NFL Player News

Higbee caught three of six targets for 47 yards during Sunday's 35-30 win over Dallas.

Higbee led all Los Angeles tight ends with 47 offensive snaps again this week and was targeted twice as much as rookie Gerald Everett. Everett caught one of three looks for just eight yards and played only 21 offensive snaps Sunday. While Higbee clearly remains ahead of Everett on the depth chart, the rookie is going to remain involved in the passing attack. Additionally, this was the first game of the season that tight end Derek Carrier didn't haul in a pass. With quarterback Jared Goff spreading the ball around to his entire receiving corps, Higbee's piece of the pie is too small to move the fantasy needle in most settings.

Kittle caught two passes (three targets) for 35 yards in Sunday's 18-15 overtime loss to the Cardinals.

The 35 yards marked a new season high for the rookie tight end, which is a testament to his overall lack of involvement in San Francisco's air attack through four games. Brian Hoyer clearly prefers targeting his outside receivers in passing situations, utilizing Kittle as a safety valve -- as he was on both of his catch and runs Sunday -- when his primary options are covered. The 23-year-old has received two red-zone targets through four games, but neither has come from 10 yards in. Kittle's limited usage and lack of touchdown potential make him tough to roster, even in deeper formats.

Henry caught two of his three targets for 16 yards and a touchdown during the 26-24 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Henry's fantasy afternoon was shaping up to be another dud, but an incredible one-handed catch in the back of the end zone saved what was another otherwise forgettable performance. With Antonio Gates still seeing plenty of time on the field and potential red-zone target, Mike Williams, nearing a return from a nagging back injury, Henry could fall even further down the pecking order in the coming weeks. However, with the Chargers perhaps already out of contention in the AFC -- 0-4 after Sunday's loss -- there's a chance the team could opt to play some of its younger players, meaning Henry isn't necessarily a candidate to be dropped by fantasy owners just yet.

Derby caught four of six targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-10 win over the Raiders.

Derby was responsible for his team's only two passing plays longer than 20 yards in this one, including a 22-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. He also led the team in targets and yardage while tying for the lead in receptions. The 26-year-old totaled just four catches for 39 yards through the season's first three weeks, so it's a bit early to consider him a serviceable option at this juncture. However, his status bears watching on a team devoid of many pass-catching options aside from Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Derby will enjoy a bye next week before facing the Giants the following Sunday night.

Ertz caught five of eight targets for 81 yards in Sunday's 26-24 win over the Chargers.

This was actually Ertz's worst performance of the season from a fantasy perspective, which speaks to his remarkable consistency at a position that's known for anything but. He has at least five catches and eight targets in every game through four weeks, and he scored a touchdown the only time he fell shy of 80 yards. Ertz is locked in as a top-five option at his position, even in a Week 5 matchup with an Arizona defense that's been consistently excellent against tight ends since the start of the 2016 campaign.

Engram brought in six of 11 passes for 62 yards in Sunday's 25-23 loss to the Buccaneers.

The 23-year-old continues surging, as he's now upped his reception total and targets in both of his last two games. Engram has recorded no less than four catches in any contest, while his target share Sunday was also a high-water mark over his first four games. The 2017 first-round pick has proven to be a viable downfield option for QB Eli Manning thus far, especially as Odell Beckham, Jr. has progressively worked his way back up to speed after missing the season opener with an ankle injury. Engram will look to extend his excellent start when the Giants tangle with the Chargers in Week 5.

James caught three passes for 40 yards in Sunday's 26-9 win against the Ravens.

Since his six-catch, two-touchdown performance in Week 1, James has averaged three receptions per game and failed to reach pay dirt. While he clearly has distanced himself from fellow tight ends Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble, James' hit-or-miss production makes him little more than a backup for fantasy purposes.

Hooper caught five of seven targets for 50 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Bills.

With both Julio Jones (hip) and Mohamed Sanu (hamstring) going down, Hooper ended up leading the Falcons in catches and targets while ranking second to running back Tevin Coleman in receiving yards. Atlanta's off next week, but Jones' and Sanu's health will be worth monitoring prior to the team's Week 6 clash with Miami, as Hooper's big-play ability coupled with increased snaps would give him a high ceiling should either receiver sit out.

Kroft caught six of seven targets for 68 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Sunday's 31-7 win over the Browns.

With Tyler Eifert (back) out of commission, Kroft led the team in receiving yardage and found the end zone for the first time since Week 15 of the 2015 season. Few other players on offense have stepped up for the Bengals, so perhaps the third-year pro can continue to play a sizable role after seizing his opportunity. It remains to be seen if Eifert plays next week against the Bills, but Kroft seems likely to factor into the team's plans regardless.

Hewitt injured his knee Sunday against the Browns and won't return, Jay Morrison of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Hewitt hasn't been targeted yet this season, but he's only played 20 offensive snaps over three games. The 26-year-old tight end is used mainly for run-blocking duties and on special teams. He'll shift his focus to getting healthy for a Week 5 matchup with the Bills.