NFL Player News

Kraft (hip) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

The Packers have capped the practice reps of both Kraft and Luke Musgrave (ankle) this week, but there's been no indication that the second-year tight ends are in danger of sitting out Sunday in Minnesota. Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not either player has a designation for that contest.

Johnson (foot) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Johnson had his reps capped for the second day in a row as he continues to work through a foot issue that has resulted in the Saints listing him on injury reports for four consecutive weeks. He's managed to play in each of the previous three contests, and assuming he's experiencing no setbacks during his Week 17 prep, he should be ready to play Sunday against the Raiders. Even though he's played at least two-thirds of the offensive snaps in every game since the Saints' Week 12 bye, his fantasy prospects have taken a hit while Derek Carr (hand) has been out of the lineup the past two contests. Carr hasn't been officially ruled out for the Week 17 matchup with the Raiders but doesn't appear to be trending toward playing, likely putting Johnson on track to work with Spencer Rattler as his quarterback for at least one more game.

Strange (shoulder) was limited at practice Thursday.

Strange, who was also listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's practice report, has been managing a shoulder issue, but he could approach Sunday's game against the Titans without an injury designation, as he did ahead of Week 16 action despite being limited in practice Wednesday through Friday. Strange, who racked up 11 catches for 73 yards on 12 targets in Week 15 versus the Jets, is coming off a 2-22-0 effort on four targets in the Jaguars' 19-14 loss to the Raiders this past weekend.

Hudson (knee) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Broncos after logging a DNP on Thursday's injury report.

Hudson has been held out of practice since suffering a knee injury during the Bengals' Week 15 win over the Titans. Cam Grandy and Tanner McLachlan would serve as Cincinnati's depth tight ends behind Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample if Hudson is inactive Saturday.

Otton (knee) didn't practice Thursday.

Otton also kicked off last week with back-to-back DNPs before getting back on the field as limited Friday while donning a large brace on his left knee. He was listed as doubtful and then ruled out ahead of this past Sunday's game at Dallas, but it remains to be seen how the Buccaneers tag him ahead of a Week 17 matchup with the Panthers. If Otton is inactive again Sunday, Payne Durham would pick up the slack at tight end for Tampa Bay.

Tremble (shoulder/back) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday's injury report.

Tremble didn't appear on Wednesday's injury report (which was a reflection of the Panthers' half-speed practice Tuesday), but it appears he is working through shoulder and back injuries that he might have picked up during Carolina's Week 16 overtime win over Arizona. Tremble's practice participation Friday will indicate his status heading into Sunday's NFC South clash against the Buccaneers. Rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders would see an increased snap count on offense if Tremble is unable to play Sunday.

The Chargers list Hurst (illness) as questionable for Saturday's game against the Patriots.

He's one of two Chargers tight ends taking a questionable tag into the weekend, as Will Dissly (shoulder) is also carrying a designation coming off a two-game absence. Hurst had missed five straight games with a hip injury before coming off injured reserve last week and playing eight snaps in this past Thursday's win over the Broncos. With the illness resulting in him logging just one limited practice this week, Hurst may not be in store for a dramatic increase in playing time Saturday if he's cleared to suit up.

The Chargers list Dissly (shoulder) as questionable for Saturday's game against the Patriots.

Dissly has missed the Chargers' last two contests, but he looks like he'll have a chance to play Saturday after he was able to resumed practicing in a limited fashion Tuesday and Wednesday before bumping up to full participation Thursday. Official word on Dissly's status will arrive when Los Angeles posts its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Saturday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. In addition to Dissly, Hayden Hurst (illness) is also listed as questionable, so Stone Smartt and Tucker Fisk could be in store for elevated snaps at tight end if neither Dissly nor Hurst is able to play.

Njoku (knee) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Ashley Bastock of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, with the tight end's absence from Thursday's session putting the focus on what, if anything, he's able to do Friday. If Njoku is limited or out versus the Dolphins on Sunday, Jordan Akins would be in line to see an expanded role in Cleveland's Week 17 offense.

Likely secured his only target for a nine-yard touchdown in the Ravens' 31-2 win over the Texans on Wednesday.

Likely found the end zone for the second time in four days on his late-second-quarter scoring grab. The second-year tight end hasn't eclipsed 38 receiving yards in five straight contests, but he's capable of emerging in the Ravens' highly efficient and versatile offense in any given game.