NFL Player News

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.

Otton secured two of three targets for 19 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-17 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

The promising second-year tight end was a clear complementary option to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the air attack, but that certainly wasn't surprising, as Baker Mayfield leaned heavily on the talented duo in his first start. Otton should have a steady role with occasional opportunities for big games this season when defensive attention is particularly focused on his productive pair of teammates, and he is the clear top pass-catching option at the tight end position. Otton will aim to boost his production across the board in what shapes up as a favorable Week 2 home matchup versus the Bears.

Graham recorded zero targets during Sunday's 16-15 victory against the Titans.

Graham didn't play much of a factor during his first NFL game since the end of the 2021 campaign. Instead, starting tight end Juwan Johnson was the Saints' only tight end to receive any targets (five) from Derek Carr, as Foster Moreau also went without any targets Week 1. Graham was one of the NFL's best red-zone targets during his prime with the Saints and Seahawks from 2011 to 2017, though it's unclear how effective he'll be during his age-36 season. Still, it will be worth seeing how he's utilized if New Orleans can generate more red-zone trips Week 2 against Carolina.

Everett caught two of his three targets for 21 yards in the 36-34 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Everett wasn't used much, as Justin Herbert rarely needed to check down or find a safety net, but it was interesting to see backup tight end Donald Parham get plenty of work in tallying three catches for 21 yards and a touchdown. It's unlikely the veteran Everett will be phased out of the offense entirely, but Parham's size (6-foot-8) and speed could make him an attractive candidate for more playing time.

Johnson compiled three receptions (on five targets) for 36 yards during Sunday's 16-15 win versus the Titans.

Johnson's biggest impact Sunday came at the end of the first half when he caught a pass over the middle for a 27-yard catch-and-run to start New Orleans' two-minute drill. This drive ultimately stalled when quarterback Derek Carr threw an interception intended for the 6-foot-4 tight end that was undercut by Tennessee safety Amani Hooker. Johnson didn't manage to connect with Carr again throughout the remainder of Sunday's contest, and he ultimately finished with New Orleans' fourth-most targets behind starting wideouts Chris Olave (10), Michael Thomas (eight) and Rashid Shaheed (six). Johnson is coming off a career-best 2022 season, so he should maintain a significant role in New Orleans' passing game moving forward.

Parham caught all three of his targets for 21 yards and a touchdown in a 36-34 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Parham's touchdown came in the slot, as the 6-foot-8 target ran a quick slant and snared a bullet of a throw for a red zone touchdown. Health has been an issue for Parham over the past two seasons, but when he's available Parham is arguably one of the team's top options in scoring situations. It's also worth noting the 26-year-old tallied more receptions and yards than starter Gerald Everett, although by a marginal amount.

Trautman brought in all five targets for 34 yards in the Broncos' 17-16 loss to the Raiders on Sunday.

Trautman ended up pacing the Broncos in receptions on the afternoon, although he averaged just 6.8 yards per reception. A 2020 draft pick of current Denver head coach Sean Payton in New Orleans, Trautman came into Sunday with just 60 career catches over his first three seasons. However, if his Week 1 numbers are any indication, he could be in for a more prominent pass-catching role in his new digs, even with the presence of position mate Greg Dulcich (leg).

Kmet caught five of seven targets for 44 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Packers. He also rushed once for zero yards.

Kmet tied with two others for Chicago's team lead in targets, but his production mostly came in garbage time. With quarterback Justin Fields still unproven as a downfield passer, Kmet holds moderate value as an underneath option, with added upside in the red zone after seven touchdowns last season.

Musgrave caught three of four targets for 50 yards in Sunday's 38-20 win over the Bears.

Musgrave finished second on the Packers in receiving yards, with his NFL debut highlighted by a 37-yard gain to begin the fourth quarter. On that play, though, Musgrave was all alone and missed out on an easy touchdown while stumbling to make a relatively routine catch. With a missed connection on another open deep shot earlier, Musgrave's starting tight-end role could lend itself to decent value over the course of his rookie season.

Ertz caught six of 10 passes for 21 yards in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Commanders.

The veteran tight end's numbers summed up the tepid performance of the Arizona offense as a whole, as Ertz led the team in catches but saw his longest gain go for only six yards. Trey McBride caught two passes for 23 yards, and the younger TE could cut into Ertz's production as the season wears on -- assuming Ertz doesn't get traded as part of the team's rebuilding efforts. He'll take on a familiar foe in Week 2 as the Cardinals host the Giants, a team Ertz has an active five-game TD streak against dating back to his days with the Eagles, although the last time he faced them was in 2019.