NFL Player News

Gesicki caught two of three targets for 14 yards during Friday's 16-14 loss to Tampa Bay.

Gesicki's three targets came during a four-play span over two drives in the first half in which the Dolphins were clearly trying to get the sophomore tight end more involved. Lack of clarity at quarterback clearly hampers Gesicki and his fellow targets, but the pairing between Gesicki and the coaching staff that helped oversea Rob Gronkowski's peak remains tantalizing. As Gesicki grows in the offense, which he is reportedly doing already, expect for his unique athleticism to shine through.

Engram isn't expected to suit up for Friday's preseason game versus the Bears, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Engram has been held out of both Giants exhibitions to date due to a coach's decision, a tread that may extend through the team's final two games of August. On the other side of the coin, he tended to a hamstring injury during the offseason program, so coach Pat Shurmur likely wants to avoid an unnecessary injury to one of his top skill-position players. Look for Rhett Ellison and Scott Simonson to get the first crack at TE reps Friday.

Knox (hamstring) put in a workout Friday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Knox ran routes Friday and worked with the strength and conditioning staff. The third-year pro has yet to fully practice since suffering a hamstring injury late July, so his limited participation is a step in the right direction. The rookie third-round pick could be in line for key snaps when healthy while Tyler Kroft (foot) remains sidelined.

Tonyan caught three of his five targets for 17 yards in Thursday's preseason loss to the Ravens.

Despite Jimmy Graham being active Thursday, Tonyan got many more opportunities than he did in last week's preseason opener, and most of his damage came on one 14-yard reception. Graham will likely remain limited throughout the rest of the preseason, giving Tonyan the opportunity to take on additional snaps in the final two outings.

Waller (shoulder) got the start and caught one of two targets for seven yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Cardinals.

Oakland's first snap featured two tight ends and a fullback, with Waller, Foster Moreau and Alec Ingold joining halfback Josh Jacobs and wideout Tyrell Williams. Starting quarterback Derek Carr only threw two passes -- one to Williams and one to fellow wideout Ryan Grant. Despite the modest performance, Waller still appears on track for the top pass-catching role at tight end, if for no other reason than a lack of competition. He's listed in the top spot on Oakland's preseason depth chart, followed by Moreau, Derek Carrier and Luke Willson, in that order.

Uzomah hauled in his lone target for one yard in the Bengals' second preseason game against the Redskins on Thursday.

Uzomah caught a pass from Andy Dalton on the first play of the game. Unfortunately for him, his biggest contributions of the game came later in the drive when he was called for holding on two separate occasions. While currently considered the starter at tight end, Uzomah will be pushed by pass-catching tight end Tyler Eifert and Drew Sample, a strong blocker who was selected in the second round of the 2019 draft. However, given Eifert's lengthy injury history, Uzomah could contribute as a receiver at points this season.

Hurst lost a yard on his lone catch from three targets in Thursday night's 26-13 preseason win over the Packers.

Hurst was targeted unsuccessfully by Lamar Jackson on both of his drives to start Thursday's contest. Although he was able to haul in one of backup Trace McSorley's passes afterward, Hurst didn't get past the line of scrimmage. The 2018 first-round pick appears to be headed for a three-way timeshare alongside Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle.

Graham caught one of two targets for five yards in Thursday night's 26-13 preseason loss to the Ravens.

Graham's reception came on Green Bay's first offensive play of the game. That throw was delivered by DeShone Kizer, who started with Aaron Rodgers (back tightness) sidelined as a precaution. Graham and Rodgers will presumably only have one more chance to see game action together this preseason -- it's unlikely the starters will play in the fourth preseason game -- but that probably won't be too paramount for head coach Matt LaFleur given that Rodgers and Graham already played a full season together.

Sternberger is missing Thursday's preseason contest in Baltimore due to a concussion, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sternberger picked up the injury during joint practices with the Texans prior to the Packers' first exhibition. Officially in the protocol for head injuries, he'll have to clear many steps before returning to the field, the final one in front of an independent neurologist.

Oliver (hamstring) isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason contest against Philadelphia, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

Oliver worked out Monday on a side field -- which bodes well for his overall recovery -- but it appears head coach Doug Marrone doesn't want to push the rookie third-round pick in the interest of having him ready for Week 1. The Jaguars listed Geoff Swaim (undisclosed) and James O'Shaughnessy as the starters on their preseason depth chart ahead of Oliver.