NFL Player News

Kelce caught four passes on eight targets for 47 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Dolphins.

Kelce hasn't gone over 50 receiving yards in either of the last two weeks, but he did reach the end zone for the first time since Week 13 with a nice snag on a high pass from quarterback Alex Smith. The 28-year-old tight end leads his position group with 83 receptions and sits only behind Rob Gronkowski (1,084) with 1,038 receiving yards entering a Week 17 matchup with the Broncos.

Coach Sean Payton suggested Tuesday that Hill will continue to be incorporated on offense in some situations, Herbie Teope of The Times-Picayune reports. "Just looking at different situations, I think it was a screen play," said Payton. "We'll continue to do that."

Hill possesses enough athletic ability to play different positions on the field and has even contributed on special teams this season. He checked in for just one offensive play Sunday, so it remains unlikely that the rookie signal-caller will see enough usage to warrant fantasy ownership in most leagues.

Higbee caught both his targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 27-23 road win over Tennessee.

The two receptions improved the sophomore tight end to a lackluster four catches for 22 yards through the past four weeks. While his diving 10-yard grab in the second quarter of Sunday's win showcased Higbee's athleticism and potential, he hasn't been involved enough in the passing attack to provide serviceable fantasy numbers in the majority of settings.

McGrath caught both of his targets for 23 yards in the 14-7 win over the Jets on Sunday.

With Hunter Henry placed on injured reserve due to a spleen injury, McGrath seemed set to receive a larger volume of targets Sunday. That didn't end up being the case, as Antonio Gates rekindled the flames of old with quarterback Philip Rivers, turning back the clock to put together a vintage performance (six catches for 81 yards and a touchdown). Given both McGrath and third-string tight end Jeff Cumberland saw less than 30 snaps Sunday, it seems unlikely either player will find themselves in a position of fantasy relevance in Week 17.

Ertz caught nine of 14 targets for 81 yards in Monday night's 19-10 win over the Raiders.

Ertz was quarterback Nick Foles' security blanket, as he was targeted at least twice as often as any other teammate. That many looks allowed Ertz to post his second-highest catch total this season. Monday's win saw the Eagles clinch the top seed in the NFC, so it'll be worthwhile to monitor how players like Ertz will be handled in Week 17, but he's clearly a comforting presence for Foles in the passing game.

Smith made a 13-yard grab while getting two targets in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Rams.

Smith hasn't been much of a factor with top tight end Delanie Walker healthy. There's little reason to expect much from him in next week's finale against the stout Jaguars defense.

Graham caught his only target for a three-yard touchdown against Dallas on Sunday.

Russell Wilson was only able to throw for 93 yards in this game, so Graham's limited role was of no fault of his own. Wilson should have a bigger game against the Cardinals this week, which should hopefully put Graham in position to post more yardage from scrimmage.

Kittle caught three passes on three targets for 42 yards and one touchdown against Jacksonville on Sunday.

Three targets isn't normally enough to get it done reliably, but Kittle has generally shown well as a rookie, and he was an important contributor in the 49ers' exciting upset of the Jaguars. The rookie has a more positive long-term outlook than most young tight ends generally, let alone those drafted in the fifth round like Kittle was. With QB Jimmy Garoppolo looking like a promising foundation of the new era in San Francisco, Kittle's future appears favorable.

Engram has been ruled out of Sunday's contest at Arizona due to a rib injury.

Initially, Engram was deemed questionable to return with an abdominal issue, but the Giants changed course when declaring him out, instead calling it a rib concern. With his departure, the offense is down to three tight ends in Rhett Ellison, Jerell Adams and Shane Smith. Looking ahead, Engram's status will be one to monitor closely for the regular-season finale against the Redskins.

Engram won't return to Sunday's game at Arizona due to a rib injury.

Eli Manning's first-quarter interception was intended for Engram, who came up gimpy after the play. According to Dan Duggan of NJ.com, Engram was favoring his "left hip" at the time, but the tight end eventually was diagnosed with an abdominal issue. For the rest of the game, the Giants' TE corps has three healthy bodies: Rhett Ellison, Jerell Adams and Shane Smith.