NFL Player News

Otton (ankle) could see a boost in his overall opportunity in the wake of Rob Gronkowski's retirement earlier this week, Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The rookie will first have to demonstrate his surgically repaired ankle is back to full health during training camp, but assuming that comes to pass, Otton should have an opportunity to make a mark relatively early in his career. Knight points out that the Buccaneers are likely to sign one of several veteran tight ends still on the market as insurance, but if Otton proves a quick study in the offense and pass-protection schemes, it's conceivable that he garners more snaps than originally planned with no dominant option at the top of the depth chart. Veteran Cameron Brate is currently the Bucs' No. 1 tight end.

Smith (knee) received live reps with the first-team offense at June minicamp and appeared to be a full participant, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Smith was a limited participant in most of the Vikings' offseason practices prior to mandatory minicamp, slowly working his way back from the meniscus surgery he underwent last September. The typical rehab period for the surgery gives him more than enough time to be ready for Week 1, and he now looks on track for full participation in training camp. Smith could have an every-down role in the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, leading a tight-end group that also includes Ben Ellefson, Johnny Mundt and Zach Davidson. Ellefson and Mundt could poach some early down snaps while primarily serving as blockers, but Smith is in the clear as Minnesota's best receiving threat at the position.

Dillon signed with the Saints on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Dillon joined the Jets last December after spending most of the last three years on the Vikings' practice squad. He was waived in May but now has found a new home in New Orleans. Over the past three years Dillon appeared in five games, making one catch on one target for six yards. He'll now compete for a roster spot on a crowded Saints tight end depth chart.

Fortson (Achilles) participated in 7-on-7 drills during the Chiefs' minicamp, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Fortson tore his Achilles in October last year and was sidelined for the remainder of the 2021 season. He was limited throughout OTAs, but his participation in minicamp is an extremely encouraging sign for his availability heading into the 2022 campaign. The undrafted tight end out of Valdosta State caught five passes for 47 yards and two scores across six games during his rookie season, and if he's available to start the upcoming season, he'll compete with Blake Bell and Noah Gray for snaps behind Travis Kelce.

Tonyan (knee) wasn't cleared for practice at June minicamp, SI.com's Bill Huber reports.

This is expected, as Tonyan is less than eight months removed from suffering an ACL tear in late October. He'll hit the nine-month mark around the time Green Bay opens training camp, and while Tonyan figures to be absent or limited initially, he has a chance to be ready for Week 1. Reports earlier this offseason suggested the Packers view him as being ahead of schedule in the rehab process, so it might not be long before he re-emerges as a key target for QB Aaron Rodgers in the red zone -- this time in an offense without Davante Adams.

Sweeney (undisclosed) was participating at minicamp Wednesday, Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News reports.

Sweeney was held out of practice last week due to an unspecified injury, but he's been able to retake the field. The 26-year-old appeared in 13 games for the Bills last season and caught nine passes for 44 yards and one touchdown, and he should enter 2022 as the No. 3 option at tight end behind Dawson Knox and O.J. Howard.

The Rams signed Pinkney on Wednesday.

Pinkney spent time on the Rams' practice squad last season before finishing the campaign with the Lions. However, he was waived in May on an injury settlement. Now healthy, the Vanderbilt product will look to carve out a role in Los Angeles' crowded tight-end room, though he may garner increased reps during the offseason with Tyler Higbee and Jacob Harris both currently recovering from knee surgery.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Hill (foot) is rehabbing at the team facility during minicamp, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Hill was expected to miss 6-to-9 months after undergoing surgery in January to repair a Lisfranc injury of his left foot, which would put his return timetable close to Week 1. The dynamic playmaker is expected to focus solely on the tight-end position in 2022 after former head coach Sean Payton deployed Hill as a dual-threat quarterback. When healthy, Hill will compete with Adam Trautman, Nick Vannett and Juwan Johnson for snaps.

Hudson (leg) was spotted riding a stationary bike during Tuesday's minicamp practice, John Glennon of SI.com reports.

Hudson was carted off the field during a practice last week, so the fact that he was able to do anything Tuesday is an encouraging sign. There's still been no update on the severity of his injury, but it appears as though the tight end may be ready to go by training camp.

Knox (undisclosed) returned to practice Tuesday after not participating last week, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Knox was dealing with a minor injury during OTAs, but he appears to have moved past the issue and should be full-go for training camp. The 2019 third-round pick caught a career-high nine touchdowns last season, but he may face competition for targets in 2022 from the recently signed O.J. Howard.