NFL Player News

Hooper caught one of his three targets for nine yards in Thursday's 14-13 preseason loss to the Eagles.

Fellow tight end Hunter Henry sat out the contest as he deals with a minor unspecified injury, but as long as he's available come Week 1, Hooper figures to work in a complementary role in the Patriots offense. In the event that Henry misses time at any point this season, however, Hooper could potentially emerge as a streaming option.

Brown exited Thursday's practice with a foot injury, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Brown was injured in Thursday's joint practice with the Titans after taking a hit from Roger McCreary. The veteran inked a one-year deal with Seattle back in March after recording 13 catches with New England last season. Brown is expected to fill one of the top backup tight-end roles after Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson left in free agency.

Quitoriano (calf) did not participate in practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The tight end strained his calf during an Aug. 3 preseason game against the Bears. Quitoriano was the Texans' third tight end before going down, but Cade Stover has taken his place in the days since the injury.

Njoku (undisclosed) participated in 1-on-1 drills but took only one snap in team drills during Thursday's practice, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

Afterward, coach Kevin Stefanski said that Njoku was feeling "sore." With the Browns not in line to play starters Saturday versus the Vikings, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com, the tight end's next chance to see game action will arrive Saturday, Aug. 24 against the Seahawks.

Henry (undisclosed) isn't in uniform ahead of Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Per Lazar, Henry has been dealing with an injury of late that isn't expected to sideline him for long, but the Patriots will play it safe with the tight end in their second exhibition tilt. In any case, Henry's standing as the team's top option at his position remains secure.

Knox (groin/ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

With Knox managing a pair of injury concerns, the tight end is a candidate to miss Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers. Knox logged nine snaps in Buffalo's exhibition opener against the Bears en route to logging one target. Once the regular season starts, the 2019 first-rounder is slated to maintain a role in the Bills offense as a blocker and pass catcher, but the continued presence of 2023 first-rounder Dalton Kincaid limits the fantasy upside of Knox when both players are available.

Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Durham (knee) is considered day-to-day, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham injured his knee during practice Wednesday, but at the very least it appears that the second-year pro has avoided a severe issue. It currently appears as though Durham has a solid grip on the backup spot behind No. 1 tight end Cade Otton, so his availability is key for Tampa Bay's offense. It could be difficult for Durham to get healthy in time for Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars, however.

Ertz won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Miami, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Ertz is away from the team for the birth of his child, so he'll likely miss a practice or two in addition to the preseason game. He ended up playing a few snaps in the preseason opener against New York, after pregame reports suggested he'd be held out. Ertz is expected to open the season as Washington's top pass catcher at tight end, but if he fails to produce early on he'll be looking over his shoulder at rookie second-round pick Ben Sinnott.

Durham suffered a knee injury about halfway through the Buccaneers' joint practice with the Jaguars on Wednesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The severity of the second-year tight end's injury is still unknown, with head coach Todd Bowles confirming Durham would be undergoing tests Wednesday. Greg Auman of FOXSports.com reports the initial belief is that Durham's injury isn't serious, but until he can return to the field, the likes of Devin Culp, David Wells and Sal Cannella could all see more pass-catching opportunities behind No. 1 tight end Cade Otton.

The Chargers signed Fisk (undisclosed) to a contract Wednesday.

Fisk is healthy after having been waived from IR by the Falcons earlier this offseason. He appeared in six games with Atlanta last season and turned his only target into a nine-yard reception. Now, Fisk will get a chance to compete for a depth spot in Los Angeles' tight end room.