NFL Player News

Arnold caught two of three targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 38-28 loss to the Rams.

Talk about making the most of your opportunities. Arnold didn't see much volume, but a 59-yard TD grab early in the first quarter and a two-yard touchdown late in the fourth bookended the scoring for both teams on the afternoon. Despite the big performance, Arnold hasn't seen more than four targets in a game all season, making him a risky option in Week 14 against a Giants defense that just stifled Russell Wilson and the Seattle passing game in an upset win.

Smythe caught both of his targets for 16 yards during Sunday's 19-7 win over the Bengals.

Smythe only has had one game all season in which he's exceeded two catches, Week 13 against the Jets. He had just three grabs then. While the Dolphins occasionally scheme Smythe looks in the red zone, those opportunities come too infrequently to make up for his low fantasy floor.

Hockenson caught seven of his nine targets for 84 yards during Sunday's 34-30 win against the Bears.

Hockenson was a vital contributor in crunch time, recording three receptions for 33 yards (on five targets) during the fourth quarter. This isn't the first occasion this season the second-year tight end has delivered in the clutch, as he also recorded a game-tying touchdown Week 7 against the Falcons as time expired in regulation. He's posted 241 receiving yards on 16 receptions over his past three games heading into a matchup with the Packers in Week 14. Though it ultimately came in a losing effort, Eagles tight ends posted seven catches for 97 yards against Green Bay on Sunday.

Firkser recorded five receptions on seven targets for 51 yards in Week 13 against the Browns.

Firkser was already in line for an increased role with Jonnu Smith (knee) sidelined, but game script enhanced his opportunity further. He recorded only one reception in the first half but hauled in four passes for 37 yards during a single garbage-time possession late in the fourth quarter. Given that Firkser was held quiet for the majority of the game, it will be difficult to trust his ability to command targets even if Smith misses additional game action. Adding to that concern is a tough Week 14 matchup against the Ravens.

Sternberger won't return to Sunday's game against the Eagles after being diagnosed with a concussion.

Sternberger will enter the league's five-step concussion protocol, which he'll need to clear in order to play against the Lions next week. For the time being, Marcedes Lewis and Dominique Dafney will serve as depth behind lead tight end Robert Tonyan.

Sample secured all seven targets for 49 yards in the Bengals' 19-7 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Sample surprisingly tied Tee Higgins for the team lead in targets while setting the pace in receptions, with slot receiver Tyler Boyd's first-half ejection likely playing a pivotal part in the tight end's elevated role. Sample has had numerous solid efforts during his second season, but Sunday's catch tally tied a career high, while his target total checked in as his second highest of the season. His production is likely to continue fluctuating week to week, but he could enjoy relatively robust volume again in a favorable Week 14 matchup against the Cowboys, especially considering current Bengals quarterbacks Brandon Allen (chest) and Ryan Finley have run conservative attacks thus far in place of Joe Burrow (IR, knee).

Graham failed to catch his lone target in Chicago's 34-30 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

After a solid start to the season, Graham has accounted for just 32 yards over his last three games while being out-targeted by rookie Cole Kmet during that time. In addition to his recent struggles, he scored just a single touchdown over the last six games while surpassing 34 yards on one occasion, making him difficult to trust during the fantasy playoffs.

Kmet caught five passes for 37 yards and a touchdown in Chicago's 34-30 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

After failing to see more than three targets in any game during his rookie season, Kmet tied Allen Robinson for the team lead with seven targets while posting the only touchdown reception by a Chicago player. Coming into this game, he had been targeted three times in each of the prior two contests, which was the same number seen by Jimmy Graham. It appears the rookie may be emerging as the team's top tight end, though he'll be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups until he shows more consistency.

Sternberger is being checked for a concussion during Sunday's game against the Eagles, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Sternberger went to the locker room for evaluation in the second quarter. Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis and Dominique Dafney will handle the tight end reps for the time being.

Gesicki brought in nine of 11 targets for 88 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 19-7 win over the Bengals on Sunday.

The third-year tight end led the Dolphins in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon, with his catch tally also serving as a season high. Gesicki's fourth touchdown of the season -- his second in as many games -- capped off Miami's first second-half drive and was an ideal bonus to what was already a very strong effort for the Penn State product in both seasonal and daily PPR formats. Gesicki may be leaned on heavily once again in a Week 14 showdown against the Chiefs that figures to feature an aggressive offensive game plan for coach Brian Flores' squad.