Jason Croom TE (BUF)
Jason Croom Needs to get healthy: Although Croom's hamstring injury isn't expected to be a long-term concern, he's missed opportunities to establish himself in the pecking order following a foot injury to starter Tyler Kroft , Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News reports.
Fantasy impact: At one point in February, Croom was the only tight end under contract, but then the team signed Kroft as the likely starter, as well as veteran blocking specialist Lee Smith . Then the Bills drafted Dawson Knox in the third round and Tommy Sweeney in the seventh, while adding two free-agent signees. Even coach Sean McDermott -- who sang Croom's praises during a 22/259/1 season -- admitted some of those opportunities are starting to go to others. If the season started today, Knox might be the top pass-catching threat, but we'll see if Croom can get his health in order in time for next month's training camp.
Croom isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.
Tyler Kroft TE (BUF)
Tyler Kroft Misses minicamp: Kroft's (foot) absence from minicamp freed up reps for rookies Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney, Nate Mendelson of the Bills' official website reports.
What it means: Signed to a three-year, $18.75 million contract at the beginning of the offseason, Kroft re-broke his right foot at OTAs in May and subsequently was given a recovery estimate of 3-4 months. The timeline leaves him questionable for Week 1, potentially freeing up a starting job for Knox, Sweeney, Lee Smith or Jason Croom (hamstring).
Kroft isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.
Tyler Eifert TE (CIN)
Tyler Eifert Misses June minicamp: Eifert (ankle) didn't practice at June minicamp, Richard Skinner of WKRC reports.
Fantasy impact: Eifert mostly was able to participate in the early part of the offseason program, but the Bengals seem intent on a cautious approach working him back into full-team practices. He's working on an incentive-laden, one-year contract for a second straight season, hoping to reestablish himself as the team's top pass catcher at tight end. C.J. Uzomah and rookie second-round pick Drew Sample also are in the mix for snaps but figure to handle more of the blocking. It's unclear if Eifert will have medical clearance for the start of training camp in late July.
Eifert isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.
Virgil Green TE (LAC)
Virgil Green Ready for No. 2 role: Green is excited to have Hunter Henry (knee) back in the fold for 2019, Hayley Elwood of the Chargers' official site reports.
Our take: After missing the vast majority of the 2018 season to a torn ACL, Henry has re-established himself as the No. 1 tight end this offseason, pushing Green back to a No. 2 role. However, Green is a nice blocking complement to the receiving-oriented Henry, so there should still be plenty of playing time for both of them in 2019. With Antonio Gates no longer in the fold -- and only likely to be brought back if the injury bug were to bite Henry or Green -- the only remote competition Green legitimately has for snaps will come from another blocking specialist in Sean Culkin.
Green isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.
Nick Vannett TE (SEA)
Nick Vannett Falls on roster bubble: Vannett may face competition for a roster spot, Nishant Kondepudi of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.
Our take: Will Dissly (knee) seems like Seattle's only lock at tight end, with Vannett, Ed Dickson and Jacob Hollister competing for what may only be two spots. The team has been using offensive tackle George Fant as a blocking tight end, potentially reducing the need for Vannett or Dickson. In any case, the 2016 third-round pick failed to capitalize on a prime opportunity last season when injuries limited Dissly and Dickson to 14 combined appearances. Vannett posted a 29-269-3 receiving line on 43 targets while averaging 35.2 snaps in 15 games.
Vannett isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.
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