NFL Player News

Alie-Cox (foot) returned to practice Tuesday, the Indianapolis Star reports.

He worked with the second-team offense. Alie-Cox disappointed as a receiving option in 2022, but his blocking ability figures to keep him in the mix with Kylen Granson and Jelani Woods (hamstring) for snaps in the Colts' committee approach at tight end,

Ogletree (shoulder) returned to practice Tuesday, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Ogletree, a sixth-round pick in 2022, is on the bubble to make the final roster, so he'll likely need to show he's healthy in the final preseason game to make the cut. Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods (hamstring) seem secure in the top three spots on the depth chart, leaving Ogletree competing with 2023 fifth-round pick Will Mallory for the TE4 role, if the Colts elect to go that deep at the position.

Kieft brought in one of two targets for five yards in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday night.

The second-year tight end made his first grab of preseason in his typically modest offensive role. Kieft should be locked into a roster spot given his superior blocking ability, which he flashed throughout his rookie 2022 campaign as the No. 3 tight end.

Wells brought in two of four targets for no gain in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday.

Wells, who's battling for a backup tight end role, had made an impact with a 22-yard grab in the preseason opener versus the Steelers. However, he netted zero yards despite seeing his target total quadruple and his catch tally double in the second preseason contest. Wells should have one more chance to make his case for a No. 3 or No. 4 tight end role in Saturday night's preseason finale against the Ravens.

Coach Dennis Allen doesn't expect Graham, who had a medical episode Friday night, to miss a significant amount of practice time, Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.

Per the report, Allen indicated that the tight end could be back on the field as soon as Wednesday, but either way Graham, who the Saints believe potentially had a seizure Friday, is expected back soon. "I think the important thing is that Jimmy is OK, and we plan on having him back out here and giving him an opportunity to prove he should be part of the team," Allen noted of the 36-year-old, who signed a one-year deal with New Orleans on July 25 after spending 2022 away from the NFL.

Hockenson (illness) did more at Tuesday's practice than he did Monday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Hockenson has been bothered by an ear infection since the first week of August and seems to be slowly improving. He still has more than two and a half weeks to get ready for a Week 1 matchup with Tampa Bay, though he may conclude the preseason without an appearance.

Knox (finger) returned to practice Tuesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Knox played four snaps in the preseason opener but missed last weekend's second exhibition. He should be on track for the Week 1 opener against the Jets on Monday, Sept. 11. Knox's role remains secure as the top inline tight end, but the arrival of first-round rookie Dalton Kincaid clouds Knox's potential target share as the fourth or fifth option in the pecking order on offense.

Gesicki (shoulder) returned to practice Tuesday in a non-contact jersey, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gesicki continues to work his way back from a mild shoulder dislocation. The Patriots remain optimistic about his chances of suiting up for Week 1's matchup against the Eagles, and resuming non-contact reps is a step in the right direction. Still, Gesicki doesn't seem likely to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Titans.

Conner (undisclosed) was activated from the active/PUP list Tuesday.

Conner opened camp on the list and has been unable to practice thus far. However, after passing his physical he'll be able to take the field with his team from here on out. The Idaho State product made 13 appearances with the Dolphins last season after going undrafted, and he'll use what time is left in camp to secure a spot on the team's 53-man roster once again.

Vokolek caught three of four targets for 28 yards and two touchdowns in Monday's preseason loss to the Commanders.

The undrafted rookie out of Nebraska had two catches for 30 yards the week prior and further strengthened his case for a roster spot Monday night. The Ravens only have four tight ends on the roster, and two of the guys ahead of him are locks (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely) while the other appears a near-lock (Charlie Kolar). There's no hope for short-term fantasy value on a team with Andrews and Likely, but Vokolek does offer some long-term potential given his size (6-6, 270) and developing receiving skills.