NFL Player News

Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis, who missed the first three games with a calf injury, said he will practice in full pads Wednesday. The Jaguars host the Colts Week 4.

The strained calf that sidelined Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis for the first three games seems to have healed enough for him to play Week 4 against the Colts, according to the Florida Times-Union.

"It's much better," coach Gus Bradley said. "He continues to do well. We took an MRI again and it just shows scar tissue now, so we're going to continue the return-to-play protocol and amp that up a little bit more on him and see how he's doing."

But the situation he's entering isn't any better than it's been the last two years. Once again, the Jaguars find themselves on the quarterback carousel, going back to Blaine Gabbert after suffering through Chad Henne the last two weeks. In 10 games with Gabbert under center last season, Lewis averaged 2.9 catches for 27.4 yards with four touchdowns.

The Colts have actually given up the 11th-most Fantasy points to tight ends this season, but coming off a dominant defensive performance at San Francisco last week, they could be a challenge for the Jaguars offense. Unless you're desperate for a second tight end, you should avoid Lewis this week.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday injured tight ends Anthony Fasano (foot) and Travis Kelce (knee) are "making progress," according to The Kansas City Star. However, both players were held out of practice Monday as the team prepares for Week 4 vs. N.Y. Giants.

The Saints have offered a contract extension to tight end Jimmy Graham, multiple league sources told ProFootballTalk.com. However, Graham's representatives have yet to respond.

Graham is in the final year of his rookie contract. He's off to a great start in 2013, totaling 23 catches for 358 yards and four touchdowns in three games.

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said Monday tight end Marcedes Lewis, who has been inactive the first three games with a calf injury, continues to improve. The Jaguars believe Lewis will be able to play Week 4 vs. Indianapolis.

The Steelers received minor offensive contributions from a few role players Week 3 at home against the Bears.

Tight end David Johnson caught two of the three passes thrown his way by Ben Roethlisberger for 51 yards while tight end David Paulson caught one pass for a 6-yard gain. Fullback Will Johnson caught a 5-yard pass in the first quarter for his only action of the night. Wide receiver Markus Wheaton was targeted once and finished without a catch. He has yet to come down with a reception this season.

Getting more time on the field with Jermichael Finley suffering a concussion in the first quarter, Packers tight end Andrew Quarless turned in his best performance of the season Week 3 at Cincinnati, catching three passes for 21 yards. His five targets were fourth-most on the team.

Finley will get a chance to recover with the team on bye in Week 4. If he's not ready to return Week 5 against Lions, Quarless would again take his spot in the lineup.

Panthers fullback Richie Brockel, running back Armond Smith and wide receiver Domenik Hixon all had very minor contributions Week 3 vs. N.Y. Giants.

Brockel had one rush for 1 yard, Smith had three carries for zero yards and Hixon had one catch for 8 yards.

The Panthers are on a bye Week 4 and return to action Week 5 at Arizona.

Giants wide receiver Louis Murphy, wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan and tight end Bear Pascoe all contributed one catch during a 38-0 loss Week 3 at Carolina.

Murphy, unfortunately, fumbled his 8-yard catch in the fourth quarter. Jernigan gained 5 yards on his reception, and Pascoe had 2 yards and was targeted twice.

The Giants are back in action Week 4 at Kansas City.

Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen got the start Sunday in the Week 3 loss at home to the Lions with Fred Davis inactive for the game. 

Although Paulsen started, Jordan Reed was mostly involved in the offensive game plan. That said, Reed also got hurt in the game. In the end, Paulsen finished with four catches for 51 yards on six targets from Robert Griffin III. Reed had five catches for 50 yards before leaving the game. 

Paulsen is mostly a blocking tight end for Washington. He has six catches for 64 yards and no scores this season and all that production has come in the last two games. The Redskins play at Oakland Week 4.