NFL Player News

Kroft failed to catch his only target in Buffalo's Week 9 win over Washington.

Kroft has been back on the field for three games since finally overcoming foot and ankle injuries, but he's only hauled in two passes total over those appearances. Moreover, he saw the field for only 26 percent of the offensive snaps in what was a close game for much of the afternoon, while rookie Dawson Knox was out there for 76 percent of the offense's plays. While Kroft may end up being a key part of the Bills' playoff push as he gets his sea legs back, he can be safely ignored in most fantasy circles for now.

Hudson brought in one of two targets for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 40-34 overtime loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Hudson was active for a second straight week with O.J. Howard (hamstring) inactive again, and he was able to tally his first career grab. The athletic tight end actually out-targeted Cameron Brate, who logged only 11 snaps while still struggling with a rib injury. However, Hudson could be back to inactive status in Week 10 versus the Cardinals if Howard is able to return to action as expected.

Knox caught both of his targets for 14 yards during Sunday's win over Washington.

Despite the lousy production, one takeaway is that the rookie saw 76 percent of the offensive snaps while Tyler Kroft -- supposedly the starter once he got back to full health and game speed -- only saw 26 percent of the action. Neither tight end did much, however, and Knox has only caught four balls for 36 yards in total in the three games Kroft has played since returning from an ankle injury.

Engram caught six of eight targets for 48 yards in Monday night's 37-18 loss to the Cowboys.

He tied Saquon Barkley and Golden Tate for New York's team lead in receptions, with the former also matching Engram's target total atop that category. Despite the high involvement, however, quarterback Daniel Jones wasn't able stretch the field much, resulting in Engram's fifth straight game with under 55 yards. He'll hope to buck that trend in Week 10 against a Jets defense currently surrendering the ninth-most passing yardage per game.

Goedert caught four of his five targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 22-14 win over the Bears.

Goedert was the team's second-leading receiver on the day, but unfortunately for him, it came behind a 100-yard bounce-back effort from Zach Ertz. The 24-year-old played all 70 snaps on offense, however, boding well for his continual viability as a fantasy starter in a barren tight-end landscape. With DeSean Jackson looking at an extended absence due to a recurrence of his abdominal injury, the Eagles likely will keep relying on two-tight-end sets after their Week 10 bye, so Goedert still should see consistent chances to produce.

Firkser failed to convert his lone target into a catch in the team's Week 9 loss to the Panthers.

Firkser failed to follow up on his five-target performance in Week 8. He has now received one target or fewer in all but one contest this season, leaving him as an afterthought in the Titans' aerial attack. Given the possibility that Delanie Walker (ankle) returns for the team's Week 10 contest against the Chiefs, Firkser's role is likely to only decrease further.

Smith recorded three receptions on five targets for 18 yards in the Titans' Week 9 loss to the Panthers.

Smith failed to follow up on his Week 8 breakout performance, as his longest reception went for just seven yards. Positively, he remained involved in the offensive gameplan as his five targets tied him for second on the team with Dion Lewis and Corey Davis. His 73 percent snap count also reflects that he is a key part of the Titans' offense, as Davis was the only skill position player to remain on the field more than him. However, Delanie Walker (ankle) is making progress toward a return, and if he were able to suit up in Week 10 against the Chiefs, it would only further dent Smith's potential value.

Thomas caught one of two targets for 13 yards during Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Raiders.

Thomas saw the line between the No. 2 and 3 tight end blur as much as it ever has Sunday when he logged 19 offensive snaps compared to 20 for Jesse James. Rookie T.J. Hockenson of course led the way with 46, but it's possible a change in offensive approach could be taking place without RB Kerryon Johnson (knee) around, as James has now set season lows in playing time in three consecutive weeks. It's also possible that James could be back to the clear No. 2 this time next week if it turns out Thomas' skill set was just especially preferred in a matchup against a Raiders defense with better run support than pass coverage. How the playing time is divided next Sunday against the Bears will be more telling of any potential role changes.

James caught one of two targets for three yards during Sunday's 31-24 loss to Oakland.

Without running back Kerryon Johnson (knee), Detroit has gone more pass-happy over the past two games, which in turn has meant far fewer two-tight-end sets. James consequently has logged season lows in playing time in two consecutive weeks, bottoming out at 20 offensive snaps Sunday. While the 6-foot-7 blocking specialist hasn't been much of a receiving threat even when seeing up to 50 offensive snaps in a game, James is off the fantasy radar completely unless T.J. Hockenson (back) is forced to miss time, which doesn't seem likely at this point.

Head coach Matt Patricia said Hockenson was hit in the back and it took the breath out of the tight end, but Hockenson is not dealing with a concussion, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Hockenson took a hard hit from Raiders safety Erik Harris on the final drive of the game during Sunday's 31-24 loss to Oakland. The rookie had to leave the field to be checked for a head injury, but Hockenson apparently was clear of concussion symptoms, which is especially great news for someone who was just treated for a concussion over Detroit's Week 5 bye thanks to another hit he took late during the Lions' Week 4 loss to Kansas City. Hockenson's level of participation in practice Wednesday will be more telling of the tight end's availability for Week 10 in Chicago, but it seems like he should be able to play.