NFL Player News

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Sunday that Whiteheart (knee) is potentially available for the Browns' Week 1 contest against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 7, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Whiteheart suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the Browns' preseason finale against the Rams on Sunday. The good news for the third-year tight end is that the injury isn't considered severe enough for him to be ruled out for Cleveland's regular-season opener, and his practice participation over the next two weeks should shed light on whether he'll be cleared to play in Week 1. Brenden Bates would be the top candidate to fill in as the Browns' TE3 behind David Njoku and Harold Fannin if Whiteheart is unable to play.

Trautman reeled in his lone target for two yards in Saturday's 28-19 win over the Saints.

Trautman had a quiet game in Denver's final preseason contest in New Orleans. The veteran played just 12 snaps and seems locked in as the team's No. 2 tight end behind Evan Engram and ahead of both Nate Adkins (ankle) and Lucas Krull. With that said, Trautman is not a major factor in the Broncos' game, finishing with just 13 receptions in 2024. With Engram serving as the top pass-catching tight end, Trautman will likely compete for snaps as a blocking specialist with Adkins and Krull in 2025.

Gadsden recorded three catches on four targets for 46 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 30-23 preseason loss.

Gadsden played for well over half of the game and showed off his ability as a pass catcher. His most notable grab was a contested 25-yard touchdown reception delivered by DJ Uiagalelei. Gadsden has gotten some positive attention for his performance during training camp, and he'll head into the first regular season of his pro career with some positive momentum.

Hawes brought in his only target for eight yards in the Bills' 23-19 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

The rookie fifth-round pick got on the board for the first time this preseason after failing to come up with either of his two targets in the first two preseason contests. Hawes' minimal participation in the passing game to date is likely to be mimicked during the regular season, as he profiles as the blocking specialist of a tight-end room that's headlined by Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.

Kittle isn't involved in warmups ahead of Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Kittle started last Saturday's exhibition against the Raiders and logged 11 offensive snaps without being targeted by QB Brock Purdy. That will mark his only action of exhibition season. Kittle has had a bit of a resurgence in recent years, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns (and a 78-1,106-8 line on 94 targets in 15 regular-season games a year ago). The 49ers rewarded the 31-year-old with a four-year, $76.4 million extension in April.

Fannin caught both his targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.

The 2025 third-round pick saw work with the Browns' starters, and his TD came on a 15-yard toss from Joe Flacco midway through the first quarter. David Njoku remains at the top of the tight end depth chart, but Fannin has drawn rave reviews in training camp and could see more action than expected in two-TE sets, providing Flacco with another potentially dynamic receiving option.

Engram failed to bring in his only target in the Broncos' 28-19 preseason win over the Saints on Saturday afternoon.

Engram was naturally part of the first-team offense over the first three drives, but he closed out his preseason in quiet fashion after making a splash with a 58-yard catch against the Cardinals last Saturday. The veteran tight end is teed up for a significant role in the Broncos' Bo Nix-led offense, beginning with their Week 1 home matchup against the Titans.

Ferguson caught two of three targets for 48 yards in Saturday's 19-17 preseason loss to the Browns.

After missing the Rams' first two exhibition contests due to a groin injury, Ferguson was able to suit up Saturday and hauled in passes of 33 and 15 yards on a drive late in the second quarter. Tyler Higbee remains atop the depth chart at tight end, but Ferguson -- a second-round pick in the 2025 Draft -- may offer more big-play upside as a receiver right out of the gate.

Atlanta waived Kalinic on Saturday, Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports.

Kalinic signed with the Falcons on a reserve/future contract in late January, but he won't make the team's initial 53-man roster. The 28-year-old is a candidate to land on a practice squad, either with the Falcons or elsewhere.

Whiteheart has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Rams due to a knee injury.

Whiteheart may have suffered the injury during the Browns' second offensive drive of the second quarter. He's gone to the locker room to undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, and he'll finish his day with one catch for 12 yards. Brenden Bates, Sal Cannella and Mitch Van Vooren should all see an uptick in playing time at tight end for the rest of Saturday's game due to Whiteheart's injury.