NFL Player News

Otton (hamstring) is participating in practice Monday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Otton has missed roughly two weeks of practice, plus Tampa Bay's preseason opener against Tennessee on Aug. 9, due to a lingering hamstring injury, so it's encouraging to see him back on the practice field. It remains to be seen whether Otton is limited or practicing in full, though it wouldn't be surprising if the Buccaneers opt to ramp up the starting TE's activity level in his return to the field. Otton's next opportunity to suit up for preseason reps will arrive Saturday versus the Steelers.

Johnson (groin) played with the first-team offense during New Orleans' 27-13 preseason loss to the Chargers on Sunday.

Johnson didn't tally a counting stat while suiting up for just nine offensive snaps Sunday, but his participation serves as confirmation that he's recovered from the groin injury that sidelined him for roughly one week of training camp. As things currently stand in the Saints' tight end corps, with both Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) still on the active/PUP list, Johnson is operating as the team's No. 1 option at the position without much competition for touches.

Culp secured two of four targets for 13 yards in the Buccaneers' 29-7 preseason win over the Titans on Saturday night.

The athletic tight end carried over a bit of the momentum he'd been building during training camp practices, finishing as one of five Bucs players to record multiple catches on the night. Both of Culp's receptions came on connections with Kyle Trask and occurred on the final drive of the first half, and given how much new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard has talked up the second-year pro's potential, Culp is likely to see extended opportunity over Tampa Bay's two remaining preseason contests.

Whyle recorded one catch on two targets for seven yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.

Whyle appeared third on the Titans' initial depth chart, and his usage Saturday backed that up. He wasn't targeted until the fourth quarter and played behind both Chig Okonkwo and Gunnar Helm. Whyle was reportedly on the roster bubble entering training camp, and his usage at the very least suggests his primary role could come on special teams if he sticks in Tennessee.

Conklin failed to haul in his only target in Sunday's 27-13 preseason win over New Orleans.

Conklin was the first tight end to see action with starter Will Dissly sitting out the Chargers' second exhibition. The seven-year pro figures to assume the No. 2 role come Week 1, with Sunday's playing time distribution all but confirming that. Conklin doesn't offer much fantasy upside at this point of his career, especially in a backup role for his new squad.

Fidone (undisclosed) caught all three of his targets for 22 yards in Saturday's 34-25 preseason win over the Bills.

Fidone was hampered by an undisclosed injury throughout the week, but he was able to give it a go in the team's first preseason contest. The tight end is competing for a reserve role in 2025, and he'll look to build off of Saturday's performance moving forward.

Pline exited Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers with an undisclosed upper-body injury, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Pline was favoring his upper body as he walked off the field with the training staff, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Pline was just claimed off waivers from the 49ers earlier in the week. He wasn't targeted in the exhibition prior to his injury.

Rams coach Sean McVay said Sunday that Torres (ankle) will miss "a little bit of time," Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Torres was forced off the field early during Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys, and it looks like his ankle injury will force a stint on the sideline. It remains to be seen whether Torres will be cleared for action in time to play in preseason action Saturday, Aug. 16 against the Chargers.

Detroit signed Oakes to a contract Sunday.

Oakes faces an uphill battle competing for a reserve role in the Lions' crowded tight end room. In 2024, Oakes played for Michigan in the UFL.

The Lions placed Yeboah (undisclosed) on injured reserve Sunday.

Yeboah's placement on IR rules him out for the entire 2025 season, barring an injury settlement. It remains to be seen whether his current injury is related to the leg issue that held him out early in training camp, though he managed to suit up for Detroit's preseason opener against the Falcons on Friday.