NFL Player News

The Bills placed Kroft (foot) on their PUP list Monday, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports.

Kroft is nursing a broken right foot sustained during OTAs in May. His designation is no surprise, given that the 2015 third-round pick was initially given a recovery estimate of 3-4 months, and his status for Week 1 remains up in the air. As long as Kroft remains sidelined, more reps will be made available for rookie tight ends Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney.

Smith (knee) has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Paul Kuharsky of 104.5 The Zone Nashville reports.

Smith's knee injury in December initially was reported as an MCL sprain, but his absence from offseason practices suggests it may have been something more serious. He won't be eligible to practice until he's removed from the PUP list, while starting tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) appears ready for some level of participation. Smith failed to take advantage of Walker's absence last year, catching just 20 passes on 611 offensive snaps.

James is on track to be the primary "Y" tight end, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.

James stands 6-foot-7 at 261 pounds and has accrued plenty of experience as an inline tight end during his previous four seasons in Pittsburgh. He's likely to command a significant role with Detroit after receiving a four-year, $22.6 million contract this spring. However, Burke also notes that T.J. Hockenson's ability as a receiver adds a new element to the Lions passing offense that it didn't have before, so it's looking like the rookie could be the better bet for receiving production in 2019.

Hooper (ankle) was cleared for the start of training camp, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, Hooper was held out of June minicamp with a minor ankle injury. It isn't clear if the Falcons are interested in signing him to an extension, considering they recently completed big deals for DT Grady Jarrett and LB Deion Jones (foot) and now need to hammer out a new contract for Julio Jones (foot). Hooper's spot atop the TE depth chart is unquestioned, while his future with the team is far less secure.

Allen was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list by the Dolphins on Sunday.

Allen was unable to participate in any offseason work while dealing with an undisclosed injury, and he now heads to the PUP list before training camp opens. Given the injury designation and lack of details regarding Allen's health, it's unclear how long he might be out for. Mike Gesicki figures to open training camp unopposed as Miami's No. 1 tight end.

Fumagalli practiced in full pads Sunday, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

Fumagalli missed some practice time last week due to his hip injury, and his return Sunday is in line with the day-to-day tag he initially was given. It's unclear what the specifics of the injury were but it doesn't appear to have been serious. The second-year tight end missed his rookie season with a sports hernia.

Fumagalli is day-to-day with a hip injury, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Fumagalli missed his rookie year thanks to a sports hernia injury but was supposedly healthy entering training camp. While this newest injury doesn't sound serious, he is in a fierce competition for playing time with the likes of Jake Butt, Noah Fant and Jeff Heuerman, so any sort of absence could wind up being a major setback.

Akins is expected to be utilized in several positions in 2019, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Akins lined up as a slot receiver and fullback last season and expects to be used in those positions even more in 2019. "I would say slot receiver," Akins said. "Special teams as well, up-back, punt return as well as fullback. Just moving us around, I think we can create more mismatches. All of our tight ends bring a different set of skills." Akins, last year's third-round draft pick, and 2018 sixth-rounder Jordan Thomas return as the leaders at tight end with 2019 third-rounder Kahale Warring also in the mix. Thomas was the greater red-zone threat in 2018, catching four touchdowns while Akins did not score. The position has been under-utilized since Deshaun Watson took over at quarterback, but that could change this coming season. Houston experienced injuries to all of its wideouts last season, including DeAndre Hopkins' postseason shoulder injury.

Smith (knee) hasn't practiced all offseason, which results in Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site being noncommittal about the tight end's Week 1 status.

Wyatt notes that coach Mike Vrabel "hasn't provided any insight on (Smith's) condition," though added clarity on that front could arrive once training camp commences. Smith's status is relevant considering that starting tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) is bouncing back from an injury of his own. It looks like Walker should be ready to go in time for the Titans' season opener, but if he misses any time inseason, Smith could enter the fantasy equation in deeper formats.

Fumagalli is expected to compete with Jake Butt (knee) for the No. 3 tight end spot, Mike Klis of NBC Sports Denver reports.

Fumagalli missed his rookie year with a sports hernia injury, but he's made a full recovery and is ready for the 2019 season. Butt is still recovering from a torn ACL but has been cleared to participate in training camp. Regardless, both Butt and Fumagalli will be limited in fantasy this season, as Denver drafted Noah Fant in the first round of the 2019 draft and re-signed Jeff Heuerman to a two-year contract in March.