NFL Player News

Bell (leg) didn't participate in Thursday's walkthrough, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bell was spotted with a wrap on his right leg. The fourth-year pro's spot on Minnesota's roster is in jeopardy after the Vikings selected TE Tyler Conklin in the fifth round of April's draft. Bell posted just three receptions for 19 yards in 2017, so he'll have an uphill battle.

Hunt (knee) didn't practice Tuesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

The undrafted rookie is seeking a depth tight end role, and his chances were slightly improved when Hunter Henry (knee) was lost for the year. The only way to the 53-man roster would be shining during the preseason, so getting healthy for Saturday's game against the Seahawks is crucial.

Allen left Tuesday's practice with an unspecified injury, Jeff Howe of The Athletic Boston reports.

Given the timing of Allen's injury along with the fact Rob Gronkowski hasn't played in the preseason for years, Jacob Hollister seems to be in line for regular work with the first-team offense during Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles. Allen only caught 10 passes last season, but he was useful to the Patriots as a blocker while logging 42 percent of offensive snaps. The Patriots probably would've brought in more competition during the offseason if they were ready to move on from Allen and his scheduled $5 million cap hit.

Higbee has been one of the Rams' standout performers at training camp, Rich Hammond of The Orange County Register reports.

A 16-game starter last year, Higbee was limited to 25 catches and 45 targets on 735 offensive snaps, as all the playing time didn't actually translate to running a high number of routes. He was sometimes used as an extra blocker on pass plays and at other times came off the field in favor of Gerald Everett (shoulder) on passing downs. Higbee reportedly is making a case for a bigger pass-catching role this season, but he still seems likely to share targets with Everett in an offense based around RB Todd Gurley and a trio of impressive wide receivers (Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp). Any potential for a breakout depends on Higbee converting an unusually high percentage of his targets into touchdowns.

Vannett's teammate Ed Dickson isn't making much progress in his recovery from a quad injury, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

With Dickson still on the non-football injury list and apparently not all that close to returning, Vannett seems to be on track for the No. 1 tight end job to open the regular season. The third-year pro was impressive in last week's preseason loss to the Colts, catching two of three targets for 20 yards and a touchdown while playing with Russell Wilson on the opening drive. Vannett is known for his blocking more so than his pass-catching ability, but he may show improved mobility after offseason physical therapy helped eliminate the back pain that plagued him throughout his first two NFL seasons.

The Texans activated Robinson (undisclosed) off the Physically Unable to Perform list Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Robinson was cleared to return after passing his physical. As it stands now, he's seventh on the depth chart at tight end and faces long odds to make the team. As a former college and professional basketball player with minimal football experience, the 6-foot-7 Robinson is considered a project.

Gray won't take part in practice Tuesday after entering the concussion protocol, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Both Gray and running back Kalen Ballage were diagnosed with head injuries following Monday's practice session. It seems unlikely that Gray will make enough progress in his recovery to suit up in Friday's exhibition against the Panthers, which may hamper his efforts to unseat rookie second-round pick Mike Gesicki as the Dolphins' top tight end once the regular season kicks off.

Hamm was claimed off waivers by the Chargers on Monday.

Hamm was waived by the Seahawks for the second time in the last three weeks Sunday, but it didn't take long for him to latch on with a new team this time around. The 26-year-old will compete for a depth tight end role with the Chargers.

Traylor (shoulder) did not participate in Monday's practice, Mike Klis of 9News.com reports.

Traylor, who sustained a shoulder sprain during Saturday's preseason loss to the Vikings, was kept to the sideline Monday as he observed practice. The injury doesn't sound too severe, but he joins Jeff Heuerman (knee) and rookie Troy Fumagalli (sports hernia) as other Broncos tight ends dealing with health-related issues.

Goedert (arm) returned to practice Monday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reports.

Goedert apparently wasn't kidding when he deemed his injury minor, as he's back at practice after missing only one day. He's already looking comfortable in the No. 2 tight end role, with four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason opener against the Steelers. The rookie second-round pick could be quite useful for fantasy purposes if Zach Ertz misses any time with injury during the upcoming season. Trey Burton, who is now in Chicago, scored three touchdowns in the two games Ertz missed last year.