NFL Player News

Kittle isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason game in Kansas City, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle has been tending to calf tightness for the better part of the past two weeks, but with his return to practice Thursday, there was a sliver of hope he'd make his first appearance of exhibition season. Instead, the 49ers will exercise caution with the team's top pass catcher. After this decision, Kittle won't be in consideration for game action before Week 1, when the 49ers make a visit to Tampa Bay.

Duarte signed a contract with the Falcons on Saturday, Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com reports.

Duarte has appeared in just one regular-season game in the league since being selected by the Dolphins during the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He'll be a longshot to make the 53-man roster, but will be able to provide depth while fellow reserve tight end Jaeden Graham tends to a knee injury.

Hudson brought in four of seven targets for 49 yards in the Buccaneers' 13-12 preseason win over the Browns on Friday.

Hudson's catch total co-led the Buccaneers on the night, while his receiving yardage checked in second only to that of Chris Godwin's. The second-year tight end has excelled throughout the preseason, and his chances of securing a spot at final cutdowns may have gone up significantly if the calf injury suffered by fellow reserve tight end Anthony Auclair in Friday's contest proves to be a long-term issue. Hudson is likely headed for extended action in next Thursday's preseason finale against the Cowboys, giving him one more opportunity to make his case.

Hockenson caught three of four targets for 52 yards during Friday's preseason game against the Bills.

He dropped a pass, but Hockenson was otherwise a standout performer while the Lions' starting offense was on the field. The longest of his gains went for 32 yards. Seemingly an important part of the Lions offense, Hockenson is expected to be the receiving complement to the blocking-oriented Jesse James in 2019.

Knox is in uniform and warming up for Friday's preseason game game against the Lions, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Knox has recovered from a hamstring injury and is set to make his NFL debut. Buffalo is barren at the tight end position behind the injured Tyler Kroft (foot), so the rookie third-rounder could play himself into a big role right away if he impresses early.

Njoku (knee/head) still wasn't wearing a helmet in pregame warmups against the Buccaneers on Friday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Njoku has been unable to wear a helmet this week due to stitches on the back of his head, and that's still the case here, which means he won't be able to participate in this third preseason tilt. On the bright side, his ability to participate in warmups suggests the tight end's knee injury is no longer much of a factor.

Tonyan caught one pass for 11 yards in Thursday's preseason loss to the Raiders.

Tonyan was the lone tight end with an actual chance to make the Packers' roster to suit up Thursday, which resulted in him playing 66 percent of the snaps on a night when most of Green Bay's key players didn't see action. It remains to be seen exactly what type of role Tonyan will have when the regular season begins, but he will open as either the No. 2 or No. 3 tight end for the Packers.

Andrews caught one of his two targets for 25 yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Eagles.

The Ravens' top tight end played into the second quarter, leaving his mark on a 25-yard gain that set up a Trace McSorley touchdown scramble. Andrews continues to draw positive reviews in camp and projects as the Ravens' No.1 tight end in terms of passing-down work. The presence of Hayden Hurst and Nick Boyle could cap Andrews' ceiling to an extent, but there's no question that Andrews will be a staple in the Baltimore passing attack in the middle of the field.

Uzomah caught both of his targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason loss to the Giants.

The Bengals opened in a two-TE formation with both Uzomah and Tyler Eifert on the field. It was the former who unexpectedly stood out in the passing game, gaining 28 yards on the very first snap before hauling in a 26-yard touchdown at the end of the opening quarter. Eifert is still the one with pass-catching upside, but Uzomah is far more durable and could get more snaps because of his competent blocking. The Bengals' sketchy situation at wide receiver could inspire heavy usage of tight ends in September.

Thomas couldn't haul in his lone target in Thursday night's 10-3 preseason loss to the Patriots.

Thomas overcame his minor rib injury suffered in Carolina's exhibition opener to feature for 31 snaps, which tied for the team lead on offense. Although he didn't make any catches in that extended action, Thomas still figures to be an important piece for the Panthers, especially given fellow tight end Greg Olsen's recent track record of foot injuries.