NFL Player News

Thomas caught seven of eight targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 41-9 loss to the Bears.

Thomas' extended usage came as a result of Charles Clay exiting early with a hamstring injury. Mistake-prone quarterback Nathan Peterman checked down to the tight end often, but none of Thomas' catches went for double-digit yards. Even if Clay misses the upcoming Week 10 clash against the Jets, it will be tough to rely on Thomas with Buffalo's offense in shambles.

Hollister (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.

With Hollister and Rob Gronkowski (back/ankle) both unable to play, Dwayne Allen is left as the Patriots' lone tight end Sunday night. Allen's failure to capitalize on similar opportunities in the past suggests Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Chris Hogan and James White are likelier to benefit in terms of target volume.

James caught two of three targets for 53 yards during Sunday's 23-16 win over Baltimore.

Despite having just two receptions, James produced his highest yardage total since Week 2. He seems to rank behind Vance McDonald on the depth chart but has an attractive Week 10 slate on Thursday against a Carolina defense that allows the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.

Hooper hauled in all three of his targets for 41 receiving yards during Sunday's 38-14 victory against the Redskins.

The third-year tight end has been absurdly efficient over the past five weeks, posting a catch rate of 82.8 percent while averaging nearly 60 receiving yards per game (31.2 yards per game through Week 4). Hooper's involvement in the passing attack has accelerated in 2018, with 44 targets in eight outings, compared to 35 targets at this time last year. Upcoming Sunday is a matchup against a Browns defense that's surrendered 58 receptions and six touchdowns to tight ends thus far this season.

Kelce caught seven of nine targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 37-21 win over Cleveland.

The Browns played Kansas City close for much of Sunday, but Kelce helped the Chiefs pull away midway through the third quarter by skying between defenders for a 13-yard score, his second of the game. Kelce is finding a groove with three touchdowns in his last two contests, after just three during the season's first seven games. Next Sunday brings an Arizona pass defense ranked in the top 10 in the league in surrendering just 225 passing yards per game.

The Chargers are hopeful Henry (knee) will be able to be activated from injured reserve at some point next month, Adam Schefter reported on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" program.

Henry has been on the PUP list since tearing the ACL in his right knee on May 22, indicating the Chargers had some level of hope that the tight end may be available if the team reached the postseason. After he was seen running with a brace on the knee in mid-September, the best-case scenario was believed to be a return before the end of the regular season. Schefter confirmed as much Sunday, but it's difficult to trust that the third-year tight end will indeed be available for the fantasy postseason due to the nature of the injury.

Derby (foot) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Derby has not appeared in game action since Week 3, offering additional opportunities to Nick O'Leary and Mike Gesicki at tight end.

Swaim (knee) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Titans, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Swaim was a non-participant at practice this week, so even the doubtful tag feels a bit optimistic. Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz should take over at tight end for the Cowboys in his likely absence.

Hollister (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hollister is one of 15 Patriots players who carry an injury designation into the Week 9 contest, with fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski (back/ankle) also among those listed as questionable. While the Patriots and Packers kick off at 8:20 p.m. EST on Sunday, there should be added clarity on which direction Gronkowski's status is leaning before the first wave of games get underway. If reports indicate that Gronkowski is likely to sit out, Hollister -- if available -- might be a decent dart for those stuck with limited alternatives at the position in deeper fantasy leagues. The lone other healthy tight end on the roster, Dwayne Allen, functions mainly as a blocker for New England.

Swaim (knee) didn't participate in Friday's practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Swaim has been absent from both of the Cowboys' practices so far this week, so he'll likely need to do something at Saturday's session to have a realistic shot at playing Monday against the Titans. If Swaim sits out the Week 9 matchup, Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz would be the top candidates to pick up snaps at tight end in his stead.