NFL Player News
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Gunnar Helm TE | TEN
Titans' Gunnar Helm: One catch in NFL debut
Helm caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.
Both of Helm's targets came from backup quarterback Brandon Allen in the third quarter. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Texas has already climbed to second on the tight end depth chart, but he's still clearly behind starter Chig Okonkwo. Helm will try to close that gap in Tennessee's next preseason game Friday against the Falcons.
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Chigoziem Okonkwo TE | TEN
Titans' Chig Okonkwo: Catches one pass from Ward
Okonkwo caught his only target for 10 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.
Okonkwo's lone catch came on a pass from rookie first overall pick Cameron Ward, who played two drives. Okonkwo appears to be locked in atop Tennessee's tight end depth chart, ahead of rookie fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm and last year's backup Josh Whyle. Tennessee's starters may see more extensive action in the team's second preseason game Friday against the Falcons.
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Brenton Strange TE | JAC
Jaguars' Brenton Strange: Quick preseason appearance
Strange recorded one reception on one target for 11 yards in Saturday's 31-25 preseason loss to the Steelers.
Strange played one offensive possession with the Jaguars' starting skill-position unit and hauled in his only target over the middle of the field. The offseason departure of Evan Engram leaves Strange as the clear top tight end on the depth chart, though it may be hard for him to be a consistent fantasy contributor due to target competition from the likes of Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter.
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Trey McBride TE | ARI
Cardinals' Trey McBride: Big gain on one reception
McBride brought in his only target for 21 yards during the Cardinals' 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday night.
The talented tight end was on the receiving end of Kyler Murray's longest completion of the night, kickstarting Arizona's second drive. McBride, who signed a four-year, $76 million extension in April, is ticketed for another massive role again in 2025 after recording 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns across 16 regular-season contests last season.
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Connor Heyward TE | PIT
Steelers' Connor Heyward: Racks up 17 receiving yards
Heyward secured two of three targets for 17 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.
Although Heyward has appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his first three years in the NFL, his already limited role took a hit in 2024, as he secured just six of eight targets for 40 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith during the offseason while retaining Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, so Heyward will likely be forced to settle for a minimal role on offense, if he makes the 53-man roster.
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Darnell Washington TE | PIT
Steelers' Darnell Washington: Finds end zone in preseason win
Washington secured his lone target for a 19-yard touchdown during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over Jacksonville.
Washington started in Saturday's preseason opener and put the team on the board with a touchdown reception to cap off Pittsburgh's first drive of the game. While the 2023 third-rounder saw his role grow slightly last season, he'll have increased competition for targets behind Pat Freiermuth in 2025 after the Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins.
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T.J. Hockenson TE | MIN
Vikings' T.J. Hockenson: Plays in preseason opener
Hockenson started at tight end and played eight snaps on offense, but he wasn't targeted in the passing game in Saturday's preseason win over Houston, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Hockenson missed time in practice earlier this week with a hip flexor.
It was surprising to see Hockenson play in the first preseason game given his injury scare earlier in the week. Even though he didn't do much in the game, it shows he's ready for the regular season.
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Anthony Torres TE | LAR
Rams' Anthony Torres: Exits with ankle injury
Torres (ankle) has been ruled out to return to Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
Torres, who signed with Los Angeles back in April after going undrafted out of Toledo, has spent training camp and the offseason competing for a depth role at tight end. He'll attempt to get healthy in time for the Rams' second preseason game, which will occur Saturday, Aug. 16 against the Chargers.
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George Kittle TE | SF
49ers' George Kittle: Not expected to play Saturday
Kittle isn't warming up ahead of Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos and isn't slated to play, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
The 49ers are holding out most of their regular starters for the preseason opener, as Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and Ricky Pearsall, among others, are also apparently sitting out despite being healthy. With Kittle observing from the sideline Saturday, Luke Farrell figures to get a good look at tight end in his first game action with San Francisco since signing as a free agent during the offseason.
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Jake Ferguson TE | DAL
Cowboys' Jake Ferguson: Won't suit up Saturday
Ferguson (lower back) will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Ferguson departed Thursday's practice early due to a lower back contusion but returned to the field in time for Friday's non-padded session. While it sounds like the starting tight end is mostly dealing with pain management and isn't a candidate to miss any regular-season time, the Cowboys will nonetheless take a cautious approach to his participation level. Ferguson's next chance to suit up for preseason action will come Aug. 16 versus the Ravens.