NFL Player News

Hockenson brought in six of eight targets for 50 yards in the Vikings' 19-13 win over the Bears on Sunday.

Hockenson led the Vikings' pass-catching corps in receptions, receiving yards and targets in Minnesota's first game without Justin Jefferson (IR-hamstring), but the big tight end didn't really get going until the latter portion of the game. Hockenson was unsurprisingly Kirk Cousins' favorite target sans Jefferson, and the same could certainly hold true in a Week 7 Monday night home matchup against the 49ers on Oct. 23 during which the veteran quarterback figures to frequently have to get rid of the ball quickly due to San Francisco's pass rush.

Pitts caught four of six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Commanders.

Pitts caught a first-down pass and a touchdown on the Falcons' opening drive, but he was quiet after that. It was still another encouraging performance for the uber-talented tight end, who's now tallied 11 receptions for 130 yards and a score over the last two games after totaling just 11 receptions for 121 yards and no touchdowns across his first four appearances of the season. While he's trending in the right direction, Pitts' production hasn't been prolific yet this season, and there are still major concerns with his fantasy profile. However, if you used a middle-round pick on Pitts, you'll likely have to roll the dice on a weekly basis, hoping the 2021 first-round pick can finally reach his potential on a consistent basis.

Kittle caught one of two targets for one yard in Sunday's 19-17 loss to Cleveland.

Kittle failed to get involved as a pass catcher, even though key playmakers Christian McCaffrey (oblique) and Deebo Samuel (shoulder) both got hurt. Brock Purdy threw for just 125 yards in the defensive battle, and Brandon Aiyuk was the only member of the 49ers to exceed 30 receiving yards. Kittle will look to bounce back in prime time when the 49ers visit the Vikings on MNF in Week 7.

Schultz caught four of seven targets for 61 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Saints.

Schultz extended his touchdown streak to three games by catching a one-yard score in the first quarter. He also led the Texans in targets while finishing second in receiving yards behind Nico Collins (80), whom Schultz tied for the team lead in catches. After a slow start to the season, the tight end has found chemistry with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, and Schultz will look to pick up where he left off in Week 8 against the Panthers following a Week 7 bye.

Higgins (illness) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Higgins missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, and was given the questionable tag after logging a limited session Friday. He has yet to play this season after being claimed off waivers by the Cardinals on Aug. 30.

LaPorta (calf) is listed as active Sunday in Tampa Bay.

LaPorta made a sudden appearance on the Lions' practice report Thursday, sitting out that session due to a calf injury. Coach Dan Campbell revealed Friday that LaPorta was dealing with a calf strain, which the rookie second-round pick said he likely suffered last Sunday against the Panthers before it flared up at Wednesday's practice, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, LaPorta's status for Sunday was subject to a pregame workout, and after checking out OK, he'll be available versus a Buccaneers defense that has contained opposing TEs to a 21-152-0 line on 29 targets through four games on the campaign.

Andrews caught four of six targets for 69 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Titans.

While Zay Flowers led the Ravens in catches and was on the other end of Lamar Jackson's only TD, it was Andrews who paced the team in receiving yards, with much of his damage coming on a 38-yard grab in the fourth quarter that was the longest of the day for Baltimore. The veteran tight end has caught at least four passes in five straight games after missing the team's opener, posting a 24-294-3 line on 34 targets. He could be headed for a big day in Week 7 against a Lions defense that allowed the most catches and the second-most yards to TEs through its first five games.

FitzPatrick (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Commanders, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

FitzPatrick was active for the previous four games, but he played primarily on special teams. In his absence, Kyle Pitts, Jonnu Smith and MyCole Pruitt are the only active tight ends for Atlanta on Sunday.

Sullivan (hip) is active for Sunday's game against Miami.

Sullivan has yet to play this season but was activated from injured reserve Saturday. He practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday, and could serve a depth offensive role in the absence of Ian Thomas (calf).

Njoku (hand) is active Week 6 against the 49ers.

Njoku continues to tend to burns on his hands and face sustained prior to the team's Week 4 loss to Baltimore (which he played in), and he'll again take the field this week, as anticipated. He'll have to do so with his third quarterback of the season, as PJ Walker will be filling in for Deshaun Watson, who continues to tend to a shoulder injury. Further working against Njoku is the matchup, as the 49ers are allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in PPR formats.