NFL Player News

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.

Hunter recorded three catches for 43 yards on four targets in the Chargers' preseason loss to the Titans on Saturday.

Henry, who has struggled at times during training camp, was one of the lone stars in the Chargers preseason loss to the Titans. With Antonio Gates out (rest), Henry suited up alongside the first-team offense and was able to hold his own, particularly in the blocking category in which he was able to set up a first-down run for Danny Woodhead on a third-down carry to his side. Much like how the Chargers used Ladarius Green, who departed for the Steelers in the offseason, Henry will likely see the field plenty on two tight end sets, but not enough to generate consistent use in standard fantasy leagues.

Dray (ankle) returned to practice Monday, Jon Buscaglia of WKBW reports.

Dray was not active during Saturday's preseason opener against the Colts after suffering from the ankle injury over the week ago, but his turnaround has been quick and it looks like he should be good to go for practice this week, barring a setback. He'll continue to compete for the backup tight end job behind Charles Clay.

Quarless (suspension) signed a deal with the Lions on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

With tight ends Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew both recovering from injuries, the Lions are facing serious depth issues at tight end for this coming season. And while Quarless will still be suspended for the first two games of the regular season, he had a solid stint with the Packers and would be a formidable option for the team should neither Ebron nor Pettigrew be ready by Week 3. He is eligible to start practicing with the team immediately.

Supernaw caught two of his three targets for 22 yards in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chargers.

Supernaw's output in this one was just one catch and 10 yards short of his totals from 16 appearances last season. The reserve tight end is used almost exclusively on special teams.