NFL Player News

Smartt caught his only target for a 24-yard touchdown in Saturday's 30-10 preseason win over the Packers.

Smartt's touchdown catch came in the third quarter, well after all of the Jets' starters had departed. He's behind 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor (ankle) and Jeremy Ruckert on the depth chart, but Smartt's intriguing pass catching ability could earn him a role on offense come the regular season, especially if Taylor misses time as a result of his high-ankle sprain.

Wiley (undisclosed) brought in his only target for two yards in the Chiefs' 20-17 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Saturday night.

Wiley had missed practice last Saturday with an undisclosed injury, but the 2024 fourth-round pick was able to participate in Saturday's contest and make a minimal impact. Wiley, who had only one catch over seven regular-season appearances during his rookie campaign, may have a difficult time beating out veteran Robert Tonyan for the third spot on the depth chart, but the former is likely to get a prolonged look over the Chiefs' last two preseason contests.

Helm caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.

Both of Helm's targets came from backup quarterback Brandon Allen in the third quarter. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Texas has already climbed to second on the tight end depth chart, but he's still clearly behind starter Chig Okonkwo. Helm will try to close that gap in Tennessee's next preseason game Friday against the Falcons.

Okonkwo caught his only target for 10 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.

Okonkwo's lone catch came on a pass from rookie first overall pick Cameron Ward, who played two drives. Okonkwo appears to be locked in atop Tennessee's tight end depth chart, ahead of rookie fourth-round pick Gunnar Helm and last year's backup Josh Whyle. Tennessee's starters may see more extensive action in the team's second preseason game Friday against the Falcons.

Strange recorded one reception on one target for 11 yards in Saturday's 31-25 preseason loss to the Steelers.

Strange played one offensive possession with the Jaguars' starting skill-position unit and hauled in his only target over the middle of the field. The offseason departure of Evan Engram leaves Strange as the clear top tight end on the depth chart, though it may be hard for him to be a consistent fantasy contributor due to target competition from the likes of Brian Thomas and Travis Hunter.

McBride brought in his only target for 21 yards during the Cardinals' 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday night.

The talented tight end was on the receiving end of Kyler Murray's longest completion of the night, kickstarting Arizona's second drive. McBride, who signed a four-year, $76 million extension in April, is ticketed for another massive role again in 2025 after recording 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns across 16 regular-season contests last season.

Heyward secured two of three targets for 17 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Although Heyward has appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his first three years in the NFL, his already limited role took a hit in 2024, as he secured just six of eight targets for 40 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith during the offseason while retaining Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, so Heyward will likely be forced to settle for a minimal role on offense, if he makes the 53-man roster.

Washington secured his lone target for a 19-yard touchdown during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over Jacksonville.

Washington started in Saturday's preseason opener and put the team on the board with a touchdown reception to cap off Pittsburgh's first drive of the game. While the 2023 third-rounder saw his role grow slightly last season, he'll have increased competition for targets behind Pat Freiermuth in 2025 after the Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins.

Hockenson started at tight end and played eight snaps on offense, but he wasn't targeted in the passing game in Saturday's preseason win over Houston, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Hockenson missed time in practice earlier this week with a hip flexor.

It was surprising to see Hockenson play in the first preseason game given his injury scare earlier in the week. Even though he didn't do much in the game, it shows he's ready for the regular season.

Torres (ankle) has been ruled out to return to Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Torres, who signed with Los Angeles back in April after going undrafted out of Toledo, has spent training camp and the offseason competing for a depth role at tight end. He'll attempt to get healthy in time for the Rams' second preseason game, which will occur Saturday, Aug. 16 against the Chargers.