NFL Player News

Bryant is off to a strong start in training camp and looks ready to handle a greater load in 2022, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports. "He's been a very good player for us since he got here," Cleveland tight ends coach T.C. McCartney said. "He does a lot of things that do not show up on the stat sheet necessarily, but we expect him to take the next step, as well."

Bryant hauled in a few short passes Monday and was on the receiving end of a deep ball from Deshaun Watson on Saturday. With the Browns moving on from Austin Hooper during the offseason, Bryant is expected to pick up extra playing time behind starter David Njoku. It was only two seasons ago as a rookie that Bryant outplayed Njoku and earned more playing time than him.

Quitoriano (undisclosed) was activated from the active/PUP list Monday, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reports.

Quitoriano spent less than a week on the active/PUP list to begin training camp. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Oregon State will compete for a depth role at tight end with the Texans.

Fortson (quadriceps) didn't practice Monday, but coach Andy Reid believes the tight end will be available to practice within the next few days, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Once healthy, Fortson will compete for a depth role at tight end behind Travis Kelce. Per Reid, Fortson's injury "isn't too bad."

Likely is turning in a strong start to training camp and is vying for a role in the Ravens offense, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Mark Andrews is the clear No.1 option at tight end, but fellow rookie Charlie Kolar's injury means there's one less hurdle for Likely to clear in order to have a role. Likely, a rookie from Coastal Carolina, has carried over his positive momentum from minicamp to begin training camp as he is showing reliable hands and a better-than-expected ability to separate from defenders. Per Zrebiec, Likely appears "close to certain" to have a role Week 1 provided he continues to impress in practice and remains healthy.

Hurst has drawn praise from multiple teammates for his performance early in training camp, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Safety Michael Thomas said Hurst's skill set is "as advertised," while slot cornerback Mike Hilton elaborated that "he can really move for his size," which will allow Hurst to be a "mismatch" for defenders. Signed to replace C.J. Uzomah as the team's starting tight end, Hurst could be more involved as a pass catcher than Uzomah was, but he hasn't been able to create a rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow yet, as the quarterback is recovering from an appendectomy.

Coach Nathaniel Hackett isn't concerned about Dulcich's (hamstring) absence from training camp, Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports reports.

The Broncos are taking it easy with their rookie third-round pick, and Hackett pointed out that there's still plenty of time for Dulcich to get up to speed before the regular season. Once healthy, Dulcich is expected to compete with Albert Okwuegbunam for playing time at tight end.

Waller (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at Monday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

The tight end also was absent from Sunday's session, so until added information regarding the nature of his absence is provided, we'll consider Waller day-to-day ahead of Thursday's Hall of Fame Game versus the Jaguars.

Calcaterra suffered a leg injury in practice Saturday, Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal reports.

The severity of Calcaterra's injury is unclear, but it will keep him out of practice Monday at minimum. Once cleared to return, the rookie sixth-round pick will attempt to carve out a depth role on Philadelphia's tight end depth chart.

Hudson (leg) passed his physical Monday and was removed from the active/PUP list, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Hudson suffered the injury during minicamp, but he has recovered and will participate in training camp moving forward. He's expected to fill a depth role at tight end for the Titans in 2022.

Kittle, who dealt with a lower-body issue during OTAs, is participating in training camp practices, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Kittle, who remains the 49ers' clear-cut top tight end, continues to profile as a quality fantasy option at his position, coming off a 2021 campaign in which he caught 71 of his 94 targets for 910 yards and six TDs in 14 games. The 28-year-old has missed 11 regular-season games over the last two campaigns, but as long as he's available, Kittle should maintain steady target volume in 2022 while working in a 49ers passing attack that is in line to be helmed by second-year QB Trey Lance.