NFL Player News

Hooper is on pace to earn his third consecutive start Sunday in Philadelphia due to the likely absence of Jacob Tamme (shoulder).

Head coach Dan Quinn told Vaughn McClure of ESPN on Thursday that Tamme is unlikely to be active in Week 10, which would place Hooper firmly in the crosshairs of Matt Ryan yet again. In back-to-back starts, Hooper has reeled in eight of 11 passes for 87 yards and one touchdown.

Henry (knee) returned to a limited practice Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Henry, who was inactive in Week 9, wore a wrap and a brace over his knee at practice Wednesday, but his presence on the field, in any capacity, suggests that the tight end could return to action as soon as Sunday against the Dolphins.

Gray (undisclosed) didn't practice Wednesday, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Gray is not in any danger of missing the game Sunday in San Diego. The Dolphins held him out more as a precaution, as he is one of the few healthy tight ends on the roster and should start versus the Chargers.

Lewis had two catches on four targets for 23 yards in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Lewis was actually targeted two more times than No. 1 tight end Julius Thomas, but once again neither player provided much in terms of fantasy value. Outside of a touchdown in Week 2 against the Chargers, the veteran Lewis has been a virtual non-factor in one of the league's most inefficient passing games.

Pruitt was released by the Vikings on Tuesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Pruitt was released to make room for QB Taylor Heinicke (foot), who was activated from the non-football injury list. The Vikings still have three tight ends on their roster, with Rhett Ellison and David Morgan providing depth behind starter Kyle Rudolph. The 24-year-old Pruitt has just one catch for seven yards this season.

Graham caught eight passes (on eight targets) for 103 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's win over the Bills.

Graham was sensational Monday night, catching all eight passes thrown his way for a season high that included some circus style. The tight end started the second quarter with an awesome, one-handed 17-yard score in the back of the end zone, then incredibly finished the period with an 18-yard touchdown that was also pulled in with one hand. In doing so, Graham tripled his season touchdown total and posted a third 100-yard game of the campaign, leaving him behind only Carolina's Greg Olsen in receiving yards among tight ends this term.

Gray caught two passes for 10 yards Sunday against the Jets.

With Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims both sidelined due to head injuries, Gray once again received the start at tight end. This was the case last week as well, but he was ultimately held without a catch. As such, even this meager stat line serves as a step in the right direction as far as his fantasy value is concerned. He'll look to build upon his progress Sunday against the Chargers.

Higbee caught just one of his seven targets for 31 yards during Sunday's loss to Carolina.

After receiving seven targets through the first seven games of the season, and hauling in just two of them, Sunday's uptick of volume in the passing game was slightly surprising. Unfortunately, Higbee didn't make the most of his opportunity, whereas fellow tight end Lance Kendricks caught seven passes for 90 yards against Carolina. It's likely best to maintain a wait-and-see approach with Higbee, especially since Kendricks has established himself as one of the go-to options in the passing attack.

Escobar caught his first pass of the season, a two-yard touchdown, in Sunday's 35-10 rout of the Browns.

The fourth-year tight end has been a complete non-factor this season, but as has been the case throughout Escobar's career, when he does catch a pass, it tends to be in the end zone. Barring an injury to Jason Witten, don't look for Escobar's workload to increase dramatically any time soon.

James caught two passes for 13 yards in the Steelers' 21-14 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

James saw four targets on Sunday but, despite trailing all game, none after half time. His fantasy value seems to be touchdown dependent, which does not bode well in Week 10 against a Dallas defense that has not allowed an opposing number one tight end to score in their last five games.