NFL Player News

Likely was not targeted on 16 snaps Sunday against the Steelers.

In fairness to Likely, his chances of producing Sunday were slim with Baltimore starting Tyler Huntley at quarterback, and his chances got slimmer when the Ravens had to turn to undrafted rookie Anthony Brown to lead the offense. Baltimore attempted 17 passes on the day and only five passes after Huntley (concussion) went out. Likely drew four targets on 18 snaps against Denver in Week 13 with Huntley at the helm for the majority of the game. If the Ravens have to start Brown in Week 15 against Cleveland, it could be a very run-heavy game plan that would not lead to a high volume of opportunities for Likely.

Freiermuth secured three of six targets for 33 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 16-14 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

While Freiermuth had his lowest yardage total since Week 5 during Sunday's narrow loss to Baltimore, he managed to reach the end zone for the first time since Week 2. However, the 24-year-old has seen a slight decrease in playing time recently, while Zach Gentry's snap count has increased. Despite the similar snap counts of late, Freiermuth has been much more involved in Pittsburgh's passing game. Over his five appearances since the Steelers' Week 9 bye, the 2021 second-rounder has secured 21 of 34 targets for 263 yards and a touchdown.

Smythe was not targeted during Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Chargers.

Smythe logged his fifth game of the season without a target during Sunday night's loss. Elsewhere, Mike Gesicki drew two targets but went without a catch for the third straight game. The tight end position has been one to avoid for Miami in recent weeks, and that same maxim could serve fantasy managers well heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Bills.

Gesicki could not secure either of his two targets during Sunday night's 23-17 loss to the Chargers.

Gesicki hasn't recorded a single yard from scrimmage since mid-November, a trend that was established even before Tua Tagovailoa's recent two-game slump. Regardless of his athletic traits and big-play ability, Gesicki's recent floor puts him outside the fantasy radar in most formats heading into a tough Week 15 matchup against the Bills.

Thomas caught both of his targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Seahawks.

Thomas has now made multiple receptions in three straight games. Although he's totaled just 56 yards over that span, he's at least occasionally helped Carolina connect on underneath throws.

Moreau failed to catch his only target in Thursday's 17-16 loss to the Rams.

Moreau posted a complete dud in what could turn out to be his last chance as the Raiders' No. 1 option at tight end this season, with Darren Waller (hamstring) possibly on track to return from injured reserve Week 15 against the Patriots. Regardless, Moreau hasn't caught more than three passes in a single contest since Week 8.

Bryant caught his lone target for eight yards in Sunday's 23-10 loss to the Bengals.

Bryant played a season-low eight snaps, as the Browns' tight end offense ran through David Njoku (69 snaps, nine targets). It's the second consecutive week with just one target for Bryant, and he has little fantasy utility while Njoku is healthy.

Hooper recorded five receptions on five targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Jaguars.

Hooper maintained a significant role in Tennessee's offense even with the emergence of Chigoziem Okonkwo, finishing tied for second on the team with five receptions. While he didn't find the end zone, Hooper managed explosive gains of 24 and 17 yards to account for the majority of his damage. He now has at least three receptions in each of his last five games, though he had previously failed to top 41 yards in that span.

Okonkwo recorded six receptions on six targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Jaguars.

Okonkwo was praised by offensive coordinator Todd Downing leading up to Sunday's matchup, and the rookie tight end delivered. He was relied upon heavily by Ryan Tannehill, finishing third on the team in targets behind Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Robert Woods. Okonkwo made the most of that opportunity, hauling in a 10-yard touchdown and also converting a two-point conversion midway through the fourth quarter. He could see his role slip once Treylon Burks (concussion) can return, but Okonkwo now has at least five targets in three consecutive games.

Dulcich caught three of eight targets for 42 yards in Sunday's 34-28 loss to Kansas City.

The rookie tight end struggled to get on the same page with Russell Wilson (concussion) early, but Dulcich made some big catches later in the game as the Broncos tried to claw their way back from a 27-0 deficit. He's has seen eight targets in back-to-back contests as his role in the offense continues to grow, but Wilson's exit in the fourth quarter puts the QB's status for Week 15 in question. Dulcich would be a less appealing fantasy option with Brett Rypien under center against the Cardinals.