NFL Player News

Smith and Delanie Walker are both listed as starters on the Titans' unofficial preseason depth chart, Teresa Walker of The Associated Press reports.

Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur spent last season in Los Angeles, where the Rams led the NFL in usage of three-receiver formations. However, it won't come as any surprise if the Titans use two tight ends for their base offense, considering they don't have much proven talent at wide receiver but do have a promising No. 2 tight end in Smith. A third-round pick last year, Smith caught 18 of 30 targets for 157 yards and two touchdowns while playing 556 offensive snaps in 16 regular-season games. Despite suffering a torn MCL during the playoffs, he didn't seem to have any limitations during the offseason program. While his progress is worth keeping an eye on, Smith is unlikely to establish fantasy value unless Walker misses time with an injury.

Ertz (undisclosed) returned to practice Tuesday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reports.

Despite missing just three days of practice, Ertz may be held out of the preseason opener Thursday against Pittsburgh, as the likely absence of both Carson Wentz (knee) and Nick Foles (upper body) could encourage the Eagles to wait until the second week of the preseason to take a look at their first-string offense. Ertz was productive while playing with both quarterbacks last season, averaging 5.2 catches in 11 games with Wentz and 5.8 catches in six games (including playoffs) with Foles.

Hamm signed with the Seahawks on Monday.

Hamm is coming off what ended up being just a one-week stint with Seattle, as he was waived last Thursday. The team has now elected to use one of their two open roster spots to bring him back, but Hamm is still likely a long shot to make the final cut.

Sinclair signed a contract with the Eagles on Monday, Geoff Mosher of the Score reports.

Sinclair, who played his college ball at Missouri State, has yet to take a regular-season snap in the NFL. He provides plenty of size at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, but he could simply be a camp body while fellow tight ends Zach Ertz (undisclosed) and Richard Rodgers (upper body) nurse injuries.

Derby rejoined the Dolphins for practice Monday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Derby, who seems to have recovered from his foot issue, was unable to fully participate in the previous week of practices. In the 26-year-old's absence, rookie Mike Gesicki received the larger portion of first-team reps and has consistently impressed as a pass catcher. Now healthy, Derby will hope to recover lost ground in the team's tight end battle.

Thomas participated in Monday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The reason for Thomas having missed Sunday's practice remains undisclosed, but it appears his absence wasn't due to injury. The combine standout will continue to compete with Chris Manhertz for the No. 2 tight end role in training camp.

Ertz (undisclosed) didn't practice for the third straight day Monday, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The tight end's absence isn't expected to be an extended one, with Ertz's current string of missed on-field work being attributed to maintenance. Moreover, the Eagles are of a mind to proceed judiciously with Ertz, with an eye toward the long season ahead.

Thomas did not participate in Sunday's practice due to an undisclosed reason, Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer reports.

The reason for Thomas' absence is unclear at this point, but the possibility of an injury could hamper his chances of winning the No. 2 spot at tight end even with Chris Manhertz (foot) still on the PUP list. More information regarding Thomas' status should become available prior to the Panthers' preseason opener against the Bills on Thursday.

Ertz will not practice Sunday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reports.

Ertz also sat out of practice Friday, when head coach Doug Pederson said the tight end was getting a veteran's day off. With no mention of an injury since, Ertz's absence on Sunday is likely for rest purposes as well. With fellow tight end Richard Rodgers (upper body) not on the field either, second-round rookie Dallas Goedert should get plenty of reps with the first-team offense Sunday.

Everett has been diagnosed with a shoulder sprain and could miss at least a week, Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register reports.

Everett sustained the minor shoulder injury at some point during the past week of training camp, but the backup tight end isn't dealing with an issue that could put his Week 1 availability in jeopardy at this point. With Everett sidelined and essentially considered day-to-day, Temarrick Hemingway and Henry Krieger-Coble could see additional reps at tight end behind starter Tyler Higbee.