NFL Player News

Alie-Cox did not have a catch and had one target in Sunday's loss to Washington

That's three consecutive games where Alie-Cox hasn't had a reception. He didn't even have a target the prior two games. While Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Kylen Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox), and all three tight ends went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Jelani Woods). There were not any major changes in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback.

Granson had three receptions for 11 yards on three targets in Sunday's loss to Washington.

While Mo Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox) and went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Jelani Woods). There were not any major changes in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback. Granson looks to lead the trio, and none of the three are used much except for an occasional end-zone target.

Mundt had a one-yard touchdown reception on his only target in Sunday's win over Arizona.

It was just Mundt's fifth target in his last three games (five receptions for seven yards during that stretch). He's been an afterthought in the passing game once Irv Smith got up to full speed after the first few games after a preseason thumb injury. However, Mundt could be pressed into a larger role with Smith now likely out several weeks with an ankle injury. Still, Mundt's role may not increase too much, as he's not seen as skilled as a receiver.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Smith (ankle) looks "week-to-week," Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

This news isn't all that surprising given Smith is believed to have a high-ankle sprain, which normally sidelines players for multiple weeks. However, it's noteworthy because it's the first official indication that Smith is unlikely to play Sunday against the Commanders. The talented tight end still is awaiting MRI results, so the extent of the situation isn't known yet, but if Smith misses time, expect Johnny Mundt and Jacob Hollister to garner increased roles Week 9.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Monday that Andrews is dealing with shoulder and ankle injuries, but both issues appear to be minor, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Andrews dealt with a knee issue leading up to Week 8 that sidelined him for each practice, but he still was deemed available for Thursday's primetime matchup against Tampa Bay. However, the star tight end was forced to leave the contest in the second quarter after suffering a shoulder injury. Now, it seems that Andrews is dealing with a pair of health concerns. Andrews' participation at practice ahead of Week 9 should provide further clarity on his availability for next Monday's game against the Saints.

Dwelley caught his lone target for 56 yards in Sunday's 31-14 win over the Rams.

Dwelley -- normally a backup tight end -- played most of his 19 offensive snaps at fullback in place of Kyle Juszczyk (thumb). The 27-year-old saw only one target, but he made it count by running a crisp wheel route out of the backfield for a huge gain. With the 49ers entering a bye week, there's a good chance Juszczyk returns before the team's next game against the Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 13. Dwelley currently isn't a roster-worthy fantasy option.

Smith caught three of his four targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 22-17 win over the Jets.

Mike Reiss of ESPN.com relays that Smith was on the field for 50 of a possible 78 snaps on offense in the contest, as was fellow TE Hunter Henry. But with a total of 13 catches on 20 targets for 133 yards in seven games to date, Smith is a low-percentage fantasy lineup option as long as he continues to work in a timeshare.

Henry caught his only target for 22 yards in Sunday's 22-17 win over the Jets.

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Henry logged 50 of a possible 78 snaps on offense in the contest -- as did fellow tight end Jonnu Smith -- but for the second straight game he was held to just one catch. With unsteady target volume so far this season, Henry profiles as a hit-or-miss fantasy option this coming Sunday against the Colts.

The Vikings' initial belief is that Smith suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's 34-26 win over the Cardinals, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Smith will undergo further testing including an MRI on Monday, but if a high-ankle sprain is confirmed, the tight end likely will be forced to miss time. Johnny Mundt and Jacob Hollister would stand to handle increased roles and hold down the tight end position if Smith indeed needs to sit out. Smith has logged three straight games with exactly four catches, which he translated into 28 receiving yards Sunday.

Hesse hauled in his only target for nine yards during Sunday's 37-34 overtime victory versus Carolina.

Hesse played a season-low 43 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps, but he secured his only target for nine yards, marking his first reception since Week 5. Across eight appearances, the second-year tight end has caught five of six targets for 50 yards, which eclipses his 43 receiving yards from his rookie campaign. Regardless, Hesse's primary role for the Falcons is as a blocker, so expect his receptions to continue being few and far between.