NFL Player News

Pitts recorded three receptions on five targets for nine yards in Sunday's 35-17 loss to the Bengals.

Pitts led the Falcons in targets, though he was still limited as Atlanta stuck to an extremely run-heavy offensive gameplan despite trailing the entire game. That's been a problem for the entire season, as Pitts has at least five targets in only three of his six games this season and has topped 25 receiving yards in a game only once. His struggles can't all be pinned to volume however, as he's also averaged only 5.9 yards per target. The end result has been a very disappointing sophomore campaign for Pitts.

Kelce caught six of eight targets for 98 yards in Sunday's 44-23 win over the 49ers.

Kelce fell two yards short of his second consecutive 100-yard performance after going 8-108-0 against the Bills in Week 6. The 33-year-old also had a short touchdown vultured by backup receiver Justin Watson. All things considered, it was another premiere performance from one of fantasy football's top tight ends. Kelce carries a healthy 47-553-7 line into the upcoming bye week. Fantasy managers will have to find a replacement for Kelce in Week 8 before the Chiefs resume play against the Titans on Nov. 6.

Wright caught four of four targets for 57 yards during Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Cowboys.

Wright had only caught one pass this year before setting new career highs in receptions and receiving yardage in this one -- even outpacing top tight end T.J. Hockenson in receiving yardage along the way. While it's unlikely that this is the sudden start of a heightened receiving role for the blocking specialist, Wright could be needed to catch a few passes over the next couple of weeks as the Lions' receiving corps returns to full health.

Otton brought in four of five targets for 64 yards in the Buccaneers' 21-3 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Otton finished with the second-highest yardage total of the day for the Buccaneers' pass catchers as he drew a start for Cameron Brate (neck). The rookie has made good use of both his starting opportunities thus far -- he also posted a 6-43 line on seven targets in Week 5 when Brate missed time with a concussion. Otton may slowly be putting himself in position to take over the top role irrespective of Brate's status, and he could be in line for another game in that spot with Tampa Bay having a quick turnaround for a Week 8 home matchup against the Ravens.

Smythe (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Smythe was limited at practice this past week after missing last Sunday's loss against the Vikings, but he'll return from a one-game absence to work in tandem with Mike Gesicki in Week 7. However, with just six catches (on seven targets) for 50 yards in five games to date, Smythe is off the fantasy radar as long as Gesicki remains the team's preferred pass-catching option at tight end.

Bellinger (eye) is slated to meet with an ophthalmologist Monday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

Bellinger was unable to return to Sunday's eventual win in Jacksonville after getting poked in the eye on his only catch near the end of the second quarter, which required a cart to go to the locker room. Coach Brian Daboll told Vacchiano that Bellinger is traveling back to New York with his teammates, but the tight end's "eye looks terrible right now." Monday's examination may reveal whether or not Bellinger misses any time, but if he does Chris Myarick and Tanner Hudson are the next Giants up at the position.

Hockenson caught four of five targets for 48 yards during Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Cowboys.

Hockenson made a few nice catches, but Detroit's five total turnovers killed its most promising possessions and, ultimately, Hockenson's chances of finding the end zone. It probably didn't help him that the continued absences of D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and DJ Chark (ankle) were compounded by the loss of Amon-Ra St. Brown (concussion) in the first half. The resulting defensive focus on Hockenson seemingly led to the likes of Kalif Raymond, Brock Wright, Craig Reynolds, and Tom Kennedy seeing most of Jared Goff's pass attempts. However, with Swift and St. Brown potentially returning in Week 8 against Miami, it is possible the Detroit offense could get back on track sooner than later.

Engram caught four of seven targets for 67 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Giants.

Engram came two yards short of his season high, but it wasn't enough to beat the Giants team with which the tight end spent his first five seasons before leaving for Jacksonville in free agency. He's still searching for his first touchdown as a Jaguar heading into a Week 8 home game against the Broncos.

Andrews (knee) failed to bring in either of his two targets and rushed once for four yards in the Ravens' 23-20 win over the Browns on Sunday.

Andrews managed to overcome his questionable designation, but he ultimately was held without a catch for only the second time in his career, with the only other instance having occurred in Week 14 of his 2018 rookie campaign. The veteran tight end was one of several Ravens pass catchers caught up in the domino effect of Lamar Jackson attempting just 16 passes, and he should have a good chance to bounce back from what will surely prove an outlier when he faces the struggling Buccaneers in a Week 8 Thursday night road showdown.

Njoku needed crutches and was wearing a walking boot on his left foot following Sunday's 23-20 loss at Baltimore, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku was putting together one of the most productive seasons of his career prior to injuring his ankle Sunday, compiling a 34-418-1 line on 42 targets through seven games. If Njoku misses any time, Harrison Bryant will experience in uptick in usage and may even get most of the TE reps for the Browns after Pharaoh Brown also left Week 7 with a concussion.