NFL Player News

Although he wasn't a participant during Tuesday's minincamp, Escobar (Achilles) was able to run routes on the side, David Helman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

That's encouraging news for Escobar, but even if he is able to make a quicker-than-expected recovery from last season's torn Achilles tendon, he'll still be stuck behind Jason Witten on the Cowboys' depth chart.

Pettigrew (knee) continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered last December, but he's not expected to be ready for the start of training camp, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Pettigrew's timetable a month ago projected the tight end to be ready for a return by late July, but the team is expected to take it slow as he endures a lengthy recovery process. Eric Ebron will have additional time to solidify his place as the Lions' main pass-catching option at tight end.

Wright sustained a torn ACL during the Lions' offseason program, which spurred the team to release him Thursday, The Detroit News reports.

After clearing waivers Tuesday, the Lions placed the tight end on injured reserve, thus retaining his rights while he spends the next year or so in rehabilitation. In three professional seasons with a trio of organizations, the hybrid wideout/tight end has totaled 89 catches (on 125 targets) for 907 yards and 13 touchdowns in 41 games.

Amaro (shoulder) could be used as an H-back or fullback this season, though he believes he should be used as a pass-catching tight end, ESPN.com reports.

Amaro missed all of last season due to a torn labrum, and with the current coaching staff unfamiliar with him after they took over last season, it's unclear what kind of role he will be given. With Jeff Cumberland gone, the Jets will have Amaro compete with Kellen Davis and Zach Sudfeld, which is hardly considerable competition for a player who was a significant part of the passing game in college at Texas Tech.

Although Graham (knee) is expected to "ease into training camp," head coach Pete Carroll believes that the tight end will be ready for the regular season, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

The Seahawks held their first batch of OTAs this week, which Graham was unable to participate in, as expected. However, he fit in some light running and caught some passes on the side Thursday, so he seems to have reached a good place in his recovery from a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. In the end, his ability to handle snaps during the preseason will forecast if he's on pace to be on the field in Week 1.

Kroft is the top tight end on the Bengals' depth chart while Tyler Eifert (ankle) is out, Cole Harvey of ESPN reports.

Kroft opened the offseason as Eifert's backup, but due to the latter's ankle surgery, will take the starting reins for the time being. Eifert's recovery is projected to take three months, signifying an expected mid-to-late August return. If that timetable holds true, Kroft will see added reps in training camp and the preseason, which could equate to extra time during the regular season. Additionally, if Eifert's recovery time extends beyond initial estimates, then the Rutgers product figures to open the season as the starter, which should result in increased production for the second-year tight end. Kroft stepped in to the starting lineup near the end of 2015 when the veteran starter missed time with a neck injury and a concussion, and parlayed the opportunity into 11 receptions on 14 targets for 129 yards and a touchdown.

Johnson was signed by the Steelers on Tuesday, Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter of Washington reports.

Johnson, entering his eighth season in the league, will return to Pittsburgh after spending the last two seasons with the Chargers. In the past two seasons he has only recorded two receptions for a total of eight yards but will battle with Ladarius Green, Matt Spaeth, and Jesse James, among others, for playing time at tight end with longtime veteran Heath Miller retiring earlier in the offseason.

Pettigrew (knee) plans to be ready to go by the start of training camp, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official website reports.

Pettigrew suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the 2015-16 season, landing himself on injured reserve for the second half of the year. Considered the team's main blocking tight end prior to the injury, Pettigrew will have to battle with Eric Ebron and Tim Wright for snaps during the upcoming season. Pettigrew has already seen improvement in his ACL and is targeting the start of training camp for a return date, so look for further updates as camp approaches.

The Falcons don't think Hooper needs to put on any weight, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hooper, the 81st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash at 6-4, 254 pounds at the scouting combine. He's not a standout athlete and didn't put up huge numbers at Stanford, but the 21-year-old has a well-rounded skillset that could allow him to succeed as both a blocker and receiver. While the Falcons likely view Hooper as a future starter, his age and position will make it tough to have a major impact as a rookie. The learning curve is typically steep for tight ends, though it is worth noting that the Falcons don't exactly have strong competition at the position. Hooper could challenge Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo for a leading role out of the gate.

The 49ers have agreed to terms with undrafted free agent Cajuste, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports.

Cajuste had a promising sophomore season at Stanford, recording 642 yards and five touchdowns, but he failed to equal that production in his final two seasons, netting a combined 940 yards and nine touchdowns, which makes it unsurprising that he ultimately went undrafted. Measuring in at 6-foot-4, 234 pounds at the Combine, there was talk that Cajuste may be moved to tight end instead of receiver in the NFL, but it's unclear how the 49ers will use him. In either case, he'll likely be buried on the depth chart, and it'll be an uphill battle for him to make the team's 53-man roster.