NFL Player News

Likely didn't participate in Wednesday's practice due to an undisclosed injury, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Likely is dealing with a contusion and could be back later this week or next week. Assuming he avoids any further setbacks, Likely is slated to continue to work behind top tight end Mark Andrews heading into the regular season. In 16 games as a rookie in 2022, Likely recorded 36 catches (on 60 targets) for 373 yards and three touchdowns. As long as Andrews is available, Likely's fantasy upside is modest, but the 23-year-old offers streaming appeal in the event that Andrews misses time for any reason.

Ogletree (knee) missed practice Tuesday, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Ogletree didn't play in Indy's first preseason game and this may be why. He's coming back from a torn ACL that occurred during last year's training camp, so his health remains something to monitor this summer. He likely faces an uphill battle to win a roster spot amid crowded competition at tight end.

Mallory (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Mo Alie-Cox (ankle), Jelani Woods (hamstring) and Andrew Ogletree (knee) remain sidelined, so Mallory could get extra work in this week's preseason game if he's able to play. The 24-year-old, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft, is likely competing with Alie-Cox and Pharaoh Brown for the team's No. 3 TE spot.

Durham brought in one of two targets for three yards while logging 24 snaps from scrimmage and another 10 on special teams in the Buccaneers' preseason-opening loss to the Steelers on Friday.

It was a solid workload for the rookie fifth-round pick, who led all Buccaneers' tight ends in both snaps from scrimmage and on special teams. Durham compiled 101 receptions in his last two college seasons alone, and with second-year pro Ko Kieft a classic blocking tight end, the former's primary competition for playing time -- and perhaps even a roster spot -- appears to be journeyman David Wells.

Saints coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday that Hill suffered a minor oblique strain during practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Hill dealt with a persistent rib issue through the first six weeks of last season, though he only missed one game all season when he sat out Week 3 due to that injury. Allen also mentioned that he doesn't expect the 32-year-old's oblique strain is anything serious, likely indicating that it's an isolated incident rather than anything related to a previous injury concern. Hill played just 15 total snaps in Sunday's 26-24 preseason win versus the Chiefs, and it's likely he'll continue to see relatively limited playing time whether or not he overcomes this oblique strain before Sunday's preseason contest against the Chargers.

Gilliam (groin) returned to the practice field on Tuesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Gilliam has been sidelined since Aug. 7 with a groin injury, but his return to practice indicates he is trending in the right direction. Seeing as though he is the only fullback on Buffalo's roster, his presence alone allows them to expand their playbook with certain sets.

Tonyan is expected to see significant snaps in the regular season, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Although Cole Kmet is the Bears' primary tight end, the team expects to use two tight ends frequently. When the team is looking to attack through the air, Tonyan is likely to be on the field while seeing targets. When the team is focusing on the rushing attack, the second tight end could be Marcedes Lewis. Even though Tonyan is expected to be involved in the passing game, it seems likely that he'll be a secondary option behind Kmet.

Kmet could be second on the Bears in receptions this season, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

After signing a big contract extension, Kmet is expected to be a core part of the Bears offense. He also provides the team with a big target in the middle of the field, and there are no established high-volume wideouts on the roster aside from DJ Moore. Expect the team to use plenty of two tight end packages, and Robert Tonyan will play quite a bit, but Kmet has a chance to be a featured part of the passing game.

Fortson (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Fortson suffered the injury during practice in late July. It's still unclear what the specific issue is, but head coach Andy Reid said the Valdosta State product would be getting his shoulder "done." He'll now miss the 2023 season unless he reaches an injury settlement with the team and is able to get back to full health before the season comes to an end.

The Cardinals reinstated Ertz (knee) from the active/PUP list Tuesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Reports of Ertz coming off the PUP list began swirling Monday, and the transaction is now official. The veteran tight end may still have some hurdles left to clear in his recovery from left ACL and MCL tears sustained in Week 10 last year, but his activation is nonetheless encouraging, and he has two more opportunities to suit up for preseason action ahead of Sept. 10's season opener against the Commanders. Once back to full form, Ertz and Trey McBride will work atop Arizona's tight end depth chart.