NFL Player News

Likely caught nine of 12 targets for 111 yards and a touchdown in the Ravens' 27-20 loss to the Chiefs on Thursday night.

Likely was the surprise leader in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night for either squad, outperforming both teammate Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce as the standout tight end in the opener. Likely's night would have been that much more memorable had he been able to keep his right toe from landing slightly out of the back of the end zone on a spectacular would-be touchdown grab as time expired in regulation. Likely had already scored a 49-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter, eluding two defenders on his way to the end zone, and it appears he's set to continue in at least a version of the expanded role he enjoyed in the latter portion of last season when Andrews was injured. Likely will look to build on the breakout Week 1 effort in a home battle versus the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Kelce caught three of four targets for 34 yards in a 27-20 win over the Ravens on Thursday night.

Kelce had an uncharacteristically quiet performance to start the season, with fellow tight end Noah Gray actually matching his reception total and outgaining him by three yards. Most of Kelce's production came on an impressive 23-yard reception, as the veteran star ceded the spotlight to Rashee Rice and rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Kelce should have a more robust role other weeks this season, and he'll aim to make good on that possibility against the Bengals in Week 2.

Myarick is signing with the Texans' practice squad after a successful workout Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The fullback was cut by Jacksonville on Aug. 25. Myarick did not play in 2023 after suiting up for 16 regular-season games with the Giants in 2022. The 28-year-old has 10 catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns in his career, though he has yet to record a carry.

Brown (foot) was absent from Thursday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Brown has now logged back-to-back DNP's to start the week. He has one more chance Friday to practice in some capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Broncos. If Brown were to be ruled out for Week 1, Brady Russell and AJ Barner would be in line for more backup tight-end snaps behind starter Noah Fant (toe).

Fant (toe) was limited at practice Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

With back-to-back capped sessions to begin Week 1 prep due to a toe injury that has lingered for almost one month, Fant has just one more chance to get back to all activity before the Seahawks potentially give him a designation for Sunday's game versus the Broncos. Meanwhile, fellow TE Pharaoh Brown (foot) hasn't practiced this week, which has left Brady Russell and AJ Barner as the healthy players at the position on the team's active roster.

Hendershot (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's regular-season opener against the Ravens.

Hendershot was acquired by the Chiefs in a trade with the Cowboys on Aug. 27. He's the fourth tight end on Kansas City's depth chart behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray and Jared Wiley. Hendershot's next chance at making his Chiefs debut will come against the Bengals on Sept. 15.

Bowers (foot) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Coach Antonio Pierce has stressed Bowers will be ready to go for Sunday's Week 1 opener against the Chargers despite the limited practice reps. The Raiders are expected to use both Bowers and second-year TE Michael Mayer in tandem this season, with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers handling the wideout reps in an offense that likely won't use a ton of three-receiver looks.

Reiman was limited in Thursday's practice session due to an ankle issue, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Reiman has logged back-to-back limited tags to open the week. The rookie third-round tight end will have one more chance Friday to practice in a larger capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Bills.

Kraft (back) is listed as questionable for Friday's contest versus the Eagles in Brazil, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

The Packers included Kraft on their estimated injury report Wednesday due to a back issue, which wasn't evident at Tuesday's practice. He proceeded to go through a limited session to cap Week 1 prep, and his game status now won't be confirmed, one way or another, until 90 minutes before an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Any reps that Kraft cedes in Friday's game would filter down to fellow second-year TEs Luke Musgrave and Ben Sims.

Pitts (hamstring) practiced fully Thursday.

One day removed from showing up on the Falcons' initial Week 1 injury report as limited due to a hamstring issue, Pitts handled every practice rep Thursday, following up his own comment from Wednesday that he'd be 100 percent for Sunday's contest against the Steelers, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Pitts has a new context heading into 2024 with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on board, which may allow the fourth-year tight end to tap into the talent that resulted in a huge rookie receiving line (68-1,026-1 on 110 targets in 17 regular-season games) in the 2021 campaign.