NFL Player News

Rogers caught three of three targets for 28 yards Sunday against the Packers, playing 51 percent of offensive snaps in a 23-21 victory.

Logan Thomas (calf) was inactive, John Bates played through a hamstring injury, and Cole Turner was forced out of the game with a concussion. Still, it was a nice showing from Rogers, a college QB who earned a roster spot this summer after going undrafted. While listed at only 225 pounds, Rogers has played just over 50 percent of his snaps as an inline tight end, rather than strictly being used as a pass catcher. He could have a role again Week 8 against the Colts, especially if some combination of Thomas, Bates and Turner is/are limited or absent.

Bates wasn't targeted Sunday against the Packers, playing 23 snaps on offense (31 percent) in a 23-21 win.

Armani Rogers led the TEs with a 51 percent snap share and three catches, while Cole Turner was targeted twice (both incomplete) before leaving with a concussion. Bates was listed as questionable after missing the previous game with a hamstring injury, and it's possible that contributed to his diminished role relative to previous games that Logan Thomas (calf) has missed. It's possible all three of Thomas, Bates and Turner show up on the Week 8 injury report ahead of a road game against the Colts.

Arnold secured his only target for 24 yards during Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Giants.

Arnold played 10 of 71 offensive snaps and brought in his only target during the first quarter. The 27-year-old has four receptions for 78 yards on the season as Evan Engram continues to operate as Jacksonville's No. 1 tight end.

Alie-Cox did not have a target nor reception but played 24 snaps on offense in Sunday's loss at Tennessee.

That's two concecutive games where Alie-Cox hasn't had a target even though he's playing about the same as the other tight ends. Alie-Cox ran 15 routes compaired to 18 for Kylen Granson and 14 for Jelani Woods. None of the three was a factor Sunday with a combined two receptions and three targets. Alie-Cox appears to have fallen to the third option in the passing game among tight ends and may not have any fantasy value other than the rare red-zone target.

Granson had one reception for six yards on his lone target in Sunday's loss at Tennessee.

Granson led Indy's tight ends in routes run -- 18, compared to 15 for Mo Alie-Cox and 14 for Jelani Woods -- but Indy's passing game couldn't get on track. None of the three tight ends were a factor Sunday with a combined two receptions and three targets. Granson still looks like the top receiving tight end, but all three are splitting the targets, and there will be games like Sunday where none are a factor.

Bellinger may require surgery after fracturing his eye socket in Sunday's 23-17 win over the Jaguars, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Bellinger had to go to the hospital after getting injured during Sunday's game, and a meeting with an ophthalmologist Monday revealed the extent of the injury. Even if the rookie tight end avoids surgery, he'll likely miss some time as he recovers from this injury, though a concrete return timetable for Bellinger has yet to be established.

Heyward secured his lone target for six yards during the Steelers' 16-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Heyward was on the field for just five offensive snaps Sunday and had minimal production after tallying a season-high 49 receiving yards last week. Although the rookie sixth-rounder has been targeted in three consecutive games, he doesn't have much fantasy value while Pat Freiermuth is healthy.

Njoku (ankle) was diagnosed Monday with a left high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss 2-to-5 weeks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski called Njoku week-to-week after the tight end was forced out of Sunday's 23-20 loss at Baltimore and spotted in a walking boot after the contest. Njoku doesn't look like he'll be a candidate to return to the field until after Cleveland's bye Week 9, and considering his projected 2-to-5-week timetable, a stint on injured reserve also could be in play. Harrison Bryant stands to benefit from increased opportunities as long as Njoku is sidelined.

Njoku (ankle) is expected to miss 2-5 weeks, and his injury has been diagnosed as a high ankle sprain, reports.

Njoku won't require surgery to recover, but he's likely to miss a couple games. Coach Kevin Stefanski labeled the tight end week-to-week Monday, but additional testing revealed a slightly more severe injury than initially thought. Harrison Bryant will slide into a starting role with Njoku sidelined.

Gentry secured both of his targets for zero yards during the Steelers' 16-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Gentry served as the Steelers' top tight end last week but had limited results against the Buccaneers, and his production remained low Week 7 with Pat Freiermuth back on the field. Gentry has been held under 10 yards in four of his last five appearances and doesn't have much fantasy value, especially when Freiermuth is healthy.