NFL Player News

Kelce hauled in 11 of his 12 targets for a career-high 160 yards and a TD in Sunday's 33-10 win over the Broncos.

The surging tight end, who saw action on 70 of 76 snaps on offense in the game, has now topped 100 yards in five of his last six outings and heads into Week 17's game against the Chargers with something to play for, with the Chiefs still jostling for playoff seeding.

Head coach Dan Quinn stated his hope Monday that Hooper (knee) will be able to play Sunday against the Saints, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

In order to do so, Hooper will have to take part in practice, which he hasn't undertaken since injuring his left knee in Week 15. When healthy, he's the No. 1 tight end in the NFL's highest-scoring offense, so his status will be monitored closely as the week proceeds.

James hauled in four of five targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 31-27 win over the Ravens.

The second-year tight end was quiet the majority of the night but came alive with some key catches during the game-winning drive for the Steelers. With Ladarius Green sidelined by a concussion, the potential for a bigger game for James existed, but he understandably served as a fourth option in the passing game behind Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and Eli Rogers. However, James' yardage total was his second highest of the season, and his four receptions were the most he'd tallied since Week 10 against the Cowboys. He'll look to close out the season on a strong note against the Browns in Week 17, a game in which he would presumably serve as the top tight end if Green is unable to return.

Allen had three receptions for 31 yards on four targets in Saturday's loss to Oakland.

Allen had just four targets and one catch the prior two weeks, so this is a mild bounce back. Still, he's become the second tight end in the passing game after Jack Doyle and has to contend with an emerging Eric Swoope as well.

Higbee caught both his targets for five yards and his first career touchdown during Sunday's loss to San Francisco.

Through eight games since Los Angeles' bye week, Higbee has garnered just 22 targets and turned them into an underwhelming nine receptions, 79 yards and the single touchdown. While his tertiary role in the passing attack doesn't currently move the fantasy needle, the Rams selected him with a fourth-round pick, so Higbee is a player to watch in deep keeper/dynasty settings.

Duarte (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Bills.

The hybrid tight end will be inactive for the seventh consecutive week Saturday as he continues to struggle to find a role in the Dolphins offense. Dion Sims and MarQueis Gray figure to see the bulk of the work at tight end Saturday.

Amaro (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's Week 16 tilt versus the Jaguars.

The pass-catching tight end will thus take a seat once again, leaving the positional duties to starter Delanie Walker and backup Philip Supernaw.

Derby (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

With both Derby and Virgil Green out this week, Jeff Heuerman is currently the Broncos' top healthy tight end, while Henry Krieger-Coble was promoted to the team's active roster Friday for depth purposes.

Hooper (knee) has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the Panthers.

Hooper was held out of practice all week after suffering a knee injury last Sunday, so it's no surprise that he won't be available in Week 16. Fortunately, the rookie's knee injury isn't thought to be a long-term issue. However, with him sidelined Saturday, Levine Toilolo appears in line for a start at tight end, with Joshua Perkins and D.J. Tialavea the remaining options behind him.

Uzomah will be the Bengals' starting tight end Saturday against Houston, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Uzomah hasn't played in five weeks but his return comes just in time for Cincinnati. The team's top two tight ends, Tyler Eifert (back) and Tyler Kroft (knee/ankle), are both out, leaving Uzomah and Ryan Hewitt as the only available players at the position. Uzomah has 17 receptions for 193 yards in eight games played this season.