NFL Player News

LaPorta (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card game against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

LaPorta seemed like a player in danger of missing time due to the awkward manner in which his left knee bent this past Sunday against the Vikings. Officially diagnosed with a hyperextension and bone bruise in that knee, he didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press after the latter session that he handled some reps and was optimistic about playing this weekend. In his return to drills Friday, LaPorta was seen jogging with a large brace on the knee in question, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, and the rookie tight end eventually went down as a full participant. Still, LaPorta's status won't be confirmed until approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Knox (illness) doesn't carry a designation ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Steelers.

An illness sidelined Knox for Thursday's practice, but the tight end's return to a full session Friday sets the stage for him to be available for Buffalo's playoff opener. With wideout Gabe Davis (knee) ruled out for the contest, Knox will have a chance to make his mark Sunday alongside fellow TE Dalton Kincaid and top WR Stefon Diggs, especially if inclement weather at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, according to Patrick Warren of the team's official site, results in a game plan that leans on the run and a less aggressive passing attack.

Coach Sean McVay said Higbee (shoulder) will be questionable for Sunday's wild-card game at Detroit, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

Higbee sat out Week 18 in San Francisco due to a dislocated left shoulder that he suffered one week prior, but since returning to drills Wednesday, he managed a pair of limited sessions before McVay's comments Friday. McVay added that Higbee should be OK to play this weekend, which won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Andrews (ankle) has been designated to return from injured reserve by the Ravens, Ryan Mink of the team's official site reports.

Per Mink, Andrews -- who suffered a major ankle injury on Nov. 16 against the Bengals -- returned to practice Friday, which opens up a 21-day window in which the star tight end can be moved to the Ravens' 53-man roster. While it remains to be seen if Andrews will be ready to play in his team's divisional-round playoff game next weekend, he'll be able to log several practices before a determination is made on his status. Per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, Andrews looked good moving around in warmups.

Head coach Dan Campbell relayed that LaPorta (knee) is slated to get some work in during Friday's practice, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

After being listed as a DNP both Wednesday and Thursday, LaPorta's looming participation, in any capacity, in Friday's session is a step in the right direction for the tight end ahead of Sunday night's playoff opener against the Rams. Per Woodyard, Campbell added the Lions will "know much, much more" about LaPorta's status after the team's final practice of the week.

Knox (illness) returned to practice Friday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

An illness kept Knox from practicing Thursday, but the tight end's return to the field a day later has him trending toward being available for Sunday's playoff opener against the Steelers. The Bills' final injury report of the week will reveal whether Knox heads into the weekend with a designation or fully cleared for action.

Muse appeared in two games during the 2023 season, catching his only target for a 22-yard gain.

The 2022 seventh-round pick secured the first catch of his NFL career Week 18 against the Lions. In total, Muse played just two offensive snaps in 2023 and another 29 on special teams. He didn't see action until after T.J. Hockenson suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 16. Muse will compete for a reserve role next summer. He's scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent.

Oliver appeared in all 17 games during the 2023 season, catching 22 of 28 targets for 213 yards and two touchdowns.

A third-round pick by the Jaguars in 2019, Oliver's targets, catches, yards and touchdowns all set or matched career highs. He saw action on 42 percent of the Vikings' offensive snaps after signing a three-year, $21 million deal with Minnesota last offseason. Oliver should once again play more of a blocking role behind T.J. Hockenson (knee) next season.

Mundt appeared in all 17 games during the 2023 season, catching 17 of 23 targets for 172 yards and one touchdown.

The targets and yards were new career bests for the 29-year-old veteran tight end. Mundt was mostly tasked with blocking duties on his 223 offensive snaps, but he did see extended pass-catching opportunities and playing time over the final two-and-a-half games of the season following T.J. Hockenson's season-ending torn ACL. Mundt posted 4-39-1 and 5-58-0 receiving lines on a combined 13 targets Weeks 17 and 18. He's scheduled to become a free agent in March after spending the last two seasons with the Vikings following five with the Rams.

Mitchell (hand) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

It's not clear when Mitchell picked up the hand issue, but his availability for the wild-card round is now in question regardless. Sam LaPorta did not participate at practice Thursday, so Detroit will certainly hope that Mitchell is able to practice in full Friday and avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.