NFL Player News

Loveland (shoulder) took first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills Tuesday, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

Loveland was eased into training camp during the first week of Chicago's practices, but he now appears fully recovered from January shoulder surgery, which had held him out of pre-draft workouts and spring activities. The rookie first-round pick has reportedly impressed early, including by recording a flashy third-down connection with quarterback Caleb Williams during 11-on-11 reps Tuesday. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Loveland has displayed full confidence in his shoulder's strength and durability during both blocking and pass-catching reps. Head coach Ben Johnson had high praise of Loveland's early momentum, saying "it's really encouraging when you look at a young player like that and the growth that he's going to be able to have with the more reps that he gets."

Long (undisclosed) suffered an apparent injury late during Tuesday's practice and limped off the field, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Long made a highlight play during Tuesday's practice, per Jamal St. Cyr and Justin Barney of News4JAGS, but he appeared to get somewhat banged up in the process. It remains to be seen how long, if at all, Long will be sidelined. He's competing for opportunities behind Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt (upper body) in a tight-end corps that saw Evan Engram depart for Denver earlier this offseason.

Coach John Harbaugh said Likely rolled his left ankle at Tuesday's practice and may miss "a few weeks," Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

The tight end sustained the injury on a 1-on-1 rep with safety Sanoussi Kane, after which he couldn't put much weight on his left leg and was carted off the field. Likely will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. For as long as he's sidelined, Charlie Kolar, Zaire Mitchell-Paden and Sam Pitz will be candidates for reps behind starter Mark Andrews.

Likely (foot/ankle) was carted off the field near the end of Tuesday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Per Giana Han of TheBaltimoreBanner.com, Likely was grabbing his left foot/ankle area and punching the ground following a 1-on-1 rep with safety Sanoussi Kane. Likely wasn't able to put much weight on his left leg as he made his way to team facilities. The severity of the injury won't be known until the fourth-year tight end undergoes testing.

Pittsburgh signed Foelsch to a contract Tuesday.

Foelsch logged a brief stint with the Chiefs earlier this offseason, and he now gets an opportunity to compete during training camp in Pittsburgh. The tight end spent last season bouncing on and off the Eagles' practice squad and is still looking for a chance to make his regular-season NFL debut.

Hooper (undisclosed), who had been on the active/PUP list, returned to practice Tuesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Hooper caught 45 of 59 targets for 476 yards and three touchdowns over 17 regular-season games in 2024, and he should retain a fairly significant role in the Patriots passing offense while paired with fellow tight end Hunter Henry, who recorded a 66-674-2 line in 16 contests. As long as a tight end timeshare that tilts in Henry's favor remains in place, Hooper is only a fantasy factor in deeper leagues and TEP formats.

Kincaid (knee) is participating in Tuesday's practice, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Kincaid sat out practice Monday due to knee soreness, but he's back on the field Tuesday. The third-year tight end has bulked up for the 2025 season, and there are no indications that the soreness he dealt with is anything more than minor. Kincaid battled lingering issues in both knees last season, including a torn PCL that contributed to his disappointing sophomore production. Fantasy managers anticipating a Year 3 breakout from Kincaid will want to see if he's able to avoid any further absences in training camp.

Detroit waived Deal (undisclosed) with an injury settlement Monday.

Deal caught on with the Lions in May after trying out during the team's rookie minicamp, but an injury suffered early in training camp has now cost him his roster spot. He now must meet the terms of the settlement and also prove his health before earning another opportunity elsewhere.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday that Spann-Ford (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Spann-Ford injured his left ankle during Sunday's practice. He was initially set to be sidelined for a few days, but the injury appears to be more severe and puts him in jeopardy of missing the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Rams on Aug. 9. John Stephens and Princeton Fant should get more practice reps in Spann-Ford's absence.

Jordan (knee) is practicing in full during the Texans' training camp, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The tight end tore his ACL in Week 2 of the 2024 campaign, but he has been practicing since the start of training camp last week. Jordan played on roughly 50 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 1 last year, mostly in a blocking role, and he landed a one-year extension in December. The fifth-year pro appears in line to reprise his role from the beginning of last season, with Dalton Schultz as the top tight end on the Houston depth chart.