NFL Player News

Taylor (neck) is listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

The Jets did not hold an official practice session Thursday, but Taylor is nonetheless certainly trending in the wrong direction for Week 17. He's already missed two straight games and was similarly unable to practice Wednesday. Taylor will have one more opportunity to retake the practice field ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

Kittle (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle now has gone down as a DNP on both the 49ers' practice reports since he left Monday's win at Indianapolis in the third quarter due to a left ankle injury and wasn't able to return. He's reportedly dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, and Kittle has one more chance to mix into drills Friday before San Francisco potentially makes a ruling on his status for Sunday's game against the Bears. Jake Tonges would be the favorite to step into a pass-catching role among the team's remaining tight ends if Kittle is inhibited or sidelined Week 17.

The Broncos have signed Lewis from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Lewis has bounced between Denver's active roster and practice squad multiple times this season, and he's now slated to suit up for what will be his fifth regular-season appearance of 2025 with the team. Across his prior four appearances Lewis wasn't targeted a single time, so he stands to again contribute mostly as a blocker on Christmas Day. Now a member of the Broncos' active roster, Lewis will be eligible to suit up for both of the team's remaining regular-season games, as well as the entire postseason.

Helm (toe) was listed as limited on Thursday's estimated injury report, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Helm continues to manage a toe injury he initially suffered Week 15, but has managed to play through since. The rookie tight end was also limited in practice Wednesday, so he may need to log a full session Friday in order to avoid being assigned an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Saints. Helm played a career-high 52 offensive snaps (71 percent) versus the Chiefs in Week 16 but only logged two catches for nine yards (on three targets).

Ferguson won't return to Thursday's contest at Washington due to a calf injury, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Cowboys made the announcement not long after halftime, but prior to that point there was no indication Ferguson was dealing with a health concern. In any case, he'll finish Week 17 with one catch (on two targets) for six yards and one touchdown. Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford will be Dallas' options at tight end for the rest of Thursday's game.

Kincaid (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate.

Kincaid also was listed as a 'DNP' in Wednesday's walkthrough, which goes for fellow TE Dawson Knox (knee). Friday's final injury report thus will be telling with regard to the duo's chances of playing Sunday against the Eagles, but it's worth noting that last week Kincaid was also deemed a non-participant Wednesday and Thursday before working fully Friday and heading into Week 16 action minus an injury designation.

Culp (illness) was listed as a full practice participant on Thursday's estimated report, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The second-year tight end popped up on Wednesday's injury report due to an illness, but he appears to be over the issue and is on track to play against the Dolphins on Sunday. He's not been a big part of the Buccaneers' offense this season and was a healthy scratch for Tampa Bay's Week 16 loss to Carolina.

Waller (groin/rest) was deemed to be limited on Thursday's practice estimation, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Waller didn't practice Wednesday, so his designation of limited one day later -- though Miami didn't actually practice Thursday -- is promising. It has to be noted that the Dolphins are indicating both Waller's lingering groin issue and rest as the reasons for his statuses so far this week, and the veteran tight end has consistently had his practice reps managed since returning from a four-game absence Week 13. With that in mind, the expectation should be that he'll be available for Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay.

Latu (neck) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

A neck stinger forced Latu to miss last Saturday's win over the Commanders. However, with a full practice under his belt to begin Week 17 prep, it's likely he'll be able to return to action Sunday versus Buffalo. Latu typically sees most of his work on special teams, and that may not change moving forward with three other healthy tight ends on the roster.

Whyle (concussion) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Whyle was also deemed limited for Tuesday's practice walkthrough. The third-year tight end missed this past Saturday's overtime loss to Chicago due to the concussion he suffered Week 15 versus Denver, but he seems to have a chance of returning for Saturday's game against Baltimore, though he'll first need to clear concussion protocol. If Whyle manages to suit up, he'll likely back up starter Luke Musgrave, as fellow tight end John FitzPatrick tore his Achilles in Week 16 and is done for the season.