NFL Player News

Thomas worked out off the side during Wednesday's OTA session while recovering from a sore leg, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The injury doesn't appear to be a serious one for the tight end, who was taking part in elliptical work and didn't require a brace or boot. With the season still months away, it's not surprising that the Panthers are taking a cautious approach with Thomas. The Indiana product caught 25 of 32 targets for 246 yards and two scores over the Panthers' final five games in 2018, but he'll have a tough time replicating those results with Greg Olsen (foot) back healthy again.

Ertz believes DeSean Jackson's presence will push safeties back and create more space to operate in the middle of the field, Paul Domowitch of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "Often times, the post safety will eye me up pre-snap a lot of times and know where I am," Ertz said. "If they do that now, DeSean's going to be able to run right past him if their focus is on me or Dallas [Goedert] or Alshon [Jeffery]."

While a repeat of last season's career-high 156 targets is unlikely, Ertz seems to be hinting at the potential for improvement on a career-low mark of 10.0 yards per catch. In addition to his excitement about playing with Jackson, the 28-year-old tight end mentioned that this past offseason was the best he's had in the NFL. He made a quick recovery from the nagging injures he dealt with late in the 2018 campaign, allowing him to reach some new personal bests in the weight room during the Eagles' offseason workout program. Ertz doesn't have any limitations for spring practices, nor does quarterback Carson Wentz (back).

Smith (knee) didn't practice Tuesday at the start of OTAs, Erik Bacharach of The Nashville Tennessean reports.

Smith was placed on injured reserve after suffering an MCL sprain Week 14 of last season. He may be dealing with an injury more severe than what was initially reported, as the typical recovery timeline for an MCL sprain would have seen him return to health before the start of the Titans' offseason program. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) went through individual drills Tuesday and said afterward that he's back to about 85 percent strength. Smith likely will have to settle for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart once he's healthy.

Knox's teammate Tyler Kroft broke his foot during Monday's OTA session and will be sidelined for 3-to-4 months following surgery.

In addition to drafting Knox in the third round, the Bills signed Kroft and Lee Smith over the offseason to beef up what had been a lackluster tight end crew. Smith is more of a blocker, however, and Kroft now has a significant injury, meaning the rookie's about to get an opportunity right away. Kroft -- expected to be the clear-cut starter -- could still be ready for the regular season, but for now Knox and Jason Croom are the best healthy receiving options of this position group.

Kroft (foot) will be sidelined for 3-to-4 months following surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Bills announced Tuesday that Kroft suffered another broken right foot during OTAs on Monday and that the injury requires surgery. With this timetable, Kroft will likely miss all of training camp and potentially the start of the regular season. Additionally, Kroft is now at risk of starting the season on the PUP list, but Buffalo has some time before that decision has to be made. Should Kroft have to miss any time, Lee Smith, who signed a three-year, $9 contract with the Bills just over a week ago would be in line to step in as the top option at tight end. Smith is more of a blocker, however, so more opportunities could open up for Jason Croom and rookie Dawson Knox.

Kroft suffered a broken foot during OTAs on Monday and will require surgery, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports.

It's a tough break for Kroft and the Bills, as the 2015 third-round pick of the Bengals is (or was) expected be the team's top tight end this season after signing a three-year, $18.75 million contract back in March. This will also be the second straight year that Kroft has to undergo foot surgery, as he was placed on injured reserve in November of 2018 after undergoing a season-ending procedure on a fracture right foot. More on Kroft's recovery timetable should be released following surgery.

Allen did not participate in OTAs on Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury, Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Head coach Brian Flores did not add any specifics regarding Allen's injury, which likely means it isn't anything too serious, especially at this point in the offseason. The veteran tight end signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins back in March.

Searight (hamstring) was placed on the waived/injured list by the Buccaneers on Tuesday.

Searight was let go by the Buccaneers on Monday and will stay with the team after clearing waivers. The Fordham product caught 42 passes for 497 yards and four touchdowns in 2018.

Duarte was waived by the Panthers on Monday, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

Duarte signed with the Panthers after his stint in the AAF. He still is yet to appear in an NFL game since his rookie season in 2016.

Searight (hamstring) was waived/injured by the Buccaneers on Monday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

The specifics of the hamstring injury remain unknown, but Searight didn't even make it a full week in Tampa Bay before being cut loose. There is a chance the tight end could end up on the team's injured reserve list when it's all said and done.