NFL Player News

Gesicki (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

With Gesicki inactive, Adam Shaheen and Durham Smythe are in line to handle added tight end snaps Sunday, though neither of the two profile as high-percentage fantasy lineup options in Week 15.

Graham (hip) is active Week 15 against the Vikings.

While Graham registered a pair of limited practices this week, the expectation was that the veteran tight end would suit up. He'll indeed be available as a touchdown-dependent fantasy option, though it's worth noting he's been out-snapped by Cole Kmet in each of the past three weeks.

Kittle (foot) is "pushing to play" in the 49ers' final two regular-season contests, but the team hasn't decided whether the tight end will be activated from injured reserve, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. "A lot will go into that decision," a team source told Rapoport, regarding whether Kittle will play again in 2020.

After being cleared to practice Wednesday, Kittle looks to be nearing the finish line in his recovery from the fractured bone in his foot that has sidelined him since Week 8. While another week of practice should be enough to get Kittle ready for game action from a conditioning standpoint, the 5-8 49ers may not want to risk exposing the star tight end to a potential setback over the final two games, especially if they're already eliminated from the playoffs. If the 49ers are at least able to win against the Cowboys on Sunday to keep their faint postseason hopes alive, a Kittle return Week 16 at Arizona would likely become more realistic.

Graham (hip), who is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The report notes that Graham looked good in practice this past week and appears ready to give it a go Sunday. However, from a fantasy perspective, it's worth noting that fellow tight end Cole Kmet has emerged as the Bears' top option at the position of late, logging seven targets in both of the last two games.

Gesicki (shoulder), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, will work out prior to the contest before a call on his status is made, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

While there was previously some pessimism about the tight end's availability, Rapoport suggests that Gesicki "improved enough during the week to have a real chance of playing" Week 15. The Dolphins kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET, so those considering Gesicki in their fantasy lineups will gain clarity on his status prior to the first wave of games Sunday.

Tonyan recorded three receptions on three targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 against the Panthers.

Tonyan found the end zone for the fifth consecutive week, logging a one-yard touchdown reception to cap the Packers' first possession. One play earlier, he had hauled in a pass for seven yards to bring the team to the goal line. Thereafter, Tonyan was held silent on the stat sheet until the fourth quarter, when he tacked on a 10-yard reception. Though he has surpassed 50 receiving yards only once in his last seven games, Tonyan has been a key contributor near the end zone. That should keep him in consideration among tight ends in Week 16 against Tennessee.

Fant reeled in eight of 11 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 48-19 loss to the Bills.

After being forced to exit last Sunday's win against Carolina in the first quarter because of an illness, Fant got back on track with a lucrative Week 15 performance. The second-year tight end attracted greater than double the targets of Denver's second-busiest option, Jerry Jeudy, while also racking up more catches and receiving yards than the entire receiving corps combined. Fant proved capable of snapping a 10-game scoring drought during the loss to Buffalo. Now, he shifts focus to a Chargers defense that ranks second worst in the NFL with 10 receiving TDs allowed to opposing tight ends.

Knox caught two of four targets for 36 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 48-19 win against the Broncos.

Knox had to exit Buffalo's Week 15 win because of a stinger, though he was capable of returning to the contest while tying a season high in receiving yards. After going scoreless over his first six appearances of the season, the Ole Miss product has proceeded to go on a tear by posting a trio of TDs in his past four games. Eleven targets over the past two outings represent the most in a two-game span over the 24-year-old's career. A Week 16 matchup against New England has the potential to thwart Knox's recent uptick in production, as the Patriots have surrendered an NFL-low one receiving TD to opposing tight ends this season.

The Ravens elevated Tomlinson to the active roster Saturday, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Tomlinson looks set to appear in his fourth straight game with the Ravens. He hasn't been targeted in that span, however, so it's safe to say that Tomlinson remains off the fantasy radar for now.

Knox returned to Saturday's game against the Broncos after suffering a stinger in the first half.

Good news for the Bills, as Knox is the only pass-catching tight end in an offense that's been humming on all cylinders lately. We would not be surprised if Knox sees some rest during next week's practices.