What separates good tight ends from great tight ends is...

Jul 06, 2013

What separates good tight ends from great tight ends is making the tough catch and the ability to stretch a defense and make big plays. While Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph and QB Christian Ponder have yet to develop a deep downfield rapport, Rudolph has become Ponder’s security blanket in the red zone – the area of the field inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

In two seasons, Vikings quarterbacks have thrown to Rudolph 23 times in the red zone. He has caught 20 of them – a whopping 87 percent of those throws. They weren’t always accurate. They weren’t always easy. But he made them.

For the purpose of comparison, in that same span, Antonio Gates has caught 67 percent of red zone passes thrown his way. Rob Gronkowski has caught 65 percent. Tony Gonzalez has caught 63 percent. Heath Miller has caught 60 percent. Jimmy Graham has caught 53 percent.

Fantasy Impact:

Rudolph hasn't had enough non-red zone opportunities to be ranked among the league's elite TEs, though he certainly has upside in 2013.

yesterday

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker listed as DNP; RB Zach Carbonnet full

Adam Schefter on X

1 hour ago

Seahawks listed RB Kenneth Walker III as a Did Not Practice today while RB Zach Charbonnet was upgraded to full practice ahead of Thursday night’s game at Chicago.

Fantasy Impact:

Walker is dealing with an ankle injury and as we get closer to Thursday his status really seems to be in doubt. Charbonnet would be the team's lead back and looks to be good to go despite dealing with an elbow injury. He'd once again be a great option if Walker is unable to go.

Charger RBs Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins listed as limited

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

Gus Edwards is listed as a limited participant due to an ankle injury. Edwards ran 14 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday’s win over the Broncos.

J.K. Dobbins (knee) was also limited in his first appearance on the injury report since being designated for return from injured reserve.

Fantasy Impact:

The story said if Dobbins is going to play against the Patriots, the Chargers will have to activate him by Friday. It could be a tricky situation depending on each back's status. Owners will want to pay close attention to this situation leading up to game time.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow, WR Tee Higgins listed as limited

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters on Tuesday that he feels like he’s totally past his right wrist injury, but it still landed him on the team’s injury report.

Burrow was listed as limited due to the wrist and his knee

Wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as limited as well,

Fantasy Impact:

The story said Burrow's injury shouldn’t create much cause for concern about his availability against the Broncos on Saturday since he was listed as limited all of last week before playing without issue in the team’s win over the Browns. Burrow added there are still things he does to help with it but he's pretty much past it. The story added Higgins also played without incident last Sunday after being on the report all week.