NFL Player News

Okonkwo isn't slated to suit up for Friday's preseason contest against the Dolphins.

After spending the first four campaigns of his career with the Titans, Okonkwo signed a three-year, $27 million contract to join the Commanders this offseason. He's averaged a 48.5-504.3-2 line on 68 targets per 17 regular-season games to date, but more consistent QB play while working with Jayden Daniels in Washington makes Okonkwo a candidate to increase those numbers in 2026.

Kanak (pectoral) exited Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers early and did not return, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Kanak suffered a pectoral injury during Thursday's contest, and it is unclear how much time the tight end will miss. The 22-year-old was selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft and is competing with David Martin-Robinson, Kylen Granson and Joel Wilson for a spot on the Titans' 53-man roster.

LaPorta did not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Bengals.

LaPorta joined Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in street clothes for the exhibition. LaPorta is looking for a bounce-back season in 2026 after battling a back issue that limited him to just nine regular-season contests last season. He's expected to slot in as the third or fourth option in this Detroit offense under new OC Drew Petzing.

Bowers started Thursday's preseason opener against Arizona and came out of the game after one snap.

The Raiders' other starters, including QB Kirk Cousins and RB Ashton Jeanty, continued to play throughout the opening drive. Not that this needed reinforcement, but the early exit is yet another sign of Bowers' massive importance to the Las Vegas offense. We may not see him again until Week 1 against Miami.

McBride played one snap in Thursday's 27-14 preseason win over the Raiders.

QB Jacoby Brissett, WR Marvin Harrison and the five starting offensive linemen played all 11 snaps on Arizona's opening drive. It was only McBride who got superstar treatment, as WR Michael Wilson and RB Jeremiyah Love also took most of the snaps on the lone series for Arizona's first-team offense. McBride has far more competition for the ball this year, but he'll still be prioritized in the passing game and remains a clear favorite to lead the team in targets.

Washington failed to see a target in Thursday's 28-9 preseason win over the Packers.

QB Aaron Rodgers wasn't under center in the Steelers' exhibition opener, while the team's top two wideouts DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman (leg) were sidelined, but top tight ends Washington and Pat Freiermuth both made cameos in the contest. Washington's receiving numbers took a step forward in his third NFL season, and with Jonnu Smith no longer on the roster, the 2023 third-round pick could see his volume tick up a little further after he caught 31 of 43 targets for 364 yards and a touchdown over 16 regular-season contests last year.

Freiermuth caught his only target for two yards in Thursday's 28-9 preseason win over the Packers.

QB Aaron Rodgers wasn't under center in the Steelers' exhibition opener, while the team's top two wideouts DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman (leg) were sidelined, but top tight ends Freiermuth and Darnell Washington both made cameos in the contest. Freiermuth's lone catch came just short of the goal line, as Mason Rudolph found him on a 4th-and-3 early in the second quarter. The 27-year-old saw his receiving numbers decline in 2025, and while significant competition for targets went out the door this offseason in Jonnu Smith and Kenny Gainwell, the addition of Pittman as a possession receiver could put a ceiling on how much Freiermuth is able to bounce back.

Helm brought in his only target for 16 yards in the Titans' 19-13 preseason win over the 49ers on Thursday.

With Chig Okonkwo now in Washington, Helm is set to operate as the Titans' unquestioned No. 1 tight end in 2026. Consequently, the second-year pro was on the field with the rest of the starters to open Thursday's game, and he flashed on his one reception, which came during the Titans' opening possession. Helm's 16-yard grab moved the ball into 49ers territory and put his ability to gain yards after the catch on display. Helm already managed a 44-357-2 line across 16 regular-season games in a rotational role as a rookie in 2025, so fantasy expectations are understandably elevated now that Okonkwo is no longer a competitor for Cam Ward's attention.

Klein caught his only target for 31 yards in Thursday's 27-7 preseason loss to the Chargers.

Klein's lone catch gained enough yards to lead the Texans in receiving yards as Houston's offense struggled to produce while the team's starters rested in the preseason opener. Houston drafted Klein 59th overall out of Michigan, and the rookie second-round pick is likely to begin his career in a backup role behind Dalton Schultz. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Klein was known more for his blocking than his receiving ability in college.

Gadsden caught two of three targets for 21 yards in Thursday's 21-7 preseason win over the Texans.

The Chargers rested key starters, including QB Justin Herbert, but Gadsden evidently hasn't earned that distinction coming off a 664-yard rookie regular season. Both of Gadsden's catches Thursday came on passes thrown by Trey Lance. In Gadsden's second NFL campaign, he will try to hold off David Njoku for targets among the Chargers' tight ends. Gadsden could continue to see action in the Chargers' second preseason game, Aug. 20 against the 49ers.