NFL Player News

With MarQueis Gray (Achilles) having landed on IR, Gesicki figures to see an expanded role out of the gate this season.

The No. 42 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft already had sleeper potential, but with Gray out of the mix, Gesicki, who excelled at the NFL Combine in March, appears poised to carve out a pass-catching role in the Miami offense. Though A.J. Derby was previously listed as the Dolphins' No. 2 tight end behind Gray, Gesicki's combo of athleticism and opportunity make him the upside play here. The only caveat is that the young tight end's blocking is a work in progress.

The Dolphins signed Escobar to a contract Thursday.

After failing to make much of an impression in the preseason, Escobar was trimmed from the 53-man roster Friday while the Dolphins kept four tight ends. He'll make his way back to Miami, however, after the team's projected starter at the position, MarQueis Gray, was limited at practice Wednesday with a foot injury that resulted in his placement on injured reserve Thursday. Mike Gesicki figures to get the first crack at the top pass-catching role at tight end while Gray is sidelined, so Escobar likely won't get an immediate chance for consistent snaps on offense unless the rookie falters early on.

The Dolphins placed Gray (foot) on injured reserve Thursday.

Though Gray was a limited participant in the Dolphins' first official practice of the regular season Wednesday, there was little indication that the injury was concerning enough to keep him sidelined for Week 1, much less result in a placement on IR. In any event, Gray's setback will leave the Dolphins without their projected season-opening starter at tight end, paving the way for rookie Mike Gesicki to see extended reps in his NFL debut. The Dolphins signed veteran Gavin Escobar in a corresponding move to boost their numbers at the position.

Kittle (shoulder) wasn't listed Wednesday on the 49ers' Week 1 injury report.

Kittle appeared to log every practice rep Monday, but Wednesday's session was accompanied by the first injury report of the regular season, confirming what was already assumed about the tight end's health. With his separated right shoulder in the rear-view mirror, Kittle can focus on holding down the fort at tight end for the 49ers in Week 1 and beyond.

James (back contusion) isn't listed on the Steelers' initial injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

With Vance McDonald (foot) having been sidelined for more than a month and before practicing Wednesday as a limited participant, James could be headed for an every-down role to open the season. There's little question the Steelers want McDonald to be a major part of their passing game, but they've quickly learned how difficult it is for him to stay healthy. James has been one of the least efficient tight ends in the NFL since he entered the league in 2015, averaging 8.5 yards per catch and 5.7 per target with seven touchdowns on 90 career receptions. Any thought of Week 1 upside hinges on his involvement in the red zone.

Hollister (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

A hamstring injury sidelined Hollister for the Patriots' final two preseason games of the summer, but the tight end appears to be trending in the right direction and seems to have decent odds of suiting up for Sunday's season opener against the Texans.

Gray (foot) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Gray, expected to serve as a backup to 2018 second-rounder Mike Gesicki, remains day-to-day with a foot injury. If the 28-year-old veteran is unable to suit up for the season-opener against the Titans on Sunday, Gesicki could see a larger snap count during his NFL debut.

Amaro has been released by the Chiefs.

Amaro's disappointing tenure in the NFL continues on. The 2014 second-rounder will now return to the free-agent market in hopes of landing a new deal elsewhere.

Engram (concussion), who has been medically cleared to practice, shed his non-contact jersey Wednesday.

The Giants' top tight end is thus in line to play Sunday against the Jaguars, not that there was ever much doubt about his status. While it's not an optimal Week 1 matchup for Engram, he enters the season as a key cog within a star-studded offense that also features wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard and promising rookie tailback Saquon Barkley.

Gathers will likely be competing with rookie Dalton Schultz for a spot on the Cowboys' 46-man gameday roster each week, Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Cowboys are expected to have only three tight ends in uniform for each game, with Geoff Swaim and Blake Jarwin locked into the top two spots on the depth chart. Gathers is the only member of the group with significant upside as a pass catcher. Head coach Jason Garrett said Monday that while Gathers has shown progress as a blocker and special teams player, the former Baylor basketball standout may not be at a point yet where he's trusted with those assignments. Garrett also spoke of "consequences" stemming from Gathers' recent arrest for marijuana possession, so the third-year player could be facing a suspension from the team regardless of whether the league also decides to hand down punishment.