Anthony Firkser

New England Patriots
Tight End #88
New England Patriots
Tight End #88

Anthony Firkser News

Inks new deal

Firkser signed a contract with the Patriots on Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Firkser appeared in 11 games for the Falcons last season after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Titans. The 28-year-old finished his 2022 campaign with nine catches on 13 targets for 100 yards. He'll try to earn a depth role among New England's tight-end corps.

May 25, 2023 8:17 AM EST


Minimal role in 2022

Firkser caught nine of 13 targets for 100 yards across 11 appearances during the 2022 campaign.

Analysis: Firkser caught just three of four targets for 39 yards over the first five games of the season before being a healthy inactive from Weeks 6 through 11. After Kyle Pitts (knee) was placed on injured reserve, Firkser's role began to grow, but he still mustered just six receptions on nine targets for 61 yards over Atlanta's final six contests. It was the fifth-year tight end's worst statistical season of his career, and he'll presumably look to move on during free agency this offseason.

Jan 11, 2023 12:43 PM EST



Two catches in loss

Firkser hauled in both of his targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 19-16 defeat against the Steelers.

Analysis: Firkser played just 17 offensive snaps, which was significantly fewer than Parker Hesse (34) and MyCole Pruitt (27), but the former finished second on the team in receiving yards behind Drake London. As expected, with Kyle Pitts (knee) sidelined, Hesse continues to operate as the No. 1 tight end but is mostly relegated to blocking duties, while Pruitt and Firkser have seen more work in the passing game. However, all of Atlanta's pass-catching options remain risky plays as long as Marcus Mariota is the primary signal caller.

Dec 5, 2022 7:35 AM EST


Catches lone target in loss

Firkser gathered in their only target for 16 yards during Sunday's 19-13 loss against Washington.

Analysis: With Kyle Pitts (knee) sidelined, Firkser saw 22 offensive snaps, which put him as the No. 3 tight end behind Parker Hesse (35) and MyCole Pruitt (32). All three tight ends caught at least one pass, but Pruitt caught Marcus Mariota's lone touchdown. As long as Pitts remains out, all three tight ends figure to garner increased roles, but Pruitt will likely remain the top pass catcher among the trio.

Nov 28, 2022 9:11 AM EST


May be part of plan sans Pitts

Firkser may be among the players asked to have a larger role in the absence of Kyle Pitts (knee), Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Firkser appeared in the team's first five games, totaling three receptions on four targets for 39 yards. However, he hasn't seen the field since, logging healthy scratches each week. With Pitts on IR, Atlanta will likely take a committee approach to replacing the talented pass catcher, which may include Firkser getting back in the mix. The fifth-year tight end recorded over 200 yards receiving in each of his first four NFL campaigns with Tennessee and finished with 73 receptions on 96 targets for 678 yards and three scores across the 2020 and 2021 campaigns. If he's able to garner a similar role with Pitts sidelined, he could emerge as a viable streaming option in deeper leagues. However, he's still currently behind Parker Hesse and MyCole Pruitt on the depth chart.

Nov 22, 2022 12:05 PM EST



Won't suit up Sunday

Firkser (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against Chicago, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Firkser appeared in the team's first five games, totaling three receptions on four targets for 39 yards. However, he's fallen to the bottom of Atlanta's depth chart and hasn't seen game action since Week 5.

Nov 20, 2022 9:12 AM EST


Not playing Sunday

Firkser (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Chargers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Firkser hasn't played since Week 5 against the Buccaneers, as he's fallen down the team's positional depth chart. He'll work to earn a chance to suit up Thursday against the Panthers.

Nov 6, 2022 8:51 AM EST


Isn't suiting up Sunday

Firkser (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Firkser will now miss a third consecutive contest due to a coach's decision after playing in each of the team's first five games. While the Falcons currently have four healthy tight ends in front of the 27-year-old on the team's depth chart, it's uncertain when Firkser will return to game action.

Oct 30, 2022 8:44 AM EST


Inactive again Sunday

Firkser (coach's decision) won't be active for Sunday's clash in Cincinnati, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports..

Analysis: Firkser will stay on the sidelines for the second straight week after playing in each of Atlanta's first five games. With four healthy tight ends currently ahead of him, it's uncertain when the veteran will next take the field.

Oct 23, 2022 8:53 AM EST


Inactive Sunday

Firkser (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

Analysis: After the Falcons elevated MyCole Pruitt from the practice squad on Saturday, Firkser will not play. MyCole Pruitt played 11 of the team's offensive snaps in last week's matchup against Tampa Bay.

Oct 16, 2022 9:22 AM EST


One catch in Week 5

Firkser caught his only target for 11 yards during Sunday's 21-15 defeat against Tampa Bay.

Analysis: With Kyle Pitts (hamstring) sidelined, Firkser played a season-high 14 offensive snaps and caught his third pass of the season. Parker Hesse operated as the team's top tight end in Pitts' absence, securing one catch for nine yards across 38 offensive snaps. Both tight ends figure to garner similar roles against Tampa Bay if Pitts remains out.

Oct 10, 2022 8:04 AM EST


Catches 22-yard pass in win

Firkser reeled in his only target for 22 yards during Sunday's 27-23 victory over the Seahawks.

Analysis: Firkser played eight offensive snaps and caught just one pass but finished fourth on the team in receiving yards. His lone reception came on the team's opening offensive drive and set up an eventual 1-yard touchdown run from Marcus Mariota. Through three games, the tight end has garnered 23 offensive snaps and caught two of three targets for 28 yards.

Sep 26, 2022 8:53 AM EST


Gets spot on Atlanta's roster

Atlanta signed Firkser off its practice squad Tuesday, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: The Falcons elevated Firkser from the practice squad in advance of Sunday's loss to the Saints, with the tight end playing three snaps on offense in the contest. He'll now get a permanent spot on the 53-man roster, joining a tight-end room that includes Kyle Pitts, Parker Hesse and Feleipe Franks. Franks didn't see the field in the Week 1 contest, so Firkser could slot third on the depth chart behind Pitts and Hesse heading into Sunday's game against the Rams.

Sep 13, 2022 11:13 AM EST


Returns to practice squad

Firkser reverted to the Falcons' practice squad Monday after being elevated for the team's season opener Sunday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Analysis: Firkser chipped in with one catch for six yards over three offensive snaps played for Atlanta on Sunday. The 27-year-old will now be available for two more elevations from the practice squad before the Falcons would have to sign him to the active roster moving forward.

Sep 12, 2022 3:21 PM EST


Hauls in one of two targets Sunday

Firkser caught one of two targets for six yards during Sunday's 27-26 loss to New Orleans.

Analysis: Firkser failed to make Atlanta's initial 53-man roster but re-signed with the Falcons via a practice-squad deal, and he was elevated ahead of Week 1. The 27-year-old tight end played only three offensive snaps, but he was targeted on two of those, ultimately catching just one. His lone catch came on third-and-nine in second quarter and resulted in a punt.

Sep 12, 2022 8:30 AM EST


Elevated to active roster

Atlanta has elevated Firkster to its active roster ahead of Sunday's Week 1 game versus the Saints, Tori McElhaney of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Firkster was cut by the Falcons during final roster cuts before returning via the practice squad. He will now be available to provide depth at tight end behind second-year sensation Kyle Pitts.

Sep 10, 2022 1:31 PM EST


Stays in Atlanta

The Falcons signed Firkser to the practice squad Thursday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Firkser did not survive Atlanta's final roster cuts Tuesday, but he should now return in an emergency backup role on the team's practice squad. However, the 27-year-old should still be eligible to sign with another team in need of veteran depth at tight end this regular season.

Sep 1, 2022 1:40 PM EST


Released by Falcons

Firkser was released by the Falcons on Tuesday, Jeff Schultz of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Firkser will be looking for a new team after signing with the Falcons in April. The tight end played in 15 games with Titans last year and will likely crack an active roster elsewhere.

Aug 30, 2022 1:00 PM EST


Signs with ATL

Firkser is signing with the Falcons, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Firkser spent the first four years of his career in Tennessee, where he started three of 58 regular-season games and caught 106 passes for 1,107 yards and five touchdowns. He showed some ability as a receiver but never earned consistent snaps/targets in a run-first offense. The 27-year-old Firkser now serves as depth behind fellow tight end Kyle Pitts, the clear favorite to lead Atlanta in targets this season.

Apr 12, 2022 12:38 PM EST


Productive against Texans

Firkser recorded four receptions on four targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-25 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Firkser maintained an increased role in the Titans' passing attack, as he racked up at least three targets for the second consecutive game. He was impactful with the opportunity and opened the scoring in the contest with a five-yard touchdown catch midway through the second quarter. Firkser also made a number of big plays, tallying receptions that went for 24 and 17 yards. After a slow start to the campaign, Firkser has closed the season at least three catches in three of his last five games while also scoring twice in that span.

Jan 10, 2022 8:06 AM EST


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