NFL Player News

Hooper caught three passes for 36 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Panthers.

While his final line may not be too impressive, it is encouraging to see that Matt Ryan targeted Hooper six times on the day. Outside of Julio Jones -- who saw 12 targets -- Hooper was the most thrown-to Falcon.

Higbee caught an eight-yard touchdown during Sunday's 51-17 win over the Giants.

While Higbee's first score of the season is encouraging, and he's clearly entrenched atop the Rams' depth chart, the Giants have been a fantasy dreamland for opposing tight ends. The second-year pro has just 15 receptions for 187 yards through eight games this season, so he's clearly not a strong asset in the majority of settings. However, his Week 9 touchdown highlights that Higbee owns at least moderate potential in favorable matchups.

Graham caught five of eight pass attempts for 59 yards in Seattle's 17-14 loss to Washington on Sunday.

While Graham's three game scoring streak ended, he still racked up more yards in this contest than he had since Week 4. With the offense having difficulty moving the ball for most of the game, he was held without a red-zone target for the first time since Week 2, although he did drop a two-point attempt late. He'll try to get back in the end zone again Week 10 at Arizona.

Kelce caught seven of nine targets for 73 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 28-17 loss to the Cowboys.

Kelce led the team in targets, catches and receiving yardage in this one, finding the corner of the end zone to briefly take the lead in the third quarter. He's been consistent this season, recording at least 98 yards and/or a touchdown in six of nine games. Kelce will enjoy a break during the upcoming bye before returning to action in Week 11 against the Giants.

Engram caught four of 10 targets for 70 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 51-17 loss to the Rams.

Engram led the team in targets and finished tied for the team lead in yardage, finding the end zone from 10 yards out in the fourth quarter. He's quickly become a favorite target of Eli Manning, posting at least 60 receiving yards in four of his last five games and reaching the end zone in each of his last three. Engram should thrive again next week against the 49ers.

Kroft nabbed both of his targets for 79 yards in Sunday's 23-7 loss the the Jaguars.

The bulk of Kroft's work came in the second quarter when he went up field for a 59-yard reception, setting up Cincinnati's lone score of the game. That catch alone went for more yardage than Kroft has mustered in all but one full game this season. The very stout Jacksonville defense gave the Bengals fits with A.J. Green (ejection) out for most of the contest. However, Kroft is still a solid play, as he had caught at least four passes in four consecutive games entering Sunday and had scored three times in that span.

Kittle (leg) returned to Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

No. 3 tight end Cole Hikutini went down with a knee injury a few plays after Kittle, so his return was timely. Kittle will slot back into the top tight end role with rookie C.J. Beathard under center for the 49ers.

Kittle suffered a leg injury Sunday against the Cardinals and is questionable to return.

The rookie fifth-round pick is listed as the 49ers' No. 1 tight end, but he's only posted one touchdown, despite being targeted 10 times in the red zone through eight game. Expect Garrett Celek to see an increase in his snaps while Kittle sits out.

Manhertz suffered a concussion Sunday against the Falcons, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Manhertz left in the first quarter of Sunday's game and won't return. The 25-year-old tight end has just one reception for 11 yards this season, as he's mainly played second fiddle to Ed Dickson.

Smith will likely continue in his normal backup role Sunday against the Ravens with starting tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) active for the contest.

With Walker toughing it out with a bone bruise in the ankle, Smith doesn't have quite the clear path to targets that he would have if his veteran counterpart had been unavailable. If Walker is limited at all or suffers any setbacks during the contest, Smith could see an uptick in snaps, but relying on such an outcome would be a hunch play for fantasy lineups.