Absence due to neck injury

Hoomanawanui missed most of the first week of training camp due to a neck injury, Joel Erickson of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui suffered the injury in the offseason, and he noted that his absence was the byproduct of the team ensuring that he was ready to return to full-contact action. Neck injuries are generally delicate and dangerous, so the Saints naturally wanted to be cautious bringing Hoomanawanui back. He finds himself in a crowded tight end corps, but he still played 468 snaps on offense last season and should find a role as a run blocker for New Orleans in 2018.

Returns to practice

Hoomanawanui (undisclosed) returned to the practice field on Wednesday, Luke Johnson of NOLA.com reports.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui practiced on the field with teammates for the first time in training camp, after passing his physical and practicing without pads. The nine-year veteran took limited snaps with the first-team offense, splitting reps with fellow tight end Josh Hill. Hoomanawanui should serve as a depth tight end for the Saints in 2018.

Nearing return to practice

Hoomanawanui (undisclosed) appeared at practice without pads but with his helmet, suggesting he's closing in on a return, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui landed on the PUP list to begin camp with an undisclosed issue, but coach Sean Payton indicated that he expected the veteran tight end to return soon. His presence with a helmet Saturday furthers that notion, though he's yet to actually participate in a session.

Lands on PUP list

Hoomanawanui will be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to an undisclosed issue, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Head coach Sean Payton said he expects Hoomanawanui to resume practicing soon, so the injury doesn't seem to be a major concern. The 30-year-old tight end will compete for reps with veteran Ben Watson and Josh Hill once he returns to the field.

Hoomanawanui did not catch a pass in Sunday's 29-24 NFC divisional-round loss to the Vikings. He finished the season with just six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown in 14 games.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui signed a three-year deal with the Saints in March 2016 and is expected to return to New Orleans for his 10th NFL season in 2018. The big tight end is an excellent blocker who helped the Saints average nearly 130 rushing yards per game. Hoomanawanui, however, has never been much of a receiver, as he has a career high of just 13 receptions. He will therefore be off the fantasy radar again in 2018.

Hoomanawanui (concussion) practiced in full Thursday.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui closed out the regular season with back-to-back DNPs, the result of a concussion suffered Week 15. Progressing to a full practice Thursday doesn't mean the reserve tight end has left the protocol for head injuries. His listing on the final injury report of the week will give a better indication of his odds to return Sunday versus the Panthers.

Hoomanawanui (concussion) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui started the week with a limited practice, but he was a non-participant Thursday and Friday, which illustrates stalled progress through the concussion protocol. Garrett Griffin (foot) is clear of an injury designation and should serve as the Saints' second-string tight end against the Buccaneers.

Hoomanawanui (concussion) did not participate at the Saints' practice Thursday.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday after sitting out Week 16, but his lack of participation Thursday suggests a lack of further progress in the concussion protocol. Friday's practice should provide further clarity, but the 29-year-old seems to be headed towards a questionable tag for Week 17 at best.

Hoomanawanui (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Larry Holder of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui sat out of Week 16's game against the Falcons with this ailment, and he only has six receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown in the 14 games prior. However, his availability would provide needed depth for the Saints tight ends, as Josh Hill (shoulder) and Garrett Griffin (foot) are both nursing injuries.

Hoomanawanui (concussion) will miss Sunday's game against the Falcons, Joel A. Erickson of The Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Analysis: The Saints will be without two reserve tight ends, Hoomanawanui and Garrett Griffin (foot), leaving Josh Hill (shoulder) and John Phillips to man the position. Hoomanawanui's return depends on his progress through the concussion protocol, but none has been evident due to his lack of activity this week.

Hoomanawanui (concussion) was a non-participant at the Saints' practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui sustained a concussion in Sunday's win over the Jets, so this is hardly a surprise. The 29-year-old needs to progress through the league-mandated concussion protocol to have any chance of playing Week 16.

Hoomanawanui was diagnosed with a concussion and won't return to Sunday's game against the Jets, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui exited earlier in the half to be evaluated, and the concussion was confirmed. Garrett Griffen will serve as the Saints' No. 2 tight end behind starter Josh Hill in his absence.

Hoomanawanui was targeted once but did not record a catch in Thursday's loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: Hoomanawanui played 25 of 52 offensive snaps in Atlanta, but the big tight end remains behind starting tight end Josh Hill on the depth chart and is primarily a blocker even when he's in the game. Accordingly, Hoomanawanui can be left on the waiver wire in most leagues.