NFL Player News

Kroft will hand over the Cincinnati starting tight end spot to C.J. Uzomah on Sunday, according to the teams' official site.

Kroft had been expected to see a bigger role in the Cincinnati offense with Tyler Eifert (ankle) on the shelf, and although that's still a possibility, he won't be doing so as a starter. Kroft may have a bit more experience as a pass catcher than Uzomah, but the latter will get on the field first, seemingly due to his blocking capabilities and contributions on special teams.

Manhertz (head) is inactive for Sunday's game against Oakland.

Manhertz's absence is unlikely to impact the Saints' offensive performance, as he is listed behind Coby Fleener, Josh Hill, Michael Hoomanawanui and RaShaun Allen on the tight end depth chart.

Uzomah will get the starting nod at tight end Sunday against the Jets.

With Tyler Eifert (ankle) out for at least the first three weeks, the Bengals will need to turn to a new starting tight end, and it looks like Uzomah will get the nod over the likes of Tyler Kroft. Despite getting the start, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Uzomah is likely best suited in a blocking role. He caught just one pass this preseason and was limited to a single reception in five games in 2015.

Amaro is inactive Sunday versus the Vikings, the team's official site reports.

The third-year tight end was just claimed last Sunday off waivers following his release from the Jets, and is therefore still acclimating to the Titans' offensive system. Amaro is currently running behind Delanie Walker and Anthony Fasano on the depth chart.

Graham (knee) will play Sunday against the Dolphins, though his snaps will be limited, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Graham's snaps will likely come on passing downs and near the end zone, though a tight end on a snap count doesn't give fantasy owners much optimism for a breakout performance.

Johnson will assume fullback duties in Monday's season opener against the Redskins, Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Johnson will be replacing starting fullback Roosevelt Nix, who will be sidelined in Week 1. Nix is the lone fullback on the team's roster, but Johnson has experience playing the role for both the Steelers and Chargers.

Donnell is listed atop the Giants depth chart at tight end.

It's unclear how the snaps will be split between he and Will Tye. Both are adequate receivers, while neither is a good blocker, but Donnell has more size and is presumably the team's starter.

Manhertz (head) is questionable to play Week 1, Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com reports.

The severity of his injury is unclear. However, Manhertz's potential absence in the Saints' regular season opener likely won't have much of an impact on the team's performance as he is depth option at tight end.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Friday he expects Graham (knee) to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, John Boyle of the team's official website reports.

While his quotes haven't exactly been consistent, Carroll has mostly sounded optimistic about Graham the past three days, suggesting that the team expects its well-paid tight end to play, even if he isn't exactly being counted on. The most likely scenario has Graham suiting up and playing in a limited role, with most of his snaps coming on passing downs and near the end zone. Even if we could be certain about his status -- which we certainly can't -- Graham's Week 1 fantasy prospects would be less than thrilling. It also remains to be seen if he'll look like his pre-injury self, as patella injuries often have a lasting impact. Graham is listed as questionable for Sunday, and he was a full practice participant Wednesday-Friday.

Vannett (ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR reports.

Vannett was deemed out by coach Pete Carroll to begin this week, so this latest report confirms his inactive status for Week 1. With Jimmy Graham (knee) seemingly good to go following a full week of practice, Vannett's absence isn't as significant as it maybe otherwise would have been, but the rookie third-rounder will nonetheless be keen to make his regular season debut sooner than later.