NFL Player News

Pitts played but was not targeted in Friday's 27-23 preseason win over the Lions.

Pitts suited up as Atlanta opened their exhibition slate. In making a brief appearance, though, he didn't get any passes thrown his way. Pitts will hope to get more work in the Falcons' next preseason game versus the Jets.

Wilcox was ruled out for the remainder of Friday's preseason matchup against Arizona after suffering a left ankle injury.

Wilcox figured to see heavy usage before having his left ankle rolled up on in Friday's game as fellow backup Drew Sample was already sidelined due to a knee injury. With Wilcox now out as well, Thaddeus Moss and Scotty Washington should see increased snaps against the Cardinals.

Kittle isn't expected to play in Friday's preseason game against the Packers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle will be among a number of 49ers regulars sitting out their exhibition opener, including running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Tyler Kroft, Ross Dwelley, Tanner Hudson and Troy Fumagalli represent the team's healthy and available tight ends Friday.

Hopkins is listed as the third-string tight end on the Rams' first unofficial depth chart, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Hopkins had a breakout performance in Super Bowl LVI, notching 47 yards on four receptions after garnering just a single catch through the first twelve games of his career. Despite ending his year on a positive note, the return of Tyler Higbee combined with Kendall Blanton's presence relegates Hopkins back to a tertiary role going into his third year with the Rams, albeit with evidence that he can produce if thrust into a key role.

Mitchell is not expected to suit up for Friday night's preseason game against Atlanta, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Mitchell just recently began working his way back into team activities after suffering a torn ACL during his final collegiate season with Virginia Tech. With the rookie tight end out, Brock Wright, Devin Funchess and Garrett Griffin should see increased usage.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury recently said Ertz (calf) is making progress, Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Ertz left practice last Thursday (Aug. 4) and hasn't returned since. He won't play in Friday's preseason game against Cincinnati, but there hasn't been any indication the Cardinals are worried about Week 1. Rookie tight end Trey McBride (back) is also banged up, while Maxx Williams (knee) came off the PUP list last week after suffering an ACL tear in Week 5 last season.

Waller has been missing time in training camp due to a hamstring injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Schefter notes that the tight end's hamstring issue is not considered serious, while Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com relays that it appears as though Waller could return to practice next week. With that in mind, it seems safe to assume that Waller won't be available for Sunday's preseason contest against the Vikings.

Waller (undisclosed) told Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com he should be ready to practice next week.

Waller has been out since at least the beginning of August with an undisclosed injury. It sounds like he doesn't consider it serious, but fantasy managers will still feel much better once he actually gets back on the practice field. Waller won't be playing in Sunday's preseason game against Minnesota.

Bellinger caught his only target for five yards in Thursday's 23-21 preseason win over the Patriots.

Bellinger was listed atop the tight end depth chart heading into the preseason opener, but Daniel Jones didn't look his way during the starting quarterback's two drives of action, as the only pass thrown Bellinger's way came from backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Bellinger will look to make more of an impact in New York's second preseason game Aug. 21 against Cincinnati, as Ricky Seals-Jones (undisclosed) and Jordan Akins remain hot on his heels for playing time at tight end.

Likely caught each of his four targets for 44 yards in Thursday's preseason win over Tennessee.

The rookie fourth-round pick was on the field for most of the first half with QB Tyler Huntley and the second-team offense, while fellow tight ends Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle were rested along with the other starters and fellow fourth-round pick Charlie Kolar was sidelined by sports hernia surgery. Likely was called for two holding penalties Thursday, but it isn't blocking he was drafted for, coming out of Coastal Carolina as an undersized tight end (235 pounds) who put up 912 yards and 12 TDs his senior season. He showed why the Ravens took him when he got his shots in the passing game, with one reception featuring a trio of successful jukes and another going for 22 yards in traffic. Last but not least, Likely made a tough catch on a low throw -- initially called incomplete before a review overturned it. As encouraging of an effort as it was, Likely is unlikely to find an opening for rookie-year fantasy value in any scenario where Mark Andrews stays healthy. For now, the rookie tight end is mostly of interest in deeper dynasty leagues.