NFL Player News

Schultz caught four of six targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Bills in Week 5.

For the second straight week, Schultz received a bump in targets with one of Houston's top three wideouts injured. After Nico Collins (hamstring) was removed from the game and Buffalo's defense made life difficult for quarterback C.J. Stroud in the second half, Schultz became a security blanket for the second-year quarterback. All six of the tight end's targets came during the third and fourth quarters, with four of them coming on third downs. Schultz received five looks last week when Tank Dell was inactive and has 16 targets over the last three games, compared to six over the first two games of the season.

Akins caught three of three targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-13 loss to the Commanders in Week 5.

Akins caught a 10-yard, garbage-time touchdown to wrap up Cleveland's scoring, his first touchdown catch since 2022 when he was with the Texans. It was his first red-zone look of the season. As anticipated, Akins' playing time initially took a hit (20 snaps) with the return of David Njoku, but Njoku left the game with a knee injury and is expected to undergo an MRI, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. Akins could be headed for a bigger role again in Week 6 against the Eagles.

Ferguson corralled six of seven targets for 70 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Steelers.

Ferguson continued his recent string of strong play Sunday, bringing his three-game average up to 6.3 receptions and 71.3 yards. The Wisconsin product has yet to hit paydirt this season after scoring five times in 2023, but he remains an integral part of Dallas' passing attack. Ferguson remains a startable option in all fantasy formats heading into a Week 6 tilt against the Lions next Sunday.

Freiermuth caught all three of his targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys. He also lost a fumble.

Freiermuth gave the Steelers a 17-13 lead in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter with a six-yard touchdown catch on a shovel pass. Most of his yardage came on a 19-yard pass from backup Kyle Allen while Fields missed two plays to be evaluated for a head injury in the third quarter. Unfortunately for Freiermuth's fantasy managers, he was credited with a lost fumble on the game's final play as the Steelers attempted a desperate series of laterals. Freiermuth has scored touchdowns in consecutive games heading into a Week 6 trip to Vegas.

Parkinson recorded seven receptions on 13 targets for 52 yards in Sunday's 24-19 loss to the Packers.

Parkinson was Matthew Stafford's favorite target and led the team with his 13 opportunities. He was used exclusively in the short areas of the field, as his longest gain of the day went for only nine yards. Parkinson will continue to be on the field so long as Tyler Higbee (knee) is sidelined, though his ability to command targets will take a hit once Cooper Kupp (ankle) can return -- which could be as early as Week 7.

Otton brought in three of four targets for 44 yards in the Buccaneers' 36-30 overtime loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

The third-year tight end finished second in receptions and third in both receiving yardage and targets on the night for the Buccaneers. Otton has firmly put a slow start to the season behind him, recording a 16-143 line on 21 targets over the last three games. Otton should continue serving in a complementary pass-catching role in a Week 6 road matchup against the Saints.

Everett caught two passes for 22 yards in the Bears' 36-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Everett came into this contest having caught three passes for zero yards, so his 22-yard performance may not be a sign of things to come. As the Bears' second tight end behind Cole Kmet, Everett could have a game with no catches at any time unless his role in the offense changes.

Kmet caught three passes on four targets for 57 yards in the Bears' 36-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

After doing little during the first two games of the season, Kmet has come alive over the past three contests. During that time, the tight end is averaging five catches and 63 yards. However, Kmet has just one big game on the season, so he should be viewed primarily as a solid-floor fantasy option.

Kraft recorded four receptions on five targets for 88 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Rams.

Kraft was the catalyst of Green Bay's victory, as he scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to open the second half. The first came on a long run catch and run down the left sideline that went for a 66-yard score. He followed that up with a trip to end zone from seven yards away on a screen pass. Kraft has become an integral part of the Green Bay offense, combining to command 14 targets while tallying 10 receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns across the last two weeks.

Bowers recorded eight receptions on 12 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Broncos.

Bowers was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal game for the Raiders, and he began his day with an impressive 57-yard touchdown during which he leaped over a defender and then broke free for the long score. He was otherwise used primarily in short areas of the field, though his 12 targets were a season high. Quarterback play will likely be a problem for at least the rest of 2024, but Bowers could take over as the top pass-catching option in the absence of Davante Adams.