NFL Player News

Smith hauled in one of his three targets for 12 yards in Week 1 against Miami.

Smith saw two his three targets on the last drive of the game, after Delanie Walker (ankle) was off the field due to what is believed to be a season-injury. The second-year tight end is now in line for an increased workload as the presumptive starter, with Luke Stocker also a candidate to see added reps at the position while Walker is out. Though No. 1 wideout Corey Davis dominated the targets Sunday, Rishard Matthews (knee) is still limited by offseason injuries and Taywan Taylor failed to make his mark in the opening game. As a result, if Smith emerges as the primary replacement for Walker, he could see a fairly significant increase in targets.

Thomas caught both of his targets for four yards during Sunday's 16-8 win over the Cowboys.

Thomas made a seven-yard catch before losing three yards on the only other pass thrown his way. Despite his modest NFL debut, he could be in for an increase in usage after teammate Greg Olsen (foot) left the game with an injury. The severity of the issue will become more clear over the next couple of days, but Thomas would profile as the main beneficiary if Olsen misses any time. Thomas' next chance to contribute will come next week against the Falcons.

Swaim caught three of four targets for 18 yards during Sunday's 16-8 loss to the Panthers.

Swaim tied for third in the team in targets, accounting for all but one of Dak Prescott's pass attempts aimed at tight ends. He made a nice play on a screen which resulted in a first down early on, but he was limited to a pair of short gains during the remainder of the game. Although the Dallas passing attack is clearly a work in progress, Swaim is the only option on the depth chart with much experience and was easily the most involved during the season opener. With that said, he won't take much fantasy value into next week's matchup with the Giants.

Dissly hauled in three passes for a team-high 105 yards and one touchdown on five targets during Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Broncos.

Dissly was the most-targeted tight end, as Nick Vannett was thrown to twice. Originally drafted as a run-blocking asset, the rookie fourth-round pick looked like a natural catching the ball, scoring the game's first touchdown and later adding a 66-yard catch-and-run to set up a Sebastian Janikowski field goal. However, it will be tough for Dissly to approach this kind of production if he continues to split work with Vannett in a timeshare at tight end. The division of snaps and targets will be something to watch in a Monday Night Football matchup with the Bears in Week 2.

Kelce caught just one of six targets for six yards in Sunday's 38-28 win over the Chargers.

Patrick Mahomes had a great game, throwing for 256 yards and four touchdowns, but Tyreek Hill (seven catches for 169 yards and two scores) was the one that benefited the most. It's possible that Kelce's stats take a minor hit this season with the quarterback switch from Alex Smith to Mahomes, although the presence of Hill and newcomer Sammy Watkins should open up the middle of the field for Kelce. Next week, Kelce will look to rebound at Pittsburgh.

Engram managed just two catches for 18 yards on five targets in Sunday's 20-15 Week 1 loss to Jacksonville.

It wasn't terribly surprising to see Engram struggle against one of the league's toughest defensive units, but he alarmingly ranked fourth on the team in targets behind Odell Beckham (11), Sterling Shepard (seven) and Saquon Barkley (six). While it remains to be seen how New York's offense does against less difficult competition, Engram will be hard-pressed to produce TE1 numbers on a consistent basis if he continues to serve as the fourth option in the passing game. On a positive note, Engram appears to be over the concussion he suffered Week 3 of preseason.

James totaled 60 yards while catching three of five targets during Sunday's 21-21 tie with the Browns.

James got the starting nod with Vance McDonald (foot) on the sideline, finishing third on the team in receiving yardage while tying for fourth on the team in targets. He generated a long gain of 37 yards and received one target in the red zone. James has potential to produce given the current circumstances, but his role could diminish quite a bit once McDonald and Le'Veon Bell return to the mix. It remains to be seen whether either of his two aforementioned teammates are ready for next week's game against the Chiefs.

Kittle brought in five of nine targets for 90 yards in the 49ers' 24-16 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

The second-year tight end was Jimmy Garoppolo's favorite target of the afternoon, with his impressive yardage total likely at least partly influenced by the fact Marquise Goodwin (quadriceps) spent time on the sidelines during the contest. Kittle displayed his impressive speed on several receptions, including his game-long 36-yard grab. It was an auspicious start to the campaign for a player many believe will take a considerable leap in 2018, one he'll look to build on in a Week 2 matchup against the Lions.

Gathers (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Panthers, David Helman of the team's official site reports.

Gathers will thus be in street clothes for his first game on the Cowboys' 53-man roster. The athletic tight end is still reportedly a work in progress as both a blocker and pass catcher after excelling as a college basketball player at Baylor.

Njoku departed Sunday's game against the Steelers in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

It's unclear what's afflicting Njoku, but he was at least able to walk off the field under his own power. The Browns should provide an update on Njoku's condition after the game if he fails to check back into the contest for the team's subsequent offensive drives.