NFL Player News

Smith caught two of five passes for 20 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over Cincinnati.

Smith had the fantasy world buzzing with touchdowns in consecutive games during Weeks 2 and 3, but he hasn't found paydirt since or topped 30 yards in his career. While the 2017 third-rounder's value will be limited as long as starting tight end Delanie Walker's healthy, Smith's combination of athleticism and blocking prowess suggests the Florida International product has a bright future ahead of him.

James failed to secure either of his two targets in Pittsburgh's 20-17 win over Indianapolis on Sunday.

This is the third time in his last four games that James has gone without a catch, as he and Vance McDonald continue to split tight end duties. Neither is seeing enough action to warrant fantasy consideration at this time.

Engram caught six of nine targets for 31 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 31-21 loss to the 49ers.

Engram averaged just 5.2 yards per catch in this one, but he salvaged his day from a fantasy perspective with a nine-yard touchdown grab just before half time. The rookie has surpassed 62 receiving yards just twice this season, but he now has five touchdowns to his name after scoring in four straight games. Engram's fantasy value continues to grow as he serves as the team's top red zone threat, and he'll look to keep it going next week against the Chiefs.

Derby injured his shoulder Sunday against the Broncos, and his return is questionable, Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post reports.

Derby went down in the third quarter. If he isn't cleared to return, the Broncos will only have Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman available at tight end.

The Rams promoted Mundt to their 53-man roster on Saturday, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Mundt has been on the team's practice squad since failing to make the roster at the start of the season. Third tight end Derek Carrier (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Texans, with Mundt likely to step into his role.

Swaim (knee) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Swaim's status was up in the air after he injured his knee during practice Thursday, and he was downgraded to out Saturday. Blake Jarwin will step in as third tight end for the Cowboys in his absence.

Manhertz (concussion) was a full participant at the Panthers' Friday practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Manhertz suffered a concussion in Sunday's victory over the Falcons, but it appears he has recovered from the issue. He looks on track to play in Week 10 barring any setbacks.

Swaim hurt his knee during Thursday's practice, and after sitting out Friday's session, his status isn't clear for Sunday, Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Swaim underwent an MRI to see if there was structural damage, but no reports have come out about the results. The third-year pro has just two receptions this season for 25 yards, but if he's unable to play, undrafted rookie Blake Jarwin will likely take over the remaining snaps.

Gathers (concussion) will start attending team meetings next week, Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gathers has been on injured reserve all season while dealing with serious post-concussion symptoms. It sounds like he's at least a few weeks away from returning to practice, but he could be a candidate to come off IR at some point in December. While Gathers is unlikely to have much impact this season even if he returns, there's some thought that the Cowboys view him as the eventual successor to Jason Witten. The 2016 sixth-round pick played basketball (and not football) at Baylor, but he had the look of a quick study during the preseason when he caught eight of 10 targets for 106 yards and two touchdowns in two games.

Graham brought in six of nine targets for 27 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday's 22-16 win over the Cardinals.

The veteran tight end has now racked up all six of his touchdowns in the last five games, with Thursday's contest serving as his second multi-score outing in the last three weeks. Graham's yardage total was his lowest since Week 2, but as long as he continues displaying a nose for the end zone, he'll remain a viable fantasy asset in all formats. He'll look to keep his impressive scoring stretch going against the Falcons in Week 11.