NFL Player News

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.

Okwuegbunam isn't in line to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Vikings, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.

Offensive coordinator Justin Outten implied to Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com on Thursday that Okwuegbunam again would see action in the Broncos' third exhibition, but it appears coach Nathaniel Hackett ultimately will keep his top tight end on the sideline Saturday. Overall, Okwuegbunam hauled in four of five passes (for 32 yards) from quarterbacks not named Russell Wilson in two contests, so their connection won't be seen on the field until Week 1, when the team opens the campaign Monday, Sept. 12 with a visit to Seattle.

Arnold played just two first-half snaps and wasn't targeted in Saturday's 28-12 preseason loss to Atlanta.

Arnold topped Jacksonville's tight end depth chart down the stretch last season after being acquired from Carolina via trade, but he's definitely behind offseason acquisition Evan Engram at this point, and Chris Manhertz seems to also have surpassed Arnold for the No. 2 spot. Arnold didn't do anything to bolster his case to make the team Saturday, but it would be surprising if he got cut, even with 2021 fifth-round pick Luke Farrell also in the mix for a spot at at tight end.

Goedert isn't slated to play in Saturday's preseason game in Miami, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Goedert thus will make just one appearance during exhibition season after connecting with Jalen Hurts for a 22-yard touchdown back in preseason Week 1 against the Jets. While the Eagles are among the most run-heavy teams in the NFL and wide receiver A.J. Brown now is a member of the team, Goedert still should have plenty of opportunities to make weekly contributions in the box score as he looks to build upon a 56-830-4 line on 76 targets in 15 games from the 2021 campaign.