NFL Player News

Akins failed to catch any of his two targets in Saturday's 23-20 win over Tampa Bay in Week 16.

Both of his targets were inside the red zone, but the Texans failed to execute when getting near the Buccaneers' goal. After a big nine-target game Week 14 against the Broncos, Akins has just four targets and two catches for seven yards in the two games since. He has as many targets (48) and three fewer catches (31) than starter Darren Fells, but he has only two touchdowns, both coming in Week 3.

Knox caught just one of his four targets for 33 yards during Saturday's loss to the Patriots.

Knox caught what looked like a TD on a beautiful throw from Josh Allen, but he was ruled down just outside the goal line, where Allen then threw a short TD pass to left tackle Dion Dawkins of all people. That turned a nice outing for Knox into his usual modest one, as he's now caught exactly one ball in each of the last three games.

Knox caught just one of his four targets for 33 yards during Saturday's loss to the Patriots.

Knox caught what looked like a TD on a beautiful throw from Josh Allen, but he was ruled down just outside the goal line, where Allen then threw a short TD pass to left tackle Dion Dawkins, of all people. That turned a nice outing for Knox into his usual modest one, as he's now caught exactly one ball in each of the last three games.

Higbee secured nine of 11 targets for 104 yards in the Rams' 34-31 loss to the 49ers on Saturday.

Despite the return to action of Gerald Everett (knee), Higbee still was the clear top option at tight end, outpacing his position mate by 10 targets. Higbee also paced the Rams in receptions and co-led the team in targets on the way to his fourth consecutive 100-yard effort. The 2016 fourth-round pick's late-season play has been a revelation, and he'll face the team he first eclipsed the century mark against, the Cardinals, to close out the season in Week 17.

Kittle secured five of eight targets for 79 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers' 34-31 win over the Rams on Saturday.

The Rams managed to do a good job on Kittle in the first half, but the star tight end made plenty of noise after halftime. Kittle ultimately paced the 49ers in receptions, receiving yardage and targets, and his seven-yard touchdown grab just past the halfway point of the fourth quarter erased a 28-24 deficit for San Francisco at the time. Kittle has four touchdown receptions in the last six games -- as well as a three-game streak of at least eight targets -- and he'll look to make an impact once again in a pivotal Week 17 NFC West showdown against the Seahawks.

Graham (wrist/groin) doesn't carry an injury designation for Monday night's game against the Vikings.

Graham -- who has caught 33 passes for 382 yards and three TDs in 14 games to date -- hasn't missed a regular-season tilt since 2015, but a lack of consistent volume has hindered his fantasy impact this year. He's been held to one catch in three of his last four contests and remains a speculative lineup option in Week 16.

Graham (wrist/groin) remained limited Friday at practice.

Graham rarely leaves the injury report but hasn't missed a game since 2015. His lack of volume is the real concern for fantasy managers, with the veteran tight end drawing five or fewer targets in each of the Packers' past 10 games. Graham should be fine for Monday's game in Minnesota.

Vannett (illness) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Vannett was unable to practice Thursday due to the illness, but it won't impact his status for this weekend. The 26-year-old is coming off his best game of the season after catching five of six targets for 40 yards during last week's loss to the Bills.

Fant (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Fant missed some time during the Broncos' Week 15 loss at Kansas City with a right shoulder injury. Afterward, X-rays were returned negative, and coach Vic Fangio told Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic that Fant "should be fine." Fant maintained limited practices throughout the week, but with a 'questionable' tag for Sunday, his status for Week 16 won't be confirmed until 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken said that Njoku has "responded well" after being a healthy scratch Week 15, Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Both Monken and head coach Freddie Kitchens acknowledged Njoku's improved attitude, but neither coach discussed the tight end's status for Sunday's home meeting with the 12-2 Ravens. Njoku had a promising start to the season with a touchdown, four catches and six targets in the season opener before sustaining a Week 2 injury that forced him to miss 11 games.