NFL Player News

Hopkins caught one of two passes for nine yards in Saturday's 29-22 win over the Chargers.

Fellow backup tight end Kendall Blanton was on the field as well, but only Hopkins was targeted by Bryce Perkins, and he was able to snag one of the two for a nine-yard gain during the Rams' first touchdown drive of the game. With Tyler Higbee being eased back in to action after recovering from an MCL injury suffered in the NFC Championship Game last season, expect to see plenty of both Hopkins and Blanton during Friday's second preseason game against the Texans.

Jordan caught his only target for seven yards in Saturday's 17-13 preseason win over the Saints.

Jordan was one of two listed starters at tight end alongside Pharaoh Brown, but the latter was not targeted while Jordan hauled in his only look from backup quarterback Jeff Driskel early in the second quarter. However, Jordan was later flagged for a costly offensive pass interference penalty just two plays prior to Ka'imi Fairbairn's missed 59-yard field goal attempt heading into the half. Looking ahead, Jordan should have more of an opportunity to build rapport with starting quarterback Davis Mills during the Texans' second preseason contest against the Rams after the signal caller played just two brief series Saturday.

Ferguson brought in all three targets for 29 yards in the Cowboys' 17-7 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

The rookie fourth-round pick co-led the team in receptions while checking in second in receiving yards for the night, making it a solid debut. Ferguson would appear to have a good chance of locking down the No. 2 tight end role behind Dalton Schultz if he can produce in similar fashion during the Cowboys' remaining pair of preseason games.

Okwuegbunam did not log a target during the Broncos' 17-7 preseason win over the Cowboys on Saturday night.

The projected top tight end did start the game but didn't make a mark on the stat sheet. However, there's no active threat to Okwuegbunam's status as the No. 1 option at his position to open the season, and he could certainly see some targets in next Saturday night's road preseason clash against the Bills if the Broncos treat the game as a dress rehearsal and Russell Wilson plays at least a couple of series.

Woods had two receptions for 22 yards on two targets, including an 11-yard touchdown, in Saturday's preseason loss to Buffalo.

Woods had reportedly struggled in training camp and many observers saw him fall behind fellow rookie Andrew Ogletree to No. 4 on the tight end depth chart, so this was a nice bounce-back performance. Woods performed well with the second-team unit and showed his 6-foot-7 size can make him a red-zone threat. The third-round draft pick will likely have a small role in the offense to begin the season as he continues to develop.

Alie-Cox started Saturday's 27-24 preseason loss to the Bills but did not tally a stat.

Alie-Cox started along with fellow skill-position players Nyheim Hines, Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell. Alie-Cox didn't earn a target but was on the field regularly and appears to have a clear grip on the top spot of the tight end depth chart. Alie-Cox tallied a career-high four touchdowns in 2021 and could serve as a favorite target of Matt Ryan near the end zone in 2022.

Otton brought in one of two targets for 10 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

The rookie tight end generated only modest production, but Otton was able to log his first game action in approximately 10 months after seeing his final college season end early due to an ankle injury. Otton should continue to log ample playing time over the final two preseason games as he aims to secure a solid role behind veterans Kyle Rudolph and Cameron Brate to open the regular season.

Gesicki brought in his only target for 13 yards in the Dolphins' 26-24 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

The talented tight end was one of the only regulars on the Dolphins offense to see action. Gesicki heads into his fifth season looking to improve on the impressive 73-780-2 line he mustered in 2021 -- one that featured career highs in receptions and receiving yards -- and he should have a firm grasp on the top spot at his position once again.

Thomas (ribs) is expected to continue catching passes this coming week, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

After sustaining a rib injury at practice Tuesday, Thomas was carted off the field and slated to be out 1-to-2 weeks, so the fifth-year tight end may be ahead of schedule in his recovery. Once he returns to the field, he'll be firmly entrenched as the No. 2 tight end to Tommy Tremble.

Wells signed a deal with the Titans on Saturday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

The journeyman tight end finally saw his first NFL action of his career last season with the Cardinals after bouncing through six different teams through his first four years in the league. Wells will be expected to add depth to a position currently anchored by Austin Hooper and Geoff Swaim.