NFL Player News

Culp exited Saturday night's preseason game against the Bengals with a head injury and is being evaluated for a concussion, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

At the time of his exit, Culp led the Bucs with four first-half targets in the passing game, but he caught just one for six yards. Culp was a seventh-round pick out of Washington back in April and is vying for a job behind Cade Otton in Tampa Bay.

Sinnott caught all three of his targets for 57 yards in Saturday's 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.

Sinnott is expected to begin his career as a depth option behind veteran Zach Ertz, who got a day off Saturday. Sinnott got free down the seam for a 44-yard catch in the second quarter, but it's worth noting that all of his production came with third- and fourth-string quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman in the game rather than Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota, who played one drive apiece. While this was a promising NFL debut for the rookie tight end, the 2024 second-round pick still needs to work his way up the depth chart in order to get opportunities with Washington's starters. Sinnott should see plenty of playing time in next Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

Keene (undisclosed) was on the field for 29 snaps in Friday's 20-12 preseason victory over the Steelers, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Keene is competing with the likes of Cade Stover and Teagan Quitoriano (calf) for a delph role at tight end. He played just one regular-season game for Houston last season, but the team opted to give him another look with a reserve/future contract.

Ertz is not in line to suit up in Washington's preseason opener against the Jets on Saturday.

It would be a bit surprising if the 33-year-old played much at all during the preseason, but Ertz is on a one-year, $3 million contract, so it's possible the veteran is on the roster bubble if rookie second-round pick Ben Sinnott continues to progress in his development.

Stover caught three of four targets for 32 yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over Pittsburgh.

Stover was used early on and was a safety valve on one of C.J. Stroud's two completions. The tight end also bailed out Davis Mills later in the first half. Stover has caught five of seven targets for 58 yards through two preseason games. The Texans have injuries at tight end, as both Brevin Jordan (undisclosed) and Teagan Quitoriano (calf) did not suit up for the contest. That puts Stover, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, in prime position to influence roster decisions.

Schultz did not catch his lone target in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over Pittsburgh.

Schultz made his preseason debut and played 11 snaps in the first quarter. The Texans quickly extended him for three years during the offseason, after Schultz developed chemistry with then-rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. He'll be an important component to the team's passing attack, but Houston added a high-profile target in Stefon Diggs, which could cut into Schultz's opportunities.

Freiermuth secured his lone target for six yards during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

Freiermuth caught a short pass from Justin Fields on the Steelers' first drive of the game Friday, but the tight end was held in check for the other two drives in which the starters were on the field. The 2021 second-rounder took a step back last season, securing 32 of 47 targets for 308 yards and two touchdowns over 12 regular-season appearances, but he should have a chance to bounce back in 2024 since either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson will operate as the team's starting quarterback.

Heyward secured both of his targets for four yards and a touchdown during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

Heyward wasn't a consistent part of the Steelers' passing game last year, as he secured 23 of 34 targets for 167 yards over 17 regular-season games. However, he had a six-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of Friday's preseason opener. Although it was encouraging to see Heyward reach the end zone against Houston, he's unlikely to be a reliable contributor during the regular season, as he remains behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington on the Steelers' depth chart at tight end.

Fant (foot) likely will return to practice next week, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Fant made an early exit from Tuesday's practice session due to a foot injury, which presumably will keep him out for Saturday's preseason game at the Chargers. With Fant sidelined this weekend, Pharaoh Brown, Tyler Mabry and Brady Russell are next up for TE reps in the Seahawks offense.

Pitts is listed among starters the Falcons announced are not expected to suit up for Friday's road preseason matchup against Miami, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Pitts, who had his 2025 fifth-year option exercised by Atlanta earlier this offseason, stands to sit out Friday's preseason opener along with most of the Falcons' first-team offense and defense. The fourth-year tight end is a popular breakout candidate for the 2024 season due to the arrival of Kirk Cousins under center, in addition to being another year removed from the MCL sprain in his right knee that prematurely ended his 2022 campaign. Pitts' next chance to take the field for preseason action will come Aug. 17 against Baltimore on the road.