NFL Player News

Akins caught two of two targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 34-20 loss to the Chiefs in Week 1.

Akins had more snaps (48) than Darren Fells (25) and shined on his two receptions. His first resulted in a first down after he piled on 15 yards after the catch, showing elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability. Then he got separation and easily snagged a dart from Deshaun Watson for a 19-yard touchdown. Fells was the leader at tight end in 2019, but Akins has the early edge in 2020.

Kelce brought in all six of his targets for 50 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs' 34-20 win over the Texans on Thursday.

The big tight end was particularly involved early, producing a 4-30 line and his six-yard scoring grab over Kansas City's first two drives. Despite a relatively quiet night the rest of the way, Kelce still finished second on the team in receptions and tied for second in targets, making it a solid season-opening fantasy effort. The perennial Pro Bowler will look to put together a successful encore when he and his teammates face the Chargers in a Week 2 road matchup Sunday, Sept. 20.

Dissly (Achilles) was limited during Thursday's practice, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Dissly wasn't listed on Wednesday's first injury report of the season, but he's still feeling residual effects of the Achilles' tear he sustained last October. With all of Greg Olsen, Jacob Hollister and Luke Willson in house, the Seahawks could opt to ease Dissly back into action even if he's cleared to suit up in Atlanta on Sunday.

Okwuegbunam (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

This is unfortunate news for Okwuegbunam, as he just resumed practicing after dealing with a hip problem during training camp. With second-year pro Noah Fant locked in as Denver's clear top tight end, Okwuegbunam's possible absence from the team Week 1 won't affect much from a fantasy perspective.

Keene (neck) was limited at practice Thursday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Keene was a Thursday addition to the Patriots' injury report, but more will be known about his Week 1 status Friday. The third-rounder's versatility figures to be an asset to the team in 2020, but it remains to be seen how heavily Keene will be targeted early on, with fellow rookie Devin Asiasi also in the mix, along with returnee Ryan Izzo.

Hockenson said Thursday that he's "100 percent" healthy after he underwent season-ending right ankle surgery last December, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson was already assumed to be healthy entering the season after he wasn't included on the first 2020 injury report the Lions released Wednesday, but it's at least encouraging that the tight end confirmed he's back to full strength after he admitted in mid-August that he wasn't quite back to 100 percent. The 2019 first-round pick will head into his sophomore season as the Lions' starting tight end, and the high-end athleticism he packs into his 6-foot-5, 251-pound frame should give him a decent chance to emerge as a top-10 fantasy option at his position.

Gesicki (glute) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

For the second straight day, Gesicki's reps were capped on account of the upper-leg issue. The Dolphins have yet to suggest Gesicki is in any real danger of missing Sunday's season opener at New England, but the tight end will likely need to put in a full workout Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Schreck cleared waivers Sunday and signed with the Bengals' practice squad, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Schreck played in eight games for the Bengals over the past two seasons but was never targeted. The 2017 seventh-round pick couldn't beat out Drew Sample or Cethan Carter for a depth role behind C.J. Uzomah, so he'll look to fine-tune his craft on the practice roster.

Dissly (Achilles) isn't listed on the Seahawks' injury report Wednesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Dissly has been in recovery mode since tearing his left Achilles on Oct. 13 last season, his second serious injury in as many seasons as a pro. For the second year in a row, he'll be available from the outset of the campaign. The Seahawks may opt to ease him into action Sunday in Atlanta, and he has healthy competition for snaps from fellow tight ends Greg Olsen, Jacob Hollister and Luke Willson. However, Dissly's nose for the end zone is evident, as he has six touchdowns on 31 catches across 10 career appearances.

Fortson signed with the Chiefs' practice squad Sunday, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

Fortson had a solid training camp with the Chiefs but couldn't secure a spot on the 53-man roster, as the team is loaded with receiver depth.