NFL Player News

Niklas was limited at practice Thursday due to a hip injury, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Since entering the pre-draft process in 2014, Niklas has undergone sports hernia surgery, broken a finger, dealt with a pair of serious ankle sprains and had another wrist surgery. In three-plus season, he's thus appeared in just 27 games, during which he's hauled in eight of 11 passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. If he's able to tough out the current concern, he may handle a large workload Sunday at Indianapolis due to Jermaine Gresham's rib injury, which has kept him out of practice both Wednesday and Thursday. If not, No. 3 TE Ifeanyi Momah is ready to take on a significant role.

Tomlinson (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Connor Hughes of The Star-Ledger reports.

With Tomlinson missing both of the Jets' first two practices of the week, it's looking dicey that he'll be able to suit up for the Jets' Week 2 game against the Raiders. If Tomlinson, who started and caught two passes for 25 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Bills, isn't able to suit up Sunday, Will Tye would likely serve as the Jets' top tight end.

McGrath (knee) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

McGrath will be available to play Sunday against the Dolphins, but given that he's the fourth tight end on the depth chart, there's a real possibility that he'll be a healthy inactive for the contest.

Kittle (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Considered a game-time decision for the regular-season opener, Kittle ultimately played 54 of 57 offensive snaps and caught five of six targets for 27 yards in the loss to the Panthers. With no setback reported after the game, he should be ready for another hefty workload Week 2 in Seattle. The matchup is as tough as it gets, but Kittle's Week 1 usage suggests he'll at least have some opportunities.

Tomlinson (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Tomlinson started Week 1 against the Bills and caught both of his targets for 25 yards prior to exiting due to an ankle injury. With Austin Seferian-Jenkins suspended for one more game, Will Tye could get the Week 2 start a tight end if Tomlinson isn't available to face the Raiders.

Uzomah (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Texans, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Uzomah's Week 2 status will be verified in advance of Thursday's 8:25 p.m. EDT kickoff, but he's off the fantasy radar for now, given the solid health of top tight end Tyler Eifert. Uzomah logged 25 catches for 234 yards and a touchdown in 10 games for the Bengals last season.

Derby reeled in all three of his targets for 34 yards in Monday's win over the Chargers.

There was some concern about Derby during the preseason as he slipped to third on the depth chart. It didn't matter once the lights came on as he led the Broncos' tight ends in targets Monday. Given his ability to play inside and outside in formations and his rapport with Trevor Siemian dating back to late last year, expect Derby to be Denver's top receiving threat at tight end this season.

Hodges (head) was waived by the Vikings off injured reserve Tuesday after both sides reached an injury settlement, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Hodges was waived/injured by the club during final roster cuts prior to Week 1, and he reverted to the IR. He now is free to find a new opportunity once he fully recovers from his head injury.

Kroft had one catch for five yards on 12 offensive snaps in Week 1 against the Ravens.

As long as Tyler Eifert is healthy, and usually even when he is not, Kroft is primarily a blocking tight end with a very low chance of making even a modest fantasy impact.

Lewis was targeted twice but did not register a catch in the Jaguars' Week 1 win over Houston.

As expected, Lewis was not a major part of the game plan, as the Jaguars employed a thoroughly run-heavy approach. While he could have some utility as a red-zone target, Lewis does not project to hold much fantasy value this season, despite the Jaguars moving on from Julius Thomas.