NFL Player News

Kraft caught two of three targets for 37 yards in Green Bay's Week 1 loss to the Eagles.

Per Mike Clay of ESPN.com, Kraft ran 25 routes in the contest, and fellow tight end Luke Musgrave -- who didn't catch either of his two targets -- ran only eight, while Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com reports that Kraft out-snapped Musgrave on offense, 55-15. That is made even more significant by the fact that Kraft had been listed as questionable for the contest due to a back issue. It's probably too early to assume that the discrepancy in snaps will be this wide moving forward, but at least after Week 1, it appears that Kraft has a leg up on the No. 1 tight end role for the Packers.

Kraft (back) is listed as active Friday versus the Eagles in Brazil, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Kraft made a midweek appearance on the Packers' estimated injury report Wednesday as limited due to a back issue, and he remained that way at Thursday's practice before the team listed him as questionable for Week 1 action. Green Bay signaled that Kraft was going to be available by not elevating a tight end from its practice squad prior to Friday's game, and he indeed will suit up. Kraft likely will play second fiddle to fellow second-year TE Luke Musgrave to kick off the campaign.

Brown (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Brown was unable to practice all week due to a foot injury, so it's no surprise that he won't be suiting up for Seattle's regular-season opener Sunday. Brady Russell and AJ Barner could see some extra work as rotational tight ends in Brown's stead.

The Eagles elevated Jenkins to their active roster from their practice squad Friday.

The Georgia Tech product signed with the Eagles' practice squad after failing to make the team's initial 53-man roster in late August, but he's now been elevated to Philadelphia's active roster ahead of Friday night's game. Expect Johnson to serve as a depth piece in the Eagles' tight end room.

Stephens (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old tight end was unable to practice all week due to a hamstring injury, so it's no surprise that he won't suit up for the Cowboys' regular-season opener Sunday. Expect Brevyn Spann-Ford to see additional playing time in Stephens' stead.

Bowers (foot) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's season opener against the Chargers.

After logging limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday, Bowers was listed as a full participant Friday, paving the way for the 2024 first-rounder to make his NFL regular-season debut this weekend. As the coming campaign approaches, he's in line to be a key target in a Las Vegas passing offense that also features WRs Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers and fellow TE Michael Mayer, a 2023 second-rounder. Though the continued presence of Mayer is of note, Bowers should still provide fantasy utility as a rookie, with the Raiders likely to frequently employ two-TE sets.

The Packers didn't elevate a tight end from their practice squad before Friday's game against the Eagles, which suggests Kraft (back) is on track to play, Paul Bretl of ESPN La Crosse reports.

Kraft is listed as questionable with a back injury, rather than the pectoral tear that kept him out of the offseason program and the early part of training camp. He was added to the injury report Wednesday after not being listed Tuesday, and it seems this is just a minor injury that's unlikely to prevent him from playing. The workload split at tight end between Kraft and fellow second-year pro Luke Musgrave merits close monitoring, although it's possible Week 1 isn't the best indicator of season-long expectations due to Kraft's missed practice time this summer (and now the minor back injury).

Fant (toe) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Fant began the week with back-to-back limited practices, but the toe injury he spent most of August dealing with won't impact his Week 1 availability. With backup tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) ruled out to face Denver, Fant could be in line for slightly more opportunities than usual as Seattle's top TE.

Washington (knee) practiced in full Friday and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Washington popped up on Thursday's injury report as a non-participant due to a knee issue, but he now looks fully healthy for Week 1. The depth tight end figures to mostly contribute as a blocker on offense Sunday.

Reiman (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Reiman logged three consecutive limited practice sessions this week, so his status could come down to the wire Sunday. If the rookie third-round pick is able to suit up versus Buffalo, he's expected to contribute only in a depth capacity.