NFL Player News

Smith (hip/rest) was limited in Thursday's practice.

The hip issue is new for Smith after he was listed as a DNP due to rest only Wednesday. However, the limited practice would suggest Smith has a chance to play Sunday morning against the Vikings unless he was injured in Thursday's session. If Smith were unable to go, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington would handle tight-end duties for the Steelers.

Loveland (hip) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Loveland left this past Sunday's win against the Cowboys in the second quarter due to a hip injury and wasn't able to return. Since then, the rookie first-round pick hasn't been able to practice this week, giving him one more chance to mix into drills before the Bears potentially make a ruling on his availability for Sunday's game in Las Vegas. If Loveland misses the first game of his career, veteran TE Cole Kmet would be in line for a few more passes from QB Caleb Williams.

Kmet (groin) practiced in full Thursday.

One day removed from being limited due to a groin injury Wednesday, Kmet didn't have any practice restrictions, while rookie TE Colston Loveland remained sidelined due to the hip issue that he suffered this past Sunday against the Cowboys. If Loveland is inhibited or sidelined Sunday at Las Vegas, Kmet would be in line for a bump in volume in the Bears' passing game.

Johnson (toe) returned to practice Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Johnson was absent from Wednesday's session, but a return to practice in any capacity Thursday would seem to put Johnson on track to play Sunday against the Chargers. Johnson has just six catches for 49 scoreless yards on 10 targets through three games to start the season.

Parkinson (shoulder) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Parkinson was able to play through his shoulder injury in Week 3 at Philadelphia, but he's apparently still not back to 100 percent after suffering an AC joint sprain in Week 1 versus the Texans. As long as he's able to continue practicing in some capacity Thursday or Friday, he figures to be available for Sunday's game versus the Colts.

Arroyo (groin) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's NFC West clash against the Cardinals, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Arroyo failed to haul in his lone target during Sunday's 44-13 win over the Saints and tweaked his groin in the process. He was estimated as limited on the first two practice reports of the week, but he has been given the green light to play in Arizona. The rookie second-rounder has opened the season with three catches (on five targets) for 38 yards while operating as the Seahawks' TE2 behind AJ Barner.

FitzPatrick (groin) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

FitzPatrick reeled in two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown in the team's 13-10 loss to the Browns in Week 3, but he may have suffered a groin injury in the game. The tight end's ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday is a positive sign, and he'll have two more chances to practice in full ahead of Sunday night's contest in Dallas.

Bates (groin) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Bates has not practiced since suffering a groin injury in Week 2 at Green Bay, and his availability for Week 4 is now in question. He'll probably have to return to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to have any chance to play Sunday at Atlanta.

The Patriots signed Scott to their practice squad Wednesday.

Scott spent all of training camp and preseason with the team but was unable to crack a spot on the initial roster. New England has only Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper on the active roster at tight end, so Scott is a candidate to be elevated at some point in future weeks.

The Lions signed Dwelley from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday, Benjamin Raven of MLive Media Group reports.

Dwelley signed with the Lions' practice squad Sept. 16 after the Lions placed fellow tight end Shane Zylstra (ankle) on injured reserve. Dwelley was elevated for the Lions' Week 3 win over the Ravens on Monday, when he played 16 snaps (12 on special teams, four on offense) without otherwise appearing on the box score. Now that he's on the active roster, Dwelley will continue to serve on special teams while operating as the Lions' No. 3 tight end behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.