NFL Player News
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Adam Trautman TE | DEN
Saints' Adam Trautman: Limited role in Week 1
Trautman played 25 offensive snaps and four special-teams snaps during Sunday's 27-26 win over the Falcons.
Trautman did not see a target while lining up as New Orleans' No. 2 tight end behind Juwan Johnson (45 offensive snaps, 16 special-teams snaps) in Week 1. The 2020 third-round pick also was called for an illegal shift penalty that ultimately was declined on a failed two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter. Trautman's usage alongside Johnson could determine his overall value as a receiver in the team's unproven TE corps moving forward this season.
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Noah Togiai TE | PHI
Noah Togiai: Shifts back to practice squad
Togiai reverted to the Eagles' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Togiai failed to haul in his lone target over 11 offensive snaps played during Philadelphia's Week 1 win against Detroit on Sunday. The third-year tight end played on 14 percent of the Eagles' offensive snaps and six special-teams snaps after being elevated from the team's practice squad Saturday. Togiai will now work to earn another practice squad elevation in search of the first reception of his NFL career.
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George Kittle TE | SF
49ers' George Kittle: May practice Wednesday
Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Kittle (groin) could practice Wednesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
That said, Shanahan acknowledged that it's not a lock the tight end will practice Wednesday, but it's worth noting that it was thought that Kittle had a shot to suit up for Week 1 action, which is why he traveled with the team for Sunday's road game against the Bears. As for this coming weekend's game against the Seahawks, Kittle's status is TBD, but a return to the field Wednesday, in any capacity, would have him trending in the right direction ahead of the contest.
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Anthony Firkser TE | DET
Anthony Firkser: Returns to practice squad
Firkser reverted to the Falcons' practice squad Monday after being elevated for the team's season opener Sunday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Firkser chipped in with one catch for six yards over three offensive snaps played for Atlanta on Sunday. The 27-year-old will now be available for two more elevations from the practice squad before the Falcons would have to sign him to the active roster moving forward.
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Tyler Kroft TE | MIA
49ers' Tyler Kroft: One catch in spot start
Kroft caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 19-10 loss at Chicago.
With star tight end George Kittle (groin) unable to suit up, Kroft got the start and led all tight ends with 37 offensive snaps (68 total available). The 29-year-old spent most of his time blocking, and the same should be expected if Kittle can't go against the Seahawks on Sunday.
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Ross Dwelley TE | CAR
49ers' Ross Dwelley: One catch as backup
Dwelley caught one of two targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 19-10 loss to Chicago.
With George Kittle (groin) missing the season opener, Tyler Kroft got the start at tight end (one catch for nine yards) and Dwelley backed him up. Neither player made a fantasy impact, and that should remain the same even if Kittle is unable to suit up for a Week 2 matchup against Seattle.
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Durham Smythe TE | BAL
Dolphins' Durham Smythe: Sees more work than Gesicki
Smythe secured one of two targets for 14 yards during Sunday's 20-9 win over the Patriots.
Smythe handled 63 percent of Miami's offensive snaps and saw two more targets than last year's top tight end Mike Gesicki, perhaps solidifying concerns that coach Mike McDaniel's scheme would focus on utilizing the position for more run blocking. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are the clear top options in the passing game, and Gesicki should still hold more fantasy value than Smythe going forward.
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Taysom Hill QB | NO
Saints' Taysom Hill: Makes most of limited touches
Hill ran four times for 81 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for two yards during Sunday's 27-26 win over the Falcons.
Hill's first touch of the game came on the Saints' second offensive drive and went for 57 yards. Two plays later, he finished the job with an 11-yard touchdown run. The do-it-all weapon got a chance to be the Saints' starting quarterback last year, but with Jameis Winston back to full strength, he's been relegated to his change-of-pace role, which may be what suits his skill set best.
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Mike Gesicki TE | CIN
Dolphins' Mike Gesicki: Targeted just once
Gesicki secured his only target for one yard during Sunday's 20-7 win over the Patriots.
Gesicki was barely involved as a route runner and only received one look from Tua Tagovailoa in his first game under new head coach Mike McDaniel, an outcome that portends poorly for his rest-of-season prospects. Barring an unforeseen changeup in Miami's offensive game plan, Gesicki no longer may fall within the category of tight ends boasting weekly fantasy upside, barring multi-TE formats. At the very least, fantasy managers will need to see some production from Gesicki before leaning on him in start-sit decisions.
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Donald Parham Jr. TE | PIT
Chargers' Donald Parham: No practice Monday
Parham (hamstring) is listed as a non-participant on the Chargers' estimated practice report Monday.
Parham was inactive for Week 1 against the Raiders and likely will be a long shot to play in Thursday's matchup with the Chiefs after being labeled as a DNP on Monday. If Parham is sidelined again, expect Tre' McKitty to operate as the primary backup to Gerald Everett, who shined during his Chargers debut.