NFL Player News

Stephens is out for the season with a torn ACL, Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Stephens injured his knee in the third quarter of Saturday's loss to Seattle and will now miss the entirety of the season. Signed as an undrafted free agent in May, the 23-year-old was making a strong push for a spot on the Week 1 roster, but he will now have to wait until next year to try to make his NFL debut.

Washington secured his lone target for six yards during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.

Washington has had a limited impact over the first two games of the preseason, as he's been limited to one reception in each matchup and has been held under 10 yards in both games. The Steelers haven't had multiple fantasy-relevant tight ends in recent seasons, but Washington should have a chance to compete with Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward for a role behind starter Pat Freiermuth to begin the 2023 campaign.

Heyward secured both of his targets for 12 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.

Heyward recorded fewer yards Saturday than he did during the team's preseason opener, but he reached the end zone during the victory. While he's had an encouraging start to the preseason, he played mainly on special teams last year and will have increased competition for a role in the offense this season now that rookie third-rounder Darnell Washington is in the fold.

Quitoriano caught one of three targets for 14 yards in Saturday's 28-3 preseason loss to Miami.

Quitoriano made his preseason debut after being removed from the active/PUP list last week. All of his target activity came in the fourth quarter Saturday, which suggests a minor role for the tight end, but Quitoriano was used in a goal-line package on Hosuton's opening possession. He was also on the field during the team's second possession, which led to a field goal. Brevin Jordan's continued absence due to a hamstring injury opens the door for Quitoriano to become the primary backup to Dalton Schultz.

Schultz caught two of three targets for 10 yards in Saturday's 28-3 preseason loss to the Dolphins.

Schultz appears to be over any issue with his ribs after playing in Houston's first two preseason contests. All three targets were from projected starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, including a fourth-down incompletion in the red zone. Stroud showed progress from his performance in preseason Week 1, including a quick adjustment under pressure for a six-yard completion to Schultz on Houston's lone scoring drive. Schultz lined up as a traditional tight end, in the slot and out wide during his time on the field. Brevin Jordan's continued absence due to a hamstring injury leaves Schultz as the team's clear No. 1 TE.

Johnson logged another notable performance during Friday's joint practice with the Chargers, Luke Johnson of NOLA.com reports.

Johnson has continued to improve heading into his fourth season with the Saints, per Luke Johnson. On Friday, the 6-foot-4 tight end beat veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks on a vertical seam route before hauling in a 40-yard, walk-in touchdown during Friday's 11-on-11 sessions. The converted wide receiver, who caught a team-high seven touchdowns last season, has consistently showcased the unique athleticism that makes him a mismatch for opposing linebackers. Johnson has also reportedly taken a jump as a blocker this offseason. This would likely allow him to stay on the field more than he did in 2022, when he played just over 61 percent of New Orleans' offensive snaps. The Saints don't have any proven receiving options outside of Chris Olave, as former star wideout Michael Thomas has played just 10 regular-season games since 2019. This lack of tried-and-true pass catchers could make Johnson a top receiving option for new quarterback Derek Carr.

Fant brought in his only target for a 21-yard reception in the Seahawks' 22-14 preseason win over the Cowboys on Saturday night.

The veteran tight end had progressed from opening camp on the active/PUP list to jumping into full practice participation this past week, so Saturday was the culmination of his recovery process. Fant checked in behind fellow tight end Will Dissly, and his reception came on a pass from Drew Lock during the Seahawks' fourth possession. Given he just made his exhibition debut Saturday, Fant could be given some run again during next Saturday afternoon's preseason finale against the Packers.

Musgrave caught two of his three targets for 13 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to New England.

Musgrave didn't finish with a stat line to write home about, but his three targets did lead all active starters Saturday. The athletic tight end has appeared in both of Green Bay's preseason contests, as he appears to be over the knee injury that limited him to two games in his final year with Oregon State. Musgrave is expected to start and see the lion's share of TE targets with little competition behind him on the depth chart.

Okonkwo recorded one reception on three targets for 19 yards in Saturday's 24-16 preseason victory over the Vikings.

Okonkwo made his 2023 preseason debut, though he worked with Malik Willis as Ryan Tannehill sat out. He didn't show great rapport with Willis, though he still managed to tally one significant gain. Okonkwo should be more involved in the offense during his second professional season, particularly if Treylon Burks (knee) is forced to miss any time.

Mayer secured one of two targets for three yards in the Raiders' 34-17 preseason win over the Rams.

The rookie second-round pick was making his pro debut Saturday night after sitting out Las Vegas' preseason opener. Mayer has reportedly had a good training camp and will have a chance to ease into the rigors of the tight end position at the NFL level by playing alongside accomplished veteran Austin Hooper, a fellow offseason arrival.