NFL Player News

Ertz (ribs) is expected to return for the Eagles' Week 5 game against the Lions, according to coach Doug Pederson.

Ertz has been sidelined since suffering a displaced rib during Philadelphia's season-opening win, but with the Eagles now entering a Week 4 bye, he could return for their next appearance. Should that transpire, adding Ertz would only figure to boost an offense that has already impressed to begin this season. That being said, by Ertz reclaiming the Eagles' starting tight end position, both Brent Celek and Trey Burton would probably be pushed down the pecking order in Philadelphia's passing game.

Kelce caught six of seven targets fora season-high 89 yards and touchdown in Sunday's 24-3 win over the Jets.

Kelce made a couple of big plays, including a 42-yard catch and also his first touchdown of the season. He was Alex Smith's favorite target Sunday, as no other pass catcher had more than four receptions or 44 yards. He'll look to stay on a roll next week at Pittsburgh.

James caught two of four targets for 10 yards Sunday in Philadelphia.

James was basically a non-factor with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger forcing the ball into top wideout Antonio Brown. The second-year tight end likely won't see much volume in a Steelers offense that doesn't lack for weapons, so his value is very touchdown-dependent.

Henry caught all five of his targets for 76 yards in Sunday's 26-22 loss, but also lost a key fumble late in the game.

With the Chargers trailing by four points in the final two minutes of the game, Henry was stripped of the ball after an 18-yard catch, essentially ending the team's chance at a comeback. Despite the miscue, it was an impressive performance by Henry, who saw a lot of action in the absence of an inactive Antonio Gates (hamstring). If Gates misses another game next week, Henry would have a favorable matchup against New Orleans.

Graham (knee) grabbed six of nine targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-18 win over the 49ers. He also lost a fumble.

It was easily Graham's best game of the season, though he failed to make a catch in the second half. He came up with a nifty 40-yard catch at one point in the first half and also scored from 18 yards out. On a negative note, Russell Wilson sprained his left knee in the second half and later left the game. Rookie Trevone Boykin did a decent job in limited action, tossing a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. If Wilson can't go in Week 4, Boykin will start at the Jets.

Amaro hauled in three of four targets for a team-leading 59 receiving yards Sunday against the Raiders.

Amaro assumed the receiving tight end role with Delanie Walker (hamstring) unable to suit up. While he hasn't made much of an impact since being drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Jets, it was his receiving prowess at Texas Tech that prompted New York to pick Amaro so early. Chances are his blocking inadequacies will prevent the 24-year-old from seeing much playing time once Walker is healthy, though.

Vannett (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Vannett has been dealing with an ankle sprain since mid-August and has yet to return to action. As soon as he returns to action, he will likely be an afterthought on offense as he sits behind Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson on the tight end depth chart.

Uzomah will concede the starting tight end role to Tyler Kroft for Sunday's matchup against Denver, Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Uzomah has been the primary pass catching tight end for the Bengals in the absence of Tyler Eifert (ankle), but it will be Kroft that draws the start for Sunday's matchup. Uzomah missed Wednesday's practice with a rib injury, but there has been little to indicate that this is the cause of that decision. Either way, both tight ends are risky fantasy plays against a tough Denver defense, and each stands to see his value plummet following the anticipated return of Eifert in Week 4.

Kroft will draw the start at tight end over C.J. Uzomah for Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

While Tyler Eifert (foot) deals with an ankle injury, Kroft and C.J. Uzomah have been seeing the majority of tight end reps. Uzomah has 13 targets in the passing game through two weeks, compared to Kroft's four, but it will be Kroft who lands in Sunday's starting lineup. The pair each had exactly 41 offensive snaps Week 2 against Pittsburgh, but those counts stand to diminish greatly with the expected return of Eifert for Week 4's matchup against Miami.

Pruitt (knee) is inactive for Sunday's Week 3 matchup with the Panthers, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Pruitt was limited during practice all week, and after evaluating him Sunday morning, team trainers evidently determined that the tight end wasn't ready to go. Since he's the No. 3 option on the depth chart behind Kyle Rudolph and Rhett Ellison, Pruitt won't see many snaps even once he returns to active status.