NFL Player News

Long failed to bring in either of his two targets during Saturday's 13-9 victory against the Chargers.

The battle to start the season as the No. 2 tight end behind Colby Parkinson while Tyler Higbee (knee) remains on the mend, seems to be leaning toward Davis Allen. Long hasn't done anything to make himself stand out over the second-year pro, and Allen showed enough when called upon in the latter half of the 2023 campaign to secure a roster spot. Long will likely be the tertiary option at tight end to start the year unless he breaks out in a big way against the Texans in the Rams' preseason finale, and he will likely struggle to find snaps on offense even before Higbee's eventual return.

Allen secured two of four targets for 11 yards during Saturday's 13-9 victory against the Chargers.

The second-year tight end out of Clemson was used sparingly in the contest, as were all of the Rams' tight ends. Colby Parkinson notably did not take the field for the second straight game, meaning he'll likely be the starter during Tyler Higbee's (knee) absence. Allen and Hunter Long are in a competition to be No. 2 on the depth chart at the start of the season, but Long has failed to bring in a target through two preseason games. The duo's final chance to make their case will come against the Texans in a preseason Week 3 tilt.

Tonyan has not played this preseason and hasn't returned to practice after being sidelined July 31 with back spasms, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Tonyan had a shot to be a sleeper in the offense with T.J. Hockenson likely to miss games as he works his way back from an ACL injury. However, he's going to have a hard time making the roster with the injury and could end up being released or placed on injured reserve.

Muse had three receptions for 19 yards on three targets in Saturday's preseason win over Cleveland.

Muse appears set to win a roster spot with Robert Tonyan still out with a back injury. Muse could factor into the offense early in the season as a second or third receiving tight end if T.J. Hockenson misses games while working his way back from a torn ACL.

Trautman caught one of two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 27-2 preseason win over the Packers.

Trautman caught the first pass thrown by quarterback Bo Nix on the opening drive. Due to Trautman's blocking prowess, he is the favorite to lead Denver's tight ends in playing time during the 2024 regular season, though Greg Dulcich and Lucas Krull both have higher ceilings as pass catchers. Dulcich caught both of his targets for 27 yards in Sunday's win, while Krull finished with two catches for six yards on three targets.

Coach Dennis Allen revealed after Sunday's 16-10 preseason loss to the 49ers that Holker sprained his ankle in pregame warmups, John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated reports.

It was previously reported that Holker sustained an injury in warmups, and Allen clarified the nature of the rookie tight end's issue. Holker will try to recover in time to suit up for New Orleans' preseason finale against the Titans on Sunday, Aug. 25.

Holker tweaked something in warmups for Sunday's preseason game against the 49ers and won't play as a result, Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak reports.

This is a disappointing development for Holker, who had been in line for plenty of playing time in the preseason with starting tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) recovering from surgery. Holker will try to recover in time to face the Titans in the Saints' preseason finale next Sunday.

Taula (undisclosed) was activated from the Buccaneers' active/non-football injury list Sunday after passing his physical, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Taula began training camp on the NFI list due to an unspecified injury. He appears to be over whatever was ailing him, and he'll ramp up his participation in practice this week to gear up for Friday's preseason finale against the Dolphins.

Head coach Brian Callahan said Sunday that Whyle remains in concussion protocol but could return to practice later in the week, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

It's not clear when Whyle sustained the concussion, as he did not suit up for the Titans' 16-15 win over the Seahawks on Saturday. Whyle is competing against Nick Vannett and Thomas Odukoya for the backup tight end job behind starter Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Stover was targeted once in Saturday's preseason game against the Giants.

Stover had a quiet afternoon after shining a week ago. He and Dalton Keene played 22 snaps behind the top two tight ends, Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan. Stover and Keene are angling for the third spot on the depth chart, while Teagan Quitoriano (calf) has been unavailable.