NFL Player News

LaPorta (shoulder) isn't practicing Thursday, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

LaPorta also sat out Wednesday while recovering from an AC joint sprain in his shoulder, and a second straight absence from practice creates more concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Before deciding whether LaPorta carries a designation into the Week 11 contest, the Lions will see what, if anything, the tight end is able to do at Friday's practice. If LaPorta is forced to miss his first game of the season Sunday, Brock Wright would likely step in as the Lions' top tight end, though he would be unlikely to match the target volume LaPorta typically sees when available.

Long played nine of the Rams' 70 offensive snaps and finished without a target in Monday's 23-15 loss to the Dolphins.

Long ranked third among Los Angeles tight ends in playing time, trailing Davis Allen (56 snaps) and Colby Parkinson (11 snaps). Though he's held a modest role for much of the season, Long had recorded at least one reception in each of the past four games before seeing that streak come to an end Monday. Long should continue to remain the Rams' third tight end Sunday at New England, but he could be at risk of moving to the inactive list if/when Tyler Higbee (knee) is cleared to return from the PUP list.

Parkinson played 11 of the Rams' 70 snaps on offense and went without a target in Monday's 23-15 loss to the Dolphins.

After playing north of 60 percent of the Rams' snaps in the team's first seven games, Parkinson has now seen his snap share drop from 43 percent in Week 9 all the way down to 11 percent in Week 10. While Parkinson's playing time has declined, second-year player Davis Allen has settled in as the Rams' top tight end, playing 54 percent of snaps Week 9 and 81 percent of snaps Week 10 and producing a 6-39-0 receiving line on nine targets between those contests. According to Cameron DaSilva of USA Today, head coach Sean McVay clarified Wednesday that Parkinson is healthy, so the 25-year-old's downturn in snaps looks to be simply performance-related.

Fant (groin) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

When Fant was ruled out ahead of the Seahawks' Week 9 overtime loss to the Rams, head coach Mike Macdonald relayed that it was "going to be some time" regarding the tight end's recovery from a groin injury, according to Colin Gunther of the Seahawks' official site. Fant's lack of activity coming out of the team's Week 10 bye is worrisome for his availability for Sunday's game at San Francisco. Another absence from Fant would allow AJ Barner to continue to feature as Seattle's primary tight end.

Smartt (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Smartt has been sidelined for the Chargers' last two regular-season games due to an ankle injury. He'll have two more chances this week to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Oliver was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a wrist injury.

Oliver appeared on the injury report in September and October with a wrist injury, so perhaps he's not quite over the issue. He's turned in two straight strong games, producing a combined 9-110-1 receiving line on 11 targets over the last two weeks. However, with T.J. Hockenson back in the fold and likely to see his playing time pick up after playing under half of the Vikings' offensive snaps in his first two games back from a major knee injury, Oliver's role is expected to become smaller moving forward.

Henry was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a foot issue, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Henry is nursing an injury after he played 57 of the Patriots' 64 snaps on offense and finished with one catch for 14 yards on four targets in this past Sunday's 19-3 win over the Bears. The Patriots' second Week 11 injury report will be released Thursday and will provide a better idea whether Henry is truly in any danger of missing this Sunday's game against the Rams.

The Dolphins claimed Stoll off waivers from the Eagles on Wednesday.

Stoll was let go by Philadelphia on Tuesday and now slides in on Miami's depth chart at tight end behind Jonnu Smith. Stoll will compete for playing time with Julian Hill and Durham Smythe.

Bryant (ankle) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

It appears Bryant is still dealing with the ankle injury sustained in the Raiders' Week 9 loss to the Bengals, despite having a Week 10 bye. The 26-year-old tight end likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to take the field in Week 11, when the Raiders face the Dolphins. If he's unable to do so, expect Justin Shorter to serve as Las Vegas' No. 2 tight end Sunday.

Likely (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Likely didn't practice last week and ended up missing a 35-34 win over the Bengals on Thursday. It was his first absence of the season, and a return to practice Wednesday suggests he has a shot to make it back for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.