NFL Player News

Njoku recorded 10 receptions on 14 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Bengals.

The Browns had three different quarterbacks in the game, but that didn't stop Njoku from drawing the second-most targets in a game for his career. The efficiency on that opportunity was understandably lacking, but Njoku did manage receptions of 15 and 13 yards while also finding the end zone on an eight-yard catch late in the game. He had been unproductive with Deshaun Watson (Achilles) under center, so Njoku could see a boost in his production moving forward -- particularly after the departure of Amari Cooper.

Kelce finished with four receptions (five targets) for 17 yards in Sunday's 28-18 win over the 49ers.

It was clear that the 49ers came into this contest with a game plan to limit Kelce for a shorthanded Chiefs offense. While the opponent's defensive strategy was successful, it did not lead to a win, as Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City's rushing attack (four combined touchdowns) took care of business Sunday. Kelce was coming off of a pair of strong fantasy outings in his previous two contests, so managers will be hoping for a bounce-back performance against the Raiders next Sunday.

Bowers caught 10 of 14 targets for 93 yards in Sunday's 20-15 loss to the Rams.

Bowers continues to lead all NFL tight ends in receiving yards, with 477 through seven games, and he's the clear No. 1 target in the Raiders' passing game following Tuesday's trade of Davante Adams to the Jets. Despite finding success regardless of whether Vegas deploys Aidan O'Connell -- who exited in the first half Sunday due to a thumb injury -- or Gardner Minshew under center, the rookie first-round pick has been held back by the lack of talent around him, as Bowers has just one touchdown, and his first end-zone target of the season came in the fourth quarter against the Rams. Bowers has a juicy Week 8 matchup coming up against a Kansas City defense that has allowed the most yards in the league to tight ends.

Thomas caught both of his targets for four yards in Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Commanders.

Thomas was out-produced by Ja'Tavion Sanders (six catches for 61 yards) for the second consecutive week since returning from injury, suggesting that Sanders has already taken over the Panthers' No. 1 tight end role. With Tommy Tremble (back) returning from injury as soon as next week, Thomas could be further relegated to Carolina's third-string tight end.

Conklin (hip) is listed as active for Sunday night's game against the Steelers.

Following back-to-back limited practices, Conklin upgraded to full participation Friday but still carried a 'questionable' designation into the weekend. With his availability confirmed, the tight end is slated to remain a key Week 7 target for QB Aaron Rodgers, a scenario that has yielded Conklin a 19/191/0 receiving line on 30 targets through six contests this season.

Bryant is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Rams due to an elbow injury.

Bryant suffered the injury during the second half of Sunday's game, and he was taken to the locker room after being checked out by trainers on the sideline. If his day is done, he'll finish with two catches on as many targets for 19 yards. John Samuel Shenker and Justin Shorter will see more backup tight end snaps behind starter Brock Bowers as long as Bryant is sidelined.

Fant brought in all four targets for 65 yards in the Seahawks' 34-14 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Fant finished tied for first in receptions and was second in receiving yards on the afternoon for the Seahawks. The veteran tight end was able to set a new season high in yardage in the process and now has three outings of 60-plus yards for the first time since the 2021 season. Fant could be involved at an elevated level again in a Week 8 home matchup against the Bills if DK Metcalf is forced to miss any time with the knee injury that prompted his exit from Sunday's game.

Pitts brought in seven of nine targets for 65 yards in the Falcons' 34-14 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Pitts led the Falcons in receptions, receiving yards and targets while also tying a season high in catches. The gifted tight end appears to have found his groove in coordinator Zac Robinson's offense, as he now boasts three straight games with at least Sunday's 65 receiving yards and has brought in 17 of 22 targets in that span. Pitts should have a key role once again during a key Week 8 NFC South clash against the Buccaneers in Tampa.

LaPorta secured one of two targets for 25 yards in the Lions' 31-29 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

For the second consecutive week, LaPorta was limited to a sole catch, although it was once again a 20-plus yard grab. Nevertheless, the fact the talented tight end has drawn just three targets on 50 Jared Goff dropbacks over the last two games is concerning from a fantasy standpoint, irrespective of the second-year pro's recent knack for chunk plays. More useful volume could also be hard to come by in a Week 8 home matchup against a Titans defense that's been notoriously stingy against tight ends this season despite the team's poor record.

Smith caught all seven of his targets for 86 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Colts.

The veteran tight end was the only Miami pass catcher to have any kind of success, as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for a meager 2-19-0 line on four targets. Smith's 10-yard score came in the first quarter with Tyler Huntley (shoulder) under center, but if Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is able to return in Week 8 against the Cardinals, it would likely result in a reduced role for the TE, and a much rosier outlook for the team's two star WRs.