NFL Player News

Niklas suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Redskins, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Niklas had his most productive game of the season Sunday, catching three of his six targets for a season-high 41 yards. The severity of the injury is currently unknown, but the Cardinals should have an update when they release their injury report later in the week.

Smith came down with a five-yard catch on his only target in Sunday's 25-23 loss to the 49ers.

Smith started strong with eight catches and two touchdowns in the season's first five weeks, but he's been a non-factor with just six catches for 57 yards and no scores since. He's no threat to Delanie Walker's production at tight end.

James caught two passes for seven yards in Pittsburgh's 27-24 loss to New England on Sunday.

Despite Vance McDonald (shoulder) being inactive, James was unable to get much going with his five targets, including what appeared to be a game-winning 10-yard touchdown with 28 seconds to play. Unfortunately, the play was overturned on review, with official Tony Corrente saying the ball did not "survive" the completion of the catch. Fantasy owners still alive in their playoffs should look elsewhere for a tight end in Week 16.

Engram was targeted 13 times and came down with eight passes for 87 yards during Sunday's 34-29 loss to the Eagles. He added a 14-yard run during the contest.

The catches, targets and total yardage all marked season highs for the 2017 first-round pick. He has now topped 90 total yards twice in his last three games after no such performances during the season's first 12 weeks. The speedy tight end figures to keep getting a steady diet of work in the season's closing weeks as the Giants look toward 2018. Engram, arguably more so than any other Giants offensive player, represents the future for the Big Blue. The only question will be whether Eli Manning or fellow rookie Davis Webb will be throwing him passes.

Vannett suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday's game against the Rams and is doubtful to return, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Vannett is mostly a run-blocking tight end, so his absence shouldn't affect the Seahawks' offense significantly, especially with a pass-heavy approach in place with the team trailing the Rams by a large margin. Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson are the only healthy tight ends remaining on Seattle's roster.

Ertz snagged six of nine targets for 56 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 34-29 win over the Giants.

Ertz boxed out his defender on a 10-yard crosser in the second quarter for his eighth touchdown of the season. The talented tight end had a streak of six touchdowns in six games earlier in the season, but has run hot and cold in recent weeks. Sunday showed he can still be effective with Nick Foles throwing the ball, and he gets favorable matchups to close the season against Oakland in Week 16 and Dallas in Week 17, but watch out. Dallas, for all its pass defense's struggles, held Ertz to a season-low eight yards in Week 12.

Njoku was held without a catch on three targets during Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Ravens.

For the first time in his NFL career, Njoku finished a game without at least one reception, ending a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive matchups with a catch. The rookie tight end out of Miami has been quiet during the last two weeks, with just one reception on five targets. Josh Gordon's presence has eaten into Njoku's targets, but because Cleveland is usually playing from behind, there still should be plenty of opportunities for the 21-year-old to finish the season strong.

Supernaw (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Though Supernaw is available Sunday, the Titans are dressing four tight ends for the contest, an indication the 27-year-old isn't fully healthy. With just four receptions on the season, Supernaw doesn't have much of a role in the passing game even in times of better health.

Pruitt (calf) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Pruitt was looking to play his second game of the season, but Stephen Anderson will once again be the sole tight end on Houston's roster. Regardless, Pruitt likely wouldn't have had much of a ceiling against the Jags, who have been the fifth-stingiest against tight ends this season.

Henry suffered an undisclosed injury during Saturday's loss to the Chiefs, Chris Wesseling of NFL.com reports.

Henry did catch all three of his targets, but they ended up being for an empty 28 yards, and Antonio Gates ended up with the Chargers' only receiving score. More to follow on Henry's status for next week's must-win game against the Jets, but at least he'll have an extra day to recover.