NFL Player News

Bates caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Eagles.

Bates started along with Chig Okonkwo at tight end, and he garnered more than two targets in a regular-season game for the first time since Week 9 of the 2025 campaign. Bates was on the field for 34 of the team's 70 offensive snaps while also logging 15 more snaps on special teams.

Boerkircher caught his only target for nine yards during Sunday's 34-10 win versus the Browns.

Boerkircher played 38 of Jacksonville's 57 offensive snaps in his pro debut, good for second most among Jaguars tight ends behind Brenton Strange (39). Boerkircher was billed as more of a blocker than a route runner when he was taken in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and at least in the short term, Strange should be expected to continue to see more targets between the two of them.

Hibner caught his only target for 13 yards in the Ravens' 41-23 win over the Colts on Sunday.

Hibner played 23 offensive snaps in the contest, shifting into the offense when the Ravens lined up for 13-personnel packages. The fourth-round rookie also played nine special-teams snaps, displaying his versatility.

Hawes didn't record any offensive snaps during Buffalo's win over the Texans on Sunday.

Hawes was in the starting lineup alongside both Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox but served mainly in a blocking capacity, as he failed to record any targets across 25 offensive snaps. The 25-year-old also saw eight snaps on special teams and should continue to see similar usage going forward unless either Kincaid or Knox is forced to miss time.

Oliver logged two catches (on four targets) for 22 yards during the Vikings' 39-22 win over the Packers on Sunday.

Oliver was listed as the Vikings' co-starter at tight end alongside T.J. Hockenson, with the duo playing 40-plus snaps each in Sunday's win. Oliver's four targets ended up being third most on the Vikings behind Hockenson (five) and Justin Jefferson (nine), though Oliver figures to serve in a complementary role in the passing game and primarily as a blocker. Oliver and the Vikings will hit the road for a Week 2 tilt against the Bears on Sept. 20.

Smith caught two of three targets for 50 yards in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Vikings.

Jordan Love wasn't shy about going to his tight ends, as Smith and Tucker Kraft combined for five catches and 115 yards. The bulk of Smith's production came on a 43-yard reception midway through the third quarter on which he was left wide open. Kraft is the clear No. 1 tight end in Green Bay, but Smith logged 32 of 68 offensive snaps Sunday and should chip in as a pass catcher most weeks. With that said, Smith is unlikely to be a trustworthy fantasy asset unless Kraft is sidelined at some point.

All saw 20 offensive snaps but didn't get a target during Sunday's 33-27 win over the Buccaneers.

The 2024 fourth-round pick operated as the third tight end behind Drew Sample (41 snaps) and Mike Gesicki (21 snaps). All made 20 catches as a rookie two years ago before missing the 2025 campaign with a right knee injury. He doesn't seem like much of a factor in the passing game for the time being.

Sample caught all three of his targets for 19 yards during Sunday's 33-27 win versus the Buccaneers.

Sample was on the field for 42 of Cincinnati's 64 offensive snaps in Week 1, easily pacing Bengals tight ends in playing time. He has never been a truly explosive pass-catching threat, but a sustained high catch rate and regular playing time should keep him in the mix in a crowded passing attack.

Evans caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.

Evans was on the field for 27 of the team's 68 offensive snaps while operating as the team's primary reserve option at tight end behind Tommy Tremble. Evans also logged 17 snaps with the special-teams unit, and he will continue to have limited offensive upside in Week 2 against the Falcons.

Tremble caught three of his five targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears.

Tremble played 34 offensive snaps, which equated to just under 56 percent of the Panthers' total offensive plays. The tight end also contributed 11 special-teams snaps in the losing effort, showing some versatility in what was a productive offensive day for the Panthers overall.