NFL Player News

Coach Sean McDermott said Thursday that Kroft, who was placed on the PUP list Monday due to a broken foot suffered during May's organized team activities, is "basically just out right now. He's making progress. He's done a great job this offseason getting himself to where he is right now."

Kroft will almost certainly miss most or all of training camp, while the team will likely consider itself fortunate if he's even an option for Week 1. Kroft was acquired this offseason to be the starter, while it's a bit of a scramble behind him with a bunch of unproven players and blocker Lee Smith. The Bills may need to come out of camp with someone who can serve Kroft's role capably for a few weeks into the regular season, with third-round rookie Dawson Knox currently looking like a shaky favorite.

Allen (undisclosed) isn't expected to stay on the PUP list for long, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Once he's cleared for practice, Allen will compete with Mike Gesicki for playing time at tight end. The second-year pro is a superior athlete with far more upside as a pass catcher, but Allen's blocking and experience could allow him to carve out a sizable role.

Thomas (leg) wasn't placed on the Panthers' preseason PUP list Wednesday, signaling he's healthy for the start of training camp, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Thomas was limited to riding a stationary bike during minicamp just a month ago, but seems to be fully recovered. Now that he's healthy, the 2018 fourth-round pick will enter training camp second on the depth chart at tight end, but Greg Olsen's recent injury history suggests Thomas has a decent shot to make starts before season's end. Thomas performed admirably in Olsen's absence last season, averaging four catches for 36.7 yards on six targets in six starts sans Olsen.

Hodges signed a contract with the Jets on Wednesday, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Hodges, who's shed his former "Bucky" nickname, spent last season on the Steelers' practice squad. Pittsburgh cut him loose just before the 2019 NFL Draft. The 2017 sixth-round pick will now work to stick with the Jets, who are in need of tight end depth with starter Chris Herndon facing a four-game suspension.

Kelce relayed after Wednesday's practice that he's 100 percent healthy and noted that his ankle feels better than it has in years, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Though the bulk of Chiefs' veterans won't practice until later this week, Kelce got some work in Wednesday with some of the team's younger players. The tight end noted that he "didn't have any issues" with the nagging ankle issue that required surgery during the offseason. A healthy Kelce is at the top of fantasy tight-end rankings, with the 49ers' George Kittle and Eagles' Zach Ertz also in that range. Beyond that, there's a pretty significant drop-off at the position, which means that those looking to secure an elite tight end will need to draft or auction boldly in order to do so.

Coach Andy Reid said that he liked what he saw from Kelce (ankle) during Wednesday's training-camp session, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Though the rest of the team's veterans won't practice until later this week, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com relays that the tight end will participate in the Chiefs' rookie camp. Per James Palmer of NFL Network, the team would like the star tight end to get in some extra work at this stage, given that Kelce was held out of OTAs and minicamp following minor offseason ankle surgery.

Searight (hamstring) signed a contract with the Giants on Wednesday, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Searight replaces Eric Dungey (undisclosed) on New York's roster. Searight, a Fordham product, parted ways with the Buccaneers in May via an injury settlement, and it remains to be seen whether he's fully recovered.

Smith (knee), who was able to do light rehab work during minicamp, "should be ready to roll in August," Travis Haney of The Athletic reports.

Smith enters training camp on the Titans' PUP list as a result of a knee injury he sustained during Week 14 action last season. The tight end's injury is believed to be related to his MCL, but added clarity on that front could come in the subsequent weeks. Once healthy, Smith provides the Titans with a complementary option behind starter Delanie Walker, who is bouncing back from an ankle injury of his own. Walker is evidently further along in his recovery than Smith, given that the former was not placed on the team's preseason PUP list.

Traylor and the Lions agreed on an undisclosed contract Tuesday.

Traylor comes to Detroit via the Salt Lake Stallions of the AAF, where he caught two passes for 12 yards in eight games. He also was part of the Broncos' practice squad in 2017 and was elevated to the active roster, where he suited up in seven games, and hauled in eight catches for 100 yards.

Kelce (ankle) will not start training camp on the Chiefs' PUP list, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

Kelce, who underwent offseason ankle surgery, is thus good to go for the start of camp. With Rob Gronkowski having retired, the 29-year-old -- who hauled in a career-high 103 catches last season -- sits firmly atop our 2019 fantasy tight end rankings.