NFL Player News

Pruitt (knee) has been ruled out for the Vikings' Week 1 matchup against the Titans, the Star Tribune reports.

Pruitt suffered an MCL sprain during Minnesota's third preseason contest and was given a 2-to-4 week timetable to return. That estimation would suggest there's a possibility he plays in the Vikings' home opener Week 2, but his involvement in practice next week will shed more light on his future availability.

Vannett (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

This does not come as a surprise, as head coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that he didn't expect Vannett to take the field in Week 1. With Jimmy Graham now practicing fully and Vannett likely out, Luke Wilson will likely be the backup tight end for Seattle this week.

Graham (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

The Seahawks, namely Pete Carroll, have flip-flopped over the past few days regarding Graham's potential to play in Week 1. On Monday, Carroll relayed that he didn't expect Graham to take the field Sunday against the Dolphins, but went on record as stating the tight end will be pushed in practice this week as if he's preparing to suit up. Prior to drills Wednesday, Carroll changed his tune regarding Graham, giving him "good" odds to achieve active status. With one full practice in his back pocket, Graham will aim to do the same Thursday and Friday, two additional check marks that would put him in line to play in the opener.

Kroft (knee) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice

With Tyler Eifert (ankle) essentially ruled out for Week 1 against the Jets, it appears Kroft will open the season as Cincinnati's top tight end. Kroft missed most of training camp and all of the preseason, but he's still believed to be safely ahead of C.J. Uzomah on the depth chart.

Allen (hip) is not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Allen missed practice time last week due to a sore hip, but he returned Monday and looks to have fully participated Wednesday. He should be set to play Sunday against Detroit.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Graham has a good chance to play in Sunday's game against Miami, Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Carroll's recent quotes regarding Graham have been all over the place, which probably isn't an accident. Given that no team is more misleading about injuries, it's probably best to ignore Carroll's quotes in the future, and instead just focus on the injury reports. Graham's level of practice participation may be the only valid clue regarding his Week 1 availability.

Kroft (knee) participated in a second straight practice Wednesday, the Bengals' official site reports.

Kroft participated in team drills Monday for the first time since Aug. 2, and after the Bengals had Tuesday off, he again took the field for Wednesday's session. The extent of Kroft's participation won't be known until the injury report is released on Wednesday afternoon, but his ability to take part in any fashion is a good sign for his Week 1 availability. With Tyler Eifert (ankle) all but ruled out, Kroft will probably get the start if he plays. Should both tight ends miss the opener, C.J. Uzomah or Ryan Hewitt will likely get the nod.

Escobar is listed behind Jason Witten and Geoff Swaim on the Cowboys' initial regular-season depth chart, Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram reports.

Escobar's listing behind Swaim is likely due in part to the torn Achilles Escobar suffered last season, as his recovery process lasted into training camp. However, Escobar avoided the PUP list, meaning he will be eligible to play Week 1. Even if he is a full go against the Giants on Sunday, Escobar's placement behind Swaim on the depth chart could mean a loss of playing time, and his fantasy production will always be hit-or-miss with the remarkably consistent Witten taking most of the snaps at tight end.

Swaim is listed as the second tight end on the Cowboys' depth chart, Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram reports.

Swaim is listed in front of Gavin Escobar but behind Jason Witten, who hasn't missed an NFL game since 2003. Witten's incredible consistency vastly reduces Swaim's potential as a receiving tight end, and unless Witten's consecutive-game streak ends in 2016, Swaim won't be a viable fantasy producer this season.

Hooper is currently listed as No. 2 tight end on the Falcons' official team depth chart.

Hooper finished his first preseason on a strong note and appears to be ready to carve out a role as a pass catcher in 2016. Although Jacob Tamme is currently slotted ahead of him, there is a chance that Hooper can overtake the starting spot at some point this season. Given Tamme's ceiling and Hooper's floor, Atlanta may want to see what their rookie has in store as the year progresses.