NFL Player News

Coach David Culley said Akins (leg) shouldn't be out for long, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

Given that he's dealing with mere muscle tightness, Akins should be back on the practice field soon enough, even if he misses one or two preseason games. He's competing for playing time at tight end, but none of the other options (Pharaoh Brown, Ryan Izzo, Kahale Warring, Brevin Jordan, Antony Auclair) looks like a serious threat for regular targets this season. If the Texans are to have a fantasy-relevant tight end this season, it likely will be Akins.

Schultz was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain after exiting Wednesday's practice, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

There's no timeline for Schultz's return to the field, but his ankle sprain isn't believed to be serious. The 25-year-old is unlikely to be available for Friday's preseason contest in Arizona in any case. Schultz broke out in 2020 with 63 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns after Blake Jarwin went down in Week 1 with a torn ACL. The pair should continue to compete for the starting role at tight end, assuming Schultz's ankle issue doesn't impact his availability for the start of the season.

Brown is listed as the top tight end on the Texans' unofficial depth chart, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brown has impressed in practice recently, and with last year's primary tight end in Jordan Akins (leg) having missed the last two days, Brown looks poised to start in Saturday's preseason opener in Green Bay.

Schultz injured his ankle at Wednesday's practice, Jane Slater of NFL Network reports.

Aided by Blake Jarwin's Week 1 ACL tear, Schultz broke out last season to the tune of 63 catches (on 89 targets) for 615 yards and four touchdowns. Schultz has picked up his own health concern, which isn't believed to be serious, per Slater. With the Cowboys' next preseason contest coming Friday in Arizona, it wouldn't be surprising if the team is cautious and keeps Schultz on the sideline until he's back to 100 percent.

Njoku (shoulder) went through individual drills at Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku has been forced to miss practice since picking up a shoulder injury Tuesday, so it's encouraging to see him back out on the field. Unless he's able to resume practicing in full expediently, though, Njoku could be in danger of missing the Browns' first preseason game Saturday versus the Jaguars.

Uzomah is listed ahead of Drew Sample at tight end on the Bengals' depth chart.

Uzomah hasn't had any setbacks in camp as he has been recovering from his torn Achilles' tendon. He's more of a pass catcher than Sample, though his target share still won't likely be all that high. Moreover, the Bengals run an "11" formation more often than most teams, meaning there won't be too many chances for both Uzomah and Sample to see the field at the same time.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said Wednesday that Long (lower body) is day-to-day, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Long was carted off the field Sunday with what's being described as a lower-body injury, and he was reportedly unable to put any weight on his left leg afterward. The tight end appears to have avoided a serious injury, as he was seen walking around on the sideline at Wednesday's practice without a brace or sleeve on his leg. The 2021 third-round pick will compete for a role in the Dolphins' offense behind Mike Gesicki once he's able to return to the field.

Akins will miss practice Wednesday with muscle tightness in his leg, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

Akins is Houston's top pass catcher at tight end, a position otherwise manned by blocking specialists or untested young players. His absence from practice frees up reps for Kahale Warring, Brevin Jordan and Pharaoh Brown.

Hockenson got banged up during Tuesday's practice and exited early with an undisclosed injury, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Head coach Dan Campbell used the words "minor" and "precautionary" when discussing Hockenson, who subsequently missed practice Wednesday, per Chris Burke of The Athletic. Even if his injury isn't serious, the tight end isn't likely to play in Friday's preseason opener against the Bills. Hockenson's absence would leave Darren Fells as Detroit's top tight end, followed on the depth chart by a slew of young players with minimal pro experience.

Freiermuth (shoulder) participated in Tuesday's practice, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Freiermuth suffered a shoulder injury last week and was unable to appear in the Hall of Fame Game against Dallas. However, the 22-year-old's return to practice signals that he could make his NFL debut in Thursday's exhibition game against the Eagles. Freiermuth had performed well early in camp before he suffered his shoulder injury, and he's expected to compete for a role in Pittsburgh's offense ahead of his rookie season.