NFL Player News

Gesicki played just 27 of the Dolphins' 78 offensive snaps (35 percent) in Sunday's 31-28 overtime win over the Bears. He was targeted twice and recorded an 11-yard reception.

Gesicki had started the past two games with A.J. Derby (foot) sidelined, but Nick O'Leary -- who had been promoted from the practice squad earlier in the month -- assumed most of the reps at tight end in Week 7. While the coaching staff recently acknowledged Gesicki's improvement as a blocker since training camp, he still remains underdeveloped in that phase of the game, which may have prompted the decision to rely on O'Leary. In addition to his blocking prowess, O'Leary hauled in all four of his targets for 49 yards and the Dolphins' only touchdown of the first half, which may have been enough for him to secure his spot above Gesicki on the depth chart. The rookie's outlook is further hindered by the potential return of Derby, who appears to be close to playing again after practicing last week.

Hollister was on the field for three of a possible 78 snaps on offense in Sunday's 43-40 win over the Chiefs.

Hollister remains an afterthought in the Patriots' offense as long as Rob Gronkowski is healthy enough to play. If, however, Gronkowski ever misses any time, it would likely be Hollister rather than Dwayne Allen who sees the boost in fantasy value.

Allen was on the field for 11 of a possible 78 snaps on offense in Sunday's 43-40 win over the Chiefs.

Allen, who was not targeted for the second straight game, is well off the fantasy radar, with just one catch for minus-4 yards through five games to date. That won't change as long as Rob Gronkowski remains healthy enough to play.

Hooper corralled nine of his 10 targets, while accounting for 71 receiving yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 34-29 win against Tampa Bay.

The third-year tight end had exceeded six receptions in a game once in his career entering Week 5, but he's now pieced together back-to-back performances with nine receptions and 70-plus receiving yards against the Steelers and Buccaneers. With all the weapons to account for in the Falcons passing attack, Hooper is benefiting from single-coverage situations and putting up monstrous numbers in the process, hauling in a highly efficient 18 of 22 targets for 148 yards over Atlanta's past two games. Week 7 brings a Monday Night matchup with the Giants, and a defense that has thus far succeeded in containing opposing tight ends, allowing the ninth-fewest receptions (23) and only one touchdown to the position in six games this season.

Akins caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's win over the Bills.

Akins has caught at least one pass in every game but has no more than two in any contest. His catch percentage is fine (82 percent), but with only 11 targets through six games, Akins is not ready for a regular fantasy role.

Kelce hauled in five of nine targets for 61 yards in Sunday's 43-40 loss to the Patriots.

Kelce had a solid day at the office, but his stat line paled in comparison to the receiving numbers Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt put up. The All-Pro tight end may no longer be the top receiving target in Kansas City for the first time in a while, but he has still posted usable fantasy numbers with 462 yards and three touchdowns over the last five weeks. Kelce will look to continue his consistent production against the Bengals on Sunday.

Smith hauled in his lone target for 12 yards in Sunday's 21-0 loss against the Ravens.

Smith made his first catch since Week 3 and has just three receptions through six games this season. Though it was assumed he would step into the role of injured Delanie Walker, that hasn't been the case. Smith has failed to command more than three targets in a game this season.

Firkser hauled in both of his targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 21-0 loss to the Ravens.

Sunday was a memorable day for Firkser, as he made both his first regular-season appearance and reception. He was signed from the team's practice squad Oct. 8 after bouncing around with the Jets and Chiefs earlier in his career. Though the Titans' tight ends aren't particularly impressive, Firkser still figures to slot in behind both Jonnu Smith and Luke Stocker at the position moving forward.

Swaim caught both his targets for 21 yards during Sunday's 40-7 win over the Jaguars.

Swaim was targeted just twice, but that was good for third on the team on a day in which the running game was heavily featured. He had averaged 47 receiving yards over the last three games, so this effort was surely disappointing to fantasy owners who were anticipating a larger role in the offense. Swaim should continue to serve as the team's preferred pass-catching tight end option, though his team's reliance on the ground attack can cap his opportunities in a given week. He'll look to bounce back next Sunday against the Redskins.

Seals-Jones caught five of six targets for 69 yards during Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Vikings.

Seals-Jones set a new season high in receiving yardage and came within three of his career best, thanks in large part to a long gain of 40 yards. He tied for second on the team in catches while trailing only Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk in targets. Seals-Jones was held without a catch last week against the 49ers, but he was targeted six times in the game and seems to be in good standing after this bounce-back performance. He could be emerging as a useful option for an evolving Cardinals offense and will look to build on this effort Thursday against the Broncos.