NFL Player News

McBride (back) was unable to catch either of his two targets in Sunday's 24-17 preseason loss to the Ravens.

McBride was dealing with a minor back injury heading into this contest, so his availability in the second week of the preseason bodes well for the rookie's status as Week 1 approaches. That's important news from a fantasy perspective, given that projected starter Zach Ertz (calf) still is without a concrete timetable to return. McBride -- who was the first tight end taken off the board in 2022 -- didn't get many opportunities to flash his skills against Baltimore, but he should get a better look in the final week of the preseason when the Cardinals take on the Titans on Saturday.

Likely hauled in all eight of his targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Cardinals.

Likely has now strung together two gaudy preseason performances (144 total yards and a touchdown) in just four quarters of action. A fourth-round pick from this year's draft, he's dazzled with his usage, but it's important to note that Mark Andrews has yet to play in either of the team's two exhibitions, indicating that Likely may start the year as the Ravens' No. 3 tight end behind Andrews and fellow veteran Nick Boyle. While it generally isn't advised to monitor a team's third-string TE before the regular season starts, Baltimore runs an unorthodox offense around superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson that routinely uses multiple tight-end sets, so Likely's name might pop up this season even if Andrews stays healthy all year.

Bellinger caught two of three targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 25-22 preseason win over the Bengals.

On the bright side, Bellinger got the start and seems to be the top option on New York's tight end depth chart. The fourth-round pick out of San Diego State made a rookie mistake in this one, though, as he had a catchable pass from starting quarterback Daniel Jones bounce off his hands and into those of Bengals safety Daxton Hill for an interception. That miscue aside, Bellinger looks set to play a prominent role out of the gate, though it's worth noting that he never totaled more than 357 receiving yards in a season in college.

Bryant suited up but did not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Both Bryant and starting tight end David Njoku were stapled to the sidelines for the second preseason game. Each played in last week's opener at Jacksonville, where Bryant had four snaps and Njoku had nine.

Njoku suited up but did not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Neither Njoku nor top backup Harrison Bryant stepped on the field Sunday, as the Browns rested many of their regulars. It's unclear how head coach Kevin Stefanski plans to use his personnel in the third preseason game against the Bears next Saturday.

The Patriots have waived Keene, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

As Mike Reiss of ESPN.com notes, the 2020 third-rounder often battled injuries during his time with the Patriots. Now it looks like the Virginia Tech product -- who has three regular season catches in six game to his credit -- will look for a fresh start with a new team.

Blanton was claimed off waivers by the Commanders on Sunday, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Blanton's departure from the Rams was a bit of a surprise, as he was initially expected to be the No. 2 tight end for the Rams this season. However, the 26-year-old will find new opportunity in Washington, where he'll likely be competing for the same No. 2 role behind Logan Thomas (knee).

Smith logged 16 snaps on offense in Friday's 20-10 preseason win over the Panthers, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

Smith, who was listed in the starting lineup along with fellow tight end Devin Asiasi, didn't record a target in the contest during his abbreviated time on the field, but as Week 1 approaches, he's expected to see his share of looks from QB Mac Jones, while being part of a 1-2 TE combo that will also feature Hunter Henry, who sat out Friday's contest with an undisclosed injury. In his first campaign with the Patriots after signing a four-year, $50 million deal last March, Smith finished with 28 catches (on 45 targets) for 294 yards and a touchdown, but Evan Lazard of the Patriots' official site, among others, has noted that the 6-foot-3, 248-pounder has turned in a solid training camp, which could foreshadow something of a bounce-back effort for Smith this coming season.

Mitchell secured both of his targets for nine yards during Saturday's preseason win over the Colts.

Bouncing back from a torn ACL he suffered last year at Virginia Tech, Mitchell made his professional debut after the Lions cautiously held him out of the preseason opener. Altogether, he saw 23 offensive snaps and was able to get open for a couple of receptions. While the fifth-round rookie is no higher than No. 3 on the depth chart behind T.J. Hockenson and Brock Wright, the investment Detroit made in Mitchell could give him the leg up on Devin Funchess (shoulder) and Shane Zylstra for a roster spot.

Kmet is unlikely to take the field Saturday in the team's preseason finale against the Browns, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

The Bears are expected to rest their starters to avoid injury in a meaningless game. Unless the coaching staff changes course, we'll see Kmet in Week 1 against the 49ers.