NFL Player News

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.

Smith (knee) returned to practice Saturday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Smith left practice early Aug. 5 and hasn't done much since then, but his return for the first practice after Pittsburgh's final preseason game suggests he's on track to play Week 1 against the Jets. Uncertainty about his role remains the larger concern for fantasy, with Pat Freiermuth offering tough competition for playing time in single-TE formations.

Ertz won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Ertz and John Bates are both being rested -- in Ertz's case for a third straight week -- while 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott isn't among the 33 names being held out. It's the latest sign that Sinnott has made no real progress toward usurping Ertz, although there's perhaps still some risk it eventually happens. In any case, Ertz gets a solid target projection for Week 1 against the Giants, putting him in play as a lineup option even though he was drafted as a backup (or not at all) in most fantasy leagues. The uncertainty surrounding Terry McLaurin (contract) and Noah Brown (undisclosed injury) could further boost Ertz's volume outlook as the opener draws near, with the wideouts potentially having workload limitations even if they both end up playing (following prolonged absences this summer).

Bates won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

The Commanders are resting most of the players with secure roles -- a group that includes Bates, but apparently not fellow tight end Ben Sinnott (a 2024 second-round pick). Zach Ertz is also resting in anticipation of being the team's top receiving threat at tight end, while Bates figures to continue in his familiar role as a blocking-focused No. 2 TE when Washington open the regular season against the Giants on Sun., Sept. 7.

Helm did not record a catch on one target in Friday's 23-13 preseason win over the Vikings.

Helm was on the field during two tight-end sets with Cameron Ward under center, a positive indication that he will have an immediate role in the Tennessee offense. However, he failed to make an impact in the box score, as his only target of the game came from Brandon Allen. Chig Okonkwo is likely to be Tennessee's primary tight end to begin the regular season, but Helm has seemingly risen up the depth chart quickly to begin his rookie year.

Kelce corralled two of three targets for 32 yards in Friday's preseason loss to Chicago.

A slimmer Kelce made his preseason debut Friday after sitting out the Chiefs' first two exhibitions. The 35-year-old decided to lace up for a 13th season after his team was unceremoniously bounced from the Super Bowl by the Eagles in 2024. Kelce's numbers have been steadily declining since his last 1,000-yard season back in 2022. That said, an over-the-hill Kelce still warrants fantasy consideration at a very shallow position.

Ferguson isn't suited up ahead of Friday's preseason game versus the Falcons, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Ferguson thus won't see any action during exhibition season, though his standing as the Cowboys' No. 1 TE was intact all along, especially after inking a four-year, $52 million extension in the early stages of training camp. He's combined for 130 catches (on 188 targets) for 1,255 yards and five touchdowns in 31 regular-season games over the last two years, but he'll have a bit more competition for targets in 2025 following the addition of George Pickens to the WR room this offseason.