NFL Player News

Hurst caught five passes for 46 yards on eight targets in the 23-20 overtime loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

Hurst was quiet in the game at first, but he stepped up a bit following the exit of wideout Tee Higgins (concussion) and made some plays toward the end. It's at the very least encouraging that Hurst decisively held off 2019 second-round pick Drew Sample, who drew just one target for a two-yard catch in the game. Hurst might need to play a bigger role again if Higgins is unable to gain clearance before Cincinnati plays at Dallas in Week 2.

McBride (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Chiefs, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Despite Zach Ertz coming back from a calf injury that sidelined him for more than a month and Maxx Williams returning from a torn ACL suffered last October, McBride won't see NFL action in his first opportunity to do so. It may come as a surprise considering the Cardinals spent a second-round pick on the tight end back in April, but McBride will have to wait until potentially next Sunday at Las Vegas to see the field in an official game.

Parham (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Raiders, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

As expected, Parham is unable to overcome his doubtful status to start the season. As a result, top tight end Gerald Everett could see some extra targets in his first regular-season game with the Bolts, while Tre' McKitty is likely to serve as his primary backup.

Ertz (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Ertz was sidelined for the entire preseason due to a calf injury sustained in practice Aug. 4. He proceeded to return to the field this week, fitting in a pair of limited sessions around an absence Thursday. The activity was enough for the Cardinals to clear Ertz for Week 1 action, when he'll serve as the team's top pass-catching tight end. In 12 games (including playoffs) with Arizona following his trade from Philadelphia last season, he put together a 59-595-3 line on 85 targets.

Ruckert (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's season opener against the Ravens, Billy Riccette of USA Today reports.

Ruckert missed all of the Jets' OTAs and half of training camp due to a foot injury. While he's now healthy, the rookie third-round pick missed a substantial amount of practice time and will continue to be brought along slowly. New York made a splash in free agency this offseason by adding C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, so they'll be in no rush to thrust Ruckert into action if he isn't 100 percent comfortable with the playbook.

Kroft was spotted warming up with the 49ers' first-team offense and is expected to start at tight end Sunday against the Bears, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

With top tight end George Kittle (groin) sidelined for the season opener, Kroft looks to be first in line to replace him in the lineup. Even if Kroft ends up getting the start, don't count on him handling as large of a snap share as Kittle does, nor should Kroft be expected to approach the 6.7 targets per game that Kittle averaged during the 2021 regular season. Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley are also active for the contest and could rotate in at tight end with Kroft.

Calcaterra (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Lions.

Calcaterra was able to make the 53-man roster, but he's still No. 4 on the Eagles' tight end positional depth chart. He'll give way to Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll and Noah Togiai at the position Sunday. The rookie, selected in the sixth round of the 2022 Draft, will need to prove more to crack the roster on gameday in Week 2.

Turner (hamstring) is inactive Sunday against the Jaguars.

Turner has been limited at practice all week and isn't quite ready for game action. In his absence, Armani Rogers is expected to operate as Washington's No. 3 tight end.

Vannett (coach's decision) will not play Sunday against the Falcons, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Vannett was able to crack the 53-man roster, but he's still listed behind Adam Trautman, Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson on the team's tight end positional depth chart. He'll have to wait to make his season debut.

Wilcox (ankle) is active for Sunday's season opener against the Steelers, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Wilcox suffered a left ankle injury during the team's exhibition opener and was sidelined for the remainder of the preseason. He was limited at practices all week, but he'll still suit up for Week 1. Wilcox will compete for Drew Sample for backup snaps behind Hayden Hurst, but the majority of Wilcox's snaps will likely come on special teams.