NFL Player News

Trautman failed to secure either of his two targets in Sunday's 70-20 loss to the Dolphins.

Despite playing a healthy 87 percent of Denver's offensive snaps, Trautman was a complete non-factor in the Broncos' passing attack Sunday. The lack of involvement is surprising considering the pass-heavy game script Denver saw itself in while trailing the Dolphins in a blowout throughout the game. With Greg Dulcich (hamstring) on injured reserve and not eligible to return until Week 6, Trautman should continue to lead Broncos' tight ends in snaps. Trautman has a good chance to be more involved Week 4, as the Broncos are set to visit the Bears and their porous defense.

Pruitt caught his only target for 10 yards during Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions.

Pruitt played a season-low 17 offensive snaps but recorded his first reception of 2023 late in the fourth quarter. The veteran saw 59 offensive snaps through the first two weeks, so he's expected to be on the field often moving forward. However, he mostly operates as a blocker and doesn't hold much fantasy value as the No. 3 tight end in a run-heavy offense.

Smith caught five of eight targets for 37 yards during Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions.

After not catching a pass in the season opener, Smith has recorded nine receptions (on 14 targets) for 84 yards over the last two games. The veteran finished second on the team in targets during Sunday's defeat, and his eight chances actually tie a career-high mark, which he's accomplished two other times. Given his recent usage, fantasy managers should keep an eye on Smith moving forward, but the 28-year-old tight end likely still has a limited ceiling in Atlanta's run-heavy offense.

Parham caught both his targets for four yards and two touchdowns in a 28-24 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

At this point, it's clear the 6-foot-8 tight end is one of quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite red-zone options, with four of Parham's seven targets so far in 2023 coming inside the 20-yard line, leading to three short TDs. Parham played 34 snaps compared to starter Gerald Everett's 38 on Sunday, but it would be more encouraging for his fantasy consistency if Parham were more involved in all facets of the offense.

Everett caught all six of his targets for 30 yards in the 28-24 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

Everett acted as an extension of the running game, with quarterback Justin Herbert dumping the ball off a number of times to his veteran tight end. Everett (38 snaps) and Donald Parham (34 snaps) continue to split playing time relatively evenly, but it was the latter who has posed a significant threat in the red zone, catching two short touchdowns Sunday. Expect Everett to continue to be a reliable, albeit unremarkable, fantasy option in a Chargers offense that has leaned heavily on wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams (knee) in the absence of running back Austin Ekeler (ankle).

Smythe secured his lone target for 15 yards during Sunday's 70-20 win over the Broncos.

Smythe caught six passes and played nearly 100 percent of offensive snaps through Miami's first two games, but he took a significant step back with just 37 percent of the snaps in Week 3. Miami faced little resistance on the ground Sunday, with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert combining for 285 rushing yards and five rushing TDs, leaving no need to involve Smythe in the offense outside of his blocking assignments. With just a 7-82-0 line on 11 targets through three games, the tight end will be an unappealing fantasy option in Week 4 versus the Bills.

Jordan caught both of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-17 win over Jacksonville.

He played just 10 snaps, but Jordan provided quarterback C.J. Stroud with another weapon in the red zone. The touchdown was his first since Dec. 12, 2021. The tight end played only special teams in Week 1 but has seen 18 percent of the combined offensive snaps in Weeks 2 and 3.

Quitoriano did not catch his lone target in Sunday's 37-17 win over the Jaguars in Week 3.

Quitoriano was targeted in the first quarter, the second time quarterback C.J. Stroud has looked to the tight end, who caught his other target in Week 1 for 11 yards. He's mainly around to block and has seen the second-most playing time among the tight end group behind Dalton Schultz and ahead of Brevin Jordan. As the better blocker, Quitoriano figures to outplay Jordan most weeks, but if game situations call for a receiver, that would be Jordan, who scored a touchdown Sunday.

Schultz caught one of three targets for nine yards in Sunday's 37-17 win over the Jaguars.

Schultz once again paced the Texans' tight end group in snap count (38, 68 percent share), but it was Brevin Jordan who scored a touchdown Sunday. Houston is still searching for an effective rushing attack, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry through three weeks, so Schultz (82.9 percent season share) and Teagan Quitoriano (40.6 percent) will continue to get the bulk of the snaps at TE due to their blocking skills.

Akins played 13 snaps and was not targeted in Sunday's 27-3 win over the Titans.

Akins had a couple catches the first two weeks, but his reunion with quarterback Deshaun Watson has generally made little impact on the Browns' offense. After being on the field for 23 snaps (32 percent) in season opener, Akins has played a combined 22 snaps (14 percent) in Weeks 2 and 3.