NFL Player News

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.

Andrews is among the Ravens' key starters not expected to see action in Friday's preseason opener against the Eagles, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

As Zrebiec points out, coach John Harbaugh has approached the exhibition slate with caution over the past two years, and that doesn't seem likely to change this time around. In the case of Andrews, the star tight end is a proven veteran who had injury issues last season, so it makes sense to limit his exposure to preseason snaps ahead of Week 1.

The 49ers released Thomas (hamstring) on Friday.

Thomas inked a one-year deal with San Francisco back in June and appeared set to provide the team with valuable veteran depth behind top tight end George Kittle, so it's somewhat surprising to see him be released two weeks into training camp. A hamstring injury had kept Thomas out of practice for roughly the last week, but unless he's reached an injury settlement, his release indicates a clean bill of health. Thomas will now look for an opportunity elsewhere in the league, likely as a backup or rotational option for another team.

Mallory (hamstring) was back practicing Friday, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Mallory's hamstring injury from the Colts' 2023 season has lingered over to preparation for this upcoming year, but he's now moving in the right direction with a return to practice. The capacity that the 6-foot-4 tight end was able to participate in Friday was not disclosed, which leaves his availability for Sunday's preseason game against Denver up in the air.

Jordan (undisclosed) is slated to miss Houston's Week 1 preseason game against the Steelers, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jordan had been deemed healthy so far during training camp, but an undisclosed injury will take him out of Houston's preseason opener. The 6-foot-3 tight end finished out the 2023 season with 17 grabs for 219 yards and two touchdowns, and more information on his preseason injury should be released in the coming days.