NFL Player News

Smith (knee) is expected to miss the entire 2021 season, as he's facing a recovery timeline of 4-to-5 months after Wednesday surgery to repair his meniscus, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The hope for fantasy managers was that Smith would get a meniscectomy rather than a meniscus repair. The timeline associated with the latter procedure means any chance of him playing this season will perhaps hinge on Minnesota qualifying for the playoffs. For now, Smith's potential breakout is on hold, while the Vikings are left with Tyler Conklin, Brandon Dillon and recent trade acquisition Chris Herndon as their options at tight end. Conklin should get plenty of snaps Week 1 against Cincinnati.

The Rams waived Blanton on Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Blanton was signed by the Rams as an UDFA out of Missouri in 2019. He was bumped up to the active roster for a short period during his rookie season but has spent the majority of his time on the Rams' practice squad. If he clears waivers, the 25-year-old could be a candidate for the practice squad once again.

Kampmoyer was waived by the Chargers on Tuesday, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

It's at least promising that the rookie tight end appears destined for the team's practice squad, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports. The undrafted free agent was primarily a blocking specialist throughout his collegiate career and likely would fill a similar role on the 53-man roster should he be promoted down the road.

Sullivan was waived by the Panthers on Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Sullivan spent most of the 2020 season with the Seahawks' practice squad, suiting up in just one game. Though the LSU product is listed as a tight end, he has tried switching to defensive end in the past and could experiment on the practice squad again.

The Falcons waived Wells on Tuesday.

Wells started training camp with New England but was picked up by Atlanta after getting cut. The journeyman is still looking for a destination that leads to him suiting up for his first NFL game.

Sternberger made the Packers' roster but will open the season on the reserve/suspended list.

With Sternberger having an inconsistent training camp and facing a two-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the Packers could have opted to release him on cut-down day. However, with the team able to place him on the suspended list without occupying a roster spot, they decided to keep him around for the time being. The Packers will have another decision to make when Sternberger is eligible to return in Week 3, and there is still a chance he could be sent packing at that point.

Forristall was waived by the Titans on Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Forristall produced 23 receptions for 253 yards during his final season at Alabama in 2020. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound tight end will likely continue his development on the practice squad.

Dafney secured a spot on the Packers' roster Tuesday.

Dafney went into training camp with a good chance to start a season on an NFL roster for the first time in his career, and with him not among the list of cuts made Tuesday, he is set to do just that. While Dafney will occupy a place on the Packers' roster, it's unlikely he will play more than a bit role early on.

Pinkney was waived by the Titans on Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Pinkney spent the 2020 season on the Falcons' practice squad. The Vanderbilt product could take on a similar role with the Titans this season.

Sutton was waived by the Seahawks on Tuesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Sutton failed to carve out a role at tight end, as Gerald Everett, Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson (foot) made the initial 53-man roster. Parkinson will be less than 100 percent for the season opener, so Sutton could add valuable depth on the practice squad.