NFL Player News

Smith secured five of six targets for 15 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.

Although Smith didn't have a particularly efficient performance during his team debut Sunday, he led the Steelers in receptions while reaching the end zone just before halftime. Smith was on the field for 66 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps, which outpaced fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth, who played 50 percent of the snaps. While the duo will likely continue to split some playing time this year, Smith is coming off a career-best season with the Dolphins in 2024 in which he secured 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, and he has some fantasy upside in 2025 if he can establish a rapport with Aaron Rodgers.

Freiermuth secured all three of his targets for 28 yards during Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.

Freiermuth led the Steelers' tight ends in snap count over his first four seasons in the league, but he has increased competition for playing time in 2025 after the team acquired Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins. Smith was on the field for 66 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in Week 1 compared to 50 percent for Freiermuth, and Smith also outpaced Freiermuth in targets (six) and receptions (five) while reaching the end zone once. However, Freiermuth was slightly more efficient from a yardage standpoint, averaging 9.3 yards per reception compared to 3.0 for Smith. While Freiermuth likely will continue to have a role in the Steelers offense in 2025, his fantasy upside will presumably be more limited than it has been in previous seasons as long as Smith remains healthy.

Ogletree did not have a reception or target in Sunday's win over Miami. He played on 27 of the offense's 73 snaps.

Ogletree went out on just five routes as he's going to be almost exclusively a blocking tight end, with Tyler Warren becoming a focus in the passing game.

Hill recorded a two-point conversion reception during Sunday's 33-8 road loss to the Colts.

Hill wasn't targeted outside of a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter, which occurred after Miami's first and only touchdown of the day. With Darren Waller (hip) inactive due to an injury setback, Hill got a chance to start at tight end Week 1 and played 58 percent of offensive snaps, while Tanner Conner saw an identical workload. Neither tight end was targeted aside from the untimed two-point conversion attempt, though Conner saw more playing time on third downs while Hill handled the majority of early downs. If Waller is unable to return Week 2 versus the Patriots, Hill and Conner will continue to split time, with neither option carrying notable fantasy value.

Alie-Cox had one reception for 20 yards on his only target in Sunday's win over Miami.

Alie-Cox was the clear No. 2 tight end after Tyler Warren as he played on 33 of the offense's 73 snaps . Warren played 53 snaps and Andrew Ogletree played 27 snaps. Alie-Cox is mostly a blocking tight end, and his profile in the passing game will be minimal with Warren taking over as the primary tight end.

Sanders caught two of his three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's 26-10 loss to the Jaguars.

The second-year pro from Texas appears to be the Panthers' top tight end following the Week 1 loss, playing 39 offensive snaps -- 10 more than backup Tommy Tremble. Sanders drew just three targets Sunday but showcased his ability to make plays as a vertical threat, catching an 18-yard pass from Bryce Young. If Carolina's defense continues to struggle and forces Young into pass-heavy game scripts, Sanders could develop into a viable streaming option as the season progresses. Young will look to build on his performance Week 2 when the Panthers travel to Arizona.

Arroyo caught his lone target for seven yards in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the 49ers.

The rookie second-round pick played just 16 of the team's 52 offensive snaps (31 percent) while AJ Barner finished with 44 snaps (85 percent). Arroyo should have the highest long-term upside because of his athleticism and pass-catching abilities, but Barner has established himself as a dependable run blocker that may fit better with the Seahawks' scheme.

Barner rushed once for two yards and caught one of two targets for no gain in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the 49ers.

Barner played 44 of the team's 52 offensive snaps, clearly out-snapping rookie second-round pick Elijah Arroyo (16 snaps). The Seahawks look committed to the run game, and Barner is considered the better run blocker of the two, meaning he should maintain an edge in snap counts moving forward. However, Barner won't provide much fantasy value unless he finds the end zone, which he did four times as a rookie.

Henry caught four of his eight targets for 66 yards in the Patriots' 20-13 loss to the Raiders on Sunday.

Henry -- whose eight targets tied for the team lead -- was on the field for 66 of a possible 71 snaps on offense in the contest, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, while fellow tight end Austin Hooper logged 23 snaps and one catch for 10 yards. In the weeks ahead, Henry should continue to maintain enough of a workload and target volume to merit fantasy lineup consideration. Next up for the Patriots is a road game against a Miami team that lost to Indianapolis in Week 1 by a score of 33-8.

Hooper logged 23 of a possible 71 snaps on offense in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Raiders, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hooper kicked off his 2025 campaign by catching his only target for 10 yards. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Hunter Henry was on the field for 66 snaps and caught four of his eight targets for 66 yards. While there figures to be weeks down the road in which the Patriots use more two-TE sets, Hooper's fantasy lineup utility is limited as long as Henry remains healthy.