NFL Player News

Pitts is among Atlanta's key skill players who have yet to see preseason action, Jeff Schultz of The Athletic reports.

Schultz suggests that players such as Pitts, QB Matt Ryan, WR Calvin Ridley and RB Mike Davis could see work on a drive or two in the team's preseason finale against the Browns next weekend, but that's not a lock to occur. In any case, given that the Falcons took Pitts, fourth overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft, it's clear that the team has big plans for the talented tight end this season. Though rookies at his position tend to be eased into fantasy relevance, Pitts has the skills and likely the immediate playing time opportunity needed to be an exception to that trend.

Smith corralled one of two targets for three yards during Saturday's preseason loss to the Colts.

Smith made his only marks in the box score during the Vikings' second possession of the game, which resulted in a three-and-out. And with Justin Jefferson (shoulder), Adam Thielen (thigh) and Tyler Conklin (hamstring) all banged-up, the team may opt to rest its starting offense in preseason Week 3 with the regular-season opener in mind. If so, Smith may not experience game action again until Week 1 in Cincinnati.

Higbee didn't play in Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders.

The veteran tight end was joined by the Rams' entire collection of projected starting skill-position players on the sideline, so his absence was entirely unsurprising. Higbee will be operating with an experienced and proficient downfield passer in Matthew Stafford this coming season, and with his hold on the starting job seemingly secure, he could potentially put up numbers akin to the career-best 69-734-3 line he produced over 15 games back in 2019 with Jared Goff under center.

Firkser recorded two receptions on two targets in Saturday's preseason contest against the Buccaneers.

Firkser got sparse playing time in the team's preseason opener, but his role increased in Saturday's contest. Both of his receptions came on the team's opening drive, and he tallied gains of 11 and four yards. Though Geoff Swaim was listed ahead of him on the team's initial depth chart, Firkser figures to earn most of the work at the position as a receiver.

Freiermuth secured two of three targets for 19 yards and two touchdowns in the Steelers' 26-20 preseason win over the Lions on Saturday night.

The rookie tight end flashed his height, leaping ability and sure hands on his two grabs, which came from 11 and eight yards out. Freiermuth impressively went up high near the back line of the end zone to snare the first scoring throw from Ben Roethlisberger and he made an impressive catch in tight coverage on the second touchdown. The red-zone usage was certainly encouraging from a fantasy perspective, and although veteran Eric Ebron will certainly command his share of targets near the end zone in the coming season, Freiermuth's 6-foot-5 frame should garner him a fair amount of opportunities as well.

Gesicki secured both targets for 43 yards in the Dolphins' 37-17 preseason win over the Falcons on Saturday night.

Gesicki checked in second to Mack Hollins in receiving yardage among non-running backs for the night. The 25-year-old endured a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in camp, but as Saturday's performance demonstrated, he seems back to his usual form. Gesicki should once again play an important role in Miami's passing game in 2021 after logging 174 total targets over the last two seasons, but the team's offseason wide receiver additions and the return of Albert Wilson (undisclosed) after an opt-out season could ding the fourth-year tight end's opportunities some.

Waller will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Waller recently returned to practice from a minor ankle issue, but the team still is playing it safe with their star tight end. That makes plenty of sense given that the Raiders passing attack primarily will run through him come the regular season. Among the tight end corps, Foster Moreau also isn't expected to play Saturday.

Knox recorded one reception on two targets for 10 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Bears.

Knox made his lone catch of the game on the team's first offensive drive. He was limited otherwise and has now recorded one reception in each of the team's first two preseason games. Knox recorded 24 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns across 12 games in his second professional season in 2020. Given that Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis are likely to command targets ahead of him, Knox is unlikely to see a significant uptick in targets in 2021.

James caught four passes for 54 yards in Chicago's 41-15 preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday.

James played with both the starters and reserves, catching passes from both Andy Dalton and Justin Fields, and he was second on the team with five targets. After his second-straight solid performance, he appears to be in the driver's seat to open the season as the team's No. 3 tight end behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham.

Graham recorded one catch on one target for five yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills.

Graham made his debut for the 2021 season, recording his lone catch of the day on the second play of the game. While he recorded 50 receptions and eight touchdowns in 2020, Graham slowly lost snaps to Cole Kmet (hamstring) down the stretch of the regular season. The pair figure to split reps again this season, though Kmet could be in line to take over the majority of the playing time on a more regular basis.