Smith (knee) returned to practice Saturday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Smith left practice early Aug. 5 and hasn't done much since then, but his return for the first practice after Pittsburgh's final preseason game suggests he's on track to play Week 1 against the Jets. Uncertainty about his role remains the larger concern for fantasy, with Pat Freiermuth offering tough competition for playing time in single-TE formations.

Ertz won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Ertz and John Bates are both being rested -- in Ertz's case for a third straight week -- while 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott isn't among the 33 names being held out. It's the latest sign that Sinnott has made no real progress toward usurping Ertz, although there's perhaps still some risk it eventually happens. In any case, Ertz gets a solid target projection for Week 1 against the Giants, putting him in play as a lineup option even though he was drafted as a backup (or not at all) in most fantasy leagues. The uncertainty surrounding Terry McLaurin (contract) and Noah Brown (undisclosed injury) could further boost Ertz's volume outlook as the opener draws near, with the wideouts potentially having workload limitations even if they both end up playing (following prolonged absences this summer).

Bates won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

The Commanders are resting most of the players with secure roles -- a group that includes Bates, but apparently not fellow tight end Ben Sinnott (a 2024 second-round pick). Zach Ertz is also resting in anticipation of being the team's top receiving threat at tight end, while Bates figures to continue in his familiar role as a blocking-focused No. 2 TE when Washington open the regular season against the Giants on Sun., Sept. 7.

Helm did not record a catch on one target in Friday's 23-13 preseason win over the Vikings.

Helm was on the field during two tight-end sets with Cameron Ward under center, a positive indication that he will have an immediate role in the Tennessee offense. However, he failed to make an impact in the box score, as his only target of the game came from Brandon Allen. Chig Okonkwo is likely to be Tennessee's primary tight end to begin the regular season, but Helm has seemingly risen up the depth chart quickly to begin his rookie year.

Kelce corralled two of three targets for 32 yards in Friday's preseason loss to Chicago.

A slimmer Kelce made his preseason debut Friday after sitting out the Chiefs' first two exhibitions. The 35-year-old decided to lace up for a 13th season after his team was unceremoniously bounced from the Super Bowl by the Eagles in 2024. Kelce's numbers have been steadily declining since his last 1,000-yard season back in 2022. That said, an over-the-hill Kelce still warrants fantasy consideration at a very shallow position.

Ferguson isn't suited up ahead of Friday's preseason game versus the Falcons, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Ferguson thus won't see any action during exhibition season, though his standing as the Cowboys' No. 1 TE was intact all along, especially after inking a four-year, $52 million extension in the early stages of training camp. He's combined for 130 catches (on 188 targets) for 1,255 yards and five touchdowns in 31 regular-season games over the last two years, but he'll have a bit more competition for targets in 2025 following the addition of George Pickens to the WR room this offseason.

Houston cut Keene (hamstring) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Keene joined Brevin Jordan (knee) on the Texans' injured reserve list with a hamstring injury less than two weeks ago, and now Keene is on track to become a free agent. Once he's back healthy, he'll be free to sign with another squad and suit up right away.

Fidone caught four of five targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in a 42-10 preseason win against the Patriots on Thursday.

Fidone's touchdown came on a three-yard strike from Tommy DeVito in the third quarter. However, the tight end's most impressive play was arguably a 28-yard connection with DeVito early in the fourth quarter that finished just shy of the end zone, setting up a one-yard TD pass from DeVito to another tight end (Greg Dulcich). Fidone's performance capped a strong preseason three-game slate during which he caught eight of nine targets for 64 yards. While the Giants have a pretty crowded tight-end room, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post projects Fidone to make the team's initial 53-man roster, potentially as New York's third option at the position behind Theo Johnson and Chris Manhertz in a scenario that includes Daniel Bellinger being moved via trade.

Pittsburgh cut Foelsch on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Foelsch has spent time with the Panthers, Jets, Eagles, Chiefs and Steelers since going undrafted out of New Haven in 2024, but he's still searching for a chance to make his regular-season debut. The second-year tight end will likely end up finding a spot on a practice squad this season.

Henry didn't play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Giants.

After logging six snaps in the Patriots' preseason opener, Henry didn't see action in the team's final two exhibition tilts, with an eye toward keeping him healthy ahead of Week 1. Henry, who is coming off a 2024 regular season in which he recorded a receiving line of 66/674/2 on 97 targets in 16 games, approaches the coming campaign as New England's top pass-catching option in a TE corps that also returns Austin Hooper, who recorded 45 catches on 59 targets while working in tandem with Henry last year.