NFL Player News

The terrific trio of Colts tight ends played a significant role Sunday in a blanking of Cincinnati.

Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen and Jack Doyle combined for eight receptions for 136 yards. The lone score came courtesy of Allen, who gathered in a sideline pass five minutes into the third quarter and raced 32 yards into the end zone. He finished with three catches for 52 yards.

Fleener caught four passes for 64 yards while Doyle made the most of his one target for a 20-yard snag.

The threesome will try to wreak havoc on the Steelers in Week 8.

The Saints were fully prepared to give Jimmy Graham some chances in the red zone, but they ultimately didn't get the chance to in Week 7 against the Lions.

Graham was targeted just twice in the game, with neither coming in the red zone. Of course, the Saints played just three offensive snaps in the red zone overall, and one of those was a spike at the end of the half first to set up a field goal. Graham posted zero Fantasy points in the game, leaving anyone who got him into the lineup at the last minute disappointed, but the thought process behind that decision was the right one.

Graham isn't just one of the best red-zone targets in the league; he is one of the best of all time. Even in a limited role, you wanted him in your lineup just for the chance that he might make some plays down by the goal line. Sure, Sunday's game was a disappointment, but you can't beat yourself up too much.

After all, at least he got through this game healthy and should see a more robust role in Week 8 against the Packers. 

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham played through a shoulder injury Week 7 at Detroit but did not record a catch. Graham was not targeted in the first half and drew two targets after halftime.

Early in the fourth quarter, Graham ran a deep sideline route but Drew Brees overthrew him. Graham's health will be a big topic of discussion as the Saints prepare to host the Packers on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.

The Rams got a slew of offensive contributions in their 28-26 home win over the Seahawks. Wideout Tavon Austin rushed five times for 16 yards and caught three of four targets for 6 yards. Receiver Chris Givens made a 30-yard catch, and wideout Kenny Britt caught two of three targets for 4 yards.

Tight end Cory Harkey added a 9-yard grab.

With the Seahawks missing their top two tight ends, Cooper Helfet stepped up Week 7 at St. Louis, catching three of six targets for 61 yards and a touchdown. Helfet made a highlight-worthy play in the fourth quarter when he tapped his toes for a 19-yard score.

He'll visit Carolina in Week 8.

The Cardinals have made RB Marion Grice, LB Desmond Bishop, LB Thomas Keiser, LB Glenn Carson, DT Bruce Gaston, TE Troy Niklas and DE Calais Campbell inactive Week 7 against the Raiders.

Both Niklas and Campbell had been ruled out prior to the contest. Carson was considered questionable due to an ankle injury. 

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham's playing time at Detroit will depend in part on how much pain his injured shoulder gives him, reports Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, who said the plan is for Graham to play up to 30 snaps. Graham played 53 snaps in his last full game, Week 4 at Dallas.

Glazer said game situations also will affect how often Graham is on the field. At a minimum, the Saints want to use him in the red zone and near the goal line.

Jimmy Graham owners are in a tough spot in Week 7, with their top tight end set to play Sunday against the Lions. Normally, Graham is a must-start Fantasy option, but his shoulder injury has to give you pause, right?

The Saints do have a ton of other options at tight end, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he takes on a smaller role Sunday. However, we have already seen what Graham can do even in a limited workload, as he caught a pair of touchdowns while playing just 18 snaps in a game against Tampa Bay last season.

You might not get a huge performance in terms of yardage and receptions from Graham this week, since there is every reason to think his role will be smaller than usual. Still, the Saints are likely to prioritize his snaps, using him in higher leverage situations near the end zone, so he could still put up a big game for you. Though Graham carries some risk, you probably want to go down swinging with your studs in Week 7. 

Lions tight ends Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Joseph Fauria (ankle) are among the team's inactives for the game against New Orleans. Also sitting out are wideout Calvin Johnson (ankle), running back Theo Riddick (hamstring), quarterback Kellen Moore, offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds and defensive end Larry Webster.

With Ebron and Fauria out, tight end Brandon Pettigrew is in for a big workload Sunday.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham is active for the game at Detroit despite a lingering shoulder injury. Most reports indicate Graham will not play a full complement of snaps, instead focusing on red-zone situations.

In five games, Graham has 34 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns.