NFL Player News

Kraft (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

Kraft now has operated with a cap on his reps for three straight practices going back to last week, but the groin injury didn't affect his availability for this past Sunday's game against the Cardinals, when he handled a typical 81 percent snap share on his way to two catches (on four targets) for 13 yards. With Luke Musgrave (ankle) on injured reserve for the foreseeable future, Kraft shouldn't have any difficulty dominating the tight end reps for the Packers moving forward, but Ben Sims, John FitzPatrick and practice-squad member Andrew Beck are the candidates for work at the position.

Conklin (hip) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's walk-through practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Conklin was also limited ahead of the Jets' 23-20 loss to the Bills on Monday, but was able to suit up for the contest and finished with two catches for 10 yards on three targets. His listed limitations Wednesday could be maintenance-related, though the tight end may need to practice fully by Friday in order to avoid taking a designation into this weekend's game against the Steelers.

Hockenson (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

The Vikings designated Hockenson for return from the reserve/PUP list Oct. 4, and he managed a capped session that day. Following the team's Week 6 bye, he's maintained that activity level to begin the current week, so he may have to get back to full participation Thursday or Friday for Minnesota to feel comfortable bringing him back to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions.

The Bills listed Kincaid as a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough with a collarbone injury.

Kincaid logged 80 percent of offensive snaps in Monday's 23-20 win over the Jets and finished with six catches for 51 yards on seven targets. The tight end may have picked up an injury at some point along the way, but if he's able to increase his practice activity Thursday and/or Friday, he should be ready to go for Sunday's game against the Titans. Kincaid has led all Bills pass catchers with a 20.7 percent target share this season, but he could lose out on some looks after Buffalo acquired a bona fide No. 1 receiver in Amari Cooper from Cleveland on Tuesday.

Pruitt (knee) was listed as a full participant on the Steelers' injury report Wednesday.

Pruitt suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against the Broncos, which has kept him sidelined for the Steelers' last four games. The veteran tight end seems to be over the issue, as he was able to practice without limitations Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, Pruitt should return for Week 7 against the Jets and serve in a depth role at tight end behind Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward.

Engram (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

After missing Weeks 2 through 5 with a hamstring injury, Engram returned for Sunday's 35-16 loss to the Bears and caught each of his 10 targets for 102 yards while handling a 62 percent snap share and a 75 percent route share. Injury reports Thursday and Friday should provide a better idea about whether his hamstring is still a concern heading into Sunday's game against the Patriots, or if the Jaguars are just being cautious.

Okwuegbunam (abdomen) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Okwuegbunam has yet to appear in a game for the Eagles this season after sustaining an abdomen injury in mid-August that landed him on IR. However, the opening of his practice window Wednesday indicates that the 26-year-old is nearing a return to the field. The Eagles now have 21 days to activate Okwuegbunam to their active roster before he reverts to IR. Expect the second-year Eagle to serve as a depth piece in the team's tight end room once he's past his injury.

Firkser reverted to the Jets' practice squad Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Firkser was elevated to the Jets' active roster ahead of Monday night's win over the Bills, but he'll now rejoin the team's practice squad. The Harvard product could be elevated to New York's active roster again if the Jets' tight end room faces injuries later this season.

Hill (ribs) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against Denver, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Hill appears set to miss out on an opportunity to take on a larger-than-usual role in the absence of Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee). Head coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that he's hopeful Hill can return for an Oct. 27 matchup with the Chargers in Week 8, according to John Hendrix of SI.com.

Tremble (concussion) practiced as a limited participant Wednesday.

Tremble didn't practice in any capacity prior to being ruled out for Carolina's loss to Atlanta in Week 6, so it's encouraging to see him handling some reps to kick off Week 7 prep. The veteran tight end will need to fully clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to take the field Sunday on the road against Washington. Rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders caught five of seven targets for 49 yards while serving as Carolina's top tight end in Tremble's absence against Atlanta.