NFL Player News

Njoku was unable to corral his lone target in Friday's preseason game against Buffalo.

Reportedly plagued by drops throughout training camp, Njoku responded with 46 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first week of the preseason. He had a six-yard catch wiped out by a penalty on the opening drive Friday, but he was otherwise awfully quiet despite playing 26 snaps. To be fair, the Browns had an 18:9 rush:pass ratio in the first half, with Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield combining for six completions and 22 passing yards. Njoku should get more opportunities in the third week of the preseason, and it can't hurt that his competition for pass-catching work, Seth DeValve, has missed the first two weeks of the exhibition slate with a quadriceps injury. Njoku is well on his way to a starting job, with potential for an every-down role.

Thomas hauled in both of his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game against Miami.

The Panthers opened the game with two tight ends on the field, starting both Thomas and Greg Olsen. The rookie took a short throw from Cam Newton for a 27 yard-touchdown in the second quarter, then caught another pass from Taylor Heinicke in the third quarter. With Chris Manhertz (foot) still on the PUP list, Thomas seems to be on track for the No. 2 tight end job. It's a role that probably won't entail more than two or three targets per week, but there is potential for useful fantasy production if Olsen misses any time.

Gesicki didn't draw any targets in Friday's preseason game against Carolina.

Gesicki failed to make any noise despite getting a start, with Albert Wilson, Danny Amendola, Jakeem Grant and Kenyan Drake dominating Ryan Tannehill's attention. The rookie second-round pick faces soft competition for playing time, but there's no guarantee of snaps translating to production in Miami.

Hooper caught both of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs.

Hooper picked up 29 yards to convert a 3rd-and-11 on Atlanta's third snap, then hurdled over a defender for a four-yard touchdown to finish the opening drive. His talent, age and pedigree make him a reasonable candidate for a Year 3 leap, but he may struggle for volume when the Falcons have all their weapons healthy.

Kelce caught two of three targets for 27 yards in Friday's preseason game against Atlanta.

Tyreek Hill stole the headlines with his long touchdown catch, but Kelce and Kareem Hunt also made solid contributions in the passing game. The addition of Sammy Watkins and switch from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes does leave Kelce with a degree of risk, but the 28-year-old still offers a rare ceiling for a tight end.

Gesicki will draw the start Friday against Carolina, Alain Poupart of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Gesicki started last week against Tampa Bay but failed to haul in either of his two targets. The second straight start seems to indicate the team is happy with how he's performed in practice, but strong game performances would help to solidify his role on the offense.

Gray (concussion) won't play Friday night against the Panthers, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

With Gray sidelined, Mike Gesicki will draw the start at tight end for the Dolphins on Friday, which offers the rookie a chance to carve out some DFS utility this week.

O'Malley (undisclosed) will not play in Friday's preseason game against the Lions.

O'Malley re-signed with the Giants on a one-year contract this offseason after appearing in one game for the club in 2017, He may be on the outside looking in regarding a 53-man roster spot out of camp, and an absence from preseason action doesn't help his cause.

Byrd posted two receptions for 27 yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Steelers.

Byrd is entering his second season with the Packers after appearing in just one game last season, when he posted two catches for 31 yards. The Packers have a solid core group of veteran tight ends on the roster, but Byrd could get a leg up on a roster spot if Green Bay decides they don't want to have Lance Kendricks' salary on the books for 2018.

Tonyan caught three passes for 20 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason win over the Steelers.

Tonyan hauled in all three of his targets and found pay dirt from one yard out. He is competing with Emanuel Byrd for the fourth spot on the depth chart at the tight end position, but with three veteran tight ends ahead of both players, it remains to be seen if either will make the cut.