NFL Player News

Akins caught his lone target for 12 yards in Sunday's 24-3 win over Cincinnati in Week 1.

Akins was reunited with his former quarterback in Houston, Deshaun Watson, but it didn't lead to a big day for the tight end. Instead, it was Harrison Bryant (two catches, one TD, 27 snaps) getting more time on the field and targets than Akins behind starter David Njoku. Cleveland threw the ball only 29 times on a rainy day more suited for running, but there is an expectation that Watson will do more with his arm when conditions are more favorable, which could lead to more volume for Akins.

Bryant caught both of his targets for five yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-3 win over the Bengals in Week 1.

Bryant caught quarterback Deshaun Watson's only touchdown pass, a surprising result given the offseason additions to the wideout corps and the presumed focus on a downfield approach to the passing game. Bryant's 27 offensive snaps were second among Browns' tight ends behind David Njoku's 52 and ahead of Jordan Akins' 23. Speculation during the preseason focused on Akins' history with Watson in Houston, but it was Bryant, in his fourth season with Cleveland, who emerged with more targets and time on the field.

Njoku caught two of three targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 24-3 win over Cincinnati in Week 1.

Njoku reportedly had a huge training camp, catching everything thrown his way, but the passing attack heavily favored the wideouts Sunday as wide receivers gobbled up 66 percent of the targets compared to the tight ends' 21 percent. Making matters worse for Njoku, it was backup tight end Harrison Bryant who caught a red-zone touchdown in the fourth quarter. Still, Njoku (52 snaps) was the clear No. 1 among the position group, doubling the snap count of Bryant (27) and Jordan Akins (23).

Ferguson had two receptions on seven targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 40-0 win over the Giants.

Ferguson's seven targets wound up being the most for any Dallas player in a lopsided contest that featured just 13 completions for Dak Prescott. The 24-year-old tight end failed to turn most of those opportunities into production, but part of the blame can be placed on wet playing conditions. It is clear that the Cowboys want to get Ferguson involved offensively in his first year as the starter, so patience should be exercised from a fantasy manager's perspective.

Waller caught three of five targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 40-0 loss to the Cowboys.

Waller's 36 receiving yards wound up being the top total any Giants player could muster, highlighting just how poorly the entire team played to open the season on Sunday Night Football. While the results weren't great, the vertical threat's usage bodes well for his prospects this season with little competition at the tight end position. Waller -- who was dealing with a tight hamstring prior starting Sunday's loss -- will have to stay healthy in order to deliver on the potential he possesses as a fantasy option.

Smythe recorded three receptions on seven targets for 44 yards in Sunday's 36-34 win over the Chargers.

Smythe surprisingly finished second on the team in targets, behind only Tyreek Hill. His final production isn't particularly noteworthy, but he got looks as a deep threat and in the red zone. With Hill and Jaylen Waddle the only pass catchers with locked-in roles, Smythe could have the chance to emerge as more of a receiving threat this season.

Henry recorded five receptions on six targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Eagles.

Henry benefitted from a game script that required New England to take to the air, in combination with the absence of both Tyquan Thornton (shoulder) and DeVante Paker (knee). Each of those factors inflated Henry's line to some degree, though he still out-targeted Mike Gesicki. Most importantly, Henry saw opportunity in the red zone and took advantage with a nine-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter. He should keep a consistent role in the New England offense, but his fantasy viability will come down to his ability to continue to find the end zone.

Fant wasn't targeted in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Rams.

Fant recorded 25 offensive snaps, which was more than both Colby Parkinson (21) and Will Dissly (16). None of these tight ends are dependable for fantasy purposes until further notice, especially because wideouts DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be focal points of the passing game.

Goedert failed to record a reception on one target in Sunday's 25-20 win over the Patriots.

Weather limited the Eagles' offensive game plan to a relatively conservative approach, and that left Goedert lacking targets. While it was certainly a disappointing start to the new season, Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that coach Nick Sirianni specifically addressed Goedert's lack of involvement after the game, saying, "We can't go a game without getting Goedert the football." Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will dominate targets in the passing attack, but Goedert should see more of a role in Week 2 against the Vikings.

Hooper caught his lone target for 20 yards in Sunday's 17-16 win over the Broncos.

Hooper got the start and caught the only target intended for a tight end in his debut with Las Vegas. Fellow newcomer Jimmy Garoppolo did not utilize the tight end position like he did with George Kittle during his time in San Francisco, opting to target his outside options in the narrow victory. Early second-round pick Michael Mayer wasn't used on offense, confirming that Hooper sits atop the depth chart. The veteran tight end is worth consideration in deeper formats heading into a matchup against the Bills on Sunday.