NFL Player News

Higbee caught just one of his seven targets for 31 yards during Sunday's loss to Carolina.

After receiving seven targets through the first seven games of the season, and hauling in just two of them, Sunday's uptick of volume in the passing game was slightly surprising. Unfortunately, Higbee didn't make the most of his opportunity, whereas fellow tight end Lance Kendricks caught seven passes for 90 yards against Carolina. It's likely best to maintain a wait-and-see approach with Higbee, especially since Kendricks has established himself as one of the go-to options in the passing attack.

Escobar caught his first pass of the season, a two-yard touchdown, in Sunday's 35-10 rout of the Browns.

The fourth-year tight end has been a complete non-factor this season, but as has been the case throughout Escobar's career, when he does catch a pass, it tends to be in the end zone. Barring an injury to Jason Witten, don't look for Escobar's workload to increase dramatically any time soon.

James caught two passes for 13 yards in the Steelers' 21-14 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

James saw four targets on Sunday but, despite trailing all game, none after half time. His fantasy value seems to be touchdown dependent, which does not bode well in Week 10 against a Dallas defense that has not allowed an opposing number one tight end to score in their last five games.

Kelce caught five of seven targets for 58 yards in Sunday's win over Jacksonville. He was ejected after throwing his towel at a referee, ESPN reports.

Kelce lost his cool after a flag wasn't thrown on what he thought should have been a pass interference call in the end zone. Before getting tossed in the fourth quarter, Kelce had put together his sixth game with five or more caches of the season, including a beautiful 23-yard fade connection with backup quarterback Nick Foles. Among the most consistent performers at the tight end position, Kelce could see a bump in targets should Jeremy Maclin miss any time with a groin injury.

Allen (ankle) caught one of two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 31-26 win at Green Bay.

Allen, making his first appearance since Oct. 16, caught his lone pass around the goal line early in the first quarter. Meanwhile, fellow TE Jack Doyle had a solid game, catching five of nine targets for 61 yards. Allen should be well rested for the Colts' next game in Week 11 against Tennessee.

Ertz led the Eagles with eight receptions and 97 yards on eight targets during Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Giants.

Carson Wentz registered a career high in passing yardage as the Eagles trailed throughout the game, and Ertz was the biggest beneficiary as he posted his highest yardage total of the season by a considerable margin. He also managed to break off a long gain of 30 yards and registered a season high in receptions. In what has been a largely disappointing season, Ertz's productive game was a positive sign for his fantasy value and he will have the opportunity to put on a repeat performance next week versus a Falcons defense that has proven susceptible to strong tight end play.

Allen (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Allen, who last suited up on Oct. 16, is out there if you need him Sunday, but it remains to be seen how close to 100 percent he'll be in his return to action. Meanwhile, Jack Doyle, who helped fill in at TE while Allen was out, should also remain in the mix this week, along with Erik Swoope.

Pruitt (coach's decision) will be inactive for Sunday's contest against the Lions.

Pruitt's knee issue appears to be behind him, although he'll be a healthy scratch in Week 9 as the Vikings deploy Kyle Rudolph and Rhett Ellison as their only options at tight end.

Graham (knee) was a full participant at Saturday's practice and is not listed on the Seahawks' final game status report, Liz Mathews of ESPN reports.

Graham will therefore be good to go against the Bills on Monday. His effectiveness will likely rely on what Russell Wilson is able to do in the passing game, but it is slightly discouraging that the Bills have given up only 288 yards and two touchdowns to tight ends this season. Still, even considering that Wilson has not thrown a touchdown since Week 4, Graham is likely the best option you have at tight end and is worthy of a start given his ability.

Duarte has been promoted to the Dolphins' active roster.

Duarte's promotion to the active roster comes in the wake of Jordan Cameron being sent to the injured reserve list. The rookie tight end will merely be a reserve option for the Dolphins, though he might have a chance to eventually gain a role on special teams.