NFL Player News

Okonkwo (leg) will return to practice Monday, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports.

The Titans never expected Okonkwo to be out for long even though he missed the final preseason game. He's expected to be the team's top pass-catching TE and now has two full weeks to prepare for a Week 1 game in New Orleans.

Graham (illness) had three receptions (four targets) for 34 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's preseason finale against Houston.

Graham returned to action in style after missing last week's preseason tilt due to a non-football-related medical issue. The long-time Saint got the start at tight end with Taysom Hill, Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau all sitting out the final exhibition showcase. Graham turned in a vintage performance highlighted by a short touchdown in the second quarter in which he used his 6-foot-7 frame to body the slot corner assigned to him in coverage. Perhaps the 36-year-old can survive Tuesday's roster cuts and carve out a red-zone role as he attempts to extend his career back to where it all began back in 2010.

Durham brought in his only target for eight yards in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Durham got a long look for a second straight game, leading all Buccaneers tight ends with 24 snaps. The rookie fifth-round pick recorded only three receptions for 11 yards on four targets through three preseason games, and it could come down to him and Dominique Dafney for a potential No. 4 TE spot on the final roster.

Dafney secured both targets for 22 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Dafney checked in second among the Buccaneers' tight ends with 21 snaps while tying for the position lead in receptions and setting the pace in receiving yards. The 26-year-old had a serviceable preseason relative to opportunity, posting a 4-33 line on five targets. However, with David Wells seemingly enjoying the inside track to the No. 3 tight end role after recording a touchdown Saturday night, Dafney may have to beat out rookie fifth-round pick Payne Durham to garner a spot on the final roster.

Otton wasn't targeted during Saturday's 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens but carried once for 12 yards.

Otton's sole contribution ironically came on the ground, but he flashed his speed by taking the ball up the right sideline for a solid gain to the Ravens' 22-yard line on the Buccaneers' first touchdown drive. The second-year tight end is expected to play a significant role in an offense that projects to feature plenty of play-action passing, following an impressive rookie campaign in which he finished with a 42-391-2 line over 16 games and a four-catch, 58-yard effort in the wild-card loss to the Cowboys.

Wells brought in both targets for 11 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Wells' bid for a backup tight end role got a boost with Saturday's performance, which included a six-yard touchdown grab on the final play of the first quarter. Wells finishes the preseason with a 5-33-1 line on seven targets, and it will seemingly come down to him or rookie fifth-round pick Payne Durham if the Buccaneers decide to keep only three tight ends.

Cannella was waived by the Seahawks on Sunday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Cannella had success in the XFL with the Arlington Renegades this summer but was unable to land a spot on the Seahawks' 53-man roster. It's unclear whether he'll be able to find a spot with an NFL organization during the 2023 campaign.

Gentry secured one of two targets for seven yards across the Steelers' three preseason games.

Gentry rejoined the Steelers on a one-year deal during the offseason but wasn't utilized much in the passing game. Per Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, there's a chance Gentry doesn't make the 53-man roster now that rookie Darnell Washington is in the fold, but Gentry's solid blocking abilities bolster his chances for a spot on the final roster. However, it doesn't appear as though he'll have much fantasy value early in the regular season.

The Raiders placed Hollister (undisclosed) on injured reserve Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Hollister signed with the Raiders on Aug 2. and was competing for a depth spot at tight end behind Austin Hooper, 2023 second-round pick Michael Mayer and Jesper Horsted. Hollister split time last season with the Raiders, Vikings and Seahawks but failed to record a catch over five games. He's set to miss the 2023 season unless he reaches an injury settlement with Las Vegas.

The Patriots waived Washington on Sunday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Washington was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Patriots in January. He hauled in one pass for 11 yards in two preseason games and could rejoin the Patriots on their practice squad once he clears waivers.