NFL Player News

Andrews made "a ton of plays" during offseason practices, looking bigger, stronger and faster than he was last year, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.

The 256-pound tight end already provided ample evidence of his athleticism, averaging 11.0 yards on 50 targets last season after running a 4.67 40-yard dash at the combine. He served as the receiving threat in a timeshare during his rookie campaign, lining up as an in-line tight end for 174 of his 444 snaps (39.2 percent), while Nick Boyle (74.1 percent) and Hayden Hurst (56.1 percent) handled more traditional TE roles. Andrews still appears stuck in the same timeshare, but he'll likely take on a few more snaps and also figures to draw the target on a higher percentage of his snaps (if the Ravens have any idea what they're doing). He was the only Baltimore pass catcher to thrive after Lamar Jackson took over last season, with John Brown, Willie Snead and Michael Crabtree all falling off a cliff once Joe Flacco was benched. Brown and Crabtree have since been replaced by rookies Marquise Brown (foot) and Miles Boykin (hamstring), both of whom missed most of the offseason program. Andrews is a real threat for the team target lead, albeit in a run-heavy offense.

Thomas (leg) was limited to rehab work during mandatory minicamp, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Thomas rode a stationary bike on the sideline while watching his teammates practice. There hasn't been any suggestion of a serious injury, with coach Ron Rivera saying he's hopeful the second-year pro will be ready for training camp. Thomas averaged four catches for 36.7 yards on six targets in six starts last season, typically handling a three-down role when Greg Olsen wasn't available. The 34-year-old is healthy and now has clearance for all football activities, but his recent history of foot injuries hints that Thomas may be needed this season.

Knox, a third-round rookie, signed his rookie contract with the Bills on Friday, The Buffalo News reports.

It's rare that a guy who never caught a college touchdown pass would draw up any fantasy interest, but Knox has a legit chance to be the Week 1 starter. Favorite Tyler Kroft will be out for a stretch with a broken foot, while Lee Smith is more of a blocker and Jason Croom continues to be bogged down by a hamstring injury. Knox has taken advantage of the extra reps during spring work and has shown true hands. Meanwhile, the Bills have now signed all eight of their 2019 draft picks.

Gathers will be suspended without pay for Week 1 of the 2019 regular season, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

The 25-year-old tight end is facing discipline for a violation of the NFL's policy on substances of abuse. Gathers picked up some steam in the preseason a couple years ago, but he struggled with concussion symptoms throughout the 2017 campaign and then finished 2018 with only three receptions. A suspension won't help his chances to stick around on the 53-man roster for another year.

Everett made a strong impression throughout the offseason program, including an emphasis on improving as a blocker, Clarence Dennis of the Rams' official website reports. "I think the game's slowing down for [Everett]," coach Sean McVay said. "He's playing with some patience, he's got great aggressive hands where he can step to the football. I think you're just seeing a guy gain confidence, gain experience."

Already the team's best pass-catching threat at tight end, Everett should push for Tyler Higbee's starting job if he narrows the gap in blocking ability. The 2017 second-round pick came on strong in the second half of last season, with 23 of his 33 receptions and all three of his touchdowns occurring in a seven-week span during November and December. The Rams used more two-TE formations during that stretch in an effort to compensate for the absence of Cooper Kupp (knee), who tentatively is expected back for Week 1 of 2019. It's difficult for the Rams tight ends to account for more than a handful of targets per game when Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Todd Gurley all are available.

Hewitt signed a contract with the Titans on Thursday.

Hewitt's last NFL action came with the Colts, where he appeared in 12 games but caught just one pass, which was a one-yard touchdown in the team's season regular season finale against Tennessee. Delanie Walker has the No. 1 tight end spot locked up in Tennessee, leaving Hewitt to battle for a backup role.

Hollister is making a good impression on offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, John Boyle of Seahawks.com reports. "Terrific acquisition, he has had a great camp," Schottenheimer said. "The speed element is awesome, really good route runner. A lot like Tyler [Lockett] in terms of the instincts, just the ability to get open."

The Lockett comparison is a bit much, but Schottenheimer at least is making his point that Hollister brings a different element to the Seattle tight end room, as none of the other healthy players is a natural pass catcher. The team does hope to have Will Dissly (knee) back for Week 1, and blocking may be more of a priority than receiving ability in a run-heavy offense. Hollister presumably is competing for a part-time role on passing downs, after coming over from New England in April in a trade for a conditional seventh-round pick. He'll need to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Kittle isn't participating in minicamp drills Wednesday due to hip tightness, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle's injury isn't believed to be anything major, as the tight end was able to practice through the issue Tuesday, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Kittle gets Thursday off as well.

Kelce (ankle) is on track to return to action during training camp, Blair Kerkhoff of The Kansas City Star reports.

A spectator throughout the offseason program, Kelce will be about six months removed from ankle surgery when the Chiefs open training camp in late July. He downplayed the severity of his procedure, referring to it as a "clean-up" one during an April interview. The 29-year-old hasn't missed a game for medical reasons since a knee injury wiped out his rookie campaign in 2013.

Dissly (kneecap) is on schedule in his recovery and could be a full go a few weeks into training camp, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

This is positive news for a player whose training camp availability was murky at best. Dissly was able to resume running May 1 and seems to be staying on track with his recovery from a torn patellar tendon. Expect the team to give out a much more definitive timetable for the tight end's return once training camp nears. A healthy Dissly will need to recover in full to also hold off Nick Vannett and Ed Dickson for snaps this season.