NFL Player News

Schultz (ribs) had two receptions on three targets for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to Miami.

Fantasy managers will be relieved to see Schultz get into an exhibition contest after dealing with a rib injury out of camp. The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal to move across the state and start for the Texans after four seasons with the Cowboys. With little competition for targets at tight end in Houston, Schultz could see his usage and fantasy value rise from the already solid levels they boasted during his time in Dallas. Expect the receiving threat to be one of rookie C.J. Stroud's favorite targets this upcoming season.

Kittle (groin) isn't in uniform ahead of Saturday's preseason game versus the Broncos, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle thus will miss the 49ers' first two exhibitions due to an adductor strain that he's been dealing with for more than a week. The team likely will continue to exercise caution with its top tight end with an eye toward him being available Week 1 at Pittsburgh.

Gesicki (shoulder) is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Packers, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Gesicki dislocated his shoulder in practice earlier this week and should be considered doubtful to play again this preseason. The Patriots are hoping Gesicki will be able to return in time for Week 1. Hunter Henry is dressed for Saturday's exhibition.

Ertz (knee) isn't slated to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Chiefs, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

This comes as no surprise less than a week removed from the Cardinals activating Ertz from the active/PUP list. He kicked off training camp on that list due to his recovery from ACL and MCL tears in his left knee that occurred Week 10 of last season. In the end, Arizona may be aiming for Ertz to be ready to go for a Week 1 road matchup with the Commanders, meaning exhibition action may not be in the cards.

Strange recorded three receptions on four targets for 23 yards in Saturday's 25-7 preseason win over the Lions.

Strange was the second tight end on the field after incumbent backup Luke Farrell. He ended up getting a significant amount of run late into the second quarter, and his most significant contribution came on a 15-yard gain that was primarily based on work after the catch. For now, Strange appears to be third on the tight end depth chart, though he could jump Farrell prior to the close of the preseason.

Knox (finger) won't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Buscaglia notes that Knox's finger injury has the tight end considered day-to-day, so it doesn't appear as though his Week 1 status is in danger. With the Bills expected to play a number of their key players Saturday, Dalton Kincaid should have a chance to get some work in with starting QB Josh Allen.

Graham had what the Saints described as a medical episode Friday evening in Southern California, which resulted in the tight end being taken into custody by local authorities, Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

In a statement posted Saturday, the Saints noted that Graham was subsequently "transported to a local hospital for evaluation for what Dr. John Amoss believes to be a likely seizure and spent the night under medical supervision and testing." The statement added that Graham was released from the hospital Saturday morning and is with the team in advance of Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers.

Thomas (calf) did some jogging and worked on a side field with trainers at practice Saturday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Thomas has been bothered by a calf strain since early August and missed Washington's first preseason game last week. It seems likely that he'll sit out Monday's contest against Baltimore as well, though that hasn't yet been confirmed. Given his ability to work on a side field Saturday, there remains hope that Thomas can be ready for the start of the regular season.

Waller caught three of four targets for 30 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Panthers.

The former Raider tight end was the intended target for Daniel Jones' first three passes of the night, and Waller checked out of the game when Jones did after the Giants' first possession. However, it was Daniel Bellinger who caught Jones' four-yard TD pass to cap that drive. Waller is looking to rebound after a couple injury-plagued campaigns, and while his early connection with Jones is encouraging, his usage in the red zone and at the goal line could ultimately determine whether he's able to produce the kind of numbers he did in his career-best 2020 season.

Pitts recorded one reception on one target for nine yards in Friday's 13-13 tie against the Bengals in Friday's preseason action.

Pitts played on Atlanta's first offensive possession with the top unit and recorded his lone reception on the third play of the game. The results are less important than the fact that Pitts played in his first game action since undergoing surgery on his MCL to end his 2022 campaign. He should be ready to lead the Falcons' receiving corps alongside Drake London for a Week 1 matchup against the Panthers.