NFL Player News
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Tyler Higbee TE | LAR
Rams' Tyler Higbee: Quiet in Week 1 win
Higbee caught three of his four targets for 40 yards during Sunday's 20-17 win over Dallas.
A lot is expected from Higbee this season after he capped off the 2019 campaign with a 43-522-2 stat line over the final five games. With that in mind, this likely wasn't the start fantasy managers had hoped for. The fifth-year tight end played 65 of 73 snaps though, and he did show his big-play ability by turning a short pass into a 21-yard reception in the second quarter. With so many weapons in the Los Angeles offense, there are likely to be a number of peaks and valleys over the course of the season for Higbee, so banking on him making a week-in, week-out fantasy impact might be asking too much.
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Chris Manhertz TE | NYG
Panthers' Chris Manhertz: Catches lone look
Manhertz caught his only target for four yards in Sunday's 34-30 loss to the Raiders.
Manhertz filled his usual blocking role for the vast majority of Sunday's contest, but he at least made the stat sheet with a grab in the second quarter.
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Ian Thomas TE | LV
Panthers' Ian Thomas: Just two targets
Thomas caught both of his targets for 16 total receiving yards in Sunday's 34-30 loss to the Raiders.
Thomas featured on two-thirds of Carolina's offensive snaps, but he hardly got involved in the team's passing game. With all but five targets going to D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, Thomas' placement down the Panthers' pecking order was well illustrated. As the starting tight end, however, Thomas at least should see enough playing time to make a bigger impact in upcoming weeks.
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Gerald Everett TE | CHI
Rams' Gerald Everett: Hurts back in opener
Everett is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Dallas due to a back injury, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
Everett caught one of two targets for seven yards prior to getting injured. If the tight end is unable to return to this one, he'll set his sights on getting back on the field for the Rams' Week 2 trip to Philadelphia.
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Taysom Hill QB | NO
Saints' Taysom Hill: Shows versatility in Week 1 win
Hill completed his only pass attempt for 38 yards, adding three rushes for 13 yards and a 14-yard reception in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Saints.
As expected, Hill operated as a gadget player and did a bit of everything in Sunday's victory. He scored a career-high seven touchdowns in 2019, and he's capable of a big game every time he takes the field. However, his highly touchdown-dependent value makes him a volatile fantasy option.
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Hayden Hurst TE | LAC
Falcons' Hayden Hurst: Slow start to Falcons tenure
Hurst caught three of five targets for 38 yards during Sunday's 38-25 loss to the Seahawks.
Despite the many reps the third-year tight end received with quarterback Matt Ryan in private workouts this offseason, it may take some time for Hurst to be fully integrated into the Falcons' air attack. He was tied for fourth on the team in targets Week 1, but there existed a clear separation between him and the top three receivers, as Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage each garnered 12 targets. Week 2 may be Hurst's breakout opportunity, as he will face a Cowboys defense that allowed an NFL-high 104 catches to opposing tight ends during 2019.
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Austin Hooper TE | ATL
Browns' Austin Hooper: Quiet debut
Hooper caught two of two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Ravens in Week 1.
Hooper was the first player acquisition of new head coach Kevin Stefanski, a disciple of using multiple tight ends, which suggested a big role for him in the offense. But that did not materialize Sunday, which could be attributable to the Browns never getting a chance to work the offense as designed. They played mistake-filled football and fell behind by multiple scores in the second quarter. That led to quarterback Baker Mayfield forcing balls to Odell Beckham. In related news, fellow tight end David Njoku left the game with a knee injury, which could lead to more playing time for Hooper when the Browns face the Bengals in Week 2 on Thursday.
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Harrison Bryant TE | SEA
Browns' Harrison Bryant: Targeted twice in loss
Bryant caught one of two targets for five yards and played 31 snaps (42 percent) in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Ravens in Week 1.
Bryant was in the starting lineup in his NFL debut, and both targets were in the first quarter, including his lone catch on the second play of the game. The Browns appear to be confident in the rookie fourth-round pick. He entered the game competing with David Njoku for playing time but could see an uptick after Njoku departed with a knee injury. Bryant was second among the position group in snap count, trailing Austin Hooper (56, 77 percent) and ahead of Njoku (17, 23 percent). The Browns have a quick turnaround for Week 2, playing Thursday night against the Bengals, which might be too quick for a Njoku return.
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Hunter Henry TE | NE
Chargers' Hunter Henry: Leads team in receiving yards
Henry caught five of his eight targets for 73 yards in the 16-13 win Sunday over the Bengals.
Henry played better than the box score might indicate as his 33-yard reception toward the end of the first half proved to be critical in waking up a lethargic Chargers offense. It was almost an excellent fantasy day for the 25-year-old, but a late fourth-quarter target in the end zone saw Henry just miss getting two feet down to clutch what would have been the game-winning touchdown. It's clear the Chargers still need to work out some kinks in their offensive scheme, but Henry's play Sunday was certainly a promising mark in a pivotal year for the big tight end.
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George Kittle TE | SF
49ers' George Kittle: Fights through injury vs. Cardinals
Kittle caught four of five targets for 44 yards and gained nine yards on one carry during Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Cardinals.
Kittle started off well enough with a couple of early catches, but he went to the locker room toward the end of the first half with a leg injury that looked quite painful at the time. He did return to the game and made it through the final whistle, but coach Kyle Shanahan said he would be reevaluated by the medical staff on Monday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Kittle will be a top fantasy option for next Sunday's matchup with the Jets if healthy, but the extent of his injury remains to be seen.