NFL Player News

Hooper caught two of two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Ravens in Week 1.

Hooper was the first player acquisition of new head coach Kevin Stefanski, a disciple of using multiple tight ends, which suggested a big role for him in the offense. But that did not materialize Sunday, which could be attributable to the Browns never getting a chance to work the offense as designed. They played mistake-filled football and fell behind by multiple scores in the second quarter. That led to quarterback Baker Mayfield forcing balls to Odell Beckham. In related news, fellow tight end David Njoku left the game with a knee injury, which could lead to more playing time for Hooper when the Browns face the Bengals in Week 2 on Thursday.

Bryant caught one of two targets for five yards and played 31 snaps (42 percent) in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Ravens in Week 1.

Bryant was in the starting lineup in his NFL debut, and both targets were in the first quarter, including his lone catch on the second play of the game. The Browns appear to be confident in the rookie fourth-round pick. He entered the game competing with David Njoku for playing time but could see an uptick after Njoku departed with a knee injury. Bryant was second among the position group in snap count, trailing Austin Hooper (56, 77 percent) and ahead of Njoku (17, 23 percent). The Browns have a quick turnaround for Week 2, playing Thursday night against the Bengals, which might be too quick for a Njoku return.

Henry caught five of his eight targets for 73 yards in the 16-13 win Sunday over the Bengals.

Henry played better than the box score might indicate as his 33-yard reception toward the end of the first half proved to be critical in waking up a lethargic Chargers offense. It was almost an excellent fantasy day for the 25-year-old, but a late fourth-quarter target in the end zone saw Henry just miss getting two feet down to clutch what would have been the game-winning touchdown. It's clear the Chargers still need to work out some kinks in their offensive scheme, but Henry's play Sunday was certainly a promising mark in a pivotal year for the big tight end.

Kittle caught four of five targets for 44 yards and gained nine yards on one carry during Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Cardinals.

Kittle started off well enough with a couple of early catches, but he went to the locker room toward the end of the first half with a leg injury that looked quite painful at the time. He did return to the game and made it through the final whistle, but coach Kyle Shanahan said he would be reevaluated by the medical staff on Monday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Kittle will be a top fantasy option for next Sunday's matchup with the Jets if healthy, but the extent of his injury remains to be seen.

Gesicki secured three of five targets for 30 yards during Sunday's 21-11 loss to the Patriots.

Gesicki's lackluster Week 1 production was in line with the rest of Miami's receiving corps, as no pass catcher managed to hit the 50-yard mark against New England. Nonetheless, it's encouraging that the third-year pro did account for every target thrown to the tight end position, with Durham Smythe mixing in as a blocker. Gesicki possesses weekly touchdown upside, but he looks like a low-floor fantasy option heading into a Week 2 tilt against Buffalo's stout defense.

Waller hauled in six receptions on eight targets for a total of 45 yards in Week 1 against the Panthers.

Waller led the team in targets with eight but managed limited production. His longest reception of the day went for just eight yards, and he averaged only 4.6 yards per target. Still, Waller remained the top option for Derek Carr, even with the addition of several young targets such as Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards. That bodes well for better results in future weeks, including Week 2 against the Saints.

Hockenson caught five of five targets for 56 yards during Sunday's 27-23 loss to Chicago.

A case could be made that Hockenson should have seen more passes on a day Stafford attempted 42 of them without Kenny Golladay (hamstring) at his disposal. However, Hockenson nonetheless did the most with what he was given. His score came by him boxing out a defender in the end zone for a four-yard touchdown. Should Golladay remain sidelined in Week 2, Hockenson will have another chance of seeing an expanded workload in a potentially high-scoring game against Green Bay.

Kittle (leg) returned to Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Kittle was spotted in pain and had his leg examined before walking to the locker room late in the first half. However, his absence was short-lived, as he took the field for the 49ers' first drive of the second half. Kittle will look to build upon the four catches for 44 yards that he had prior to the injury scare.

Kittle went to the locker room just before halftime Sunday due to a leg injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Shortly before his walk to the locker room, Kittle was in visible pain on the sideline while the 49ers' training staff checked out his left leg, per Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. The team likely ordered up a battery of tests to get to the bottom of the issue, but the tight end room has been whittled down to Jordan Reed, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner for the time being.

Kmet failed to catch his only target in the Bears' 27-23 win over the Lions Sunday.

With Jimmy Graham serving as the main receiving tight end, Kmet was used primarily as a blocker. Unless his role in the offense changes, he'll likely remain a low-upside fantasy option.