NFL Player News

Hurst brought in five of seven targets for 41 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' 24-10 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Perhaps it isn't as surprising as it might seem on the surface for Hurst to pace the Panthers' pass catchers in first overall pick Bryce Young's pro debut, considering the sure-handed tight end has the talent to serve as an effective safety valve and is a proven effective route runner. Hurst was the recipient of Young's first professional TD pass as well, burning his former Falcons squad for a four-yard score in the latter portion of the second quarter. The absence of DJ Chark (hamstring) likely helped Hurst's cause for extra volume Sunday, but the sixth-year veteran should remain a consistent part of the air attack in a Week 2 home matchup against the Saints on Monday night, Sept. 18.

Waller (hamstring) is listed as active Sunday versus the Cowboys, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

After making a sudden appearance on the Giants' injury report Friday, Waller took a questionable designation into the weekend due to a hamstring injury. Initially, he was considered 50/50 to be able to suit up for the season opener, but the tide turned Sunday morning, when Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that there was an expectation the tight end would be active. Indeed, that has come to pass, but the breakdown of TE reps between Waller, Daniel Bellinger and Lawrence Cager remains to be seen.

Dulcich was forced out of Sunday's game against the Raiders due to a leg injury, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

The Broncos announced that Dulcich won't return to the contest, so he'll finish Week 1 action with two catches on as many targets for 22 yards. In his absence, look for Adam Trautman to see increased opportunities in Denver's passing attack.

Hockenson brought in eight of nine targets for 35 yards in the Vikings' 20-17 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The talented tight end got his season off to a strong start reception-wise, with his catch and target totals second only to those of Justin Jefferson's on the afternoon. However, the Buccaneers' talented array of linebackers and safeties limited Hockenson to just 4.4 yards per reception with a 14-yard grab serving as his longest for the day. Hockenson's degree of involvement right out of the gate is naturally very encouraging and likely indicative of what should be expected most weeks, and he and Kirk Cousins will look to rekindle their prolific connection with a bit more downfield work in a Week 2 road date versus the Eagles on Thursday night.

Granson caught four of six targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Jaguars.

The third-year tight end produced a solid start to his season and was the clear top receiving option at his position for the Colts, as Andrew Ogletree (concussion) and Mo Alie-Cox combined for just one catch on four targets. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson left late in Sunday's loss with a knee bruise, but whether he or Gardner Minshew are under center for Indianapolis in Week 2, Granson should be a reliable security blanket against the Texans.

Engram caught all five of his targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Colts.

It was a strong start to the season for the tight end, who gained more than half his yards on a 26-yard grab in the third quarter that helped set up a Jacksonville field goal. Engram set new career highs in catches and receiving yards last year, and the 29-year-old's role doesn't appear to have changed much in 2023. He'll look to stay productive in Week 2 against Kansas City.

Kittle (groin) caught three of six targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 30-7 win over the Steelers.

Kittle made an early impact with an 11-yard catch to convert on 4th-and-1 on San Francisco's first possession, but he and Deebo Samuel (63 scrimmage yards) were comparatively quiet while Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk combined for 298 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. The talented tight end is sometimes asked to take a back seat in a stacked San Francisco offense with many mouths to feed, but Kittle finished the 2022 season with seven touchdowns over the final four games, showcasing his immense upside. After having his practice reps capped heading into Week 1 due to a groin injury, Kittle will look to play a larger role against the Rams in Week 2. He found the end zone in both games versus Los Angeles last season.

Pitts caught two of three targets for 44 yards during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.

Aside from a 26-yard reception being called back due to illegal motion, Pitts was quiet for most of the day. However, he made his presence felt with a huge 34-yard catch in the fourth quarter which was quickly followed up by Tyler Allgeier's second touchdown. As expected, Atlanta leaned heavily on the run, limiting Pitts' and Drake London's opportunities; however, both one-time first-round picks should have more chances moving forward.

Carlson (coach's decision) was ruled inactive ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Carlson was elevated from the practice squad after Chicago listed veteran tight end Robert Tonyan (back) on Saturday's injury report. However, with Tonyan active Sunday, it appears Carlson's services will no longer be needed Week 1. He'll likely continue to serve as the team's go-to option at tight end if tight ends Cole Kmet, Marcedes Lewis and/or Tonyan sustain any injuries over the next few weeks.

Freiermuth was forced out of Sunday's game against the 49ers with a chest injury, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to his exit from the contest, Freiermuth caught his only target for a three-yard TD. In Freiermuth's absence, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward are next up for the Steelers' TE reps.