NFL Player News

Ferguson caught all three of his targets for 38 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Ferguson was one of the few projected Week 1 starters that Dallas put on the field against Jacksonville. The 24-year-old was working on improving his blocking during camp, but he reminded everyone that he is still a receiving threat. Ferguson is closing in on taking over the starting job vacated by Dalton Schultz's move to Houston in the offseason.

Granson had one reception for 20 yards on two targets in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Granson got the start at tight end with several tight ends sitting out due to injury (Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods, Will Mallory). A report from Zak Keefer of The Athletic in May indicated Granson isn't a lock to make the final roster, but his status seems more secure during the preseason, especially with the other injuries at the position. Granson has caught 76.4 percent of his 55 targets since the Colts made him a fourth-round pick in 2021, but he's averaged only 9.7 yards per catch and is still searching for his first NFL touchdown.

Mallory (hamstring) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Mallory started camp on the active/PUP list due to a foot injury, but he then suffered a hamstring injury and missed practice time last week. It's not clear how long he'll be out. The 24-year-old, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft, is likely competing with Mo Alie-Cox and Pharaoh Brown for the team's No. 3 TE spot.

Woods (hamstring) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Woods missed OTAs due to a hamstring injury, and while he said heading into training camp that he anticipated being a full participant, it continues to be an issue. His status for the start of the regular season may be at risk as a result.

Alie-Cox (foot) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Alie-Cox missed practice last week due to a foot injury and was spotted on the sidelines at practice wearing a boot. The severity of his injury isn't clear and there's no timetable for his return to practice.

McBride didn't play during Friday's 18-17 preseason victory versus the Broncos, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

McBride's practice reps early in training camp were impacted by what coach Jonathan Gannon called "nicks and bruises," but the second-year tight end was able to log some on-field work as recently as Tuesday. Despite returning to practice, he seemingly was held out as a precaution Friday as he puts the injuries further in the rearview mirror. Zach Ertz, the Cardinals' top TE when healthy, continues his recovery from November knee surgery, so the decision to keep McBride on ice is a prudent one. McBride will have another chance for exhibition action Saturday, Aug. 19 against the Chiefs.

Wells brought in his only target for 22 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-17 preseason loss to the Steelers on Friday night.

Wells had been making an impact in training camp practices with his pass-catching chops, and he was able to carry over that momentum into his first preseason action. The 28-year-old, whose NFL regular-season experience is limited to three games and 12 snaps from scrimmage with the Cardinals back in 2021, is battling rookie fifth-round pick Payne Durham for the role of top backup pass-catching option at tight end behind Cade Otton. Wells will continue that quest during the Buccaneers' second preseason game next Saturday night on the road versus the Jets.

Quitoriano (quadriceps) was removed from the active/PUP list and practiced Saturday, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Quitoriano was in full pads for Saturday's walkthrough and appears ready to make his preseason debut next weekend versus the Dolphins. The tight end is competing with Brevin Jordan (hamstring) for the primary reserve role behind Dalton Schultz in 2023.

Kincaid (back) suited up for Saturday's preseason opener against Indianapolis, but he was not targeted during his brief exhibition debut.

While it would have been nice to see the first tight end taken in this year's draft get involved on offense, the fact that Kincaid suited up for the first of three exhibition contests at least confirms that he is completely over the back issues he experienced in the offseason. Buffalo traded up in the first round to draft the receiving tight end, and early reports indicate that the team has no intention of making the rookie sit behind the incumbent veteran, Dawson Knox, either. Perhaps we get a longer look at the exciting tight end prospect against the Steelers next Saturday.

Ruckert suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday's 27-0 win over the Panthers, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Ruckert left the win a little worse for wear, and more information on his status will likely be provided this week. The tight end reeled in two catches for 19 yards before going down with the injury.