NFL Player News

Head coach Mike Vrabel noted Monday that Whyle (concussion) has a chance to return for the Titans' Week 9 contest against the Steelers on Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Whyle sustained a concussion in Week 6 against the Ravens and wasn't able to return for Week 8 despite the bye. The rookie tight end saw his snap count on offense steadily increase in Weeks 4 and 5, and he'd resume his role as the backup behind Chigoziem Okonkwo if he's able to return for Thursday's game. In six games this season, Whyle has four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Otton secured four of six targets for 27 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-18 loss to the Bills on Thursday night.

Otton put together a reasonably serviceable performance from a PPR standpoint, although his yardage once again was underwhelming. The second-year tight end's 43-yard tally Week 7 against the Falcons qualifies as his season high, leaving him with capped fantasy value heading into a Week 9 road matchup against the Texans.

Higbee caught five of seven targets for 45 yards during Sunday's 43-20 loss to the Cowboys.

The 20-yard catch by Higbee on the Rams' first drive actually tied or eclipsed his receiving total in any of his last three contests, and the veteran accumulated the most yards, targets and receptions in any game since Week 4. Rams wideouts struggled against a stout Cowboys defense, leaving Higbee and running back Darrell Henderson to lead the team in receiving yardage. Notably, Higbee was on the receiving end of two of backup Brett Rypien's 10 passes after Matthew Stafford left with a thumb injury, and he could act as a safety valve for Rypien in Week 9 versus Green Bay if Stafford is forced to miss any time.

Ogletree started at tight end and had one reception for 33 yards on three targets in Sunday's loss to New Orleans.

He was in the starting lineup a second consecutive game with Kylen Granson out with a concussion. Ogletree wasn't targeted in the Colts' last game despite starting, so this is an improvement. He led Indy tight ends in snaps on offense (38 of 71) and routes run (20), according to Pro Football Focus. However, Indianapolis throws few passes toward tight ends, making them not viable options for most fantasy formats.

Parkinson wasn't targeted in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Browns.

Parkinson played just 18 offensive snaps, finishing behind Noah Fant (33) and Will Dissly (22). It was his first targetless game of the season, as he has produced 11 catches for 132 yards on 17 targets through seven games.

Dissly wasn't targeted in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Browns.

Dissly played 22 offensive snaps, trailing Noah Fant (33) but staying ahead of Colby Parkinson (18). The 2018 fourth-round pick caught five passes through the first two games but has just one target since then.

Fant caught two of three targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Browns.

Fant led all Seattle tight ends with a 60 percent snap share and was the only tight end to get targeted in Sunday's win. At best, he's the fourth receiving option in this offense, so he won't be a reliable fantasy option even if his snap share stays elevated. Through seven games, Fant has recorded 14 catches for 226 yards and no touchdowns.

Smythe (foot) secured all three of his targets for 28 yards during Sunday's 31-17 win over the Patriots. He was spotted in a walking boot after the contest, Barry Jackson of the Miami Heraldreports.

Smythe appears to have picked up a foot injury during Miami's divisional win over New England, but it remains to be seen whether he will have to miss any time. Coach Mike McDaniel said Smythe is "as tough as they come" and "will battle through that" when asked about the tight end's injury Monday. Rookie Julian Hill and veteran Tyler Kroft would be in line for expanded roles Week 9 versus the Chiefs if Smythe needs to spend time on the sideline. The Dolphins have a bye coming up Week 10.

Heyward secured five of six targets for 24 yards during the Steelers' 20-10 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday.

Heyward had an increased role once again Sunday since Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) remained on injured reserve. However, the 2022 sixth-rounder was unable to generate much production despite finishing second on the team in targets. Over the three games in which Freiermuth has been sidelined, Heyward has secured 10 of 13 targets for 70 yards.

Musgrave was targeted three times and caught two passes for nine yards in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Vikings.

Musgrave shook off an ankle injury and played roughly three-fourths of the snaps in Sunday's contest -- his highest percentage since Week 3. However, he finished with a single digit in the yardage column for the second time in four appearances. Musgrave will have a chance to get going in Week 9 when the Packers take on a Rams team that has ceded 39 targets and four scores to tight ends over its last five games.