NFL Player News

Coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday that Smith is among the players who won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

The same goes for QB Aaron Rodgers, WR DK Metcalf, RB Jaylen Warren and TE Pat Freiermuth, as the Steelers plan to rest their key starters Saturday, unlike the Jaguars. After leaving Tuesday's practice due to knee soreness, Smith was back on the field Wednesday, which puts him in a position to be available for the team's Aug. 16 contest against the Buccaneers.

Mayer has been a standout of the early portion of Las Vegas' training camp, Ryan McFadden of ESPN reports.

Mayer's room for growth and involvement in the Raiders offense are severely capped due to the presence of second-year standout Brock Bowers, who McFadden also notes has displayed one of the most dynamic connections with new quarterback Geno Smith of all Las Vegas' offensive personnel. That said, Mayer himself said earlier this offseason that he expects to have a significant role in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's system, per Michael Canelo of SI, and there's room for the team to increase its usage of two-TE sets. The Raiders were also reportedly shopping Mayer as a trade candidate early in the offseason, and if the 2023 second-round pick is able to flash during preseason action, beginning Thursday night at Seattle, he could reignite such conversations around the league.

Helm is listed as the second tight end on the Titans' unofficial depth chart, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Helm, a fourth-round pick out of Texas, has already surpassed Josh Whyle on the depth chart and is immediately backing up Chig Okonkwo. Per Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site, the Titans' coaching staff has been impressed with Helm's ability to make contested catches early in his first training camp. Helm still may not see many offensive snaps his rookie season, as Tennessee could rely on two-tight-end sets less frequently after adding depth to the wide receiver corps this offseason.

Chicago waived Murray (groin) with an injury designation Wednesday.

In a corresponding transaction, the Bears signed undrafted free agent tight end Thomas Gordon on Wednesday. Unless Murray is claimed by another team during the current waiver period, he's on track to revert to Chicago's injured reserve list.

The Chargers waived Castles on Wednesday.

Castles didn't see any action in last week's Hall of Fame Game against the Lions and will now look for an opportunity elsewhere.

Hockenson (leg/hip/back) will practice Wednesday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Hockenson exited Saturday's practice with a noticeable limp, and then didn't practice Monday due to a combination of leg, hip and back injuries. He may operate only in a limited capacity Wednesday, but he'll have another session Thursday before the team will need to make a decision regarding whether he takes the field along with second-year QB J.J. McCarthy for Saturday's preseason game against the Texans.

Smith (knee) is participating in Wednesday's non-padded practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Even if the practice is just a walk-through, it's a good sign for Smith to be participating in any capacity just one day after exiting early due to knee soreness. A quick return to the field supports coach Mike Tomlin's statement from Tuesday that the knee issue didn't look serious. The real concern for Smith's fantasy value remains target share, with Pat Freiermuth offering fierce competition for snaps in single-TE formations.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that he believes Waller (undisclosed), who remains on the active/PUP list, is roughly one week away from practicing, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports,

Waller began training camp on the PUP list for conditioning reasons, a development that isn't exactly surprising given that he spent the 2024 season in retirement. The veteran TE is fully expected to be ready for Week 1, and it'll be encouraging if he indeed retakes the field in time to get multiple full weeks of practicing in before the regular-season opener against Indianapolis on Sept. 7. Due to the 111-target void left by Jonnu Smith's departure, Waller carries upside as a late-round selection in 2025 fantasy drafts, especially due to his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame and Miami's need for a dominant red-zone target. To open the year as a full-time starter, though, Waller will need to both get into football shape and fully learn McDaniel's intricate offensive scheme.

Kmet (undisclosed) was forced to leave the Bears' practice early Tuesday, Adam Hoge of AllCHGO.com reports.

Kmet exited practice with a trainer after suffering an undisclosed injury, but he has reportedly avoided anything serious. The tight end can be considered day-to-day as the team approaches its preseason opener Sunday versus the Dolphins.

Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Tuesday that Engram has "met or exceeded" expectations in camp so far, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Engram's versatility at the tight end position has caught the attention of the Denver coaching staff. "He can run. He can change direction. Willing blocker. He sticks his nose in there. Complete tight end. Guy that's been really showing up in camp," Lombardi said. The 30-year-old will enter his ninth season, and a change of scenery could provide a boost to his production. After a disappointing and injury-riddled 2024 campaign in Jacksonville, Engram will provide second-year quarterback Bo Nix with a significant upgrade at TE. The veteran's skills as a receiver and blocker should afford him extensive playing time in head coach Sean Payton's tight end-friendly system.