Johnson (groin) took part in Thursday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being sidelined for about one week due to a minor groin injury, Johnson has been able to log some activity in back-to-back sessions, but it's unclear if he's back to 100 percent just yet. With fellow TEs Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) still on the active/PUP list, Johnson would be the Saints' top option at the position for Sunday's preseason contest against the Chargers, assuming he's cleared to suit up.

Johnson (groin) is practicing in a limited fashion Tuesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson continues to work his way back from a minor groin injury sustained during practice last Wednesday, per Patrick McAvoy of SI.com. He figures to continue cautiously ramping up his activity level in advance of the Saints' preseason opener against the Chargers on Sunday. With Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) both recovering from knee procedures and on the active/PUP list, Johnson has a clear path to establishing himself as the No. 1 option at tight end for New Orleans.

Johnson (undisclosed) took part in individual drills at Thursday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson returning as at least a limited participant Thursday lends optimism to the notion that the undisclosed injury he sustained Tuesday or Wednesday is indeed minor, and shouldn't hamper him for more than a few days. The 28-year-old veteran has surpassed 500 receiving yards in two of the last three seasons and is currently positioned as New Orleans' clear top tight end, with positional mates Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) on the active/PUP list. A quick return to team reps will be beneficial for Johnson, as he works to establish chemistry with QBs Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.

Johnson is expected to miss only a few days after suffering an undisclosed injury during Saints training camp, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Kellen Moore wouldn't clarify whether Johnson's health concern occurred Tuesday or Wednesday, but the Saints should have some clarity Thursday once testing has been undertaken, per John Sigler of USA Today. Underhill's report indicates Johnson avoided anything significant, but with fellow TEs Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) on the active/PUP list, holding Johnson out of drills until he's healthy likely is a prudent approach.

Johnson (undisclosed) sustained an injury during training camp practices this week, John Sigler of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saints head coach Kellen Moore declined to confirm whether Johnson's undisclosed injury occurred Wednesday or Tuesday, when New Orleans held a walkthrough before a team outing, but he said an update on the veteran tight end's health will arrive Thursday after testing is complete. Johnson, who re-signed on a three-year, $30.75 million deal this offseason, has operated as the Saints' top tight end through the early portion of training camp, with Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) both on the PUP list.

Johnson and the Saints agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year, $30.75 million contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The initial report suggests the deal maxes out at $34.5 million and includes $21.25 million guaranteed. It looks like an overpay relative to other tight ends with similar receiving production, especially when considering how little Johnson offers as a blocker. A weak free-agent class may have been a factor, as Johnson would've been one of the better options amongst a weak crop if the Saints hadn't locked him up before he hit the open market. The 28-year-old averaged 2.6-2.8 receptions and 28-33 receiving yards per game each of the past three seasons, buoyed by strong finishes in 2023 and 2024 after not doing much for most of the year.

Johnson notched six receptions (on seven targets) for 80 yards during Sunday's 27-19 loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson recorded a season high in yards, and he logged a season-high six receptions for the second week in a row. He and fellow tight end Foster Moreau (knee) saw increased production over the final two weeks, as rookie Spencer Rattler started in place of injured quarterback Derek Carr (hand). New Orleans was also without starting running back Alvin Kamara (groin) and wideouts Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the final three weeks. Johnson finishes the 2024 campaign with 50 catches for 548 yards and three touchdowns over 17 games. These marks represent his new career highs for receptions and yards, as he just surpassed his numbers from 2022 when he played 16 regular-season games. Johnson signed a one-year, $5.2 million contract with the Saints last July, and it's unclear if the team will re-sign him once again this coming offseason.

Johnson (knee) is active for Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran tight end practiced in limited fashion throughout the week, but Johnson, who's also played through a foot injury recently, will suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale. Johnson enters the divisional clash against the Buccaneers already sporting a new career high in receptions (44) and is coming off a game in which he produced a season-best 6-66 line on 10 targets against the Raiders in Week 17 while working with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who'll once again be under center Sunday in place of Derek Carr (hand).

Johnson (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson swapped out a lingering foot issue for a knee injury this week, which resulted in limited listings on all three practice reports. His status for Week 18 will be clarified about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, and if he's able to suit up, he likely will continue to split TE reps with Foster Moreau. Since Taysom Hill was lost for the season due to a torn ACL, Johnson has put up a 14-155-1 line on 20 targets over the last four games, while Moreau (11-159-2 line on 14 targets) has nearly matched his output.

Johnson (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson maintained his activity level from one day prior, giving him just one more opportunity to return to full participation Friday, or else risk heading into the weekend with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest at Tampa Bay. He's been splitting TE reps with Foster Moreau over the last four games since Taysom Hill was lost for the season due to a torn ACL, and Johnson has compiled a 14-155-1 line on 20 targets during that span.