NFL Player News

Simon was cut from the Commanders' practice squad Monday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

The tight end was let go to make room for wide receiver Van Jefferson. Simon signed with Washington's practice squad last week. The 2024 undrafted free-agent signing spent the 2025 campaign on the Falcons' practice squad but has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game.

Kacmarek (undisclosed) was a full participant in Monday's practice, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Kacmarek was considered week-to-week after the Dolphins' final preseason game against the Falcons on Aug. 28. The tight end has recovered from his undisclosed issue quickly and is back in action just in time for the team's Week 1 matchup with the Raiders.

Waller said Monday that he's practicing as if he's going to play in Sunday's game against the Bears, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Waller signed with Carolina less than a month ago and has slowly been working his way into game-ready shape. He ran with the first-team offense in practice last week and appears ready to go for the Week 1 opener. The Panthers have a host of quality tight ends, but Waller has the most fantasy appeal of the bunch as a weapon in the red zone and on third downs. He's likely a better best-ball pick than reliable weekly play in redraft fantasy formats.

The Chiefs signed Odukoya to the practice squad Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Odukoya is from the Netherlands and joined the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. The tight end had a tryout with the Chiefs last Friday and will now provide depth for legendary teammate Travis Kelce on the practice squad. Odukoya played in three games for the Titans in 2024, logging 36 total snaps.

The 49ers signed Willis to the practice squad Sunday.

The 49ers' seventh-round pick from 2023 will return to the team's practice squad shortly before the beginning of the regular season. Willis has played in 23 games for the 49ers, logging 85 offensive snaps and 358 special teams snaps.

Kittle (Achilles) is slated to practice Monday in Melbourne, Australia, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Kittle has made a speedy recovery from the torn right Achilles that he suffered in the 49ers' wild-card win at Philadelphia on Jan. 11, for which he underwent surgery three days later. Both GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan and the tight end himself expressed optimism in the offseason about Kittle being available Week 1 against the Rams, and his activation from the active/PUP list Aug. 23 begin to set the stage for such a reality. Kittle then logged team drills last week and made the trip to Australia with his teammates. The 49ers will post their first injury report of the season Monday, which will reveal how much activity he was able to manage.

San Francisco waived Willis on Saturday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Willis suffered a concussion during the 49ers' preseason finale versus Las Vegas on Aug. 27, but he was able to practice this week. However, San Francisco has decided to cut the tight end ahead of Thursday's regular-season opener versus the Rams in Melbourne, Australia. That may be an indication that starter George Kittle (Achilles) is trending toward playing, though Willis could also end up on the practice squad and be elevated for Thursday, if needed.

LaPorta (hip) didn't play in any of the Lions' preseason contests.

LaPorta was rested in the team's exhibition opener, but a hip injury suffered in practice kept him on the sideline for the final two preseason games. He was able to return to drills as of Aug. 25, but it's unclear if he's put the issue behind him. LaPorta is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so he has every incentive to be as healthy as possible for a Week 1 matchup with the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Otton is listed as the No. 1 TE on the Buccaneers' unofficial depth chart.

Aside from adding sixth-round rookie Bauer Sharp to the TE room this offseason, it's status quo for the position group in 2026, with all of Otton, Payne Durham and Ko Kieft back. Otton himself re-signed with Tampa Bay on a three-year, $30 million contract in March to retain his standing as the team's top tight end. Over the last two regular seasons, he's recorded exactly 59 catches on both occasions, totaling 1,172 yards and five touchdowns on 168 targets across 30 contests.

Okonkwo is listed as a starting tight end on the Commanders' unofficial depth chart.

After a four-year stint to begin his career in Tennessee, Okonkwo moved on to Washington via free agency this offseason, agreeing to a three-year, $27 million contract. Considering the investment made in him, it's no surprise he's listed as a first-teamer ahead of the 2026 campaign, and with lackluster competition behind him for targets in the form of John Bates (hamstring), Ben Sinnott (oblique) and Colson Yankoff, Okonkwo is poised to serve as the top TE for QB Jayden Daniels.