NFL Player News

Stephens (knee) will be working on the side as the Cowboys open OTAs on Wednesday, as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered last August, Nick Harris of the team's official site reports.

Last May, Stephens signed with Dallas as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana, but he lost any chance he had at making the team due to the season-ending injury suffered in a preseason contest. Though still not 100 percent healthy, the 24-year-old tight end is getting closer to full strength.

Latu (knee) was in attendance but not participating during San Francisco's OTA session Tuesday, Kyle Madson of USA Today reports.

The 2023 third-round pick missed his entire rookie campaign after sustaining a meniscus injury during the 49ers' last preseason game, but he could be nearing a return. Latu, an Alabama product, caught 56 passes for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final two collegiate seasons. Once Latu is able to return to the field, he's expected to compete with Eric Saubert, Brayden Willis, Mason Pline and Jake Tonges for San Francisco's top backup tight end spot behind George Kittle.

Woods (hamstring) is participating in Wednesday's OTAs session, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods looks to be back to full health after injuries to both hamstrings cost him the entire 2023 season. The 2022 third-round pick showed some promise as a rookie, so if he can put together a solid offseason and build up chemistry with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, Woods could be a solid post-hype sleeper to target late in 2024 fantasy drafts, especially in dynasty formats or leagues that feature premium scoring for tight ends.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Schoonmaker (shoulder) could miss the entirety of OTAs due to a hamstring injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, McCarthy confirmed that Schoonmaker's rehab from shoulder surgery has gone well, but the young tight end is now tending to a new injury. The 2023 second-round pick has had issues staying healthy in his young career, as he previously missed time last spring after being drafted due to a foot issue. Despite batting the shoulder problem as a rookie, Schoonmaker still appeared in all 17 regular-season games.

Ruckert (concussion) took part in OTAs on Tuesday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Ruckert appeared in the first 15 games for the Jets last season, but he missed the final two contests due to a concussion he sustained in Week 16 against the Commanders. Ruckert served as the backup tight end behind Tyler Conklin, finishing with 16 catches on 22 targets for 151 yards while playing 301 snaps on offense and 205 snaps on special teams. Ruckert caught passes from quarterback Aaron Rodgers during seven-on-seven drills Tuesday.

Whyle (knee) participated in OTAs on Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Whyle closed last season on injured reserve, but he was back on the field Tuesday. The 2023 fifth-round selection looked bigger and sturdier than last year, according to Wyatt. Whyle will compete with Chigoziem Okonkwo and Nick Vannett for snaps and targets at tight end.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday that Kraft (pectoral) will be sidelined until at least the start of training camp, Zach Kruse of USA Today reports.

LaFleur said Kraft and offensive lineman Zach Tom (pectoral) will both miss the early portion of the team's offseason activities. The nature of Kraft's injury hasn't been disclosed, but he was spotted with his arm in a sling Tuesday. As a rookie, the 2023 third-round pick stepped up nicely in the wake of an injury to Luke Musgrave. Kraft figures to handle a complementary role at tight end when healthy.

Hockenson (knee) said "they haven't really put a timeline on it" when asked Wednesday about a potential date for his in-season return to action, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.

Hockenson was specifically asked on the NFL Schedule Release '24 show whether he expects to be playing Week 5 versus the Jets in London. The standout tight end said of his recovery from a right ACL and MCL tear he's "kinda taking it day by day, week by week," and that "the progression has been incredible" even though a specific return timetable remains uncertain. Hockenson underwent surgery late January and doesn't seem likely to be ready for Week 1, but Week 5 could be within the realm of possibility. The Vikings have a Week 6 bye, however, so it's possible that a more realistic target for Hockenson's debut could be Week 7 and beyond.

The Lions waived Rex on Thursday.

Rex was waived to make room for fellow tight end Sean McKeon. An undrafted rookie out of BYU, Rex will now have to look for an opportunity to compete with another club this offseason.

The Lions signed McKeon to a contract Thursday.

McKeon suffered an ankle injury last December and was placed on IR after suiting up for nine games with the Cowboys, in which span he failed to secure either of his two targets. He can contribute both on special teams and as a blocker on offense, and McKeon, who's presumably past his ankle issue, now gets a chance to compete for a depth role with Detroit.