NFL Player News

Okwuegbunam caught five of six targets for 33 yards in Monday's 17-16 loss to Seattle.

Okwuegbunam led all Broncos tight ends in catches and targets, though tight end/fullback Andrew Beck topped him in receiving yards with 52. Running back Javonte Williams caught 11 passes while Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton each topped 70 receiving yards, so Okwuegbunam could be the fourth option at best in Denver's passing game heading into a Week 2 visit from the Texans.

Likely was held without a catch on four targets Sunday against the Jets.

After shining in the preseason, Likely had a rough introduction to NFL regular-season play Sunday. The fact that he drew four targets -- which tied for third on the team -- is a positive sign for him going forward, but being held without a catch means there's room for improvement for the rookie. Likely was on the field for 24 of 51 snaps on offense, and that share could tick up once he starts converting on his opportunities. Baltimore hosts Miami in Week 2.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.