NFL Player News

Smith (knee) missed practice Tuesday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

The tight end made an early exit from practice last Tuesday, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the issue and Smith took part in a light, non-padded practice the following day. It seems he's still being held out from more strenuous sessions, however. Smith has plenty of time to get right before Week 1, at which point he and Pat Freiermuth will form one of the better TE duos in the league.

The Texans (knee) announced Tuesday that Jordan (knee) will be placed on IR, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Jordan, who had worked his way back from an ACL tear suffered in Week 2 of 2024 before being carted off the field Monday, appears to have suffered a second consecutive season-ending knee injury. It's a brutal development for the 2021 fifth-round pick, who had appeared positioned to fill a key role at tight end behind starter Dalton Schultz this season. Cade Stover and Irv Smith are now likely to have expanded roles behind Schultz.

Taylor (ankle) is participating in team drills Tuesday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Taylor was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain last week, an injury with a recovery timetable usually in the range of multiple weeks, but the 2025 second-round pick already appears to be practicing in full. That's an extremely positive development for Taylor, who missed the Jets' preseason opener but could suit up for Saturday's exhibition game against the Giants. Taylor is already entrenched atop the depth chart at tight end, and New York's pass-catching corps has little in the way of playmakers behind Garrett Wilson, so the rookie could handle a substantial role right out of the gate.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday that this is "not the week" for Waller to come off the active/PUP list and resume practicing, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

McDaniel had previously expressed optimism that Waller would be back on the field this week, but he said Tuesday that the team doesn't want the veteran tight end to be thrust into joint practices against the Lions immediately upon his return. Waller, who spent last season away from the NFL, began training camp on the PUP list primarily for conditioning reasons. It sounds like he won't be available for Saturday's exhibition matchup in Detroit.

Henry (undisclosed) was held out of practice Monday, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

Henry appeared to pick up an undisclosed injury Sunday, which makes the tight end's status for Saturday's preseason contest against the Vikings questionable. With Henry sidelined Monday, Austin Hooper worked as the Patriots' TE1 during practice.

The Rams waived/injured Torres (ankle) on Monday.

Torres injured his ankle during the Rams' preseason game against the Cowboys on Saturday. He'll go on waivers, but he will revert to the Rams' injured reserve if he isn't claimed, which will force him miss the entire 2025 season unless an injury settlement is reached. Tight end McCallan Castles was signed by the Rams in a corresponding move.

The Rams signed Castles to a contract Monday.

Castles was cut by the Chargers this past Wednesday, but he'll stay in Los Angeles and get another opportunity to make an NFL roster with the Rams. He gives the Rams some added depth at tight end while backup Terrance Ferguson nurses a groin strain.

The Steelers signed Foelsch on Monday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Less than a week after being waived by Pittsburgh, Foelsch is now getting another chance with the team. He's still probably on the outside looking in in terms of earning a spot on the final 53-man roster for 2025, as Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington are projected to occupy the top three slots on the depth chart at tight end.

Jordan (knee) was carted off the practice field Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jordan appears to have potentially suffered a significant injury at practice Monday, though the Texans haven't yet provided an official update on his health. The tight end entered training camp as a full participant after having suffered a season-ending ACL tear Week 2 of the 2024 campaign, and he's been competing with Cade Stover and Irv Smith for reserve duties behind incumbent starting tight end Dalton Schultz.

Musgrave was targeted twice and caught one pass for one yard in Saturday's 30-10 exhibition loss to the Jets.

Musgrave and top tight end Tucker Kraft both started Saturday's preseason opener, but the former played only nine snaps and the latter 10 before calling it a night. Kraft will be Green Bay's top tight end following a stellar sophomore season, but Musgrave -- who also is entering his third season -- is the favorite to occupy the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.