NFL Player News

Coach Mike McDaniel noted Friday that Waller (hip) will be out for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

With Waller slated to miss his second consecutive game, Tanner Conner (four targets in Week 1 on 28 snaps on offense) and Julian Hill (28 snaps, zero targets Week 1) are in line to continue to lead Miami's tight end corps this weekend. Waller's next chance to see game action will arrive next Thursday against the Bills.

Ertz brought in six of eight targets for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Commanders' 27-18 loss to the Packers on Thursday night.

Ertz set the pace in receiving yards for the Commanders while finishing as the runner-up in receptions and also tying for second in targets. The veteran tight end also recorded his second TD of the season on an impressive 20-yard catch-and-run early in the fourth quarter, making it an all-around rewarding fantasy performance despite the disappointing team outcome. With 13 target through two games, Ertz looks to be just as in sync with Jayden Daniels as he was in the latter's rookie 2024 campaign, and the duo next will turn their sights to the Raiders defense in a Week 3 home matchup on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Kraft secured six of seven targets for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' 27-18 win over the Commanders on Thursday night.

Kraft led Packers pass catchers across the board in receptions, receiving yards and targets while authoring his first career 100-yard game, and Jayden Reed's first-quarter exit with a shoulder injury undoubtedly created some extra opportunity. The third-year tight end also had a game-high 57-yard reception on the third play of Green Bay's second drive of the night, and he struck for his second touchdown in as many games via an eight-yard scoring grab with just under nine minutes remaining in the contest. Kraft displayed plenty of field-stretching ability during a breakout 2024 season as well, so he'll remain a highly appealing play in all formats in a Week 3 road matchup against the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Bates (groin) has been ruled out for remainder of Thursday's contest against the Packers.

Bates suffered a groin injury in the first half, and he will now be forced to sit out the rest of the game. In his place, Ben Sinnott will likely continue to see an increase in workload at tight end.

Bates (groin) is questionable to return to Thursday's contest in Green Bay.

Bates picked up an apparent groin injury in the second quarter, placing some doubt on his ability to return to the contest. The tight end was operating as the top reserve option behind starter Zach Ertz, and in his absence, Ben Sinnott will likely see an increase in workload.

Allen (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Allen's full participation in Thursday's practice indicates that he is past a knee injury that he likely picked up during the Rams' Week 1 win over the Texans. His availability provides the Rams with crucial depth at tight end, especially if Colby Parkinson (shoulder) is not cleared to play against the Titans on Sunday. Allen and Terrance Ferguson would serve as the Rams' backup tight ends behind Tyler Higbee if Parkinson is sidelined.

Parkinson (shoulder) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Parkinson was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint that he suffered during the Rams' Week 1 win over the Texans. He's opened the week with back-to-back DNPs and is unlikely to play against the Titans on Sunday unless he's able to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday. Davis Allen (knee) and Terrance Ferguson would handle backup tight end duties behind Tyler Higbee if Parkinson is ruled out for Week 2.

Sims (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Commanders, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Sims will be a healthy scratch for a second straight game, and his next chance to make his 2025 debut is Week 3 against the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 21. Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick will be the Packers' active tight ends for Thursday's clash.

Adkins (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Adkins underwent a tightrope procedure on an ankle sprain in July, which prevented him from participating in training camp and in the week leading up to the Broncos' regular-season opener against the Titans this past Sunday. He returned to practice Thursday, and while it's unclear whether he'll be cleared to play against the Colts on Sunday, he should at least be ready to suit up for the Broncos' Week 3 clash against the Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 21, per Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. Adkins appeared in 17 regular-season games for Denver in 2024 and posted 14 catches (on 15 targets) for 115 yards and three touchdowns.

Oliver (ankle) didn't practice Thursday.

Oliver also sat out Wednesday's walkthrough due to an ankle injury, so he has just one more chance to prove his health Friday ahead of Sunday's contest against the Falcons. If Oliver is inhibited or sidelined this weekend, Benjamin Yurosek and Nick Vannett would be candidates for elevated workloads behind the Vikings' top TE T.J. Hockenson.