NFL Player News

Henry finished his rookie season with 36 catches for 478 yards and tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions by a tight end with eight.

A solid performance Sunday against the Chiefs highlighted what was an uneven first season for Henry. While the 22-year-old clearly has a knack for finding the end zone, Henry hardly saw a consistent source of targets, finishing with the sixth-best mark (53) on the team. However, fantasy owners saw flashes of what Henry could develop into if given enough looks, as the Arkansas product put together a four-week stretch early in the season where he totaled 18 catches, 290 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Much like the rest of the Chargers' receiving threats, injuries hampered Henry as the season progressed, likely playing a part in the regression, but Henry's fantasy value will rise exponentially should Gates opt not to return for his 15th season. However, should Gates return to the Chargers as expected, Henry could once again be relegated to a de-facto timeshare with the veteran, hampering the opportunity for both players to factor in more offensively.

According to head coach Dan Quinn, Hooper (knee) is expected to practice this week.

Hooper was diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which usually requires a 2-to-4 week recovery. However, Quinn seems confident that Hooper will be on the field this week. The extent of the tight end's participation is still unknown, but look for more updates to come when practice reports are released in the next few days. Hooper will likely compete with Levine Toilolo, Joshua Perkins and D.J. Tialavea for reps throughout the week.

Westbrook signed a future contract with the Buccaneers on Monday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The tight end has spent the last two seasons on the Buccaneers' practice squad and will now spend the offseason with the team in the hopes of making the 53-man roster next season.

James caught two passes for 16 yards in the Steelers' 27-24 overtime win against Cleveland on Sunday.

The second-year tight end failed to take advantage of Ladarius Green missing his tenth game this season. Targeted three times, this game was on par with his performance all season, and finished with 338 yards and three touchdowns on 39 receptions.

Hamm injured his left leg in pregame warmups prior to Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.

The extent of Hamm's injury wasn't specified. Barring anything serious, he should be ready to play in time for the start of the 2017 campaign.

Kelce had just one catch on two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 37-27 win at San Diego.

Kelce had been on a tear, with 100 yards or more in five of the previous six games. The Chargers presumably paid more attention to Kelce on Sunday though, as Alex Smith spread the ball around more to the likes of Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley, who combined to catch eight passes for 108 yards. The athletic TE easily led all players at his position in yardage this season at 1,125 yards and finished second to Dennis Pitta with 85 receptions. Kelce will look to get back on track in two weeks, as the Chiefs will have a bye in the first round of the postseason.

Ertz caught 13 of 16 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 27-13 win over the Cowboys.

Ertz enjoyed his best game of the season and equaled his career high in receptions while producing the second best yardage total of his first four NFL seasons. After an inauspicious start to the season with Carson Wentz at the helm, Ertz enjoyed an excellent finish by posting an average of 74 yards per game over his final nine contests and scoring all four of his touchdowns in that span. After notching career highs in every major offensive category, he will look to continue his evolution into a top fantasy asset at his position.

Hooper has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which will be accompanied by a recovery timetable of two to four weeks, Adam Caplan of ESPN reports.

Hooper sustained a left knee injury in Week 15, and a subsequent MRI didn't reveal the the extent of the injury. Perhaps the swelling needed to diminish before the Falcons could hone in on the severity of the ailment, but Hooper will miss at least the first two weeks of the postseason. Expect the trio of Levine Toilolo, Joshua Perkins and D.J. Tialavea to handle the position for the foreseeable future.

Duarte (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 17 tilt versus the Patriots, the team's official site reports.

Duarte will join fellow backup tight end Dominique Jones on the sideline, while Dion Sims and MarQueis Gray soak up the reps at the position against New England.

Thomas is inactive for Sunday's game at the Jets.

There was some thought the project tight end would see a handful of snaps in a meaningless game, but that won't happen and the Bills will now have the offseason to see if the former quarterback has what it takes to be an NFL tight end.