NFL Player News

Allen secured both of his targets for 17 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason victory against the Cowboys.

Year 3 for the former fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson started relatively quietly, although his meager receiving totals actually paced the Rams' tight end corps as Mark Redman managed just nine yards on his only catch. Tyler Higbee looks poised to reclaim his role as the lead tight end for the Rams, and 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson (groin) also is a lock to make the team. Colby Parkinson sits as the primary competition for the tertiary tight end role, but Parkinson was a disappointment in his first year with the Rams (a modest 30-294-1 line over 17 games), which could give Allen a chance to leap the veteran on the depth chart to start the 2025 campaign.

Loveland caught one of two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 24-24 preseason tie against the Dolphins.

Both of Loveland's targets came on the opening drive, as the Bears made it a point of emphasis to get the rookie 10th overall pick involved early, even with starting quarterback Caleb Williams resting Sunday. Loveland is projected to split snaps with Cole Kmet in the regular season, but the former's participation Sunday puts to bed any remaining concerns about Loveland's recovery from January shoulder surgery. Chicago's next preseason game against the Bills on Sunday, Aug. 17 could present Loveland's first opportunity to catch passes from Williams in a game situation.

Jordan caught both targets for 11 yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

This was Jordan's first game action since tearing an ACL in Week 2 last season. Presumptive starter Dalton Schultz was held out while Jordan, Cade Stover (two targets, nine yards) and Luke Lachey (three targets, two yards) received playing time and were targeted in the preseason opener. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley has experience as a tight ends coach with the both the Patriots and Rams, which suggests there could be room for more than just Schultz as a fantasy target at the position.

Smartt caught his only target for a 24-yard touchdown in Saturday's 30-10 preseason win over the Packers.

Smartt's touchdown catch came in the third quarter, well after all of the Jets' starters had departed. He's behind 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor (ankle) and Jeremy Ruckert on the depth chart, but Smartt's intriguing pass catching ability could earn him a role on offense come the regular season, especially if Taylor misses time as a result of his high-ankle sprain.

Wiley (undisclosed) brought in his only target for two yards in the Chiefs' 20-17 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Saturday night.

Wiley had missed practice last Saturday with an undisclosed injury, but the 2024 fourth-round pick was able to participate in Saturday's contest and make a minimal impact. Wiley, who had only one catch over seven regular-season appearances during his rookie campaign, may have a difficult time beating out veteran Robert Tonyan for the third spot on the depth chart, but the former is likely to get a prolonged look over the Chiefs' last two preseason contests.

Helm caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.

Both of Helm's targets came from backup quarterback Brandon Allen in the third quarter. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Texas has already climbed to second on the tight end depth chart, but he's still clearly behind starter Chig Okonkwo. Helm will try to close that gap in Tennessee's next preseason game Friday against the Falcons.

Okonkwo caught his only target for 10 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.

Okonkwo's lone catch came on a pass from rookie first overall pick Cameron Ward, who played two drives. Okonkwo appears to be locked in atop Tennessee's tight end depth chart, ahead of rookie fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm and last year's backup Josh Whyle. Tennessee's starters may see more extensive action in the team's second preseason game Friday against the Falcons.

Strange recorded one reception on one target for 11 yards in Saturday's 31-25 preseason loss to the Steelers.

Strange played one offensive possession with the Jaguars' starting skill-position unit and hauled in his only target over the middle of the field. The offseason departure of Evan Engram leaves Strange as the clear top tight end on the depth chart, though it may be hard for him to be a consistent fantasy contributor due to target competition from the likes of Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter.

McBride brought in his only target for 21 yards during the Cardinals' 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday night.

The talented tight end was on the receiving end of Kyler Murray's longest completion of the night, kickstarting Arizona's second drive. McBride, who signed a four-year, $76 million extension in April, is ticketed for another massive role again in 2025 after recording 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns across 16 regular-season contests last season.

Heyward secured two of three targets for 17 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Although Heyward has appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his first three years in the NFL, his already limited role took a hit in 2024, as he secured just six of eight targets for 40 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith during the offseason while retaining Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, so Heyward will likely be forced to settle for a minimal role on offense, if he makes the 53-man roster.