NFL Player News

Likely had one catch for 26 yards on two targets in Sunday's win over the Bills.

Likely's usage continues to be a fraction of what it was in the season opener, when he drew 12 targets. He made a splash with his lone catch Sunday night with an impressive leaping grab for a 26-yard gain that was Baltimore's longest completion of the night. Likely is playing a healthy snap share at 60 percent over the first four games. However, Baltimore has gone to a more run-heavy approach of late and is mixing and matching its tight-end personnel. This development not only is limiting Likely's chances, but the entire group of pass catchers as a whole. The Ravens have attempted fewer than 20 passes in each of the last two games, both of which were wins. Likely and the Ravens head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in Week 5.

Thomas (calf) is expected to be designated to return from injured reserve this week, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Thomas has missed the minimum four games and is now eligible to return to action. Once he is officially designated to return, he'll be able to practice with the team, but that doesn't guarantee he'll return this Sunday against the Bears. More clarity on his status for the matchup will likely come later in the week.

Washington secured both of his targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Colts.

Washington didn't have more than five receiving yards in any of the first three games of the season, but he tallied double-digit yards on both of his receptions during Sunday's defeat. He still didn't see as much work as starting tight end Pat Freiermuth, who secured five of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. Although Washington looked good when he had the ball in his hands Sunday, he hasn't yet carved out a high enough target share to make him a reliable fantasy option.

Strange secured all three of his targets for 19 yards during Sunday's' 24-20 loss to the Texans.

Strange has drawn three straight starts at tight end with Evan Engram (hamstring) sidelined, and has been the busier pass-catcher over Luke Farrell (zero catches, one target versus Houston). In that span, Strange has caught eight of 14 targets for 96 yards and one score. If Engram is able to get back on the field against the Colts in Week 5, however, Strange figures to return to a depth role.

Hurst caught one of his three targets for six yards in the 17-10 loss to Kansas City on Sunday.

Hurst played more than his teammate Will Dissly (35 snaps to 20), but the Chargers' two-TE sets haven't been favorable for either player's pass-catching production. The team's run-heavy offensive scheme is limiting the fantasy upside of both tight ends, as neither Hurst nor Dissly have topped 35 yards in a game this season.

Dissly caught two of his three targets for 24 yards in the 17-10 loss to Kansas City on Sunday.

Hayden Hurst saw the bigger side of the tight end platoon this week, tallying 35 snaps compared to Dissly's 20, but it was the latter who had the marginally better fantasy day. Neither tight end is in a viable fantasy situation given the Chargers' preference to run the ball and rely on their defense to keep games close.

Musgrave caught all three of his targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 31-29 loss to the Vikings.

Musgrave surpassed the two receptions and nine yards he managed over the first three weeks of the season, but his output and snap count (25) still paled in comparison to fellow tight end Tucker Kraft, who was on the field for 65 plays and racked up six receptions on nine targets for 53 yards and a score. The Packers could utilize more two-tight-end formations if Christian Watson (ankle) misses time, but Musgrave remains well behind Kraft when it comes to fantasy value.

Stover caught his lone target for 27 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Jaguars in Week 4.

Stover's 27-yard catch moved the Texans to midfield on a drive that eventually resulted in the team's first touchdown. Brevin Jordan's season-ending knee injury has elevated Stover to the No. 2 tight end behind veteran Dalton Schultz. The rookie tight end has two catches on two targets for 45 yards.

Schultz caught three of five targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over Jacksonville.

Schultz again dealt with an ankle injury during the practice week, but it hasn't prevented him from seeing significant action. In Week 3, he logged 96 percent of the offensive snaps, and the veteran tight end was on the field for 87 percent of plays Sunday. Schultz moved up to third on the target list with Tank Dell (chest) inactive for the game.

Ruckert caught both of his targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 10-9 loss to the Broncos.

Ruckert has put together back-to-back two-catch efforts, but he has just four targets to Tyler Conklin's 14 over that span. With Conklin firmly atop the depth chart and the Jets' offense as a whole struggling to find consistency, Ruckert remains off the fantasy radar until further notice.