NFL Player News

Bellinger recorded four receptions on five targets for 40 yards in Monday's 23-16 loss to the Cowboys.

Bellinger had only one target through two games to begin his rookie season, but he saw a significant jump in his role against Dallas. He finished tied for second on the team in targets and also showed big-play ability by hauling in a 20-yard reception midway through the first quarter. The Giants are in need of playmakers to complement Saquon Barkley, so it's possible that Bellinger's role in the offense continues to expand.

Trautman recorded one reception for nine yards on one target over 44 offensive snaps during Sunday's 22-14 loss to the Panthers.

Trautman notched a catch on his first target of the 2022 campaign while playing a season-high 52 overall snaps Sunday. The 25-year-old's offensive snap share (64 percent) alongside tight end Juwan Johnson (68 percent) also was the closest it's been over the first three weeks of the season. Trautman's receiving production would stand to increase if wide receivers Michael Thomas (toe), Jarvis Landry (foot) and Tre'Quan Smith (concussion) are either limited or forced to sit out Week 4 against Minnesota.

Johnson did not record a catch and was targeted once over 47 offensive snaps during Sunday's 22-14 loss to the Panthers.

Johnson did not catch a pass for the first time in 2022, as he almost perfectly split snaps with Adam Trautman, who played 44 of his 52 snaps on offense. Meanwhile, fourth-string tight end Nick Vannett caught his lone target for five yards in his first game of the season. Johnson will have a solid opportunity to connect with quarterback Jameis Winston if wideouts Michael Thomas (toe), Jarvis Landry (foot) and Tre'Quan Smith (concussion) are limited or forced to sit out Week 4.

Swaim caught all three of his targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Raiders.

Swaim led the Titans' tight ends in snaps, receptions and yards. He made his most impactful contribution of the game on a two-yard touchdown catch midway through the first quarter and also chipped in a 13-yard gain late in the second quarter. Through three games this season, Swaim has six catches for 38 yards and one touchdown.

Hooper caught both of his targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Raiders.

Hooper played only 24 offensive snaps and was less involved in the offense than Geoff Swaim. He did manage receptions of 11 and eight yards, matching his highest yardage total of the season. Through three games, Hooper has only a total of four catches for 44 yards.

Likely had one catch for eight yards on two targets Sunday against the Patriots.

Likely's snap count increased slightly Sunday, going from 17 to 19, but it did not translate into a larger role in the passing game. He drew a season-low two targets and ended with just eight yards after going for four catches and 43 yards Week 2. It appears Likely does have a stable role where he'll play roughly one-third of the offensive snaps each week, but the target volume could be erratic as he gets acclimated to this offense as a rookie.

Akins reverted to the Texans' practice squad Monday per the NFL's official transaction log.

Akins only played 17 snaps on offense, but he made them count. The five-year-pro converted four targets into three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. He may see another opportunity with the active roster in Week 4 against the Chargers if Brevin Jordan (ankle) is unable to play.

Ricci caught one of two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 22-14 win over the Saints.

Ricci has now hauled in a pass in consecutive games, but his 31 yards on the campaign evidence his tepid stock as a fullback/reserve tight end.

Tremble caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 22-14 win over the Saints.

Tremble trailed Ian Thomas in snaps at tight end and again was outproduced by fullback Giovanni Ricci in the passing game. Although neither Thomas nor Ricci managed more than 15 yards, Tremble still sports merely two catches for eight yards in three appearances this season.

Thomas caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 22-14 win over the Saints.

Thomas played the most snaps of Carolina's tight ends and actually tied with a few others for the team lead in receptions. Overall, though, he represents a low-upside option in the passing game, especially with quarterback Baker Mayfield yet to breakthrough as a Panther.