NFL Player News

Hockenson caught seven of 10 targets for 65 yards during Sunday's 41-21 loss to the Colts.

Hockenson saw the second-most targets of his young career in a game in which he served as a quality safety valve for quarterback Matthew Stafford. While the exit of top receiver Kenny Golladay (hip) likely had something to do with his increased workload, Hockenson has been a steady contributor all season and drawing double-digit targets is certainly within his range of outcomes even on days when Golladay stays healthy. Regardless of Golladay's health, Hockenson should remain a solid option at a thin fantasy position when Detroit takes on a poor Vikings defense in Week 9.

Tonyan caught five of seven targets for a game-high 79 yards in Sunday's 28-22 loss to the Vikings.

While Davante Adams saw more volume (12 targets) for Green Bay, Tonyan ended up with more yards thanks largely to a 45-yard grab in the third quarter. Adams, however, caught all three of Aaron Rodgers' TD passes, reinforcing who the top dog in the Packers' passing game is. Tonyan's seven targets were still a season high for the third-year tight end, and he should remain a crucial part of the Packers' offense in Week 9 against the 49ers.

Kelce caught eight of 12 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 35-9 win over the Jets.

Kelce's three-yard touchdown put the Chiefs up 21-9 with 58 seconds left in the first half, and he led the Chiefs in targets, catches and receiving yards as Patrick Mahomes piled up 416 yards and five touchdowns through the air. The league's most dependable receiving option at the tight end position has 48 catches for 610 yards and six touchdowns through eight games, putting Kelce on pace to eclipse 1,200 receiving yards for a third consecutive season. He'll face the Panthers in Week 9.

Keene (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

With Devin Asiasi (personal) also unavailable Sunday, the Patriots' Week 8 tight end duties will be handled by Ryan Izzo.

Alie-Cox (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Though Alie-Cox's availability came down to a pregame workout, the Colts were evidently pleased enough with the health of his knee to clear him to rejoin the lineup. Since erupting for a five-catch, 111-yard performance Week 2, Alie-Cox has been limited to four receptions for 63 yards in his most recent three outings combined. He'll likely be limited to a bit role in the Colts' passing game with both Trey Burton and Jack Doyle seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order for reps at tight end.

Higbee (hand) is listed as active Sunday in Miami, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Despite his hand injury described as a "pretty gnarly" contusion, Higbee will miss just one game as a result. While he may play second fiddle to fellow TE Gerald Everett, Higbee will look to produce against a Dolphins defense that has allowed just 6.6 YPT and no touchdowns to the position this season.

Asiasi didn't travel with the Patriots to Buffalo due to personal reasons and won't be available for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Though Ryan Izzo (seven receptions for 90 yards in six games) has been one of the NFL's least-productive starting tight ends, neither Asiasi nor fellow rookie Dalton Keene (knee) has been able to make a major push for reps during their rookie seasons. Asiasi's absence Week 8 could still prove costly from a depth standpoint, as the Patriots would have no other available tight ends behind Izzo if Keene -- who is listed as questionable -- is unable to suit up.

The Colts are optimistic that Alie-Cox (knee) will play Sunday against the Lions, but he'll be put through a pregame workout before the team determines his status, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Alie-Cox is listed as questionable for the Week 8 contest after having been sidelined for the Colts' Week 6 win over the Bengals prior to the team going on bye Week 7. Assuming his knee provides no major complications during his pregame workout, Alie-Cox should avoid the inactive list, which the Colts will release approximately 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. If he dresses for the contest, Alie-Cox will be stuck in a timeshare at tight end with Trey Burton and Jack Doyle.

Higbee (hand), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, is "pushing to play," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

That said, Rapoport suggests that with a bye coming up in Week 9 and Johnny Mundt on hand to provide depth at tight end behind Gerald Everett, it might make sense for the Rams to rest Higbee for another game. Confirmation on whether Higbee will play or sit out Week 8 will arrive once the team's inactives are released approximately 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Seahawks elevated Sullivan from the practice squad Saturday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Sullivan played wide receiver in college, but the Seahawks drafted him in the seventh round with the hopes of converting him to tight end. That didn't pan out, and he's been taking reps at defensive end on the practice squad. The Seahawks already have five other healthy tight ends on the active roster, so Sullivan could see a bulk of his usage on defense if he indeed gets in the game.