NFL Player News

Smythe was not targeted during Sunday's 31-16 win over the Giants.

Smythe went without a target for the first time this season Week 5, a contest in which Miami's offense was able to comfortably lean on the speed of Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane (knee) and Raheem Mostert to rack up yardage. He did play 81 percent of offensive snaps, but given that this was Smythe's third game in five appearances with less than 25 receiving yards, he can't be considered a reliable fantasy option heading into a Week 6 matchup against Carolina. He has yet to score on 15 targets (11 catches).

Oliver had one reception for 15 yards on two targets but lost a fumble on Minnesota's opening possession in Sunday's loss to Kansas City.

Oliver lost the fumble on a reception which set up the Chiefs with good field position early in the first quarter, leading to a Kansas City touchdown. Oliver is a strong blocking tight end who doesn't get many targets, and losing a fumble won't help his case for more opportunities as a receiver.

Granson had two receptions for 15 yards on three targets in Sunday's win over Tennessee.

Granson and Gardner Minshew couldn't connect on a wide-open touchdown reception at the end of the first half, or the former would have had much better fantasy production. There were some worrisome signs, as Drew Ogletree got the starting nod at tight end and played more snaps (40) than Granson (26). However, the Colts still divide their passing game production between too many tight ends for any of them to have viable fantasy value in most formats.

Higbee secured two of three targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 23-14 loss to the Eagles.

Higbee, along with Tutu Atwell, seemed to be most affected by the return of Cooper Kupp, as they both saw their number of targets drop precipitously from previous weeks. While the veteran tight end was still able to produce consistent results in years past alongside the superstar wide receiver, the emergence of rookie sensation Puka Nacua gives Matthew Stafford two big options to deluge with targets instead of just Kupp. Higbee is still the unquestioned starter at tight end for the Rams with Brycen Hopkins and Davis Allen combining for six snaps on offense, but that position may not carry much value if he functions as the fourth or fifth option in the passing game.

Gesicki logged 16 of a possible 54 snaps on offense while catching two of his four targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 34-0 loss to the Saints, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Meanwhile, Hunter Henry was on the field for 42 snaps but didn't catch either of his two targets in the contest. As this coming weekend's game against the Raiders approaches, neither of the Patriots TEs are high-percentage fantasy options while working in an offense that has scored just three points over the last two weeks.

Henry did not record a catch (on two targets) in Sunday's 34-0 loss to the Saints.

Henry logged 42 of a possible 54 snaps in the contest, while fellow TE Mike Gesicki was out there for 16 snaps and caught two of his four targets for 17 yards. Until the Patriots offense (which has scored just three points over the last two weeks) picks up the pace, Henry looks like a hit-or-miss fantasy option as the team's Week 6 contest against the Raiders approaches.

Pruitt caught his lone target for 22 yards during Sunday's 21-19 win over the Texans.

Pruitt's big play set up a go-ahead touchdown for the Falcons in the fourth quarter. The veteran tight end has garnered a target in three straight games, but he doesn't have fantasy value moving forward.

Smith caught six of seven targets for 67 yards during Sunday's 21-19 win over the Texans. He also lost a fumble.

Smith caught six passes for a second straight game and has totaled 21 receptions for 246 yards over the past four games. Head coach Arthur Smith mentioned during Week 5 prep that Kyle Pitts may not be back to 100 percent following a season-ending knee injury last year, which has allowed the veteran Smith to claim a larger role than expected to begin 2023. Pitts submitted his best game of the season versus Houston, finishing with team highs in targets (11), receptions (seven) and receiving yards (87), but Smith still was heavily involved in the passing attack and played eight more offensive snaps than Pitts. They will likely continue to limit each other's fantasy ceilings, but Sunday's outing showed they can both be successful in Atlanta's tight-end heavy offensive scheme.

Washington failed to secure either of his two targets during the Steelers' 17-10 win over the Ravens on Sunday.

Washington saw increased playing time Sunday with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) sidelined, as he was on the field for 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps. However, the rookie third-rounder was targeted just twice and was unable to record a reception. The Steelers have a Week 6 bye before a meeting with the Rams on Sunday, Oct. 22, and Washington's role against L.A. will likely depend on whether Freiermuth is able to recover by then.

Heyward secured three of four targets for 23 yards during the Steelers' 17-10 win over Baltimore on Sunday.

Heyward's snap count increased during Sunday's victory with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) sidelined, but rookie Darnell Washington outpaced Heyward by playing 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps. Heyward was on the field for 56 percent but was able to log a season-high three receptions, while Washington was held without a catch. Heyward has had limited offensive production this year, with all of his catches coming at times when Freiermuth was unavailable. The Steelers have a Week 6 bye before facing the Rams in Week 7, and Heyward will likely have a limited role on offense if Freiermuth is able to recover during the layoff.