NFL Player News

Kmet caught one of two targets for three yards in Saturday's preseason win over Miami.

The Bears opened in a two-WR, two-TE formation with Kmet, TE Jimmy Graham, RB David Montgomery, WR Darnell Mooney and WR Damiere Byrd. It should be a common look for them this season, albeit with Allen Robinson instead of Byrd in the WR1 spot. The team's decision to retain Graham put a major ding in Kmet's breakout case, but the 2020 second-round pick still has a chance to take a big step forward, playing in an offense that's doesn't have much at wide receiver behind Robinson/Mooney. In fact, Kmet accounted for two of Andy Dalton's four passes Saturday afternoon, while rookie QB Justin Fields mostly threw to his WRs and RBs. The Bears' next preseason game is Aug. 21 against Buffalo, and their regular-season opener is Sept. 12 at the Rams.

Henry (shoulder) was spotted at practice Sunday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

It remains to be seen if Henry will be considered a full participant, but his presence on the field gives him a chance to return to game action as soon Thursday against the Eagles. This coming season, Henry and fellow free-agent newcomer Jonnu Smith are in line to work in tandem as a one-two punch in a New England attack that figures to use plenty of multi-TE formations.

Njoku (shoulder) did not play in Saturday's 23-13 win over the Jaguars in preseason Week 1.

Njoku sustained a shoulder injury this week and subsequently participated only in individual drills leading up to the game. While the Browns sat many of their starting offensive weapons, he isn't considered to be part of that class and likely would have played if not banged-up.

Hill completed eight of 12 passes for 81 yards and an interception in Saturday's 17-14 preseason loss to the Ravens. He didn't register a rushing attempt.

Hill has been alternating first-team work with Jameis Winston in practice but got the starting nod in this one and played the first three possessions. He led the Saints inside Baltimore's 10-yard line on a strong opening drive that was spoiled by Latavius Murray's fumble, but Hill was picked off on his second drive and almost threw another interception on the next possession, which ended in a punt. Winston then played the final five possessions of the first half, leading a pair of touchdown drives before capping his night with an interception of his own. Winston probably came out ahead here, but the quarterback competition in New Orleans remains far from settled heading into a preseason Week 2 clash with the Jaguars.

Carlson (knee) left the Browns' preseason game against the Jaguars on Saturday and is officially out for the remainder of the game, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Carlson hurt his knee on a bobbled catch he made in the first half of the game. The third-year tight end played in all 16 games for the Browns last season, primarily on special teams, and as long as his injury isn't serious his contributions to special teams should give him a good chance at making the roster.

Kittle is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

It is not believed that Kittle is dealing with any sort of injury, so it seems likely he is simply getting a chance to rest. A foot injury cost Kittle half the 2020 campaign, so expect the 49ers to be cautious with him leading up to Week 1.

Hill is working with the first-team offense in pregame warmups Saturday night in Baltimore, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Hill thus seems likely to get the start, with Jameis Winston replacing him at some point thereafter. The two QBs are competing for the Week 1 starting job.

McKeon left Friday's game against the Cardinals with a high-ankle sprain, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

When McKeon left the game Friday in a cart it was a sight that had many fearing the worst. With it now being diagnosed as an high-ankle sprain, a recovery time of four to six weeks should be expected. The second-year tight end was putting together a good training camp and might still have a chance to make the 53-man roster despite the injury.

Schultz (ankle) didn't attend Friday's preseason game against the Cardinals but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

This could affect his competition with Blake Jarwin, who finished with no catches on one target Friday in his first game appearance since suffering an ACL tear last September. Schultz filled in capably with 63 receptions, playing 84.8 percent of snaps in an offense that attempted 639 passes. A similar workload is unlikely if Jarwin stays healthy, but that doesn't automatically mean Schultz will hand over the starting job. It sounds like he'll be back for Week 1 even if he misses the rest of training camp and the preseason. Schultz injured his ankle Wednesday at practice.

Firkser didn't draw any targets in Friday's 23-3 preseason win over the Falcons.

Firkser appeared to log only a few snaps, with Geoff Swaim getting more playing time early in the game (but also finishing without a target). The Titans didn't play Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown or Julio Jones in Friday's game, so a quiet night from Firkser isn't concerning. He's still the team's top pass catcher at tight end, albeit with potential blocking limitations that could impact his snap count and thus his target total.