NFL Player News

Arnold has been one of the standout performers in Panthers training camp, Joseph Person of The Athletic reports.

Arnold reportedly has 'caught everything thrown to him' as he rejoins Carolina's offensive coordinator Joe Brady after previously spending time with him in New Orleans. The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder signed with the Panthers this offseason after a career-best campaign with the Cardinals last year, and although his blocking can stand to improve, his familiarity and pass-catching prowess could add an extra dimension to Brady's scheme. Overall, that makes Arnold a worthwhile option to monitor in the buildup to the regular season.

Henry's shoulder injury is painful, but the Patriots are optimistic an MRI won't reveal anything serious, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The report adds that Henry could miss some time this preseason even if the MRI brings good news. He was removed from Sunday's practice with an apparent shoulder injury and now seems highly unlikely to suit up for Thursday's exhibition opener against Washington.

Bryant caught a 39-yard pass from Case Keenum during Cleveland's two-minute drill practice session Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Cleveland's second-team offense had a banner day against the first-team defense in the two-minute drills, largely due to their tight ends. Bryant, who had multiple touchdown catches during the entire practice session, caught his two-minute drill TD on a post route, then David Njoku leapt for a one-yard touchdown grab on a fade route. It was a look into the riches the Browns have at tight end, as both Bryant and Njoku are behind starter Austin Hooper.

Hooper dropped at least three passes during Cleveland's two-minute drills Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield was unable to score points on two drives with the first-team offense against the second-team defense, partly due to Hooper's inability to hold on to passes. Hooper also had a pass broken up in 1-on-1 drills by a third-string cornerback. The Mayfield-Hooper combination worked out together during the offseason, and their chemistry should improve. Hooper remains the top tight end, ahead of David Njoku and Harrison Bryant.

Ertz has outplayed Dallas Goedert thus far in camp, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

Even though expectations were that Ertz would be on another team by now, the 30-year-old showed up this preseason ready to go and has been making enough plays in practice to be considered one of the five best skill-position players on the roster. If he remains with the Eagles, he may force coach Nick Sirianni to get him the ball at the expense of Goedert. At the very least, the nine-year vet is showing that he's ready to rebound from a tough showing in 2020, no matter what team he's on.

Henry appeared to tweak his shoulder during Sunday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Cox notes that the tight end was checked out by head trainer Jim Whalen afterward. For now, consider Henry day-to-day in advance of Thursday's preseason opener against Washington. When healthy, Henry and Jonnu Smith are set to serve as a talented one-two punch in an offense that could use plenty of multi-TE formations this coming season.

Long was carted off the field Sunday after suffering an apparent left knee injury, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The report notes that the rookie tight end couldn't put any weight on his left leg after suffering the injury, so it looks like Long could miss some time. The 2021 third-round pick had been looking to carve out a role in the Dolphins' passing offense behind top option Mike Gesicki, while competing with Durham Smythe and Adam Shaheen for slotting.

Keene (knee) recently underwent season-ending surgery to address a meniscus injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Patriots placed Keene on the preseason PUP list with an undisclosed injury before training camp kicked off, and the aforementioned procedure will send him to injured reserve for the entirety of the 2021 campaign. According to Rapoport, Keene had a similar surgery during his time at Virginia Tech, and he also spent time on IR last season with a knee issue. In any case, the 2020 third-rounder won't be a part of the Patriots offense this fall, leaving tight end to be covered by newcomers Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry (as expected) and fellow second-year player Devin Asiasi.

Asiasi was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Asiasi's return coincides with fellow 2020 draft pick Dalton Keene shifting to injured reserve with a knee injury. The offseason signings of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith have essentially assured Asiasi will be primarily a special teams asset this season provided the expensive duo stays healthy.

The Patriots placed Keene on injured reserve Saturday after he recently underwent surgery to address meniscus damage to his knee, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network repots.

Keene opened camp on the PUP list with the knee issue, and after he apparently didn't progress as the Patriots had hoped, he was sent in for the season-ending procedure. Despite facing a lack of established competition for reps as a rookie last season, the 2020 third-round pick was a major disappointment, compiling just three receptions for 16 yards across six games. With the offseason additions of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, Keene wasn't expected to have a major role on offense in 2021, even before he underwent the procedure. He'll likely have to fight for a roster spot if he returns healthy for the 2022 season.