NFL Player News

Ertz caught five of seven targets for 52 yards in Sunday's 16-15 wild-card-round win over Chicago.

Ertz still wasn't his usual dominant self, but this was a major step forward after he produced only 15 yards in the regular-season finale. Quarterback Nick Foles spreads the ball around more than Carson Wentz (back) did, so Ertz isn't seeing the same boatload of targets that he was before Wentz went down, but the talented tight end should still be a big part of Philadelphia's divisional-round gameplan in what will likely be a higher-scoring affair against the Saints.

Vannett hauled in one of two targets for five yards in Saturday's wild-card loss to the Cowboys.

Vannett has served as a check-down asset for quarterback Russell Wilson for much of this season, and his lone catch was in similar fashion. This season's output for Vannett surpasses that of the tight end's first two campaigns, as he compiled 29 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns. He'll turn 26 years old in March and enter the final year of his contract in 2019, when he'll compete with both Ed Dickson and Will Dissly -- the latter had a promising start to his rookie year before injuring his kneecap -- for a No. 1 tight end role.

Though Henry (knee) won't play Sunday against the Ravens, he would likely be activated from the Chargers' PUP list should the team advance to the divisional round of the playoffs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Henry, who tore his ACL back in May, has bounced back remarkably well from what seemed destined to sideline him for the entirety of the 2018 campaign (postseason included), but should the Chargers get past the Ravens on Sunday, it appears as though he'll be activated Monday. In the event that occurs, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com suggests that the tight end would be on a "pitch count," but Henry's return to the mix would be a welcome one, in any case. In 14 games during the 2017 season, the 24-year-old displayed promise as a pass catcher, hauling in 45 passes for 579 yards and four TDs.

Andrews finished his rookie season with 34 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns on 50 targets.

It was an impressive first year from Andrews, especially considering how crowded Baltimore's tight end group was to begin the year. The Ravens already had two established tight ends and also drafted Hayden Hurst in the first round before scooping Andrews in the third. Andrews had light target volume overall but he made the most of his looks (11.0 YPT) and established himself as a real deep threat as he finished second on the team in catches of 20 or more yards (8) and catches of 40 or more yards (2). The advanced numbers on Andrews are positive as well; his air yards per game, team air yard share and average depth of target score above average among NFL tight ends. If the Ravens part ways with Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle in free agency, Andrews' role in the offense will only increase in 2019.

The Chargers won't activate Henry (knee) from the PUP list Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Thus, Henry won't be available for Sunday's wild-card game at Baltimore.

Since returning to practice Dec. 17, Henry has increased his practice reps slowly but surely in anticipation of completing his recovery from a torn ACL suffered on May 22. However, he won't take the field for the Chargers' playoff opener, which means his teammates will have to emerge victorious Sunday for him to have any shot to suit up in the divisional round or beyond. With Henry unavailable, the team will continue to trust in Virgil Green and Antonio Gates at tight end, at least for one more game.

Seals-Jones (neck) notched 34 receptions (on 69 targets) for 343 yards and one touchdown in 15 games during the 2018 season.

A lack of offensive personnel allowed Seals-Jones to rack up the third-most targets among Cardinals, but the quarterback trio of Josh Rosen, Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon brought the team to a last-place finish in just about every category, including passing yards per game and points per game. With nowhere to go but up as Rosen, a 2018 first-rounder, settles in as a pro, Seals-Jones stands to benefit alongside other building blocks like David Johnson and Christian Kirk (foot). Seals-Jones is an exclusive-rights free agent in the offseason, meaning he's beholden to whatever contract the team tenders him once the new league year begins March 13.

Njoku caught three of seven targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 26-24 finale loss to the Ravens.

Njoku finishes the 2018 season with 56 receptions for 639 yards to go along with four touchdowns. While those numbers are an improvement from his rookie season, the Miami Hurricane product dealt with inconsistency through much of the season and never was the red-zone threat many expected him to be. With that being said, he still possesses the talent to be a top-tier tight end in the league, and an entire offseason to work with Baker Mayfield should strengthen the duo's rapport.

Smythe caught three of four targets for 14 yards during Sunday's 42-17 loss to the Bills. He ends the season with six receptions for 50 yards.

Smythe led the Dolphins' tight ends in receiving during the season-finale, though his stats don't stand out. The 2018 fourth-round pick progressed well in his development through his rookie season, and even managed to overtake Nick O'Leary (listed as the No. 1 tight end on Miami's depth chart) in terms of offensive snaps during the last two games of the season. Likely to be primarily used as a blocker to pair with Mike Gesicki's receiving chops, Smythe is a key part of the Dolphins' plans for 2019 and beyond.

Waller hauled in all three of his targets for 23 yards during Sunday's 35-3 loss to the Chiefs.

Waller logged a season-high 15 offensive snaps during the Raiders' season finale behind starter Jared Cook, as the former totaled 75 yards on six catches in four contests with the silver and black in 2018. Waller would be inexpensive to keep on the roster in 2019, though he'll likely need to earn his spot with the Raiders expected to make an effort to re-sign Cook.

Coach Anthony Lynn said the Chargers haven't made a decision about Henry (knee) playing in Sunday's wild-card game in Baltimore but noted that the tight end will be on a "pitch count" if he suits up, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Henry seems to be closing in on a return from a torn ACL in near-record time, with an appearance Sunday marking a little more than seven and a half months from the initial injury. Before that comes to fruition, though, he'll have to activated from the PUP list. As a result, he didn't appear on Wednesday's practice report because he has yet to rejoin the 53-man roster. If he's cleared to play during the Chargers' postseason run, Henry will soak up some of the snaps that have gone to Virgil Green and Antonio Gates in his absence.