NFL Player News

Thomas caught two of three targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Falcons.

Thomas played all but three offensive snaps in the wake of Greg Olsen (foot) going down Week 1. While that heightened involvement is really encouraging for Thomas, the rookie fourth-rounder's sparse utilization in the passing game shows he still has some way to go in establishing a trusted rapport with quarterback Cam Newton. Fortunately for him, he figures to continue to get the necessary playing time, making his development worthwhile to monitor in the coming weeks.

Everett recorded a 17-yard reception during Sunday's 34-0 win over Arizona.

After missing the majority of the preseason with a shoulder injury and playing just five offensive snaps Week 1, it was encouraging to see Everett haul in a lengthy reception Sunday. He's still firmly behind Tyler Higbee on the depth chart, as Everett played just eight offensive snaps compared to Higbee's 64. However, it wouldn't be shocking if the second-year tight end out of South Alabama became more involved in the passing attack as the season progresses. Everett was handpicked by the current regime in the second round of the 2017 draft, and he displayed his athleticism with 15.3 yards per reception as a rookie in 2017. Keep tabs on Everett in deep setups.

Higbee played 64 of 72 offensive snaps and caught a three-yard touchdown pass during Sunday's 34-0 win over Arizona.

The third-year tight end failed to secure his other target, so while it was great to see Higbee find the end zone Week 2, Sunday's touchdown stands as his only reception through the first two games of the season. He was still on the field for 64 offensive snaps compared to Gerald Everett's eight, so for the time being, Higbee's position atop the depth chart appears secure. Still, neither Los Angeles tight end profiles as a reliable fantasy option at this stage of the game.

Coach John Harbaugh said Hurst (foot) isn't expected to take part in practice this week.

When he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot on Aug. 24, Hurst was in line for a 3-4 week recovery, but he's already brushing up against the latter end of that timetable. The 2018 first-round pick is thus a better bet to make his pro debut Week 4 (or later) rather than Week 3. Look for the trio of Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews and Maxx Williams to continue holding down the fort at tight end for the Ravens.

Allen logged 13 out of a possible 61 snaps on offense in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars.

Allen was not targeted in the game, underscoring that he's off the fantasy radar while working behind Rob Gronkowski and with fellow tight end Jacob Hollister carving out a role in the team's passing game at Allen's expense.

Hollister caught all three of his targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 31-20 loss to the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, Rob Gronkowski hauled in two of his four targets for just 15 yards. Though Hollister outproduced Gronkowski in Week 2, as the Jaguars focused on containing the Patriots' top tight end, it must be noted that Hollister was on the field for just 14 snaps (out of a possible 61) compared to Gronkowski's 58 snaps. While it's tough to count on a steady level of production from Hollister, he's a name to have filed away in the event of a Gronkowski injury.

Lewis played 14 snaps in Sunday's tie with the Vikings but did not catch a pass.

Lewis worked as the Packers' third tight end in their season opener, and he was back in that role in Week 2, as backup tight end Lance Kendricks totaled 27 snaps and top tight end Jimmy Graham was on the field for 58 plays.

Gathers failed to catch either of his targets in Sunday night's win over the Giants.

Both times Dak Prescott threw his way, the quarterback was scrambling to get away from the Giants' pass rush, which suggests that Gathers isn't yet among the QB's first reads. The tight end's athleticism and wingspan should earn him more trust in the offense now that he's beginning to prove he can get open, though, and his two targets were two more than the rest of Dallas' tight ends combined. He's worth keeping an eye on as his role grows, but as yet Gathers' fantasy value is minimal.

Engram caught all seven of his targets for 67 yards and a score against the Cowboys on Sunday night.

The Giants offense was terrible all game, but a blown coverage in the end zone by the Cowboys in garbage time salvaged Engram's day. There's a lot of talent in the Giants offense, but the usage tree is fairly narrow -- only Odell Beckham, Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard and Engram see regular looks, so there should be enough to go around.

Kittle pulled in two of his four targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 30-27 win over the Lions.

Kittle saw far fewer targets than his impressive Week 1 showing (5-9-90), due in large part to a game script that had the 49ers chewing clock for the majority of the second half. The 24-year-old was targeted in the end zone for what would have been a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter, but Lions safety Quandre Diggs held on to Kittle's jersey and took a holding penalty once he knew he was beat, eliminating what looked to be a sure score. Fellow tight end Garrett Celek ended up converting a red-zone touchdown later in the game, a vulture situation that could become a nuisance at times for Kittle's fantasy owners. That said, the sophomore is still viewed as the top tight end in San Francisco, and he possesses a far higher offensive ceiling due to a combination of size and speed. Expect Kittle to be more involved in a potential aerial shootout against the Chiefs next week.