NFL Player News

Higbee (knee), who was designated for return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, was a limited participant in practice to begin Week 13 prep.

Higbee appears to be in the final stages of his recovery from the ACL and MCL tears that he sustained Jan. 14 in a postseason loss at Detroit. However, head coach Sean McVay implied Tuesday that Higbee likely won't be able to suit up Sunday in New Orleans, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. Aside from Week 13, the Rams have two more games (Dec. 8 against the Bills and Dec. 12 at San Francisco) within Higbee's 21-day practice window, so he may have a better chance to return in one of those contests.

Russell (foot) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Russell missed the Seahawks' last two games due to a foot injury. Wednesday was his first practice since the injury, and he'll have two more chances this week to increase his participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets. Russell has mostly played on special teams and has not registered a target across nine regular-season games.

Fant (groin) practiced fully Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Going back to last week, Fant has put together two straight uncapped sessions, indicating he's past the groin injury that has sidelined him for the last three games. Prior to his absence, he regularly paced Seahawks tight ends en route to a 27-285-0 receiving line on 32 targets during the first eight contests of the campaign. Fant likely will settle back into the starting role Sunday at the Jets.

The Rams designated Higbee (knee) for return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday.

This transaction follows comments from head coach Sean McVay on Tuesday that Higbee was in line to return to practice this week, per Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. At the same time, McVay relayed that Higbee is unlikely to play Sunday at New Orleans. The Rams will likely take a cautious approach with Higbee, who suffered ACL and MCL tears in his right knee back on Jan. 14 in a playoff loss in Detroit. With his 21-day window in which to get back on the active roster opened, he's drawing closer to making his season debut.

Quitoriano (knee) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Quitoriano dealt with a calf issue earlier this season, but the knee injury is a new one. He's played 22 percent of the offensive snaps across seven games since rejoining the Texans on Oct. 8. Quitoriano has yet to draw a target in the pass game and is mostly used as a blocker.

Ferguson (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Giants, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Ferguson thus will miss a second game in a row due to the concussion that he suffered in the first quarter of a Week 11 loss to the Texans. Considering he hasn't practiced since suffering the injury, he likely hasn't made much, if any, progress through league's five-step protocol. In any case, for as long as Ferguson is sidelined, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford will continue to serve as the Cowboys' top tight ends.

Dissly did not practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.

The tight end is tending to the injury after he caught all four of his targets for 47 yards in this past Monday's loss to the Ravens. With Hayden Hurst (hip) on injured reserve and Dissly nursing the knee issue, the Chargers' healthy tight ends at the moment are Stone Smartt and Tucker Fisk.

Oliver (ankle/wrist) did not practice Wednesday.

Oliver sat out last Sunday's overtime win over the Bears, allowing T.J. Hockenson to see a spiked snap rate. After playing 48 percent of the offensive snaps or less in each of his first three games of action, Hockenson logged 68 percent of the plays versus Chicago, turning in a 7-114-0 receiving line on nine targets. Oliver's potential absence in Week 13 against the Cardinals would be a boon to Hockenson's fantasy stock.

Woerner (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.

Woerner was sidelined for the Falcons' Week 11 loss to the Broncos due to a concussion, and Wednesday's limited session suggests the team's Week 12 bye wasn't enough time to fully recover. The 27-year-old must clear the the NFL's five-step protocol in order to play in Sunday's matchup against the Chargers. If he's unable to do so, expect Ross Dwelley to serve as Atlanta's No. 2 tight end in Week 13.

The Cowboys signed Fant to the active roster Wednesday.

Fant has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster three times this season, so Dallas needed to sign the 25-year-old tight end in order for him to continue playing in Dallas. Fant will serve as the Cowboys' No. 3 tight end behind Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford for Thursday's game against the Giants due to Jake Ferguson being ruled out with a concussion. Fant played 25 snaps on special teams during the Cowboys' 34-26 win over the Commanders this past Sunday.