NFL Player News

The Jets could be getting creative at tight end with Kellen Winslow (suspension) and Jeff Cumberland (concussion) out for Sunday against New Orleans.

Konrad Reuland and Zach Sudfeld are the lone tight ends available and they have 64 snaps and three receptions combined all year. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said there were a "handful" of players who can play multiple positions, but did not name anyone in particular who can serve as a tight end. For now, Reuland and Sudfeld must step up.

"One guy [Sudfeld] probably has a little better skill set as a receiver, one's probably a little better blocker," Mornhinweg said. "So if Konrad starts, expect a run. If Sudfeld starts, expect a pass. No, it's not like that, but we will play them in different things. It's not just a set starter."

The crisis at that position should be temporary. Winslow is serving the last week of his suspension and Cumberland should get through concussion protocol in time for the next game. The Jets are on a bye in Week 10.

Texans tight end Garrett Graham will be looking to snap a three-game touchdown drought during Sunday's Week 9 matchup at home against the Colts.

Graham took over for an injured Owen Daniels and has not made much of an impact over the past two games. That said, Graham was Case Keenum's favorite target during a Week 7 loss to the Chiefs, which is encouraging for Fantasy owners. He caught only three of the eight passes thrown his way for 38 yards. Tight ends have not fared well against Indianapolis, averaging only 6.71 Fantasy points per game this season.

Graham has the chance to play well if he is highly targeted again as Keenum's safety valve. However, his number have not been convincing enough to make him a viable starting option this week. Keep him on the bench against the Colts in Week 9.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was limited in practice Thursday for a second straight day because of a lingering foot injury. However, Graham is expected to play Week 9 at N.Y. Jets.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 9 at N.Y. Jets. Graham was able to play in a limited role Week 8 despite the foot injury, totaling three catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns.

In his first game starting in place of the injured Jermichael Finley, Packers tight end Andrew Quarless caught both his targets for 13 yards against Minnesota. Quarless figures to start again Monday against Chicago, but his role won't change. He's primarily a blocker.

Leave Quarless on the waiver wire.

The Chiefs waived tight end Kevin Brock, who made three catches in four games.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham played just 18 snaps Sunday against the Bills because of a foot injury, but Graham didn't need a ton of plays to make a huge impact for Fantasy owners. Two of Graham's three catches went for touchdowns Week 8, proving even a less-than-100-percent Graham is a must-start Fantasy option.

Graham and the Saints will be back in action Week 9 at N.Y. Jets. Tight ends have fared pretty well against the Jets lately. In the last six games against New York, tight ends are averaging 73.3 receiving yards and 10.8 Fantasy points per week. Tight ends have also totaled four touchdowns in the last six games against the Jets.

Graham will likely see a reduced amount of snaps again Sunday as he continues to get back to 100 percent, but as we stated earlier, if Graham is active, then start him in all Fantasy formats.

Lions tight end Joseph Fauria was noticeably absent in red-zone situations during Sunday's game against the Cowboys. The Lions often went with three-receiver sets against Dallas' nickel defense, meaning only one tight end was on the field for Detroit, which was starter Brandon Pettigrew.

Fauria played just 15 of 82 offensive snaps Sunday (18.3 percent) and finished without a reception.

"Every week is going to be a little bit different," coach Jim Schwartz said, per MLive.com. "I think that everybody's role is going to change from week-to-week, and things like that. He can contribute in other ways other than the red zone.

"We used a lot of three-wide receiver personnel, and it only keeps one tight end on the field. That's no reflection on him. He wasn't benched or de-emphasized. We wanted to keep them in nickel packages."

Saints coach Sean Payton thinks tight end Jimmy Graham will be able to manage the pain from his partially torn fascia, which limited Graham to 18 snaps Sunday.

“I think from a pain standpoint, my understanding is it can begin to diminish,” Payton said, via ESPN.com. “I know this – we’re not gonna sit here week to week discussing it. But I think it’s something he’ll be able to manage.”

Graham made the most of his snaps, catching a pair of touchdowns against Buffalo. He's expected to play Week 9 at the Jets.

The Packers got a slew of offensive contributions in their easy win in Minnesota. Among them, tight end Andrew Quarless caught both his targets for 13 yards, and fullback John Kuhn hauled in one of his two targets for 7 yards.

Quarless started for Jermichael Finley, who's out indefinitely with a neck injury.