NFL Player News

Denver reinstated Dulcich (hamstring) from injured reserve ahead of Thursday's game against the Chiefs, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

As a result of the transaction, Dulcich is eligible to play against the Chiefs, but the Broncos listed the tight end as questionable for the contest after he was estimated as a full participant in Wednesday walk-through session. Official confirmation of Dulcich's status is thus slated to arrive once the team's inactive list is posted 90 minutes in advance of Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. If active, Dulcich could be part of a timeshare at tight end with Adam Trautman.

Smith (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.

One day removed from having practice limitations due to an ankle injury, Smith was able to return to all activity Thursday, setting him up to be available to Atlanta's offense Sunday against the Commanders. He'll thus continue to be a regular in a unit that also includes TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London and RBs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

Sullivan (hip) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Sullivan was designated for return from injured reserve last week and turned in a pair of limited practices as well as a full session, but he wasn't activated ahead of the Panthers' eventual 42-24 loss to the Lions. With one limited and one full practice already under his belt to begin Week 6 prep, Sullivan may have a better chance of making his 2023 debut Sunday at Miami if he can turn in another full practice Friday. Whenever he's activated, Sullivan will be limited to a depth role at tight end and may end up seeing most of his snaps on special teams.

LaPorta didn't practice Thursday due to a calf injury.

After not showing up on the Lions' initial injury report of Week 6 prep Wednesday, LaPorta wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of Thursday's session, per Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. The reason for the rookie tight end's absence now is known, and it remains to be seen if it'll impact his availability for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. Friday's report will relay whether or not he heads into the weekend with a designation, but reserve TE Brock Wright would stand to benefit if LaPorta is limited or sidelined.

Kelce (ankle) is expected to play Thursday against the Broncos, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per Schefter, Kelce -- who remains listed as questionable for the contest -- is expected to play with his right ankle heavily taped. Official confirmation of the star tight end's status for Thursday's contest will arrive when the Chiefs post their inactive list approximately 90 minutes ahead of the game's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Alie-Cox (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Alie-Cox suffered a concussion during the Colts' Week 5 win over the Titans, and he went from no participation in Wednesday's practice to limited work Thursday. The 30-year-old tight end seems to be trending in the right direction to play in this coming Sunday against Jacksonville, but he'll still have to clear the league's five-step protocol before he's cleared to take the field.

Knox (wrist) remained a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Dalton Kincaid (concussion) was also limited Thursday, and the Bills' top two tight ends likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid injury designations ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants. If Kincaid doesn't end up clearing the NFL's concussion protocol in time, Knox could be in store for added opportunities in the passing game, provided he suits up this weekend.

Waller (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Waller's activity level marks a step forward from Wednesday, when he was held out of the Giants' first Week 6 practice session entirely. According to Tom Rock of Newsday, Waller attributed his absence Wednesday to being part of a "rest protocol," and the tight end said that he expects to suit up Sunday against the Bills. If Waller is to avoid entering the weekend without an injury designation, he'll likely need to turn in a full practice Friday.

Kincaid (concussion) remained a limited participant at practice Thursday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Per Fitzgerald, Kincaid sported a no-contact jersey during Thursday's session. The tight end now has one more chance to upgrade to full participation in practice and gain clearance from an independent neurologist ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

Kmet (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Kmet's reps were capped for the second practice in a row, and he may need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Vikings. Through the Bears' first five games, Kmet has performed as one of the league's better fantasy tight ends with a 23-231-3 receiving line on 29 targets.