NFL Player News

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.

Knox is in contention for the starting TE spot to begin Week 1, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News reports.

After Tyler Kroft re-broke his right foot during May OTAs, Knox became the leading candidate to begin the season as the Bills' starting tight end, while unheralded prospects such as Jason Croom and Tommy Sweeney, as well as veteran Lee Smith, are also in contention for the role. While Carucci noted Knox has looked impressive at times during spring practices, the 2019 third-round pick would need to improve at a significant rate in order to hold off Kroft for the entire season, even if the latter does eventually get placed on the PUP list to begin the 2019 campaign.

Kroft's (foot) absence from minicamp freed up reps for rookies Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney, Nate Mendelson of the Bills' official website reports.

Signed to a three-year, $18.75 million contract at the beginning of the offseason, Kroft re-broke his right foot at OTAs in May and subsequently was given a recovery estimate of 3-to-4 months. The timeline leaves him questionable for Week 1, potentially freeing up a starting job for Knox, Sweeney, Lee Smith or Jason Croom (hamstring).

Arnold will be forced to compete for a spot on the Saints' roster during training camp and the preseason, Sean Fazende of Fox 8 News New Oreans reports.

With Jared Cook and Josh Hill locked in as the top two tight ends on the depth chart, a competition appears to be brewing for the No. 3 gig. In addition to Arnold, Garrett Griffin and seventh-round rookie Alize Mack are in the mix for the third spot on the depth chart in what should be a wide-open race. Over 10 games with the Saints in 2018, Arnold -- who played wide receiver in college -- showed some promising pass-catching upside, snaring 12 of 19 targets for 150 yards and one touchdown. The Saints may want Arnold to take a step forward as a blocker if he's to come away with a roster spot this fall.

Thomas appears "locked in" for a spot on the Lions' Week 1 roster, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.

Thomas has reportedly been a pleasant surprise for Detroit and his status as the No. 3 option on the depth chart was seemingly made clear by the recent dismissal of fellow tight end Michael Roberts (shoulder). While he's highly unlikely to move up any higher in the pecking order barring an injury to T.J. Hockenson or Jesse James, Thomas clearly has a leg up on Isaac Nauta and Jerome Cunningham ahead of training camp. With that said, it's possible Detroit keeps four tight ends anyway, which only provides Thomas with even more job security ahead of the 2019 campaign.

Vannett may face competition for a roster spot, Nishant Kondepudi of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Will Dissly (knee) seems like Seattle's only lock at tight end, with Vannett, Ed Dickson and Jacob Hollister competing for what may only be two spots. The team has been using offensive tackle George Fant as a blocking tight end, potentially reducing the need for Vannett or Dickson. In any case, the 2016 third-round pick failed to capitalize on a prime opportunity last season when injuries limited Dissly and Dickson to 14 combined appearances. Vannett posted a 29-269-3 receiving line on 43 targets while averaging 35.2 snaps in 15 games.

Firkser dealt with an undisclosed injury during the offseason program, Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com reports.

Firkser wore a yellow jersey during practice, which indicates he was still working his way back from an injury. He saw a relatively healthy amount of playing time last season due to injuries on the depth chart ahead of him, but he's no lock to make the final roster again this season. Thus, a healthy beginning to training camp will be a good start for the 24-year-old.

Gesicki said he feels "more comfortable" and is "able to adapt a little bit quicker" heading into his second NFL season, Chris Perkins of The Athletic reports.

Following an unimpressive rookie campaign in which he caught only 22 passes for 202 yards, Gesicki appears primed to take a step forward in Year 2. Rookie struggles are par for the course at the tight end position, and Gesicki was specifically billed as an athletic but raw prospect when the Dolphins selected him No. 42 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. The team acquired Dwayne Allen in free agency, a veteran known for his blocking ability, which should allow Gesicki to focus on his strengths as a receiving weapon and red zone threat. As a focal piece of Miami's rebuilding process, it seems likely that Gesicki will receive plenty of snaps and opportunities to develop in 2019.