Fantasy reassessment through Week 2: Tight ends

In a season with no preseason games, much of the NFL is still determining who they want to rely on in their offenses and who they have to rely on even if they don’t want to. And when you add in injuries, the fantasy football landscape you had in your projections for the season are all very much changed.

So far, we’ve had a few tight end injuries that have impacted fantasy. Let’s go through the biggest:

George Kittle has a knee injury and wasn’t able to play in Week 2. The guy played through a broken ankle bone last season, so there’s a chance we see him back sooner than later, but hopefully he gets healthy first. Jordan Reed backed him up well and has a lot of upside despite his plentiful injury history.

Blake Jarwin is done for the season with a torn ACL. There was a good chance for a breakout season, but now Dalton Schultz will get his shot.

Both Jack Doyle and Trey Burton are hurt, giving Mo Alie-Cox a chance to shine. Both should return by Week 4.

C.J. Uzomah tore his Achilles on Thursday night and was replaced by Drew Sample. Sample showed enough to believe he can fill the role.

Below, we’ll take a look at some fantasy tight ends and where they are through two weeks.

Pleasantly surprised

Jonnu Smith, Titans

The injury to A.J. Brown has helped Smith see a bit more work. We can’t count on him scoring a touchdown or two each week. But, the guy is darn good, especially after the catch. His usage is the only concern, as Derrick Henry is the usage hog and when Brown returns, those targets get thinner. But, I’ll take his ability along with some efficient Ryan Tannehill passing. — Next up @MIN, PIT, BUF, HOU, BYE

Noah Fant, Broncos

Fant is big and fast and looks like he’s on a different level out there, but he’s going to have inconsistencies due to quarterback play. Fant has caught a touchdown in each of his first two games and has nine receptions for 138 yards. With Courtland Sutton out for the season, Fant’s usage should increase and help make up for any troubling quarterback play. — Next up TB, @NYJ, @NE, MIA, KC

They are who we thought they were

Darren Waller, Raiders

Waller went off against the Saints on Monday Night Football and as the most reliable target, he’s going to keep a strong floor moving forward. He’s led the team in targets the first two games and with rookies starting on the outside at wide receiver, Waller will keep getting those targets. — Next up @NE, BUF, @KC, BYE, TB

Mark Andrews, Ravens

Andrews had two touchdowns to start the season and then a down game. Both games were blowouts and the Ravens didn’t need to throw much. Andrews isn’t going to be a double-digit target tight end, but his targets are going to be prime in this offense and the touchdown, like in Week 1, are going to keep coming. — Next up KC, @WSH, CIN, @PHI, PIT

Jeesh, what’s wrong with him?

Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers

Gronk doesn’t look like the old Gronk, but he’s also not getting many chances, as he’s spending a lot of time blocking in Bruce Arians’ offense. He’s droppable after seeing just four targets through two games. — Next up @DEN, LAC, @CHI, GB, @LV

Austin Hooper, Browns

Hooper has six targets through two games and Harrison Bryant has four. With Kareem Hunt heavily involved as a receiver and work split between tight ends, Hooper’s fantasy future doesn’t look great at the moment. — Next up WSH, @DAL, IND, @PIT, @CIN