NFL Player News

The Saints placed Vannett (knee) on injured reserve Monday, Amie Just of NOLA.com reports.

Vannett injured his knee during the Saints' preseason finale against the Jaguars. He will be forced to miss at least the first three weeks of the regular season after being placed on IR. His absence could mean more playing time for Adam Trautman and Juwan Johnson.

Andrews agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract extension with the Ravens on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 2018 third-round pick was entering the final year of his rookie deal with Baltimore, but he's now been locked up for the foreseeable future. Andrews has caught 156 passes for 2,105 yards and 20 touchdowns across his first three seasons, and he should continue to be a key cog in the Ravens offense and a favorite target of quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Coach Sean Payton said Monday that Hill won't be the Saints' primary backup quarterback on gamedays due to his other offensive roles and work on special teams, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

One of rookie fourth-round pick Ian Book and Trevor Siemian will instead handle backup duties week-to-week behind Jameis Winston, allowing Payton to utilize Hill freely in the versatile role. Hill is still clearly New Orleans' No. 2 quarterback and will take over starting duties the following week should Winston suffer an injury, but he won't be the in-game replacement in that situation.

Mabry signed a contract with the Seahawks on Monday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Mabry was waived at roster cutdowns but stuck around Seattle on the practice squad, and he didn't have to wait long for to receive a promotion. He would serve as the No. 3 tight end for Week 1 should Colby Parkinson (foot) be unable to take the field.

Fant (leg) participated in individual drills during Monday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

DiLalla adds that coach Vic Fangio believes that Fant should be able to play Sunday against the Giants. That's a notion that should be solidified, one way or the other, as the Broncos continue their preparation leading up to their Week 1 kickoff. The team's first practice/injury report of 2021 is due Wednesday.

Henry (shoulder) indicated Monday that he expects to play against the Dolphins in Sunday's regular-season opener, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Henry is bouncing back from a shoulder injury that he suffered during practice Aug. 8, but it appears as though he's trending toward suiting up Week 1, barring any setbacks. Added clarity with regard to his status should arrive no later than Wednesday, when the Patriots submit their first practice/injury report of the 2021 season. Once cleared to play, Henry is slated to combine with fellow newcomer Jonnu Smith to form a potent one-two punch in a New England offense that figures to roll out plenty of multi-tight end formations, with rookie QB Mac Jones under center for the team.

Engram (calf) was in pads and caught passes prior to Monday's practice, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports.

That's not to say Engram actually will participate in the session, but it's a good sign that he's making progress through the left calf injury that he suffered in the Giants' exhibition finale on Aug. 29. Still, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported earlier Monday that Engram has a slim chance to suit up for Week 1 against the Broncos, so his status throughout preparation for that game in the coming days will be worthwhile to monitor. If Engram is unable to give it a go Sunday, New York may have to rely on Kyle Rudolph (foot) and Kaden Smith at tight end in the opener.

Swaim has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Swaim thus is in line to be available for Sunday's season opener against the Cardinals. In 10 games with the Titans last year, he logged nine catches on 12 targets for 83 yards and a TD. The 27-year-old plays a key role as a blocker in Tennessee's offense, but teammate Anthony Firkser profiles as the team's primary pass-catching tight end.

Engram (calf) is a long shot to play in Sunday's season opener against Denver, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Giants aren't quite ready to rule Engram out but seem to be preparing for a Week 1 absence after he injured his calf in the final preseason game. Kyle Rudolph (foot) and Kaden Smith are the other tight ends on New York's 53-man roster, with the former also uncertain for Week 1 as he works his way back from offseason foot surgery. It stands to reason that the team will lean on three-wide formations out of the gate, though the Rudolph acquisition this offseason hinted at a desire to use more multi-TE sets.

Pruitt has signed on with the Titans' practice squad, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Pruitt missed out on a 53-man roster spot with the 49ers but found a new home to continue his NFL pursuit after just a few days. The signing makes sense for Tennessee given that he's played each of the last three seasons in Nashville.