NFL Player News
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Jonnu Smith TE | PIT
Steelers' Jonnu Smith: Back at practice already
Smith (knee) is participating in Wednesday's non-padded practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
Even if the practice is just a walk-through, it's a good sign for Smith to be participating in any capacity just one day after exiting early due to knee soreness. A quick return to the field supports coach Mike Tomlin's statement from Tuesday that the knee issue didn't look serious. The real concern for Smith's fantasy value remains target share, with Pat Freiermuth offering fierce competition for snaps in single-TE formations.
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Darren Waller TE | MIA
Dolphins' Darren Waller: Should practice next week
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that he believes Waller (undisclosed), who remains on the active/PUP list, is roughly one week away from practicing, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports,
Waller began training camp on the PUP list for conditioning reasons, a development that isn't exactly surprising given that he spent the 2024 season in retirement. The veteran TE is fully expected to be ready for Week 1, and it'll be encouraging if he indeed retakes the field in time to get multiple full weeks of practicing in before the regular-season opener against Indianapolis on Sept. 7. Due to the 111-target void left by Jonnu Smith's departure, Waller carries upside as a late-round selection in 2025 fantasy drafts, especially due to his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame and Miami's need for a dominant red-zone target. To open the year as a full-time starter, though, Waller will need to both get into football shape and fully learn McDaniel's intricate offensive scheme.
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Cole Kmet TE | CHI
Bears' Cole Kmet: Avoids significant injury
Kmet (undisclosed) was forced to leave the Bears' practice early Tuesday, Adam Hoge of AllCHGO.com reports.
Kmet exited practice with a trainer after suffering an undisclosed injury, but he has reportedly avoided anything serious. The tight end can be considered day-to-day as the team approaches its preseason opener Sunday versus the Dolphins.
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Evan Engram TE | DEN
Broncos' Evan Engram: Draws praise in camp
Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Tuesday that Engram has "met or exceeded" expectations in camp so far, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.
Engram's versatility at the tight end position has caught the attention of the Denver coaching staff. "He can run. He can change direction. Willing blocker. He sticks his nose in there. Complete tight end. Guy that's been really showing up in camp," Lombardi said. The 30-year-old will enter his ninth season, and a change of scenery could provide a boost to his production. After a disappointing and injury-riddled 2024 campaign in Jacksonville, Engram will provide second-year quarterback Bo Nix with a significant upgrade at TE. The veteran's skills as a receiver and blocker should afford him extensive playing time in head coach Sean Payton's tight end-friendly system.
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Seth Green TE | NO
Seth Green: Let go by NOLA
The Saints waived Green on Tuesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Green spent the last two seasons in the UFL with the Arlington Renegades and was given a chance to make an NFL roster with the Saints in mid-June. Green won't be a part of New Orleans' plans moving forward, but he will have the opportunity to explore his next options assuming he clears waivers.
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Brevyn Spann-Ford TE | DAL
Cowboys' Brevyn Spann-Ford: Sheds walking boot
Spann-Ford (ankle) was spotted without a walking boot during the Cowboys' joint training camp practice with the Rams on Tuesday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Spann-Ford injured his left ankle during training camp practice in late July and was expected to miss at least two weeks. He appears to be progressing in his recovery, and while he won't likely be available for Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, he could be ready to suit up for the Cowboys' second exhibition game against the Ravens on Aug. 16. Spann-Ford appeared in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and finished with nine tackles (on 14 targets) for 88 yards. He's battling with Luke Schoonmaker and John Stephens for backup tight end duties behind Jake Ferguson.
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Jonnu Smith TE | PIT
Steelers' Jonnu Smith: Bothered by knee soreness
Smith left Tuesday's practice due to knee soreness, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated the issue doesn't seem serious, Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live reports.
Smith walked off the field with a trainer before the final period of Tuesday's practice. Not long after, Tomlin downplayed the injury when talking with reporters. Fellow tight end Darnell Washington should get more first-team reps alongside Pat Freiermuth if Smith ends up missing further time.
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Jonnu Smith TE | PIT
Steelers' Jonnu Smith: Exits practice early
Smith left Tuesday's practice early with a trainer, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
It sounds like he'll miss the final period of practice but didn't have any trouble walking off the field. Smith and Pat Freiermuth give Aaron Rodgers an impressive duo of pass catchers at tight end, but it's a situation that might not work out well in terms of either player getting enough targets to offer much fantasy value.
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Darren Waller TE | MIA
Dolphins' Darren Waller: Expected to be ready for Week 1
Waller (undisclosed), who remains on the active/PUP list Tuesday, is expected to be ready for Week 1 per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said in late July that Waller's placement on the active/PUP list to begin training camp is a matter of getting back into "football shape," so it appears the veteran tight end's conditioning is coming along well after he spent the 2024 season away from football. Waller, who will turn 33 the day before Miami's Week 2 clash with New England, is missing valuable reps in a complicated offensive scheme while on the PUP list. Even if he's ready for Week 1, it's possible he'll need time to build up to a full starting workload.