NFL Player News

Higgins gathered in both of his targets for 12 yards during Sunday's 34-28 loss in Buffalo.

Higgins took a clear back seat to starting tight end Trey McBride in terms of targets (9-2) and offensive snaps (52-25), while rookie third-round pick Tip Reiman (zero targets on 20 snaps) also got in the mix. Higgins seems secure in his role as the No. 2 TE, especially as a receiver, as Reiman likely will be almost exclusively a blocking specialist to begin his career. Higgins has a streak of five multi-catch games going, dating back to last season, and he should remain a small part of the Cardinals offense.

Whyle was not targeted in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Bears.

Whyle got moderate hype during training camp as he attempted to unseat Chigoziem Okonkwo as the top tight end in Tennessee. His usage in Week 1 made clear that didn't occur, as he saw only 18 offensive snaps (28 percent) while Nick Vannett earned 16. Whyle remains primarily a special-teams contributor.

Okonkwo recorded two receptions (on two targets) for 15 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Bears.

Okonkwo's role was reportedly in danger due to a challenge from Josh Whyle throughout training camp, though he was on the field for 38 offensive snaps (59 percent). Okonkwo also accounted for one of the Titans touchdowns on an impressive 17-yard leaping grab in the back of the end zone. He still isn't likely to see a significant number of targets on a regular basis, but he remains Tennessee's top tight end and could be a favorite target in the red zone.

Fant caught two of four targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Broncos.

While it was a difficult outing for Fant individually, the Seahawks struggled in the air overall, totaling just 171 yards. He's the clear No. 1 tight end, but he's probably fourth in the pecking order when it comes to targets, sitting behind WRs DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Fant will look to bounce back Week 2 against the Patriots.

Farrell played 14 offensive snaps and didn't receive a target during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dolphins.

Evan Engram was the only Jaguars tight end to be involved in the passing game in the season opener. Farrell tallied career highs in catches (13) and receiving yards (155) last season, and he should continue to see occasional snaps as a blocking option.

Alie-Cox did not have a reception and was targeted just once in Sunday's loss to Houston.

Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, but he's almost exclusively a blocking tight end these days as he went out on just seven routes among his 18 snaps on offense. Kylen Granson played more snaps (25) but also had just one target. With the Colts using a more vertical passing attack than last season, none of the Colts' tight ends may get significant targets.

Granson did not have a reception and was targeted just once in Sunday's loss to Houston.

Granson played on 25 of the offense's 45 snaps but went out on just 13 routes, per Pro Football Focus. Mo Alie-Cox got the start at tight end but also had one target. With the Colts using a more vertical passing attack than last season, none of the Colts' tight ends may get significant targets.

Stover went untargeted over 15 snaps in Sunday's 29-27 win over the Colts in Week 1.

Stover operated as the Texans' third tight end behind Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan. That should be the case going forward for Stover, who made the final roster after Teagan Quitoriano (calf) got injured during the preseason.

Jordan caught one of two targets for three yards in Sunday's 29-27 win over the Colts in Week 1.

Jordan was allotted a healthy 40 snaps in the season opener, which matches his snap count for the first five games of 2023. There are too many preferred targets ahead of him, including starting tight end Dalton Schultz, for Jordan's increased run to make a difference at this time. It does, however, indicate a certain level of confidence from the coaching staff. Jordan is looking to build off last season's second half and playoff experience, when he caught 12 of 16 targets for 19.6 yards per reception and two touchdowns over eight games.

Firkser was elevated from the Jets' practice squad to the active roster Monday.

Firkser joined the team's practice squad after failing to make their 53-man roster during training camp. The veteran's promotion comes as a bit of a surprise with three tight ends already on the active roster, although it's not guaranteed he'll be active for Monday's game against the 49ers.