NFL Player News

Kmet caught two passes for 20 yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 23-16 victory over the Panthers on Sunday.

Kmet got open between three defenders while catching a perfect pass from Nick Foles to score his first NFL touchdown, but the two targets he received equaled the total number of looks he had seen over the first four games. Until he sees a consistent increase in targets, his fantasy value will remain minimal.

Graham caught five passes for 34 yards in the Bears' 23-16 victory over the Panthers on Sunday.

Graham continued to be heavily involved in the Bears' offense, as his eight targets trailed only Allen Robinson. Although he's typically very busy in the red zone, it was Cole Kmet who was the tight end on the receiving end of Chicago's only passing touchdown. Graham has now posted 33 or 34 yards in each of the last three games, but it's his ability to score touchdowns that affords him weekly fantasy upside.

Firkser caught eight of nine targets for 113 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 42-36 overtime win over the Texans.

Firkser took over as the No. 1 tight end after Jonnu Smith exited with an ankle injury in the third quarter, but Firkser's touchdown actually came before that, on a seven-yard catch in the first quarter. Tennessee's high-powered offense is averaging 32.8 points per game, so Firkser would instantly enter the TE1 discussion against the Steelers in Week 7 and beyond if Smith has to miss any time.

Ertz has been ruled out of Sunday's contest versus the Ravens due to an ankle injury, Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reports.

Ertz was in and out of the game in the fourth quarter after getting tangled up with a Baltimore defender, ultimately favoring his left foot as he left the field the last time. Now confirmed as an ankle issue, he ends Week 6 with four catches (on 10 targets) for 33 yards. His status bears watching as the Eagles prepare for a Thursday night divisional matchup with the Giants.

Ertz (undisclosed) went to the locker room in the fourth quarter of Sunday's contest against the Ravens, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Ertz got tangled up with a Ravens defender in the fourth quarter and left the game for one play before returning to the field. On the Eagles' next possession, he again came up lame and was examined in the sideline medical tent, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. If he's unable to return, Ertz will end the game with four receptions (on 10 targets) for 33 yards.

Smith was forced out of Sunday's game versus the Texans with an ankle injury, Paul Kuharsky of 104.5 The Zone Nashville reports.

Smith exited the game in the third quarter, and he did some sprints in front of trainers on the sidelines before taking a seat on the bench. He recorded one 13-yard reception before leaving the game. Anthony Firkser will operate as the top tight end if Smith is unable to return.

Smythe (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Smythe missed last week's win over the 49ers and only practiced in limited fashion through the week, so the fact that he's back playing is a positive sign. Now healthy, the Notre Dame product is expected to reprise his usual role as the No. 2 tight end option behind Mike Gesicki.

Akins (ankle/concussion) will not play Sunday against the Titans, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Akins, who was a limited participant in practice all week, was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, but it seems as if the team is simply playing it safe with its starting tight end. Darren Fells, who last week posted a season-high 57 receiving yards and registered his second touchdown this season, will once again operate as the primary pass catcher in Akins' absence.

Fant (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's contest against the Patriots, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Considering coach Vic Fangio suggested Friday the tight end was "50-50 to go this week," it's perhaps a bit surprising that Fant won't even travel with the team to New England one day later. That being said, the 22-year-old was ruled out prior to Monday's contest before the game was eventually postponed, so this shouldn't come as a major surprise. Jake Butt, Nick Vannett and Albert Okwuegbunam will likely serve as a three-headed attack in replace of Fant this week.

Knox (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Chiefs, the Bills' official site reports.

Knox was never much of an option to play after leaving Tuesday's game against the Titans and not practicing all week. Tyler Kroft is in line for more of a role as the primary receiving tight end this week, though the Bills offer plenty of other weapons in front of any of their tight ends in the passing game.