NFL Player News

Tremble caught three of four targets for 23 yards in Friday's 21-0 preseason win over the Bills.

Tremble started at tight end and played one-third of Carolina's offensive snaps. He made a solid impact during that run, gearing himself up well for the regular season. While teammate Ian Thomas (ribs) is expected to return within the next week after being sidelined since Aug. 9, Tremble figures to be the Panthers' most-utilized tight end in the passing game. That role could give Tremble a good shot to improve on his 20 catches on 35 targets for 180 yards and a touchdown as a rookie last year.

Bryant caught both targets for 15 yards in Saturday's preseason finale against the Bears.

Both Bryant (14 snaps) and starting tight end David Njoku (29 snaps) had their most extensive use of the preseason. Once the regular season begins, each should be in the range of 50 snaps apiece.

Njoku caught three passes for 34 yards on four targets in Cleveland's preseason game against Chicago on Saturday.

Njoku won't have Deshaun Watson for most of the season but still should be in position to break out as a fantasy option in his sixth NFL season in 2022. Still just 26 years old, Njoku's substantial athletic gifts give him a chance to post standout numbers after a relatively quiet start to his NFL career.

Bates (calf) could return to practice this week, Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Saturday that he expects Bates back at practice in the coming days. The 31-year-old may even enter Week 1 as the starting tight end as Logan Thomas (knee) has yet to return to full participation at practice.

Pinkney caught both of his targets for 28 yards in Saturday's 16-7 loss to the Bengals.

The surprise waiving of Kendall Blanton potentially left a spot open after starter Tyler Higbee and backup Brycen Hopkins, and Pinkney filled in ably, turning one of his targets into a 25-yard gain in the first quarter. The Rams may choose to keep only two tight ends with multiple players that can fill in the blocking role, including converted tight end Jacob Harris, but Pinkney showed that he can fill the role if needed if the Rams keep three or more tight ends.

Otton secured two of three targets for 37 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-10 preseason loss to the Colts on Saturday night.

Otton's yardage total was second only to that of fellow tight end J.J. Howland's on the night for the Buccaneers. Otton's night included an impressive 30-yard reception in connection with Blaine Gabbert to open the second quarter, a play that showcased the Washington product's downfield chops. While he has plenty of potential, Otton still appears set for a backup role behind the veteran duo of Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph to open the season.

Gesicki tallied one catch on one target for 18 yards in Saturday's 48-10 preseason win over the Eagles.

Gesicki made his lone catch of the game on the team's third offensive possession, which helped set up a one-yard touchdown plunge for Sony Michel. Gesicki has been the subject of trade rumors due to questions regarding his potential role in the Miami offense as a true tight end -- rather than a de facto wide receiver -- in recent days. However, if he remains in Miami, Gesicki could still be the third option in the passing attack behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Alie-Cox failed to bring in his only target in the Colts' 27-10 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

Alie-Cox's lackluster preseason ended with a thud Saturday night, calling into question how snaps might be divided at tight end for the Colts come the regular season. Alie-Cox appeared set to lose some playing time to rookie Andrew Ogletree prior to the latter's season-ending knee injury, but second-year pro Kylen Granson and rookie third-round pick Jelani Woods could be threats as well beginning with the Week 1 divisional road matchup against the Texans on Sept. 11.

Kmet caught three receptions for 36 yards and one touchdown on three targets in Chicago's preseason game against Cleveland on Saturday.

Kmet's first two NFL seasons contained plenty of struggles, but he's still just 23 years old and possesses above-average athleticism at a big build. As much as the Bears might throw poorly and infrequently in 2022, Kmet's projection gets a boost for the fact that he might be the second-leading target behind Darnell Mooney.

Thomas is set to return within the week, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Thomas was carted off the practice field Aug. 9 with an injury to his ribs, but he has apparently recovered since for the most part. He's slated to serve as the primary backup to 2021 third-rounder Tommy Tremble this season and will likely spend much of his time on the field on running downs.