16-yard reception late in the game that gave the Titans a new set of downs and allowed them to run out the clock to end the contest. He has now recorded at least three receptions in four consecutive games, and has become at a consistent part of the Titans' passing attack. Jonnu Smith (knee) exited the game early, and if he misses any game action, Firkser appears likely to serve as the primary tight end.

Smith (knee) is out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Jaguars, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Smith was seemingly injured on Derrick Henry's 99-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The injury immediately appeared as though it could be serious, but tests on the knee will ultimately determine the severity in the near future. Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt stand in line to see additional tight end reps with Smith out.

Smith is questionable to return to Thursday's contest against the Jaguars with a knee injury, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Smith headed to the locker room almost immediately after Derrick Henry's historic 99-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, a sign that the injury could be serious. With the Titans already down Delanie Walker (ankle), Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt should fill in for Smith as long as he is out.

Hamm (undisclosed) was placed on practice squad injured reserve Thursday.

Hamm was signed to the Colts practice squad on Nov. 21 but will spend the rest of the season on injured reserve. He will likely work to make an NFL roster during 2019 training camp.

Graham (thumb/knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

As he usually does, Graham is building up his workload in anticipation of Sunday's game against the Falcons, who have conceded an average of 4.8 catches (on 6.7 targets) for 50.1 yards to go with four touchdowns to tight ends in 12 games this season.

Engram (hamstring) practiced fully Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Prior to Wednesday's limited showing, Engram was held off the field for two contests and every practice since injuring his hamstring during pregame warmups Nov. 25 at Philadelphia. Now with an uninhibited practice under his belt, he's slated to retake his role as the Giants' starting tight end. In his previous matchup with Sunday's opponent (the Redskins) in Week 8, Engram turned nine targets into five receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown.

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

Allen has not taken the field since Week 10, and is still working to recover from a lingering knee injury. The veteran tight end is primarily used as a blocker in New England's offense, so he won't have fantasy value even when fully healthy.

Graham (thumb/knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

Graham returned to his usual role in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cardinals, catching eight of 11 targets for 50 yards while handling a 71 percent snap share. He still seems to be bothered by the fractured thumb, as he spent Wednesday's practice working off to the side with the rehab group, per Josh Tolentino of The Athletic. The 32-year-old tight end likely will continue playing through the injury Sunday against Atlanta.

Paulsen (knee/ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Paulsen exited Sunday's loss to the Ravens due to knee and ankle injuries, and continues to manage his recovery. It remains to be seen whether the depth tight end will get healthy in time to suit up against the Packers in Week 14. If Paulsen is unable to go, Eric Saubert will benefit from a slight increase in offensive usage.