NFL Player News

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.

Mallory (hamstring) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Mallory started camp on the active/PUP list due to a foot injury, but he then suffered a hamstring injury and missed practice time last week. It's not clear how long he'll be out. The 24-year-old, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft, is likely competing with Mo Alie-Cox and Pharaoh Brown for the team's No. 3 TE spot.

Woods (hamstring) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Woods missed OTAs due to a hamstring injury, and while he said heading into training camp that he anticipated being a full participant, it continues to be an issue. His status for the start of the regular season may be at risk as a result.

Alie-Cox (foot) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Alie-Cox missed practice last week due to a foot injury and was spotted on the sidelines at practice wearing a boot. The severity of his injury isn't clear and there's no timetable for his return to practice.

McBride didn't play during Friday's 18-17 preseason victory versus the Broncos, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

McBride's practice reps early in training camp were impacted by what coach Jonathan Gannon called "nicks and bruises," but the second-year tight end was able to log some on-field work as recently as Tuesday. Despite returning to practice, he seemingly was held out as a precaution Friday as he puts the injuries further in the rearview mirror. Zach Ertz, the Cardinals' top TE when healthy, continues his recovery from November knee surgery, so the decision to keep McBride on ice is a prudent one. McBride will have another chance for exhibition action Saturday, Aug. 19 against the Chiefs.