NFL Player News

Waller (suspension) was forced to exit Saturday's win over the Colts to be tested for a concussion.

Waller was able to pass the concussion tests and he won't be forced to miss any practice time, though he was unable to return on Saturday. He finished the game without a single target.

Donnell wasn't targeted in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills.

According to NJ.com's Dan Duggan, the Giants opened Saturday's game in a two-TE formation, allowing both Donnell and Will Tye to start. However, Tye went on to catch a pair of passes on the opening drive, eventually finishing the evening as Big Blue's only player with multiple receptions. Tye entered camp as a slight favorite for the starting job, and he seems to be moving closer to locking it down, though Donnell does still have time to make a push. The Giants might also end up using a rotation in the regular season.

Graham (undisclosed) won't play in Saturday's preseason game versus the 49ers, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

Graham has yet to receive his first target in a Broncos uniform, but an unknown issue continues to ail the veteran tight end. Fellow tight ends Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman (hamstring) will continue to hold down the top 2 spots on the depth chart.

Sudfield caught all three of his targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in Friday's win over the Redskins.

Sudfield wasn't targeted often Friday, but he made the most of his opportunities and hauled in every pass that was thrown his way, making an end zone nuisance of himself in the process. Sudfield should have every opportunity to battle for a starting spot in an offense that is in need of playmakers, and he will likely see an expanded amount of reps next week versus the Giants.

James caught two passes for seven yards on Thursday.

James caught both balls thrown his way and, more importantly, avoided injury in Pittsburgh's 17-0 loss to Philadelphia. With each passing week of the preseason, James' chances of being the Week 1 starting tight end improve, as rumors circulate that Ladarius Green (ankle, headaches) could be headed for injured reserve.

HIgbee could have a prominent role in the passing game, ESPN.com reports.

A fourth-round rookie, Higbee entered the NFL while recovering from knee surgery, just a few weeks after he was arrested for second-degree assault. The knee is no longer a concern, but he does still have a very serious legal issue (and possible NFL discipline) hanging over his head. The league will likely let the legal case play out, allowing Higbee to suit up for the Rams in the meantime. He's a phenomenal athlete with the potential to become one of the league's more dangerous receiving threats at tight end, but Lance Kendricks is still the favorite to start Week 1, offering more experience and superior blocking. Higbee caught four passes for 49 yards in the Rams' preseason opener, making a case that he should at least have a part-time role in the passing game.

Ertz recorded three catches for 24 yards during Thursday's preseason win over the Steelers.

Ertz continues to be a viable target in the Eagles' aerial attack as the team's No. 1 tight end, while Brent Celek also figures to play a role as Ertz's backup. His next chance to produce and click with starting quarterback Sam Bradford will come next Saturday against the Colts.

Derby, who caught six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason win over the Bears, continues to push for the Patriots' No. 3 tight end job, ESPN.com reports.

Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett are entrenched as the Patriots' top two tight ends, with Derby's strong work this summer putting him firmly in the mix to secure a role behind the team's top duo at the position. Others jostling for depth slotting on that front are Clay Harbor, Bear Pascoe, Steven Scheu and Bryce Williams.

Vannett suffered an ankle injury during Thursday's preseason loss to the Vikings, Danny O'Neil of 710sports.com reports.

Vannett was seen on crutches in the Seahawks' locker room following the game in Seattle. It's unclear at this point just how severe the issue is, but the rookie could miss practice time during the coming week. We'll update his status when more information is released.

Pruitt had one reception for 12 yards in Thursday's preseason game.

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. There was a thought last year that Pruitt could get significant playing time if the Vikings used two-TE sets, but that doesn't appear to be in the works for this season.