NFL Player News

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.

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.