NFL Player News

Gilliam (groin) should return to practice this week, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Gilliam first missed practice Monday and then was unable to take the field for the remainder of the week, including the team's preseason game against the Colts on Saturday. Although it's still not clear exactly when he'll return, it appears the Toledo product will be back in action sooner rather than later.

Mayer isn't in uniform for Sunday's preseason opener against the 49ers, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

A rookie second-round pick, Mayer has flashed during training camp and is line to take over as the Raiders' top tight end, a vacancy created by Darren Waller's move to the Giants this offseason. The Notre Dame product's next chance to make his professional debut will arrive Saturday against the Rams.

Schoonmaker caught his only target for eight yards in Saturday's 28-23 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

As expected, Jake Ferguson got the start at tight end for the Cowboys and was a favorite target of Cooper Rush early in the game, but Schoonmaker received his first taste of NFL action -- even if only of the preseason variety -- and caught Will Grier's first pass of the second half. The Michigan product has gotten in little work since being drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft due to a partial tear of his plantar fascia, but he appeared healthy Saturday and should be able to start ramping up with an eye on getting ready for Week 1.

Stephens caught five of seven targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 28-23 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

A big-bodied wide receiver in college, Stephens was converted to tight end by the Cowboys after signing as a UDFA and has impressed the coaching staff so far in camp. He carried that momentum forward into his first NFL preseason action, leading the team in receiving and capping a drive toward the end of the fourth quarter with a 15-yard TD pass from Will Grier. Stephens has a tough path to the Week 1 roster with Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and 2023 second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker seemingly locked into spots, but if he keeps showing out in exhibition play, the team may not want to risk losing him by trying to get him onto the practice squad.

Krull (tailbone) isn't expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Chiefs, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Krull is likely on the outside looking in when it comes to the team's final 53-man roster after he spent most of 2022 on the practice squad. However, he'll need to get back on the field to have a chance, which he'll work to do in the coming days.

James won't play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Chiefs due to a groin injury, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

It's unclear when James suffered the injury or how serious the issue is. Regardless, his next chance to make his Saints debut will arrive Sunday, Aug. 20 against the Chargers.

Smith signed a contract with the Commanders on Sunday.

Smith signed with the Colts in May but was waived Aug. 1. The 26-year-old will now work to earn a depth role in Washington's tight end corps.

Thomas (calf) won't practice Sunday, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas has missed over a week of training camp now, including Washington's preseason opener Friday, due to a calf injury. The severity of the issue remains unclear, but the Commanders did add Kaden Smith to their tight end group Sunday for extra depth, which suggests Thomas isn't on the verge of suiting up any time soon.

Ferguson caught all three of his targets for 38 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Ferguson was one of the few projected Week 1 starters that Dallas put on the field against Jacksonville. The 24-year-old was working on improving his blocking during camp, but he reminded everyone that he is still a receiving threat. Ferguson is closing in on taking over the starting job vacated by Dalton Schultz's move to Houston in the offseason.

Granson had one reception for 20 yards on two targets in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Granson got the start at tight end with several tight ends sitting out due to injury (Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods, Will Mallory). A report from Zak Keefer of The Athletic in May indicated Granson isn't a lock to make the final roster, but his status seems more secure during the preseason, especially with the other injuries at the position. Granson has caught 76.4 percent of his 55 targets since the Colts made him a fourth-round pick in 2021, but he's averaged only 9.7 yards per catch and is still searching for his first NFL touchdown.