NFL Player News

Granson caught three of four targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants.

Granson had a relatively quiet game Sunday, though his 34 yards ranked him third among Colts pass catchers in the contest. The 26-year-old tight end has caught at least one pass in just eight of the 16 games he's appeared in this season, as he has split snaps with fellow tight ends Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox throughout the season. Nonetheless, Granson will look to finish the 2024 campaign on a high note in a favorable matchup against the Jaguars in Week 18.

Knox caught one of three targets for four yards in Sunday's 40-14 win over the Jets

Knox had another quiet day in Week 17, continuing a 2024 campaign which has been mostly disappointing for fantasy purposes. The veteran played 34 of the Bills' 70 offensive snaps in the contest, slightly ahead of fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (31). It's possible that gap in playing time will increase in Week 18, as the Bills may choose to rest their starters against the Patriots. In this case, Knox could see extra opportunities against New England in the season finale.

Njoku (knee) was listed as a non-participant for Tuesday's walk-through practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku sat out the Browns' Week 17 loss to the Dolphins with the knee injury, and his absence from practice to begin Week 18 prep doesn't inspire much early confidence in his chances of suiting up in Saturday's season finale versus the Ravens. Even if Njoku gets the green light to play Saturday, his snap count could be monitored carefully, and his fantasy prospects will likely be further hindered by the Browns using either or both of Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) and Bailey Zappe at quarterback.

Whiteheart was a limited practice participant Tuesday due to a knee injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Whiteheart logged a season-high 31 offensive snaps Sunday versus Miami and appears to have picked up a knee injury. His increased opportunity came as a result of starting tight end David Njoku missing the contest due to a knee issue of his own. Njoku didn't practice Tuesday, leaving Jordan Akins and Brenden Bates as the two Browns tight ends not currently dealing with an injury.

Kolar (forearm) was a full participant in practice Tuesday.

Kolar was designated to return to practice Monday after spending Baltimore's past four games on IR. Head coach John Harbaugh stated Monday that the team is hopeful the third-year tight end will be able to be activated ahead of Saturday's matchup versus Cleveland, and Kolar's full participation Tuesday is a good sign that he will indeed be able to play. If he does suit up Saturday, Kolar will likely work as the team's third tight end behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

Sample was deemed a non-participant in Tuesday's practice walkthrough due to a groin issue, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

This is the first word of the tight end dealing with a groin issue, and it's currently unclear how severe the injury is. Sample handled about his usual workload this past Saturday against Denver, logging 51 offensive snaps and recording one catch on one target for three yards. Sample isn't typically a big part of the Bengals' air attack, but his effective blocking would be missed if he can't suit up Saturday versus Pittsburgh.

Hudson (knee) was estimated as a limited participant in Tuesday's practice walkthrough, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Hudson has missed Cincinnati's past two contests while dealing with a knee injury. Though the Bengals held a walkthrough Tuesday, Hudson's designation as limited is at least a step in the right direction, as he didn't practice at all last week. If Hudson can return to game action Saturday against Pittsburgh, he could get a bump in playing time, as fellow tight end Drew Sample was estimated as a DNP on Tuesday due to a groin injury.

Mayer caught one of two targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 25-10 win over the Saints.

Mayer logged 75 percent of the Raiders' offensive snaps, but he managed to catch only one pass while rookie tight end Brock Bowers posted a 7-77-0 receiving line on seven targets, setting multiple season records in the process. Mayer's snap share figures to remain elevated against the Chargers in Las Vegas' finale, but playing time hasn't equated to production for him over the past three weeks.

LaPorta brought in six of eight targets for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 40-34 win over the 49ers on Monday night.

LaPorta finished second in receptions and receiving yards while also tying for the runner-up spot in targets for the Lions on the night. The second-year tight end recorded a touchdown for the second straight game when he brought in a six-yard pass from Jared Goff early in the third quarter, and LaPorta now has at least four catches in four straight contests for the first time this season. LaPorta once again should play a key role in a Week 18 home matchup against the Vikings that will determine the winner of both the NFC North and NFC's No. 1 seed.

Kittle corralled all eight of his targets for 112 yards in Monday's 40-34 loss to the Lions.

Kittle was able to crack the century mark in receiving yards in consecutive games and for the third time over his last four appearances. Monday's strong showing also propelled the superstar tight end to his fourth 1,000-yard season in eight years as a pro. Kittle will look to put a bow on a stellar fantasy campaign Week 18 against the Cardinals, but he may be without the services of starting quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) after the latter exited Monday's loss late due to injury.