Chris Herndon came off suspension, but the New York Jets tight end will have to wait a couple of more weeks to make his 2019 debut.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Herndon suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain while running routes last Friday and is out this week and likely next week, per a source informed of the injury. Rapoport added the belief is the pull is minor and his absence isn't expected to be long.
Herndon was suspended the first four games of the season for violating the league's policy and program on substances of abuse.
The 23-year-old profiled as a breakout candidate this season after flashing playmaking ability and athleticism at the end of last season, including a six-catch, 82-yard game with a touchdown in Week 16 versus Green Bay.
Tight end is a shallow spot on the Jets' roster with veteran journeyman Ryan Griffin tallying 93 percent of the offensive snaps yet compiling just five catches for 17 yards.
Sam Darnold could use a pass-catching TE like Herndon to help open the offense but will have to wait a few more weeks to benefit from the potential playmaker.
Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (groin), guard Kelechi Osemele (shoulder/knee/illness) and defensive lineman Henry Anderson (shoulder) all will not practice Thursday. Cornerback Nate Hairston (knee) will go through individual drills and will see how he feels before deciding if he'll practice.
Other injuries we're monitoring around the league Thursday:
- New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and did not return. Gordon's leg got caught underneath another player during a Giants fumble return for a touchdown.
Pats safety Patrick Chung, linebacker Dont'a Hightower (shoulder) and fullback Jakob Johnson (shoulder) also suffered injuries.
- New York Giants defensive end Olsen Pierre suffered a concussion.
- Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson will miss his fourth consecutive game due to a lingering abdomen injury, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. Jackson is targeting a Week 7 return for a key NFC East clash against the Cowboys.
Tackle Jason Peters (knee) was limited in practice. Running back Darren Sproles (quadricep), cornerback Ronald Darby (hamstring) and running back Corey Clement (shoulder) did not participate in Thursday's practice.
- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera says he expects running back Christian McCaffrey (back) to practice with the team on Friday. McCaffrey was held out of Wednesday's practice due to the injury and Thursday served as a walkthrough for the team, however CMC was listed as a full participant for the session.
Cornerback Donte Jackson also was listed as a full participant as he looks to return to action from a groin injury.
- Star receiver Davante Adams (turf toe) was held out of practice again as the Packers prep for Monday's game against the Lions, per ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky. Rookie safety Darnell Savage (ankle) also missed the session.
Adams did not sound optimistic he'd be able to play Monday when talking to reporters after practice. "It doesn't feel how I want it to feel at the moment," Adams said.
In positive injury news for Green Bay, running back Jamaal Williams appears to have cleared the league's concussion protocol and was back at practice Thursday, per ESPN.com.
- The Minnesota Vikings were without Adam Thielen at practice as the receiver deals with an illness.
Rookie center Garrett Bradbury appeared on the injury report Thursday with an elbow issue was as listed as a limited participant.
- The Dallas Cowboys expressed optimism earlier this week that Tyron Smith (ankle) and La'el Collins (knee) could return to action this Sunday against the Jets, but both offensive linemen missed Thursday's practice.
Star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (illness) also was held out.
- The Kansas City Chiefs were without a number of key players at practice Thursday. Left tackle Eric Fisher (groin), defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin), guard Andrew Wylie (ankle) and Sammy Watkins (hamstring) all sat out the session.
- Good news for Lions rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson who was a full go at practice Thursday, per Tim Twentyman of the team's official site. Hockenson remains in the league's concussion protocol, but Twentyman added that he is "doing all the physical activity that's allowed in the return-to-play protocol."
- The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver J.J. Nelson and signed wideout Marcell AtemanM to the active roster. Nelson was active for just two of the Raiders' five games this season, catching four passes for 36 yards in Week 3.
- The Giants will work out former Texans and Chiefs running back Akeem Hunt on Friday, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The Giants are short on running backs with Saquon Barkley battling a high ankle sprain and Wayne Gallman currently in the concussion protocol.
- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (concussion) remained a limited participant in practice.
- New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) was limited in practice on Thursday.
- Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II (groin) was limited in practice.
- Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (knee) was a limited participant for a second consecutive day while defensive end Melvin Ingram (hamstring) missed practice again.
