NFL Player News

Sample failed to record a single target in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Patriots.

Despite not seeing a target Sunday, Sample played the most offensive snaps (27) of any Cincinnati tight end. The Bengals found it hard to move the ball against a formidable New England defense, and the veteran tight end wasn't a factor in the passing game. Teammate Mike Gesicki was the preferred target at tight end for Joe Burrow, seeing four targets in the contest. Sample will likely continue to see an uphill battle for targets when the Bengals square off against the Chiefs in Week 2.

Gesicki caught three of his four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Patriots.

Gesicki played the second-most offensive snaps (18) of any Bengals tight end, behind only Drew Sample, who finished the contest with 27 snaps. He did, however, pace the position group in targets. Even so, the fact that the Bengals appear content to take a committee approach at tight end -- Erick All and Tanner Hudson also played 12 and nine snaps, respectively -- will likely limit the fantasy upside of Gesicki and all other members of the position group.

Ruckert wasn't targeted in Monday's 32-19 loss to the 49ers.

Tyler Conklin's two targets accounted for all of the pass-catching opportunities afforded to Jets tight ends in the season opener. Ruckert played 33 percent of snaps on offense to Conklin's 90 percent, so it would likely take an injury to Conklin to clear the way for Ruckert to see significant playing time.

Knox caught one of two targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 34-28 win over the Cardinals.

Knox operated as the No. 2 tight end behind Dalton Kincaid, but both tight ends finished the day with just two targets. The 27-year-old Knox was on the field for 58 percent of the Bills' offensive snaps, while Kincaid finished with a 84 percent snap share in the contest. The veteran will likely face an uphill battle for meaningful targets this season, keeping him off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Dolphins.

Lumpkin signed with the Packers' practice squad Tuesday.

Lumpkin has had opportunities with the Patriots, Colts and Broncos since going undrafted out of Louisiana in 2023. The 26-year-old has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game, but he'll work to make that happen now that he's found another opportunity in Green Bay.

The Browns are slated to sign Swaim to the practice squad Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Swaim will act as an experienced reserve option for Cleveland's tight end corps, with starter David Njoku (ankle) currently considered week-to-week. He looks back to full health after having ended the 2023 season on Arizona's injured reserve list due to a calf issue.

Sinnott wasn't targeted in Sunday's 37-20 loss at Tampa Bay, playing only 23 percent of snaps on offense.

Zach Ertz ran 21 routes to Sinnott's four and tied for the team lead with four targets. That won't necessarily hold up all year, but Ertz figures to again lead the Washington tight ends in snaps, routes and targets in a Week 2 matchup with the Giants. Sinnott, a second-round pick, likely will have to settle for incremental role increases during the early part of his rookie season.

Ertz caught three of four targets for 28 yards in a 37-20 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday, playing 70 percent of snaps on offense and running the second-most routes (21) on the team.

That route total don't count eight dropbacks on which rookie QB Jayden Daniels scrambled, which was one of the factors that made it difficult for any Washington pass catcher to compile a decent receiving line. Four players, including Ertz, tied for the team lead with four targets, and running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson combined for 101 of the team's 184 receiving yards. Ertz's role hints that he could have some useful fantasy weeks ahead, although rookie second-round pick Ben Sinnott looms as a threat to eventually cut into the 33-year-old's snaps and routes. For now, Ertz figures to lead Washington tight ends in playing time in Week 2 against the Giants.

Strange wasn't targeted during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dolphins.

The 2023 second-round pick out-snapped Luke Farrell 19 to 14 on offense, but starter Evan Engram was the only Jacksonville tight end to be involved in the passing game. Strange caught five passes for 35 yards and a touchdown in 14 games as a rookie last year, and he's again opened 2024 in a minor role.

Mayer caught two of three targets for three yards in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Chargers.

Mayer averaged just one yard per target in the Raiders' season opener, while rookie tight end Brock Bowers paced the team in receptions with six grabs for 58 yards on eight looks from quarterback Gardner Minshew. Despite being the No. 2 TE option in Las Vegas, Mayer played only seven fewer snaps than Bowers' 41, but the former's fantasy output could remain touchdown dependent, whereas Bowers seems better positioned to see more consistent target volume.