NFL Player News

Smith (thumb) is closing in on a return to practice, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Coach Kevin O'Connell commented on Smith's recovery from thumb surgery after Saturday's preseason loss to the 49ers, saying the tight end "will be back on the grass" in the near future. Whether that means merely working with the Vikings' training staff on the side or actually mixing into individual drills remains to be seen, but when he does get on the field, it'll be a sign of progress as he aims to be available Week 1 against the Packers.

Kittle and most other starters will be held out of Saturday's preseason game against Minnesota, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

In addition to Kittle and QB Trey Lance, the 49ers figure to keep Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk off the field Saturday. Those four will form the core of the team's passing game this season, with both volume and efficiency being major question marks as the Niners transition from pocket passer Jimmy Garoppolo to a far more versatile and mobile QB in Lance.

Okwuegbunam played the entirety of Denver's preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday, logging four catches for 32 yards on five targets.

Coach Nathaniel Hackett said afterward that Okwuegbunam "needs reps," indicating some sort of dissatisfaction. By all accounts Okwuegbunam has made big plays consistently in Broncos training camp, so it's not clear why Hackett is playing mind games or what end he thinks he's working toward, but just as any other time he's ever played Okwuegbunam drew usage and played well against the Bills. It would be odd for Hackett to antagonize what might be his best big-play threat on offense, but for now that appears to be the situation.

Granson caught two of three targets for 18 yards in Saturday's 27-26 preseason loss to the Lions.

Granson was involved from the onset, catching the first pass thrown by Nick Foles while the Colts rested starters such as Matt Ryan and Mo Alie-Cox. While Alie-Cox's superior blocking ability and experience have him poised to lead Colts tight ends in playing time, Granson's expected to take on a more significant role in his second NFL season after seeing minimal involvement in 2021 as a rookie fourth-round pick out of SMU.

Hodges (undisclosed) will not play in Saturday's exhibition contest versus the Chiefs, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Hodges sigend with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in May. He is competing for a spot on the team's final roster, so a return from his undisclosed injury sooner than later will be advantageous for his chances.

Turner (hamstring) will not play in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Chiefs, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Turner, a rookie fifth-round pick by the Commanders, has been nursing a hamstring injury. He is competing with the likes of Sammis Reyes, Curtis Hodges and Armani Rogers for the No. 3 position on the depth chart at tight end and for a spot on the team's final 53-man roster.

Rogers will start at tight end in Saturday's preseason game against the Chiefs, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

The undrafted rookie was a college quarterback at UNLV and Ohio. Now, he's essentially the last man standing in an injury-riddled TE room in Washington, with the other healthy body being recently signed Eli Wolf. There's an opportunity for Rogers to see a bunch of targets.

Bates (calf) will not play in Saturday's preseason game against Kansas City, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Bates is one of three tight ends ruled out for Washington, leaving Armani Rogers and Eli Wolf as the team's healthy options this Saturday.

The Rams waived Blanton on Saturday, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

It was a quick slide for Blanton, as the Rams had him listed as the No. 2 tight end on their depth chart less than two weeks ago. He has suited up for 12 games during his first three seaons in the league, all with Los Angeles. He will now look for a new opportunity.

Davis was targeted once, caught one pass for seven yards and lost a fumble in Friday's exhibition contest against the Saints.

Davis started at tight end in Friday's contest, but he was limited to the lone look and had a ball slip through his hands for the second time in as many weeks. The Packers like Davis' potential, but he has not done himself any favors over the last couple weeks.