NFL Player News

Niklas wasn't targeted in Sunday's preseason defeat in Houston.

There was talk of Niklas' promotion to first-team tight end in mid-August, per Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, but the third-year pro remains embedded on the second team on the Cardinals' unofficial depth chart. With Larry Fitzgerald (knee) and John Brown (concussion) sidelined the last two games, there was opportunity for Niklas to make an impact, but neither Carson Palmer nor Drew Stanton looked his way. The same can't be said for starter Darren Fells (three catches on four targets) and Jermaine Gresham (one reception on two targets), who will likely exit the preseason as the top-2 receiving tight end options. As a result, Niklas' usage may not be sufficient enough to make an impact in 2016.

Allen missed Monday's practice due to hip soreness, Kevin Bowen of the Colts' official site reports.

Allen hasn't been used much this preseason, as evidenced by a mere two catches for 10 yards, but his hip injury isn't thought to be a significant concern. Rather, the Colts are ensuring their starting tight end is ready to go when the regular season kicks off, thus justifying his practice absence Monday.

Reuland was released by the Colts on Monday.

Reuland failed to stand out from the crowd this preseason. He had one reception for 10 yards through three games, as he couldn't beat out the likes of Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope, or Chase Coffman for playing time. The journeyman, who's been on five teams in five years, will look to further his NFL career elsewhere.

With Michael Hoomanawanui suffering an potentially serious leg injury in Friday's preseason contest, Manhertz could make the Saints' final 53-man roster, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Manhertz, who spent time on the Saints' practice squad in 2015, looks like the next man up should the leg injury sideline Hoomanawanui for an extended period of time. However, even if he makes the final squad, the Canisius product would be firmly behind Coby Fleener and Josh Hill in the Saints' tight end pecking order.

Pruitt left Sunday's preseason win over San Diego with a left leg injury and will have an MRI on Monday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Pruitt had one reception for 11 yards during the game but lost a fumble on the play and was also apparently injured. Pruitt isn't likely to have a large role in the offense as long as Kyle Rudolph remains healthy. He may also have been bypassed on the depth chart by rookie David Morgan due to his blocking ability.

Hewitt was not targeted in Sunday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

Although his Sunday appearance on the stat sheet was due solely to a clipping penalty, Hewitt may take on some extra snaps early in the season, as tight ends Tyler Eifert (ankle) and Tyler Kroft (knee) are both highly questionable for Week 1. The Bengals mostly use Hewitt as an H-back, and C.J. Uzomah started at tight end in Sunday's preseason game against Jacksonville.

Uzomah caught one pass for 10 yards on three targets in Sunday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

According to Paul Dehner of The Cincinnati Enquirer, Uzomah got the start in place of Tyler Eifert (knee) and Tyler Kroft (knee), with all three targets coming from Andy Dalton. One of those was an unsuccessful pass into the end zone, and Uzomah appeared to play nearly all of the snaps with the first-team offense. With Eifert and Kroft both no better questionable for the beginning of the season, Uzomah could enter Week 1 as the starter, though H-back Ryan Hewitt also figures to pick up some of the snaps.

Lewis failed to catch his lone target in Sunday's preseason game against the Bengals.

Quiet this preseason, Lewis figures to reprise his role as the Jaguars' blocking-oriented tight end. Julius Thomas figures to dominate passing downs and will likely get far more targets than Lewis.

Vannett (ankle) will not play in the Seahawks' preseason finale Thursday against the Raiders, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

Vannett suffered a high-ankle sprain during Seattle's second preseason tilt, but remains without a timetable to return. For now, he should be considered questionable for Week 1.

Higbee caught one pass for 11 yards despite being targeted six times during Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos.

Higbee's lone reception came from quarterback Case Keenum on the Rams' third offensive series Saturday. Although he failed to haul in any of his other five targets, Higbee led Los Angeles with six looks in total. For a team devoid of a traditional top receiving threat, Higbee could become a nice piece in the Rams' passing game, as he boasts a great combination of size and speed, and has higher upside than veteran tight end Lance Kendricks.