NFL Player News

Pruitt played 32 snaps (25 offensive) but didn't record any counting stats during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.

Coach Arthur Smith loves to utilize his tight ends. Kyle Pitts (32 offensive snaps), Jonnu Smith (26) and Pruitt (25) were all involved in nearly half of Atlanta's offensive plays, but Pitts was the only one in that group to record a target. While Jonnu, Pruitt and even fullback Keith Smith will spend a lot of time on the field this season, none of them hold much fantasy value, barring numerous injuries to the Falcons' top playmakers.

Smith played 26 offensive snaps but didn't record a target during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.

Smith got some cardio Sunday, as his only noteworthy play across 26 snaps was a false start. Coach Arthur Smith loves to utilize tight ends, meaning Jonnu should continue to be involved on a weekly basis, albeit as the fifth or sixth pass-catching option in an offense that leans heavily on the run.

Coach Sean Payton said Monday that Dulcich (leg) will undergo an MRI, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Dulcich left Sunday's loss to the Raiders early due to a leg injury, so this MRI will determine the full severity of his issue as well as an expected recovery timetable. If Dulcich is forced to miss any amount of time, Adam Trautman will stand to benefit from increased opportunities atop Denver's tight end depth chart.

Mayer was not targeted in Sunday's 17-16 win over the Broncos.

Mayer was on the field for 29 of the Raiders' 59 offensive snaps in his NFL debut, but he was held without a target on nine routes run, and he was called for a holding penalty on a Josh Jacobs carry in the third quarter. Fellow tight end Austin Hooper caught his only target for 20 yards, and the timeshare at the position figures to continue against the Bills in Week 2, limiting Mayer's fantasy appeal.

Washington wasn't targeted during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Washington was on the field for 38 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday, which ranked just ahead of fellow tight end Connor Heyward, who played 27 percent of the snaps. Washington drew praise during offseason activities this year but was limited during the preseason. Pat Freiermuth (chest) exited Sunday's matchup, but Washington's fantasy potential should be limited if Freiermuth is available moving forward.

Heyward secured two of four targets for 19 yards during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Although Heyward saw the fewest snaps of any of the Steelers' tight ends Sunday, he led the position group in yards. However, it's worth noting that both of his receptions came in the second half, while Pat Freiermuth (chest) was unavailable down the stretch. Heyward's upside will be limited if Freiermuth is available moving forward, while rookie Darnell Washington also figures to see some work in the passing game as the season progresses.

Parkinson caught one of two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Rams.

Parkinson played 21 offensive snaps, which was more than Will Dissly (14) but fewer than Noah Fant (25). None of the tight ends were effective for fantasy purposes, but it was a sluggish day for the Seahawks altogether. Fantasy managers shouldn't depend on Parkinson, as he'll struggle to get targets with a loaded receiver corps.

Dissly caught both of his targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Rams.

Dissly played just 14 offensive snaps, which was fewer than both Noah Fant (25) and Colby Parkinson (21). If the Seahawks can establish the run game, Dissly will handle more offensive reps because of his blocking abilities. However, he won't provide much fantasy value unless he finds the end zone.

Schultz caught two of four targets for four yards in Sunday's 25-9 loss to Baltimore in Week 1.

Schultz had a quiet day, but he led Houston's tight ends in offensive snaps (62) by a wide margin and was targeted once in the red zone. Backup Teagan Quitoriano saw only 22 snaps on offense while Brevin Jordan played only on special teams. Quarterback C.J. Stroud heavily favored his wideouts in terms of targets, but Schultz is the top tight end on the team.

Jordan played five snaps on special teams in Sunday's 25-9 loss to the Ravens in Week 1.

Jordan, who did not play during the preseason due to a hamstring injury, did not get on the field when the offense had the ball. After two seasons in which the organization tried to make Jordan its lead tight end, it looks like they've moved on. Dalton Schultz (62 snaps) and Teagan Quitoriano (22 snaps) are the top two at the position.