Bates (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Bates has missed both of Cleveland's past two games due to an ankle injury. He didn't practice at all each of the previous two weeks, so his ability to log a limited session Wednesday suggests he's showing improvement. When healthy this season, Bates has had a minor role on offense, logging two catches on two targets for 23 yards across five contests (three with the Texans and two with the Browns).

Zylstra (knee) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Zylstra is working his way back from a knee injury that has held him out since Week 3. He began last week with a similar limited practice before downgrading to no practice, so his progression this week should give an indication of whether he'll be able to return to the field in Week 15 against the Rams.

Mayer (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Mayer, who sustained an ankle injury Week 12 against the Browns, had missed six consecutive practices and two straight games heading into Wednesday's session. The tight end's ability to participate, albeit in a limited fashion, has him trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Eagles approaches.

Smartt (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Smartt appeared to sustain the injury late in the fourth quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, and he finished that game playing 22 snaps (three on offense, 19 on special teams) while failing to haul in his lone catch. Given his DNP on Wednesday, Smartt faces an uphill battle to be cleared to play this Sunday against the Jaguars. With Mason Taylor (neck) also working through an injury, Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods are the two remaining healthy tight ends on the Jets' active roster for the start of Week 15 prep.

Morris (ankle) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Morris was bothered by a groin injury that cost him two games earlier in the season. It's unclear if the ankle injury will jeopardize his status for a Week 15 matchup against the Jets. Morris has primarily contributed as a blocker and on special teams this season.

Hockenson was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a shin injury.

Hockenson logged his lowest snap share (56 percent) in a game this season this past Sunday against the Commanders, but he salvaged his two-catch, 12-yard day with a TD among his three targets. Perhaps the shin issue was to blame, but in any case, his status now will be monitored as the weekend approaches to get a sense of his odds to suit up Sunday in Dallas. Josh Oliver is the next TE up in Minnesota if Hockenson needs to miss any time.

Ferguson was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a calf injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Both Ferguson and WR CeeDee Lamb (concussion) operated with a cap on their reps to begin Week 15 prep, but the former's health concern didn't emerge until Wednesday. As a result, Ferguson's status will continue to be monitored as the week continues to get a sense of his availability for Sunday's contest versus the Vikings.

Taylor (neck) didn't practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

This is a new injury for Taylor, who was the Jets' leading receiver with five catches for 51 yards in this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins. The rookie second-round pick will have two more chances to increase his participation level ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

The Seahawks announced Wednesday that Saubert (calf) has been designated for return from IR, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Saubert has missed Seattle's last six games due to a lingering calf injury, but he's now ready to resume practicing and will have a 21-day window wherein he can ramp up his activity level without counting against the active roster. The Seahawks can activate him from IR at any point in that span, his health permitting. Once ready to return, Saubert will stand to contribute as a depth option at tight end.

Johnson was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a toe injury, Matt Citak of the Giants' official site reports.

In the wake of the Giants' Week 14 bye, Johnson now is dealing with a health concern that may stem back to the team's last game Dec. 1 at New England. In any case, he'll have two more opportunities to get back to full this week before New York potentially tags him with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Commanders.