NFL Player News

Hooper was targeted once, but did not record a catch during Thursday's 34-27 loss to the Dolphins.

Atlanta's coaching staff wanted to get Hooper live game action for the first time since January's Pro Bowl, but quickly spelled the fourth-year tight end in favor of backups Jaeden Graham and Eric Saubert. Between his first and second pro campaigns, as well as between his second and third, Hooper improved upon his statistical totals in both receptions and receiving yards -- most recently he racked up 71 receptions (fourth at the position) for 660 yards in 2018. Hooper may find difficulty in trying to top those numbers again given all the weapons in the Falcons' passing attack, but he remains one of the better pass-catching tight ends in the game, and has visibly been building rapport with Matt Ryan over the course of his time in Atlanta.

Hockenson was not targeted in the passing game during Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots.

Hockenson made a couple of nice blocks in the run game, but he was taken out after a handful of snaps. He likely will see more involved in the second and third preseason matchups.

Thomas is questionable to return to Thursday's preseason game against the Bears with a rib injury, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear how Thomas picked up the injury, but this is a tough break for a player that had been dealing with a leg injury heading into camp. It's likely that the team holds the veteran out for the rest of the game as a precaution, but expect the team to update his status following the game. In the meantime, Chris Manhertz stands to see an increase in snaps as long as Thomas is sidelined.

Dissly (knee) won't suit up for Thursday's preseason game against the Broncos, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Dissly has been turning heads during training camp, his most recent feats a pair of touchdown grabs in red-zone drills at Monday's practice, per John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site. Despite resembling the player that kicked off his career so impressively before sustaining a patella tendon injury Week 4 of last season, coach Pete Carroll won't risk Dissly's health in the team's first exhibition. With Ed Dickson set to miss 4-to-5 weeks due to knee surgery, reps will be available to such reserve tight ends as Nick Vannett, George Fant and potentially Jacob Hollister (groin).

Dwelley's strong camp has given him the inside edge on becoming the primary backup at tight end to George Kittle this season, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Dwelley stood out during Wednesday's practice when he made four catches -- the final going for a touchdown -- on a drive led by fellow backup Nick Mullens. The 49ers brought in a handful of tight ends to compete for the primary backup job behind Kittle, but the 24-year-old has been the only candidate to generate buzz early in camp. Garrett Celek (back) may start the regular season on the PUP list, so Dwelley is frontrunner to win the backup job competition.

Gathers (suspension) went unclaimed on waivers Wednesday, making him an unrestricted free agent, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Gathers was recently cut by the Cowboys early this week and will be able to sign with any team in the league. Willing parties will certainly take into account that he's suspended for one game of the 2019 season before they give him a chance. The Baylor product will hope to latch on as a depth tight end elsewhere.

Graham believes he'll have a bigger role in the Packers offense under first-year coach Matt LaFleur, Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal reports.

Graham hasn't had quite the impact in his two stops since his prime years with the Saints from 2011 through 2014. He hasn't surpassed the 1,000-yard mark since 2013 and has fallen shy of 100 targets each of the past four seasons. That said, a renewed scheme in Green Bay could bear fruit, especially if his red-zone usage approaches his last two years in Seattle. He logged 47 targets inside the 20-yard line between 2016 and 2017, versus just nine last season.

Gesicki impressed as a pass catcher in practice Tuesday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Gesicki drew mixed reviews early in training camp but now appears to have gained some momentum. The second-year player hauled in at least one touchdown Tuesday among his numerous catches, while his main threat for reps at tight end, Dwayne Allen (knee), participated in his first set of 11-on-11 drills. The opportunity is there for Gesicki to earn himself a three-down role in Miami if he logs an impressive preseason, but consistently flashing in the passing game and demonstrating progress as a blocker will be essential to his efforts to secure playing time.

Derby signed a contract with the Saints on Wednesday, Herbie Teope of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Derby is present for the Saints' practice Wednesday, so an official announcement of his signing should be only a matter of time. The veteran tight end missed most of the 2018 campaign in Miami due to a lingering foot injury, and will now work to carve out a depth role with the Saints.

Allen (knee) participated in 11-on-11 drills Tuesday for the first time during training camp, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Allen began camp on the PUP list and has been steadily working to get back to full health. His involvement in team work is another notable step in the right direction, but the Dolphins haven't formally committed to the veteran tight end being ready to go for the regular season. When healthy, Allen projects to serve as the Dolphins' starting tight end, though he may mostly be tasked with run-blocking work whenever he's on the field.