NFL Player News

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Kraft (ACL) could be back on the field by the start of, or during, training camp, Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports.

GM Brian Gutekunst said in early May that Kraft is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a right ACL tear and is expected to be back in the starting lineup early during the 2026 regular season, but LaFleur's current prognostication is arguably even more optimistic. The 25-year-old tight end is working his way back from surgery undergone last November after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 9 of the 2025 campaign. Before going down, Kraft had firmly established himself as one of the focal points of Green Bay's passing attack. With Romeo Doubs now in New England and Dontayvion Wicks in Philadelphia, Kraft stands alongside Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden as one of Jordan Love's top pass-catching options heading into 2026. In contrast to Kraft, LaFleur said he expects Micah Parsons (ACL) to begin training camp on the PUP list, per Ryan Wood of USA Today.

Barner (undisclosed) is not participating in OTAs on Wednesday while recovering from what Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald alluded to as offseason procedures, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports.

Barner played through shoulder and ankle injuries last season, but he nonetheless suited up for all 17 regular-season games while totaling a 52-519-6 line on 68 targets. The 2024 fourth-rounder also operated as the TE1 for all three of the Seahawks' postseason games. Macdonald said Barner will "probably" be available for training camp and is "itching to get out there." With Barner sidelined for OTAs, however, 2025 second-round pick Elijah Arroyo has reportedly impressed and begun taking a step forward in his development. While Barner remains No. 1 tight end for Seattle's offense entering the 2026 campaign, it's possible Arroyo will earn an increased target share in Year 2.

Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he is still targeting the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Rams in Week 1 as his return date, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Kittle acknowledged the challenge of completing his rehab in time for Week 1, though he noted that "I was told it's not a crazy goal." Optimism surrounding his recovery has remained steady throughout the offseason, aided by the fact that he suffered what surgeon and team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache described as a "best-case scenario" Achilles tear near the soleus muscle, as Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. GM John Lynch said in late March that he's "hopeful" Kittle will be available Week 1. Still, given the timing of the injury he suffered during San Francisco's wild-card win over the Eagles in January and how capable No. 2 tight end Jake Tonges (foot) looked across his spot starts in 2025, the 49ers are expected to take caution with Kittle's recovery process.

Denver coach Sean Payton said that Lohner "stood out" during rookie minicamp, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Lohner was a seventh-round selection by the Broncos in the 2025 NFL Draft despite the fact that he played only one year of college football. The 6-foot-7 tight end spent much more time playing basketball and made the 2021 WCC All-Freshman Team in that sport, and Denver drafted him with the hope that his size and athleticism would eventually translate into the ability to be a productive NFL tight end. Payton lauded Lohner's growth and advanced learning curve during the team's recent rookie minicamp, adding that Lohner is in "great shape," per Rachel Vigil of AltitudeTV. Lohner spent all of his rookie campaign on the team's practice squad, and it's unlikely that he'll be a major factor for the Broncos during the upcoming season, but it sounds like Denver sees him as a potential piece of its future.

The Steelers and Freiermuth agreed to a restructured contract Saturday, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com reports.

As a result, Freiermuth's cap hit for the 2026 campaign will decrease from its current $11.2 million. Pittsburgh's tight end room lost both Jonnu Smith (released) and Connor Heyward (signed with Raiders) this offseason, which leaves Darnell Washington (forearm) as the only established option at the position aside from Freiermuth. With QB Aaron Rodgers back in the fold as well, Freiermuth may be poised for an uptick in volume after putting together a 41-486-4 line on 54 targets in 17 regular-season games in 2025.

The Dolphins waived Conyers (leg) on Thursday.

Conyers spent the 2025 season on the Dolphins' injured reserve due to a leg injury. He's evidently healthy now, given that Thursday's transaction didn't carry an injury designation, and he'll likely seek a depth role elsewhere. Conyers last played in 2024 when he caught 30 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns at Texas Tech, adding eight carries for 31 yards and two scores.

Helm (toe) is participating in OTAs this week, Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports Nashville reports.

Helm missed the Titans' regular-season finale back in January but appears to be back to full health after compiling 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets as a rookie last season. With Chig Okonkwo now with the Commanders, Helm looks poised to win the TE1 job with the Titans this summer. His main competition for playing time will come from blocking types Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson.

Haarberg signed with the Panthers on Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Haarberg spent three years at Nebraska before going undrafted this past April. Ahead of the 2025 season, he transitioned from quarterback to tight end. During that season, the 23-year-old appeared in nine games and tallied eight receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Now in Carolina, he'll compete for a spot on the active roster as the offseason progresses.

Pierre (undisclosed) reverted to Carolina's injured reserve Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Pierre was let go by the Panthers on Monday but will remain with the team after going unclaimed on waivers. The 25-year-old spent last season on Carolina's practice squad but didn't appear in any games and will now have to miss the entirety of the upcoming campaign unless he's waived with an injury settlement.

The Browns waived Prieskorn on Tuesday.

Prieskorn is headed to waivers despite having just signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland back in January. The 26-year-old spent last season on the Browns' practice squad but didn't appear in any games.