NFL Player News

Higbee caught two of his three targets for 17 yards during Sunday's win over Indianapolis.

This was a pedestrian stat line from Higbee, but it's definitely worth noting that he was on the field for 53 of 65 offensive snaps to lead all Los Angeles tight ends. Quarterback Jared Goff spread the ball around Sunday, and rookie tight end Gerald Everett hauled in an impressive 39-yard reception, so it's difficult to envision a clear path to fantasy relevance in most settings for Higbee.

Engram caught four of five passes for 44 yards against the Cowboys on Sunday night.

While Rhett Ellison (one target) drew the start, it's clear Engram is the team's top pass-catching tight end.

Kittle (hamstring) hauled in five of the six balls thrown his way for 27 yards in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

Kittle was a game-time decision after suffering a hamstring injury in practice this week. The 23-year-old was able to start, and he ended up being the only tight end involved in the passing game. While he didn't produce much fantasy-wise, Kittle's heavy usage bodes well for his future value, especially considering his 6-foot-4 frame is the largest red-zone target Brian Hoyer has at his disposal. Consider the rookie a deep-league option with upside going forward.

Graham caught three passes for eight yards on seven targets in Sunday's 17-9 loss to the Packers.

Graham was targeted on 26 percent of Russell Wilson's 27 pass attempts, including one unsuccessful look on a third-and-goal from the 3-yard line. While the target share and goal-line usage was encouraging, Graham's performance was anything but, featuring at least one drop and a long gain of six yards. He often was kept in to block because Seattle's porous offensive line needed help before peeling off into a dump-off route. He should fare better in Week 2 against a 49ers defense that allowed him to catch 10 of 16 targets for 164 yards and a touchdown in two matchups last season.

James nabbed six of eight passes for 41 yards and two scores in Sunday's win over the Browns.

James helped Pittsburgh retake the lead in the second quarter on a four-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone and then followed up with another score in the third quarter on a two-yard dump-off. In the process, James increased his career touchdown total by 50 percent. The Vance McDonald acquisition looked like it might hurt James -- and time is still needed for McDonald to acclimate to a new offense -- but James' eight targets to McDonald's one on Sunday is a promising start.

Ertz caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards in Sunday's 30-17 win over the Redskins.

Ertz displayed a terrific rapport with Carson Wentz in this one, catching everything that was thrown his way while leading the team in targets, catches and receiving yardage. He averaged a healthy 11.6 yards per catch and ripped off a long gain of 23 yards. Ertz came on strong at the end of last season and looks set to build on a successful season debut next Sunday in Kansas City.

Hooper caught both his targets for 128 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-17 win over the Bears.

Hooper made the most out of limited looks in this one, hauling in a 40-yard gain before rumbling for an 88-yard touchdown reception at the start of the fourth quarter. The second-year pro will likely see limited usage due to the depth at the skill positions around him, but he could carve out a useful role if he can gain the trust of Matt Ryan. Hooper will look to build on a superb season debut next week against the Packers.

Kittle (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Kittle is thus slated to make his NFL regular-season debut, and in the process the fifth-rounder is in line to step right into action as a starter for the 49ers following the trade of Vance McDonald to the Steelers. A wait-and-see approach is probably in order here, but it's conceivable that Kittle could, in time, emerge as one of Brian Hoyer's top options in the 49ers passing game.

Tomlinson (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bills.

Tomlinson was the Jets' starter at tight end Sunday due to Austin Seferian-Jenkins (suspension) sitting out. The Jets are light at tight end because Jordan Leggett (knee) is unable to play as well, so if Tomlinson cannot return, Will Tye will be the last remaining healthy tight end on the roster.

McGrath (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Broncos, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

McGrath was limited throughout practice this week and did not play in any preseason games, so his status for Monday is fairly unknown. The 29-year-old would likely be in line for duties as the third tight end with rookie Sean Culkin at best, given his limited reps thus far.