NFL Player News

Hooper caught one pass for seven yards on three targets in Thursday's preseason game against the Browns.

Jacob Tamme got the start and caught his only target for a nine-yard gain, with Levine Toilolo later adding a 13-yard reception (on two targets). While clearly possessing the highest long-term ceiling of the bunch, Hooper hasn't made much of a bid for the starting role through the first two weeks of the preseason. This could end up being a timeshare, and the Atlanta offense probably won't be too friendly to tight ends.

Moeaki suffered a left hamstring injury during Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, WGN Radio's Adam Hoge reports.

The hamstring issue marred an otherwise solid night for the oft-injured Moeaki, who caught four passes for 28 yards on five targets while filling in for Zach Miller (concussion). Assuming the injury isn't too serious, Moeaki seems to be ahead of Khari Lee in the battle for the No. 2 tight end job.

Graham (knee) might not be ready for Week 1, ESPN reports.

Graham returned to practice last week but has not participated in team drills. Coach Pete Carroll said the team has no timetable for Graham to be back to full speed. The previous expectation that Graham would be ready for Week 1 always seemed a overly optimistic, and it wouldn't be surprising if he missed more than just one week considering the severity of the injury.

Graham (knee) might not be ready for Week 1, ESPNreports.

Graham returned to practice last week but has not participated in team drills. Coach Pete Carroll said the team has no timetable for Graham to be back to full speed. The previous expectation that Graham would be ready for Week 1 always seemed a overly optimistic, and it wouldn't be surprising if he missed more than just one week considering the severity of the injury.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Graham (knee) is close to being cleared for team drills and will undergo more testing early next week, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

Graham has resumed practicing for almost exactly a week now, but is being contained to a very limited level of participation. Since Carroll noted that Graham still has more testing do next week, the tight end is all but confirmed as out for the Seahawks' exhibition game against the Vikings on Thursday, and will aim to take the field for Seattle's third preseason game versus Dallas next Thursday.

Niklas was promoted to first-string offense Tuesday, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

Veteran Jermaine Gresham has been unable to dodge the injury bug in training camp, dealing with a hamstring injury early and back tightness of late. Meanwhile, Niklas has jumped to the good side of head coach Bruce Arians, which was likely precipitated by his blocking ability. It likely hasn't hurt that Niklas has so far avoided an ailment in camp for the first time in his two-plus seasons as a professional. If the development is upheld into Week 1, Niklas would serve as a starter in the Cardinals' two-TE alignment.

Williams has missed several days of practice with an undisclosed injury.

Clearly behind Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett on the Patriots' tight end depth chart, Williams is competing for depth slotting at the position along with Clay Harbor, A.J. Derby, Steven Scheu and Bear Pascoe.

Kelce took the field for just one series in Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks to preserve his health, Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports.

Kelce didn't record a reception in his only drive, but there's nothing to read into it. He's the team's undisputed top tight end and one of the two favorite targets of Alex Smith in the passing game. His playing time will likely increase over the next two preseason games before the majority of starters get the finale off to rest and ensure health for the start of the regular season.

Derby, who landed on injured reserve last season after suffering a training camp injury, has made a good impression thus far this summer, the Boston Globe reports.

Though clearly behind Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett in the Patriots' TE pecking order, the 6-foot-5-inch, 255-pounder could end up sticking this season as the team's No. 3 or 4 option at the position. To that end, Derby is competing for slotting with Clay Harbor, Bear Pascoe, Steven Scheu and Bryce Williams.

Donnell exited Monday's practice early for hydration reasons, according to coach Ben McAdoo.

Donnell was carted out of Monday's session, but fortunately he isn't dealing with something that should be of concern going forward. With sweltering heat at practice, the tight end simply needed to pull out of play to get hydrated, as is a regular occurrence throughout camps in the summer months.