NFL Player News

Patriots rookie tight end Zach Sudfeld was considered a sleeper coming into Week 1 at Buffalo. He left Sunday's game looking like he was still asleep.

Sudfeld had no catches against the Bills on just one target. He wasn't part of the game plan, and he might not be the Fantasy option we expected, especially with Rob Gronkowski (back) coming back as early as Week 3.

The Patriots play the Jets on Thursday night in Week 2, and Sudfeld is now a risky starting option in all leagues. If you can, consider dropping Sudfeld for Julius Thomas, who scored two touchdowns for the Broncos against the Ravens in Week 1.

Sudfeld's disappearing act was one of the biggest disappointments in the opening week.

Patriots rookie tight end Zach Sudfeld had a golden opportunity Week 1 at Buffalo to make an impact with Rob Gronkowski (back, forearm) sidelined due to injury. Unfortunately, Sudfeld didn't capitalize on the opportunity.

Sudfeld recorded no catches and his only target in the second quarter bounced off his hands and was picked off by a Buffalo defender. 

The Patriots have a quick turnaround Week 2, playing Thursday against the Jets.

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham wasn't able to match his performance from the last time the Falcons were in town, when he had seven catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10 last year, but he still made an impact Week 1 against Atlanta.

His four catches for 45 yards were nothing spectacular, but he pulled down a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Brees. He also led the team with seven targets.

He could be in line for bigger numbers when the Saints visit Tampa Bay in Week 2. The Buccaneers beefed up their secondary by acquiring cornerback Darrelle Revis in the offseason, but they showed they're still vulnerable over the middle in Week 1, allowing the Jets' Kellen Winslow to catch seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was outshined by an undrafted free agent Sunday, in a 34-24 Week 1 win over the Vikings.

Pettigrew brought in just two of four passes thrown his way for a paltry 6 yards. Joseph Fauria was much more involved and effective, finishing with three catches for 27 yards and a touchdown.

Pettigrew will try to find his way in Week 2 against the Cardinals in Arizona. 

Lions backup tight end Joseph Fauria had a big NFL debut Sunday in Week 1 against the Vikings, as he emerged as a red-zone threat in a 34-24 win.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked Fauria's way three times, including once with the Lions set up at the 1-yard line. Fauria brought in all three passes, including a 1-yard touchdown pass. He finished with 27 receiving yards on the day.

Fauria, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, will try to prove this wasn't a fluke when the Lions head to Arizona in Week 2. 

Colts tight end Dwayne Allen caught one pass in Sunday's Week 1 victory over the Raiders -- a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. 

Allen was targeted twice. The team's other tight end, Coby Fleener, caught one pass for seven yards. 

The Colts face the Dolphins in Week 2.

With Heath Miller out for the game, Steelers tight end David Johnson saw action in the Week 1 loss to Tennessee Sunday. 

Johnson was targeted just once by Ben Roethlisberger in the passing game. He caught the ball and went for 11 yards. Miller may return for Week 2 at Cincinnati. 

There were no surprises on the Rams' inactive list for Sunday's game against Arizona. Ruled out were safety Darian Stewart (thigh), cornerback Quinton Pointer (thigh), tight end Cory Harkey (knee), linebacker Jonathan Stewart (hip), offensive lineman Barrett Jones, guard Brandon Washington and defensive end Gerald Rivers.  

Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis (calf) was officially ruled inactive Week 1 vs. Kansas City. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Allen Reisner.

Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah (foot) and tight end Travis Kelce (knee) were both cleared to play Week 1 at Jacksonville after being questionable on the injury report. Safety Quintin Demps (hamstring), tackle Eric Fisher (shoulder), linebacker James-Michael Johnson (groin), linebacker Dezman Moses (toe), cornerback Sean Smith (neck) and tackle Donald Stephenson (shoulder) were also cleared after being listed as probable.