NFL Player News

Graham (knee) is in uniform for Thursday's preseason game against the Steelers, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Graham was among a group of skill-position players to sit out last Thursday's exhibition versus the Titans, but he'll join Aaron Rodgers and (likely) Randall Cobb (ankle) for approximately one possession this time around. The Packers' big offseason splash, Graham (6-foot-7, 265 pounds) provides Rodgers with a red-zone weapon the likes he hasn't had in his incredibly efficient career.

Allen (undisclosed) isn't expected to play in Thursday's tilt against the Eagles, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Allen was injured in practice Tuesday and he'll likely sit this one out. With Rob Gronkowski slated to be rested Thursday, fellow TE Jacob Hollister should see added opportunities in the Patriots offense versus Philadelphia.

Kelce is scheduled to play the entire first half of Friday's preseason contest against the Falcons.

The contest marks Kelce's first extended run working with Patrick Mahomes in a live game setting since the strong-armed QB took over the starting job this offseason, so it will be a good test of their rapport. Coming off consecutive 80-catch and 1,000-yard campaigns, Kelce is set to retain his role atop the depth chart and should be a big target for Mahomes in his first full season under center.

Bell (leg) didn't participate in Thursday's walkthrough, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bell was spotted with a wrap on his right leg. The fourth-year pro's spot on Minnesota's roster is in jeopardy after the Vikings selected TE Tyler Conklin in the fifth round of April's draft. Bell posted just three receptions for 19 yards in 2017, so he'll have an uphill battle.

Hunt (knee) didn't practice Tuesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

The undrafted rookie is seeking a depth tight end role, and his chances were slightly improved when Hunter Henry (knee) was lost for the year. The only way to the 53-man roster would be shining during the preseason, so getting healthy for Saturday's game against the Seahawks is crucial.

Allen left Tuesday's practice with an unspecified injury, Jeff Howe of The Athletic Boston reports.

Given the timing of Allen's injury along with the fact Rob Gronkowski hasn't played in the preseason for years, Jacob Hollister seems to be in line for regular work with the first-team offense during Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles. Allen only caught 10 passes last season, but he was useful to the Patriots as a blocker while logging 42 percent of offensive snaps. The Patriots probably would've brought in more competition during the offseason if they were ready to move on from Allen and his scheduled $5 million cap hit.

Higbee has been one of the Rams' standout performers at training camp, Rich Hammond of The Orange County Register reports.

A 16-game starter last year, Higbee was limited to 25 catches and 45 targets on 735 offensive snaps, as all the playing time didn't actually translate to running a high number of routes. He was sometimes used as an extra blocker on pass plays and at other times came off the field in favor of Gerald Everett (shoulder) on passing downs. Higbee reportedly is making a case for a bigger pass-catching role this season, but he still seems likely to share targets with Everett in an offense based around RB Todd Gurley and a trio of impressive wide receivers (Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp). Any potential for a breakout depends on Higbee converting an unusually high percentage of his targets into touchdowns.

Vannett's teammate Ed Dickson isn't making much progress in his recovery from a quad injury, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

With Dickson still on the non-football injury list and apparently not all that close to returning, Vannett seems to be on track for the No. 1 tight end job to open the regular season. The third-year pro was impressive in last week's preseason loss to the Colts, catching two of three targets for 20 yards and a touchdown while playing with Russell Wilson on the opening drive. Vannett is known for his blocking more so than his pass-catching ability, but he may show improved mobility after offseason physical therapy helped eliminate the back pain that plagued him throughout his first two NFL seasons.

The Texans activated Robinson (undisclosed) off the Physically Unable to Perform list Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Robinson was cleared to return after passing his physical. As it stands now, he's seventh on the depth chart at tight end and faces long odds to make the team. As a former college and professional basketball player with minimal football experience, the 6-foot-7 Robinson is considered a project.

Gray won't take part in practice Tuesday after entering the concussion protocol, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Both Gray and running back Kalen Ballage were diagnosed with head injuries following Monday's practice session. It seems unlikely that Gray will make enough progress in his recovery to suit up in Friday's exhibition against the Panthers, which may hamper his efforts to unseat rookie second-round pick Mike Gesicki as the Dolphins' top tight end once the regular season kicks off.