NFL Player News

San Francisco waived Willis on Saturday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Willis suffered a concussion during the 49ers' preseason finale versus Las Vegas on Aug. 27, but he was able to practice this week. However, San Francisco has decided to cut the tight end ahead of Thursday's regular-season opener versus the Rams in Melbourne, Australia. That may be an indication that starter George Kittle (Achilles) is trending toward playing, though Willis could also end up on the practice squad and be elevated for Thursday, if needed.

LaPorta (hip) didn't play in any of the Lions' preseason contests.

LaPorta was rested in the team's exhibition opener, but a hip injury suffered in practice kept him on the sideline for the final two preseason games. He was able to return to drills as of Aug. 25, but it's unclear if he's put the issue behind him. LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so he has every incentive to be as healthy as possible for a Week 1 matchup with the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Otton is listed as the No. 1 TE on the Buccaneers' unofficial depth chart.

Aside from adding sixth-round rookie Bauer Sharp to the TE room this offseason, it's status quo for the position group in 2026, with all of Otton, Payne Durham and Ko Kieft back. Otton himself re-signed with Tampa Bay on a three-year, $30 million contract in March to retain his standing as the team's top tight end. Over the last two regular seasons, he's recorded exactly 59 catches on both occasions, totaling 1,172 yards and five touchdowns on 168 targets across 30 contests.

Okonkwo is listed as a starting tight end on the Commanders' unofficial depth chart.

After a four-year stint to begin his career in Tennessee, Okonkwo moved on to Washington via free agency this offseason, agreeing to a three-year, $27 million contract. Considering the investment made in him, it's no surprise he's listed as a first-teamer ahead of the 2026 campaign, and with lackluster competition behind him for targets in the form of John Bates (hamstring), Ben Sinnott (oblique) and Colson Yankoff, Okonkwo is poised to serve as the top TE for QB Jayden Daniels.

Taylor is listed as a starting tight end on the Jets' initial depth chart ahead of a Week 1 game against the Titans.

New York listed both Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert as starters at tight end, notably omitting first-round rookie Kenyon Sadiq (abdomen) after he missed most of the summer recovering from hernia surgery. Sadiq is on track to play Week 1 against Tennessee, but he's going to have to earn his spot over Taylor and Ruckert. Taylor fits the mold more as a traditional in-line Y tight end, while Sadiq profiles more as an F tight end, functioning as a big slot receiver. Taylor could be a factor in the red zone this season.

Freiermuth capped the Steelers' preseason schedule with one catch (on one target) for two yards in two contests.

Through five campaigns as a pro, Freiermuth has played at least 16 regular-season games on four occasions, and his tally of 486 receiving yards from 2025 marked his lowest among them. He was on the receiving end of passes from QB Aaron Rodgers for the first time, and with Rodgers returning for his age-43 season, Freiermuth likely isn't in store for much more production, even if the addition of WR Michael Pittman frees up more space for the tight end to operate.

Strange is the Jaguars' projected Week 1 starter at tight end following the NFL's cutdown day, John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Strange inked a three-year extension with Jacksonville back in June, and in the wake of roster cuts, rookie second-round pick Nate Boerkircher, rookie fifth-rounder Tanner Koziol and fifth-year pro Quintin Morris are the other TEs on the roster. As a result, Strange is the likeliest member of the group, barring health concerns, to end the campaign as the leader in offensive snaps. He's also coming off a 2025 season in which he posted a 46-540-3 line on 60 targets across 12 regular-season games.

The Raiders removed Okwuegbunam from their practice squad Thursday.

Okwuegbunam joined Las Vegas' practice squad Monday after missing the cut for the 53-man roster, but he's now a free agent again. He suited up for one game with the Raiders in 2025, catching five of six targets for 36 yards.

Washington signed Simon to its practice squad Tuesday, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Simon was waived by the Falcons on Saturday after missing the cut for their 53-man roster, but he's now getting a fresh opportunity with a new team. He spent the entirety of last season on Atlanta's practice squad.

Washington signed Westover to its practice squad Tuesday, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Westover went unclaimed after the Patriots waived him Sunday, but now he's getting another shot with a new club. He suited up for 17 regular-season games with New England in 2025, catching one of his two total targets for no gain.