NFL Player News

Graham (knee) practiced in full Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

While the injury report pointed to a knee injury for Graham's absence Wednesday, it was likely a veritable veteran's day off. Expect him to serve as a safety net for the less mobile Russell Wilson (knee/pectoral) on Sunday in a visit to his former squad, the Saints.

Allen (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

Allen's ankle issue is a week-to-week injury and come Friday we'll look for the Colts to officially rule the tight end out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. Jack Doyle -- and Erik Swoope to a lesser degree -- are thus on track to continue to fill in for Allen this weekend.

Henry (concussion) was a full participant during Thursday's practice.

Thus the rookie tight end appears likely to play in Sunday's game against the Broncos. The last time Henry suited up against Denver's vaunted defense he performed quite well, posting a 6/83/1 stat line in a San Diego win in Week 6. Barring any unforeseen setback, Henry will try to match or exceed those numbers this weekend.

Graham (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

For the third time this season, Graham will be held out of practice in a given week, but the absences haven't impacted his viability on game day. Indeed, he's displayed an improved rapport with Russell Wilson (knee/pectoral) from a disappointing 2015 campaign, hauling in 23 of 36 passes over the last four contests. Barring additional DNPs this week, he should be one of the top considerations for Wilson yet again Sunday in New Orleans.

Coach Mike McCoy said Wednesday that he's "hopeful" Henry (concussion) can play Sunday against the Broncos, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Henry, who was limited at practice Wednesday, put up a 6/83/1 stat line against the Broncos in Week 6. If he ends up not being able to play this weekend, veteran TE Antonio Gates would be a candidate for added targets in the Chargers' offense in Week 8.

Allen (ankle) wasn't seen on crutches Wednesday, but the timetable for his return is three to five weeks, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Allen was called week to week after suffering the injury in Week 6. It looks like he'll be out this week and may not return until Week 9 at the earliest. More likely, he'll return for Week 11 after Indy's bye during Week 10.

Donnell caught one pass for eight yards in Sunday's win over the Rams.

Donnell has yet to break the 40-yard barrier in an offense that runs through its receiving corps. The Giants' starting tight end has failed to match even his backup, Will Tye's, modest catch and yardage totals and isn't worth a fantasy roster spot at this point.

Kelce caught two of three targets for 24 yards in Sunday's win over the Saints.

Kelce snagged at least five passes in each of the four games prior to Kansas City's bye, but he has caught just five passes total in the two games since. What gives? It isn't as though he's fallen out of favor with quarterback Alex Smith. It seems the Chiefs as a team are throwing the ball a lot less, opting to ride the hot hand in Spencer Ware, who leads a deep stable. Alex Smith has attempted about half as many passes per game since the bye, 42 before to 23 after. Kelce is still a quality start because he remains a top red-zone threat, but don't be surprised if delivers a few duds as the ball simply aren't flying in Kansas City.

Derby was traded from the Patriots to the Broncos on Tuesday in exchange for a 2017 fifth-round draft pick, Cameron Wolfe of The Denver Post reports.

A former college quarterback and 2015 sixth-round selection, Derby has logged 35 offensive snaps in four career games, failing to draw a target. The fifth-round pick may seem like a lot to surrender, but the Broncos have a bunch of compensatory selections headed in their direction, and they probably won't have room to keep a lot of rookies next season on a roster that's already littered with talent. Derby is unlikely to have a key role any time soon, but he'll have time to prove that he could be a part of the team's future.

James caught both of this targets for 18 yards Sunday against the Patriots.

The second-year tight end out of Penn State has operated as the Steelers' top option at tight end this season, especially in the receiving department. The amount of targets he receives is variable week-to-week, though, making James a touchdown-dependent fantasy option moving forward. However, the impending return of Ladarius Green (ankle) may dampen his prospects in the near future.