NFL Player News

The Seahawks waived Gindorff on Thursday.

An undrafted rookie out of North Dakota State, Gindorff saw action on 15 offensive snaps in the preseason opener, failing to draw a target.

Likely (undisclosed) was able to practice Thursday, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Likely was believed to be dealing with a contusion, although specifics of it were not available. Ultimately though, the second-year pro's quick recovery and return to the field is good news for the Ravens. The 23-year-old generated buzz with his preseason performance last season, which carried over to a modest contribution of 36 catches for 373 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie campaign. He'll continue to work to earn a larger role in Baltimore's passing game in his second NFL season.

Smythe has been increasingly involved as a receiver in recent joint practices with the Texans, Omar Kelly and Alain Poupart of SI.com report.

Smythe has solidified himself as Miami's top tight end mostly by virtue of his blocking skills, but in practice Wednesday he caught four passes, including a 38-yard gain in the two-minute drill at the end of the session. While Smythe is unlikely to be regularly utilized as a receiver in coach Mike McDaniel's scheme, especially as long as both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (abdomen) are on the field, he is a capable pass-catcher if called upon. It's notable that his involvement on passing plays has grown with Waddle sidelined for the time being. Smythe remains off the fantasy radar in most formats, but he could be a solid stash in leagues that start two tight ends.

Latu may not immediately serve as George Kittle's (groin) top backup to begin the season after being the third tight end to enter San Francisco's first preseason game this past Sunday against the Raiders.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan started veteran backups Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner in place of Kittle in the 34-7 loss to the Raiders, opting to bring Latu in with the rest of the reserves. The rookie third-round pick out of Alabama handled the highest snap share of any tight end in the contest (45 percent) but also coughed up a drive-killing fumble on his lone reception. Latu will have to improve on a rocky exhibition debut in order to earn playing time in 2023.

Woerner will compete with Ross Dwelley, third-round pick Cameron Latu and other camp invites for one of the backup spots behind George Kittle (groin) this preseason.

Woerner co-started alongside Dwelley in the team's first exhibition contest without Kittle, with the rookie Latu getting run in the second half. The two veterans -- and teammates for three seasons -- may end up fighting for one roster spot unless the 49ers plan on carrying four tight ends into the season. Even if he makes the cut, Woerner can be ignored in most fantasy drafts after recording just eight catches over his first three seasons as a pro.

Fant (knee) was upgraded to full participation in practice this week, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Fant opened training camp on the active/PUP list after undergoing offseason knee surgery. He was activated July 30 but had been limited in practices up until this week. The 2019 first-round selection is entering the final year of his contract and is coming off a 2022 campaign where he averaged a career-low 28.6 yards per game with four touchdowns while he was part of a three-man tight end rotation alongside Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson. All three players are back in the fold for 2023, so Fant's role seems unlikely to change dramatically during his second season in Seattle.

Ogletree (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Ogletree's injury was previously unknown, but Atkins revealed it's a shoulder issue. The 2022 sixth-round pick missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL and didn't participate in Indy's first preseason game last weekend.

Bryant (undisclosed) is expected to return "pretty soon," Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.

Bryant has been battling a non-football health issue. The tight end has spent some time on the sidelines during practices, but there's optimism that he'll soon join his teammates on the practice field and resume football activities.

Likely didn't participate in Wednesday's practice due to an undisclosed injury, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Likely is dealing with a contusion and could be back later this week or next week. Assuming he avoids any further setbacks, Likely is slated to continue to work behind top tight end Mark Andrews heading into the regular season. In 16 games as a rookie in 2022, Likely recorded 36 catches (on 60 targets) for 373 yards and three touchdowns. As long as Andrews is available, Likely's fantasy upside is modest, but the 23-year-old offers streaming appeal in the event that Andrews misses time for any reason.

Ogletree (knee) missed practice Tuesday, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Ogletree didn't play in Indy's first preseason game and this may be why. He's coming back from a torn ACL that occurred during last year's training camp, so his health remains something to monitor this summer. He likely faces an uphill battle to win a roster spot amid crowded competition at tight end.