NFL Player News

Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew completed a week of absence from practice Friday, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

That means his chances of playing Sunday against the Vikings are not great. The Lions will provide an update on his status when they release their injury report Friday.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught four passes for 58 yards on five targets in Thursday's 31-24 loss to the Broncos.

With the Chiefs either leading or tied until the final 30 seconds, Alex Smith only attempted 25 passes. Kelce played nearly every snap and had an efficient night that included an impressive 29-yard catch-and-run, but his volume was disappointing in the wake of a 6-106-2 receiving line (six targets) in Week 1.

Kelce should be more involved in the coming weeks, starting with a Week 3 Monday Night Football game in Green Bay.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (hip) is active for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

Coming off a 6-106-2 receiving line in Week 1, Kelce was a full participant throughout the week of practice. He'll be up against an excellent defense, but the matchup could lead to more targets than usual, as the Broncos boast a fantastic group of cornerbacks. At the very least, Kelce has a better matchup than the Kansas City wide receivers.

Giants tight end Daniel Fells (foot) will not practice on Thursday, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com reports.

He appears to be doing better, as he was seen without a walking boot Thursday. He should be considered day to day. If Fells misses any time, Larry Donnell could benefit the most. He and Fells each received four targets a piece Week 1, but the latter outgained Donnell against the Cowboys.

Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas (hamstring) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

In Sunday's regular season opener, Niklas was a distance third in terms of tight-end snaps, earning three to Jermaine Gresham's 24 and Darren Fells' 52 (among 62 for the offense).

Due to the lack of reps, it was no surprise that Niklas wasn't even targeted. In any case, the rare full showing in drills bodes well for active status yet again Sunday at Chicago, but he'll likely remain third in the TE pecking order.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (hamstring) didn't partake in practice Wednesday, the Lions' official site reports.

Before Pettigrew was removed from Sunday's opener with an unnamed injury, he didn't corral his only target, as he was contained to a blocking role.

Now that the nature of the ailment has been confirmed, owners should keep an eye on his practice participation as the week rolls along to learn if he's taking the field in Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (hip) is listed as probable for Thursday night's game against the Broncos.

Kelce, who has practiced fully this week, is in line Thursday to serve as the Chiefs' top TE and a key target for QB Alex Smith. He caught all six of his targets for 106 yards and a pair of TDs in Week 1's 27-20 win over the Texans.

The Texans placed tight end Ryan Griffin (knee) on the injured reserve-designated to return list Tuesday, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Griffin was injured during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. He will not be allowed to appear in a game for eight weeks, so he will be sidelined at least through the Texans' Week 9 bye. Griffin started at tight end Sunday, and the Texans have yet to announce whether C.J. Fiedorowicz or Garrett Graham will replace him in the lineup in Week 2.

The loss of D.J. Fluker to injury has prompted the Chargers to sign fellow offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins and waive tight end Kyle Miller, the San Diego Union-Tribune has reported.

Wiggins played the last two seasons with San Diego. Miller, who was claimed in the spring, has played in just two NFL games over five seasons. He has yet to catch a pass.

If Titans tight end Delanie Walker has to miss Sunday's game against the Browns due to a hand injury, it seems coach Ken Whisenhunt is counting on Chase Coffman to help fill in for the veteran tight end.

Tennessee elected to keep five tight ends on the roster to start the season. They are Walker, Coffman, Anthony Fasano, Craig Stevens and Phillip Supernaw. Coffman was the only tight end inactive for Sunday's season opener against the Bucs.

“I would say we would have to be in good shape. We have five tight ends on our roster,’’ Whisenhunt said, per the team's official website. “But it's good that we do have that option. I think that some of things that Delanie does well, Chase can fill that role if we need him to, which is good.”

Walker had three catches for 43 yards and one touchdown in a 42-14 win over the Bucs in Week 1.