NFL Player News

Ruckert caught one of three targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 13-8 loss to the Falcons.

Ruckert had three targets compared to nine for fellow tight end Tyler Conklin. Heading into a Week 14 home game against Houston, Ruckert has 11 catches for 98 yards on 17 targets.

Conklin caught three of nine targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 13-8 loss to the Falcons.

Conklin actually led the Jets in targets, but he finished third in receiving yards behind Xavier Gipson (77) and Garrett Wilson (50). Regardless of whether Tim Boyle, Trevor Siemian or Zach Wilson starts in Week 14 against the Texans, New York's quarterback will likely have to check it down to Conklin often given the offensive line's inability to buy time and the team's lack of receiving depth.

Johnson failed to haul in any of his three targets during Sunday's 33-28 defeat against Detroit.

Johnson failed to log a reception for the first time this season. The 27-year-old also made a pivotal mistake on the Saints' first offensive play of the game when he failed to secure a short pass while running across the middle of the field. This resulted in the ball popping up in the air and allowed Lions safety Brian Branch to make a diving interception. The Saints went on to fall behind 21-0 late in the first quarter, and Johnson did not record a target after early in the second quarter. Johnson still logged more targets than fellow tight ends Foster Moreau (two) and Jimmy Graham (one), though those two combined for three receptions and a touchdown. Johnson's performance is especially disappointing considering that the Saints were without two of their top three wideouts with Rashid Shaheed (thigh) inactive and Michael Thomas (knee) on IR. Across eight games this season, the 6-foot-4 tight end has recorded 18 receptions (on 29 targets) for 142 yards and just one touchdown. He'll look to play an all-around better game this coming Sunday against the Panthers.

Kittle had four receptions on six targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 42-19 win over the Eagles.

Kittle's highlight play did not show up in his final stat line, as he successfully blocked two pursuing defenders to allow Deebo Samuel to score one of his three touchdowns in Sunday's rout of Philadelphia. The selfless Kittle still finished with a solid receiving day, bringing his season totals up to 50 receptions, 735 yards and five touchdowns over 12 games played. Kittle will look to outdo the 3/19/0 receiving line he posted against Seattle in Week 12 when the two division rivals meet for a rematch next Sunday.

McBride recorded eight receptions on nine targets for 89 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Steelers.

Arizona's offense played through rain-soaked conditions and understandably relied primarily on their run game as a result. That didn't stop McBride from turning in an excellent performance, which was highlighted by three catches of at least 15 yards as well as a five-yard touchdown reception just before halftime. In four games since Kyler Murray has returned, McBride has at least 60 receiving yards on three occasions.

Graham gathered in his only target for a six-yard touchdown during Sunday's 33-28 loss versus the Lions.

Graham was ruled a healthy scratch for four games in a row leading into Week 13, but with starting wideouts Rashid Shaheed (thigh) and Michael Thomas (knee - IR) unable to play, the Saints needed extra bodies Week 13. As a result, the 37-year-old tight end suited up and saw just his third target of the season when he got New Orleans on the board for the first time in the game with a six-yard touchdown catch. Graham has now recorded a touchdown on each of his two receptions on the season, both of which came within the 10-yard line. Fellow tight ends Juwan Johnson (three) and Foster Moreau (two) each recorded more targets in the game, and it seems like Graham's only value will come as a unique scoring threat when New Orleans is in the low red zone.

Pitts caught four of eight targets for 51 yards in Sunday's 13-8 win over the Jets.

Pitts led the Falcons in targets, catches and receiving yards as Desmond Ridder threw for only 121 yards in this defensive battle. Atlanta's poor quarterback play coupled with coach Arthur Smith's run-heavy game plans have limited Pitts' effectiveness, as this was only the third time the talented tight end surpassed 50 receiving yards in 12 appearances this season. In Week 14, Pitts will face the Buccaneers, against whom he had three catches for 47 yards in a Week 7 win.

Whyle (knee) isn't believed to be dealing with a season-ending injury after exiting Sunday's game against the Colts, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports.

Whyle departed Sunday's matchup in the fourth quarter, and it appears likely that he'll be able to return at some point later this season. However, the full extent of his injury isn't yet clear, and his status for next Monday's matchup against Miami remains to be seen.

Deguara (hip) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Deguara sustained the hip injury in Week 11 against the Chargers. There was optimism he would play in Week 13 after stringing together three limited sessions leading up to Sunday's contest, but he'll sit out for the second straight week. In Deguara's absence, Ben Sims will take over as the backup tight end behind Tucker Kraft.

Higbee, who is being evaluated for a concussion, is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Browns.

Before his departure from the contest, Higbee caught two of his four targets for 35 yards. With Brycen Hopkins inactive, Davis Allen and Hunter Long are the Rams' available TE options versus Cleveland.