NFL Player News

Engram and running back Saquon Barkley were quarterback Eli Manning's most popular targets throughout training camp, and both pass catchers may be in line for heightened roles as receivers in 2019, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Engram contributed a disappointing 45 catches for 577 yards and three touchdowns while injuries limited him to 11 games last season, but when healthy, the 25-year-old has been one of the more accomplished receivers among tight ends since entering the league in 2017. With star wideout Odell Beckham now in Cleveland and his expected replacement in the starting lineup, Golden Tate (suspension), out for the first four games, Engram should benefit from a spike in targets for at least the first quarter of the season. Tate's eventual return may not prove too punitive for Engram, whose 4.42 speed and high-end athleticism should help him get open with regularity and thus remain one of Manning's favored reads. As Raanan notes, Engram averaged 4.4 yards of separation per target last season, which led all NFL pass catchers.

Graham (finger) wasn't listed on the Packers' final Week 1 injury report, signaling that he'll play Thursday at Chicago, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

After being tabbed as limited on Monday's report, Graham put together back-to-back full showings Tuesday and Wednesday. It's unclear if the finger injury will impact his pass-catching ability, but the tight end will be available for Aaron Rodgers in the regular-season opener.

Kroft (foot) was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Although the starting tight end avoided the regular season PUP list, his odds of playing Week 1 against the Jets appear slim. Even if he rallies over the next two practices, Kroft would be looking at a limited snap count at best.

The Packers placed Sternberger (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sternberger sustained the ankle injury in Green Bay's preseason finale against Kansas City on Thursday. The rookie third-round pick was spotted around the locker room with a walking boot and didn't practice Monday or Tuesday. Sternberger's placement on injured reserve leaves Green Bay with three tight ends: Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan.

Parham was waived by the Redskins on Saturday, Les Carpenter of The Washington Post reports.

Parham originally signed with Washington in early June after a two-day stint with Detroit in mid-May. The 22-year-old went undrafted out of Stetson and will have to chase his NFL debut with another squad.

Graham (finger) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Although the final injury report will come out Wednesday, Graham's participation in Green Bay's team drills signals he'll be ready for Thursday's game versus the Bears. Graham has a lot to prove this season after producing an underwhelming 55-636-2 line last year, so hopefully new head coach Matt LaFleur's system can inspire success from the veteran -- especially in the red zone.

Graham (finger) was listed as limited on Monday's injury report, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Graham has been dealing with what has been termed a minor finger injury since mid-August, so his lack of reps Monday implies that he didn't take part in the team portion of practice. He'll have two sessions to ramp up his workload as the Packers prepare for Thursday's Week 1 matchup in Chicago.

With fellow tight end Jordan Thomas (cracked rib) and Kahale Warring (concussion) on IR, Akins figures to see added opportunities in the Texans offense this season.

The 2018 third-rounder hauled in 17 passes for 225 yards in 16 games as a rookie last season and seemed destined to work in a timeshare with Thomas, but Akins now profiles as the Texans' top pass-catching tight end. Meanwhile, veteran teammates Darren Fells and Logan Paulsen are valued more for their blocking ability.

Schultz (ankle) participated at Monday's practice, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Schultz dealt with the ankle injury through much of the preseason but appears on track to be ready for Sunday's season opener against the Giants. The 23-year-old projects to serve as the third tight end for the Cowboys.

Sternberger (ankle) did not participate at Monday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sternberger cleared the concussion protocol in time for last Thursday's preseason finale, but he was held out due to the ankle issue. The rookie-third round pick indicated he expects to play in Thursday's season opener in Chicago, but he's starting off the week of practice as a non-participant.