NFL Player News

Njoku caught his lone target for one yard in Friday's preseason game against Washington.

Njoku started and was on the field for Cleveland's first drive, the lone possession with starting quarterback Deshaun Watson under center. Both Njoku and backup tight end Jordan Akins were targeted on the drive. Watson and Njoku have been on the same page during camp, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic, and the Browns see him running more than traditional tight end routes. Coaches feel he can make an impact from all over the formation and see Njoku turning screens into big gains.

Akins caught his lone target for five yards in Friday's preseason game against the Commanders.

Akins made his catch during Cleveland's first possession, the lone drive engineered by starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. The tight end had battled a knee injury earlier in the camp before returning to practice this week. David Njoku is the clear No. 1 at the position, but Akins' history with Watson -- they spent three seasons together in Houston -- could lead to a substantial role.

Turner caught all four of his targets for 31 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Browns.

Logan Thomas (calf) was held out of the contest, so Turner lined up with the starters on offense and showed some intriguing chemistry with Sam Howell, catching three of his passes early in the second quarter on the first-team offense's lone scoring drive -- including a clutch conversion on fourth down. Turner made little impact as a rookie in 2022, but the Nevada product could be ready to take a step forward in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's scheme, especially if Thomas once again has trouble staying healthy.

LaPorta didn't catch his only target in Friday's 21-16 preseason win over the Giants.

LaPorta has been working with the first-team offense in training camp, but the rookie second-round pick failed to make much of an impression in his first NFL action. The tight end will look to get more involved in Detroit's second preseason game against the Jaguars as he looks to earn a prominent role in the offense out of the gate.

Davis (knee) is expected to have suffered a season-ending injury in Friday's preseason opener, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Head coach Matt LaFleur suggested the injury is season-ending in his press conference following the game. The Packers were hopeful Davis would be a special teams contributor for them this season. The specifics of his his knee injury is still unclear at this point.

Davis injured his knee in Friday's preseason opener against the Bengals.

Davis hauled in two receptions for nine yards and a touchdown before sustaining the injury. He has not officially been ruled out, but expect the Packers to exercise caution given it is an exhibition game. The 26-year-old is trying to earn a spot on the Packers' 53-man roster this season.

Hudson exited Friday's exhibition contest against the Packers after suffering a concussion and will not return.

Hudson was seeing plenty of action prior to the injury, as he had accumulated four receptions for 29 yards before exiting late in the second quarter. He will now need to clear the league's concussion protocol before returning to practice going forward. The fifth-year tight end is competing for a depth role with the club this year.

Deguara (calf) isn't in line to play in Friday's preseason contest at Cincinnati, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Deguara has been dealing with a calf injury for more than a week, but he was able to return for some drills at Wednesday's joint practice with the Bengals. With Deguara unavailable, the Packers will roll with Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft (knee), Tyler Davis and Austin Allen at tight end in their exhibition opener.

Coach Andy Reid indicated that Chiefs starters are in line to play about a quarter in Sunday's preseason opener against the Saints, Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star reports.

Though it appears as though Kelce will see some action Sunday, his anticipated appearance figures to be abbreviated, given his importance to the team's offense. As the coming season approaches, Kelce remains an elite fantasy option and is viewed as the consensus top option at the tight end position.

Waller isn't expected to play in Friday night's preseason opener against the Lions, The Athletic's Dan Duggan reports.

This isn't surprising at all, considering the Giants have been careful to give Waller plenty of rest this summer after he's battled injuries in recent years. Lawrence Cager should see plenty of run at tight end Friday. Waller is the favorite to pace the Giants in targets and catches in 2023.