NFL Player News

Akins caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 19-16 overtime win over the Cowboys.

Akins and fellow rookie tight end Jordan Thomas have been afterthoughts in the offensive attack. The duo has combined for 18 targets over the first five games. Starter Ryan Griffin is the most attractive tight end option on the roster, but the position group as a whole lags behind the wideouts and backs.

James caught both his targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 41-17 win over the Falcons.

James has only been targeted four times over the past three weeks after seeing 10 targets in his first two games of the season. Week 6 may result in more of the same against a Bengals defense that limited him to one catch for 13 yards the last time they met.

Smith failed to haul in either of his two targets during Sunday's 13-12 loss to Buffalo.

Smith drew two targets for the third consecutive game but has converted just one of those six into a reception. He has just two catches for 21 yards on the season, and the optimism he would fill in for Delanie Walker should be abandoned until he proves to have a consistent role in the offense.

Kittle caught five of seven targets for 83 yards in Sunday's 28-18 loss to the Cardinals.

Kittle hasn't skipped a beat since C.J. Beathard replaced Jimmy Garoppolo (knee) as San Francisco's starting quarterback, accumulating 11 catches on 15 targets for 208 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks, The athletic tight end will look to stay on a roll in Week 6 at Green Bay.

Ertz caught 10 of 11 pass attempts for 110 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Vikings.

With Xavier Rhodes making life tough for Alshon Jeffery on the day, Ertz led the team in targets, catches and receiving yards. He did much of his damage late in the game as his team looked to climb back in it, including a seven-yard touchdown reception to bring the deficit to two with just over a minute left. While Ertz looked good to begin the season, he has been a new man since Carson Wentz returned to form, recording 20 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks. He'll look to continue his recent success Thursday against the Giants.

Kelce caught five of eight targets for 100 yards during Sunday's 30-14 win over the Jaguars.

Kelce continues to be arguably the most consistently dangerous tight end in the game. Since a Week 1 hiccup, Kelce has caught at least five passes in every game and has either totaled 100 yards or scored in each of those contests. The way this offense is able to move the ball, even when faced with some adversity in the form of a tough Jaguars defense, Kelce should be a start every week, even against a looming and crafty Patriots defense that is sure to mix things up on Sunday.

Gesicki reeled in three of five targets for 26 yards during Miami's 27-17 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.

Gesicki had a quiet day despite receiving the majority of tight ends snaps with A.J. Derby (foot) inactive. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill posted only 185 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a fumble, and it will be difficult for Gesicki to achieve a more involved role in Miami's offense unless the team's passing game is able to take off at some point this season.

Thomas caught three of six targets for 38 yards during Sunday's 33-31 win over the Giants.

Thomas tied for second on the team in targets, but he did't make much of an impact outside of a 27-yard gain in the second quarter. While this effort was modest at best for Thomas, he notched a new career high in yardage and has now improved in that category with each passing week of the season. Thomas could put up useful numbers if he ever takes full advantage of his newfound role in the offense, with his next chance to step up coming Sunday against the Redskins.

Hooper collected nine of 12 targets for 77 yards during Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Steelers.

The third-year tight end set new season highs in targets and receptions against Pittsburgh, while accounting for his highest output of receiving yards since Week 1 of last season. Hooper feasted on a favorable matchup against a Steelers defense that surrendered more PPR points to tight ends than any other team coming into Week 5. Sunday provides further opportunity for bountiful fantasy production, with Hooper facing a Tampa Bay secondary that's been torched for 9.4 yards per attempt in 2018.

Graham brought in six of 11 targets for 76 yards in the Packers' 31-23 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

As expected with both Randall Cobb (hamstring) and Geronimo Allison (concussion/hamstring) out of action, Graham played a prominent role, seeing a season-high number of targets. The 31-year-old tight end has been a steady option for Aaron Rodgers thus far, posting at least five catches in three of the past four games, and over 70 yards twice. Graham should continue enjoying a secure role in the Packers offense as the season unfolds, although he's less likely to see the volume he enjoyed Sunday when the receiving corps is at full health. He'll look to continue his solid start against the 49ers in a Week 6 Monday night battle.