NFL Player News

Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (calf) is still not practicing, the Florida Times-Union reported on Thursday. Lewis did some running on Wednesday after Gus Bradley expressed optimism that he could return for the game Sunday at Oakland. But the longer he goes without participating in practice, the more the possibility grows that he will be unavailable.

Colts tight end Dwayne Allen expressed optimism about his recovery from an injured hip and his playing status for Sunday, the Indianapolis Star is reporting.

Allen sustained the injury in the season opener against Oakland after catching one pass for 20 yards, but an MRI proved negative. He has yet to practice this week. If he can't play, Coby Fleener will start against the Dolphins.

Patriots tight end Zach Sudfeld disappointed in his debut in Week 1, and a hamstring injury could keep him from making an impact in Week 2. Sudfeld is considered questionable for Thursday's game against the Jets, after being limited throughout the week in practice as a result of the injury. He is likely to be a game-time decision. 

Colts tight end Dwayne Allen did not practice Wednesday as he continues to recover from a hip injury suffered in the opener.

Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis will run Wednesday to test his calf, but is unsure if he will play Sunday at Oakland, according to the Florida Times-Union.

Lewis was inactive for the Week 1 game against Kansas City with a calf injury that plagued him throughout the preseason.

Although Eagles tight end James Casey hardly played on offense Week 1 at Washington, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said Monday, "James Casey is going to make a large contribution for us." However, Shurmur added Casey will play more in some games than others.

Eagles tight end James Casey, who was a key offseason signing, appeared in just two offensive plays Week 1 against the Redskins -- both coming at the end of the game as Philadelphia took a knee to secure a 33-27 win.

"Of course, I’m disappointed," Casey said Tuesday, per CSN Philadelphia. "I’m not content just sitting on the sidelines, for sure. I’m not happy sitting on the sidelines, knowing you want to be out on the field, but I’m just going to keep working, keep preparing, keep practicing hard, showing the coaches what I can do and hopefully if they put me out there I’ll be ready to perform."

Eagles coach Chip Kelly explained why Casey, who missed time during the preseason due to injuries, wasn't used heavily Monday.

"A lot of times (personnel package) dictates what they do. If we're 11, they have more DBs in the game," Kelly said "That was our thought process. That was it. It has nothing to do with James' ability, what we're happy with him, not happy with him. Sometimes we're going to feature three tight ends prominently, and other times we're going to be a little bit more spread. [Monday] night, we were a little bit more spread."

Patriots tight end Zach Sudfeld (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in practice for a second straight day Tuesday. The Patriots host the Jets Thursday (Week 2).

With Lions rookie Joseph Fauria catching three passes for 27 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 -- while fellow tight ends Brandon Pettigrew (two passes for six yards and a fumble) and Tony Scheffler (one target, no receptions) didn't do much -- there appears to be possible value in deeper leagues with Fauria. 

It's not exactly the same level as Kyle Rudolph in 2012, but Fauria could have value as a red zone target, and then get a handful of receiving points in an offense that loves to pass. While attention at the goal line may be paid to Joique Bell, Calvin Johnson, and Reggie Bush, Fauria looks like a candidate to sneak into the end zone, turn, and catch some valuable touchdown passes. 

There isn't enough potential here to add Fauria in 12-team standard leagues, but for those playing in deeper or dynasty formats, Fauria could be a sneaky add for bench depth. 

There's good news and bad news with Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew as he enters his Week 2 matchup agianst the Cardinals. 

The good: Arizona allowed 141 yards and two touchdowns (and almost a third TD if not for the fleet-footedness of Tyrann Mathieu) to Rams tight end Jared Cook in Week 1. Along with Lance Kendicks' 25 yards, the Cardinals gave up 166 yards on 10 receptions (off 14 targets) to tight ends this past Sunday. 

The bad: Pettigrew caught two passes for six yards in Detroit's win over the Vikings, while losing a fumble. He was overshadowed in the game by Joseph Fauria, who caught three passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. This comes on the heels of a 2012 campaign in which Pettigrew managed 567 receiving yards and three touchdowns while finishing third among tight ends in dropped passes. 

Fauria's emergence doesn't exactly signal a changing of the guard -- Pettigrew is still just 28 years old and put up two 700-yard seasons playing alongside Tony Scheffler in the past -- but with Pettigrew being praised for his blocking skills and Fauria looking solid in a pass-catching role, it would probably be wise to seek other options for Week 2.