NFL Player News

Alie-Cox failed to bring in his only target in the Colts' 27-10 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

Alie-Cox's lackluster preseason ended with a thud Saturday night, calling into question how snaps might be divided at tight end for the Colts come the regular season. Alie-Cox appeared set to lose some playing time to rookie Andrew Ogletree prior to the latter's season-ending knee injury, but second-year pro Kylen Granson and rookie third-round pick Jelani Woods could be threats as well beginning with the Week 1 divisional road matchup against the Texans on Sept. 11.

Kmet caught three receptions for 36 yards and one touchdown on three targets in Chicago's preseason game against Cleveland on Saturday.

Kmet's first two NFL seasons contained plenty of struggles, but he's still just 23 years old and possesses above-average athleticism at a big build. As much as the Bears might throw poorly and infrequently in 2022, Kmet's projection gets a boost for the fact that he might be the second-leading target behind Darnell Mooney.

Thomas is set to return within the week, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Thomas was carted off the practice field Aug. 9 with an injury to his ribs, but he has apparently recovered since for the most part. He's slated to serve as the primary backup to 2021 third-rounder Tommy Tremble this season and will likely spend much of his time on the field on running downs.

Okwuegbunam isn't in line to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Vikings, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.

Offensive coordinator Justin Outten implied to Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com on Thursday that Okwuegbunam again would see action in the Broncos' third exhibition, but it appears coach Nathaniel Hackett ultimately will keep his top tight end on the sideline Saturday. Overall, Okwuegbunam hauled in four of five passes (for 32 yards) from quarterbacks not named Russell Wilson in two contests, so their connection won't be seen on the field until Week 1, when the team opens the campaign Monday, Sept. 12 with a visit to Seattle.

Arnold played just two first-half snaps and wasn't targeted in Saturday's 28-12 preseason loss to Atlanta.

Arnold topped Jacksonville's tight end depth chart down the stretch last season after being acquired from Carolina via trade, but he's definitely behind offseason acquisition Evan Engram at this point, and Chris Manhertz seems to also have surpassed Arnold for the No. 2 spot. Arnold didn't do anything to bolster his case to make the team Saturday, but it would be surprising if he got cut, even with 2021 fifth-round pick Luke Farrell also in the mix for a spot at at tight end.

Goedert isn't slated to play in Saturday's preseason game in Miami, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Goedert thus will make just one appearance during exhibition season after connecting with Jalen Hurts for a 22-yard touchdown back in preseason Week 1 against the Jets. While the Eagles are among the most run-heavy teams in the NFL and wide receiver A.J. Brown now is a member of the team, Goedert still should have plenty of opportunities to make weekly contributions in the box score as he looks to build upon a 56-830-4 line on 76 targets in 15 games from the 2021 campaign.

Fant wasn't targeted in Friday's 27-26 preseason loss to the Cowboys.

Fant played just 16 offensive snaps in the preseason finale. He has been quiet during the preseason, catching just three passes for 17 yards. Nevertheless, he's expected to be the No. 3 target in Seattle's offense behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Geno Smith was named the starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Broncos.

Engram is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Falcons, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Engram is among the Jaguars' key players sitting out the contest and the tight end's next game action will occur in Week 1 against the Commanders. At that time, Engram is slated to serve as Jacksonville's top tight end, with Chris Manhertz, Dan Arnold and Luke Farrell in the depth mix at the position.

Kmet and the Bears' starting offense are expected to play the entire first half Saturday against the Browns, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

Coach Matt Eberflus had his starters on the field for limited action during the first two preseason games, but he expects to give them much more work in the preseason finale. Kmet caught two passes for 31 yards in one drive with Justin Fields in last week's game, and he'll look to build on that chemistry against Cleveland.

Smith caught his only target for five yards in the Patriots' 23-6 preseason loss to the Raiders on Friday night.

Smith and fellow tight end Hunter Henry both logged 16 snaps in the team's preseason finale, with New England's depth options seeing extended action. However, once the regular season starts, Henry and Smith are in line to form a 1-2 TE combo for the team. In that context, Smith figures to log a steady share of snaps in 2022, but as long as both players are available, Smith's target volume could be somewhat sporadic.