NFL Player News

Mayer caught one of two targets for 11 yards in Monday's 15-9 loss to the Falcons.

Mayer didn't come close to repeating his Week 14 performance that included seven catches for 68 yards on nine targets in Tampa Bay, but he did reach a 70 percent offensive snap share on Monday Night Football as the Raiders continued to use plenty of two-TE sets. Rookie standout Brock Bowers remains the alpha at this position ahead of a Week 16 matchup against the Jaguars, but Mayer shouldn't yet be completely crossed off in deeper formats, especially with quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) possibly returning to the lineup.

Willis played all 20 of his snaps on special teams in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

The 49ers kept four tight ends active Thursday, but only two (George Kittle and Eric Saubert) saw snaps on offense, while Willis and Jake Tonges were limited to special-teams roles. Willis has suited up in seven games this season but has played just 10 total snaps on offense.

Saubert played 17 of the 49ers' 54 snaps on offense and went without a target in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

Since playing a season-high 55 snaps in a Week 11 loss to the Seahawks while starting in place of the injured George Kittle, Saubert's role on offense has predictably been scaled back in recent weeks. While Kittle has suited up in each of the ensuing four contests, Saubert has drawn just two total targets and has played less than one-third of the offensive snaps in every game.

Tonges played all 14 of his snaps on special teams in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

Tonges has suited up for all 14 of the 49ers' games, but the reserve tight end has yet to draw a target. He's seen the overwhelming majority of his playing time on special teams, as he's logged just 30 snaps on offense all season.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Engram underwent surgery Monday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Engram was ruled out for the Jaguars' final four games of the season when he was placed on injured reserve Saturday, though it wasn't immediately known if he would get surgery to address the labrum tear. With the procedure now confirmed, Engram will likely be shut down from activity for a few weeks before beginning a rehab program. Pederson said he expects Engram to be a full participant when the Jaguars begin their offseason program in the spring, when the 30-year-old tight end will be heading into the final season of the three-year, $41.25 million extension he signed in July 2023. After turning in a career-best 114-catch, 963-yard season in 2023, Engram took a big step back statistically in 2024, but he was still a usable fantasy starter in PPR formats with a 47-365-1 receiving line on 64 targets over nine appearances.

Allen (shoulder) played 15 of the Rams' 65 snaps on offense and went without a target in Thursday's 12-6 win over the 49ers.

Listed as questionable leading up to Thursday due to the shoulder injury, Allen received clearance to play but didn't carve out much of a role on offense. He finished third among Rams tight ends in snaps, trailing Colby Parkinson (32) and Hunter Long (22). With the Rams activated Tyler Higbee (knee) from the PUP list Tuesday in anticipation that he makes his season debut Sunday against the Jets, Allen could be a candidate for the inactive list.

Knox caught two of three targets for 42 yards in Sunday's 48-42 win over the Lions.

Knox played 51 of the Bills' 70 offensive snaps Sunday, the most of any Buffalo tight end. Meanwhile, teammate Dalton Kincaid returned from a three-game absence due to a knee injury and saw four more targets than Knox despite playing 17 less snaps. The 28-year-old Knox will likely continue to see his role decrease with the more dynamic Kincaid back in the mix. The veteran is best left out of fantasy lineups going forward with a Week 16 matchup against the Patriots on tap.

Granson caught three of four targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos.

Granson's three receptions, four targets and 47 yards were all season highs in each category. The veteran tight end played 27 of the Colts' 76 offensive snaps Sunday, behind Drew Ogletree (30) and ahead of Mo Alie-Cox (23). Granson's remains off the fantasy radar as he continues to play a limited role in Colts' passing attack. Indianapolis will host the Titans in Week 16.

Hurst (hip) was a full participant at the Chargers' practice Thursday.

Hurst was designated to return from injured reserve Monday and he officially made his return to the practice field one day later. The tight end has been out since mid-November with a hip injury, missing the Chargers' last four games while on injured reserve. Hurst has caught seven of 12 targets for 65 yards over seven games in 2024. With Will Dissly (shoulder) still banged up, it's possible that Hurst would operate in a significant role Thursday night versus Denver if he gets activated from IR.

Dissly (shoulder) did not participate in practice Tuesday.

Dissly was also tagged as a DNP on Monday, though that was a walk-through session. The tight end hurt his shoulder in Week 14 against Kansas City and missed this past Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers. If he's out again Thursday, which is a likely scenario, Stone Smartt would be in line for another start, though Los Angeles could also get Hayden Hurst (hip) back from IR this week. Hurst was designated to return Monday and logged a full practice Tuesday.