NFL Player News

Ruckert caught both of his targets for three yards and a touchdown in Friday's 24-21 preseason win over Philadelphia.

A nice play design on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line allowed Ruckert to slip open underneath, and fourth-string quarterback Chris Streveler found the rookie tight end for a touchdown. Ruckert likely will be brought along slowly behind C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, but it's nice to see the third-round pick out of Ohio State healthy and contributing after he missed most of the offseason program due to a foot injury.

Fant caught two of three targets for 20 yards in Saturday's 32-25 preseason loss to the Steelers.

Fant only played 20 offensive snaps, all of which were in the first half, so all three of his targets were from Geno Smith. The 2019 first-round pick was solid as a blocker and pass catcher. Fant didn't need to prove much in the exhibition contest. We should expect his reps to remain limited for the rest of the preseason.

Hesse caught one of two targets for one yard and a touchdown during Friday's preseason contest against the Lions.

Hesse operated as the top backup tight end behind Kyle Pitts and Anthony Firkser, and totaled 27 snaps (22 offensive). His touchdown came in the second quarter and was rookie Desmond Ridder's first touchdown in NFL action. Hesse appeared in eight games for Atlanta last year and caught five of six targets for 43 yards. The undrafted tight end out of Iowa figures to garner a similar role in 2022, but he faces stiff training camp competition from veteran MyCole Pruitt and training-camp darling Feleipe Franks.

Calcaterra (hamstring) is still not practicing with the team Sunday, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

Calcaterra suffered the injury during practice Aug. 1 and has been out since. Selected in the sixth round of the 2022 Draft, Calcaterra is likely competing with the returning Richard Rodgers for a roster spot, with Tyree Jackson (knee) on the active/PUP list.

Ogletree had one reception for five yards on two targets, including a drop, but he had a 17-yard TD from Sam Ehlinger wiped out by a penalty away from the catch, Fox 59 Indianapolis reports.

Ogletree was seen having a strong camp and moved ahead of third-round pick Jelani Woods on the depth chart, but Saturday's game was more of a mixed bag. Woods had a decent game, so the competition for the No. 3 tight end role remains in flux.

Granson had two receptions for 29 yards on two targets in Saturday's preseason loss to Buffalo.

Granson showed off his speed when he outran a defender on a 23-yard slant route. He got a lot of his work with the second-team offense, however. He's likely the second option at tight end behind Mo Alie-Cox and may not get many targets, but that could change some if oft-injured Parris Campbell or another receiver gets hurt.

Hopkins caught one of two passes for nine yards in Saturday's 29-22 win over the Chargers.

Fellow backup tight end Kendall Blanton was on the field as well, but only Hopkins was targeted by Bryce Perkins, and he was able to snag one of the two for a nine-yard gain during the Rams' first touchdown drive of the game. With Tyler Higbee being eased back in to action after recovering from an MCL injury suffered in the NFC Championship Game last season, expect to see plenty of both Hopkins and Blanton during Friday's second preseason game against the Texans.

Jordan caught his only target for seven yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Saints.

Jordan was one of two listed starters at tight end alongside Pharaoh Brown, but the latter was not targeted while Jordan hauled in his only look from backup quarterback Jeff Driskel early in the second quarter. However, Jordan was later flagged for a costly offensive pass interference penalty just two plays prior to Ka'imi Fairbairn's missed 59-yard field goal attempt heading into the half. Looking ahead, Jordan should have more of an opportunity to build rapport with starting quarterback Davis Mills during the Texans' second preseason contest against the Rams after the signal caller played just two brief series Saturday.

Ferguson brought in all three targets for 29 yards in the Cowboys' 17-7 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

The rookie fourth-round pick co-led the team in receptions while checking in second in receiving yards for the night, making it a solid debut. Ferguson would appear to have a good chance of locking down the No. 2 tight end role behind Dalton Schultz if he can produce in similar fashion during the Cowboys' remaining pair of preseason games.

Okwuegbunam did not log a target during the Broncos' 17-7 preseason win over the Cowboys on Saturday night.

The projected top tight end did start the game but didn't make a mark on the stat sheet. However, there's no active threat to Okwuegbunam's status as the No. 1 option at his position to open the season, and he could certainly see some targets in next Saturday night's road preseason clash against the Bills if the Broncos treat the game as a dress rehearsal and Russell Wilson plays at least a couple of series.