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Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford recently worked out with FB Nick Bawden, WR Jamal Agnew and TE Jesse James.
Footballguys view: Stafford was in for a monster season in 2019 before his injury that cost him eight games. If healthy, Stafford should be able to pick up where he left off. That means Stafford could be a value pick at his current ADP of QB13 (10.01) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Matthew Stafford player page
Jesse James player page

The Detroit Lions expect second-year TE T.J. Hockenson, according to The Detroit News' Justin Rogers, to take a big step forward in 2020. Hockenson exploded onto the scene during Week 1 last year, catching six passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. After that, he and TE Jesse James combined for just 42 catches, 378 yards and one score.
Footballguys view: Detroit offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will need to find a way to make Hockenson a bigger factor while also utilizing James in a complementary role. |
Jesse James player page
T.J. Hockenson player page

Detroit Lions G Joe Dahl (ankle), DL Da'Shawn Hand (ankle), P Sam Martin (abdomen) and S Tracy Walker (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Nov. 6. OL Graham Glasgow (back), DT A'Shawn Robinson (ankle) and DT Mike Daniels (foot) were limited. WR Danny Amendola (hand), DT Damon Harrison Sr. (groin), TE Jesse James (back), CB Amani Oruwariye (knee) and CB Darius Slay (hamstring) were full participants.
Link to storyMike Daniels player page
Danny Amendola player page
Damon Harrison player page
Darius Slay player page
Jesse James player page
A'Shawn Robinson player page
DaShawn Hand player page
Tracy Walker player page

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he's excited about the team's options at tight end heading into the 2019 season. 'I think that whole room has been a big upgrade in all ways,' he said. 'From Jesse (James) to T.J. (Hockenson) to Logan (Thomas) ... it's a great group for us to work with to kind of sift through those guys and find out what they're doing well,' said Bevell. 'But that's a talented group. We're really excited about all of those guys.'
Footballguys view: Bevell should be excited about the room as the Lions upgraded the position through free agency (James, Thomas) and the draft (Hockenson). The question is not talent with the Lions tight end group -- it's usage. Will Bevell use his tight ends more? The Lions want to run the ball early and often (Kerryon Johnson, hello!) but they could mix in some play-action passes geared towards getting these tight ends involved. If they do use tight ends more in 2019, things are shaping up to be a TEBC which obviously negatively impacts the fantasy value of guys like James or Hockenson. |
Logan Thomas player page
Jesse James player page
T.J. Hockenson player page

Detroit Lions TEs Jesse James (6-foot-7, 261 pounds), T.J. Hockenson (6-foot-5, 251), Michael Roberts (6-foot-5, 265) and Logan Thomas (6-foot-6, 250) all possess the ability to detach from the line of scrimmage and create mismatches, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Birkett also notes he wouldn't be surprised if the Lions play with three tight ends on the field at times - even outside goal-line or short-yardage situations.
Footballguys view: Good news for all these tight ends but bad news for Fantasy GMs. It's a bit of a cluster at the position. We love Hockenson's upside and potential but he's going to have to work in and try to emerge from a TEBC as a rookie. |
Logan Thomas player page
Jesse James player page
Michael Roberts player page

Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson is considered the leading candidate to start at tight end this upcoming season, but he likely will be sharing playing time with TE Jesse James.
Footballguys view: James is a good all-purpose tight end and can contribute as a blocker or receiver. That's Hockenson's game too as a traditional 'Y' tight end, but the rookie from Iowa can be a dangerous receiving weapon for the Lions. We'll see if they use him properly in 2019. |
Jesse James player page

Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson is likely to be a co-starter in Week 1 with TE Jesse James, in the opinion of beat writer Kyle Meinke
Footballguys view: You don't spend a top-10 pick on a player to have him co-starting but that might be the case with Hockenson. James might be the team's blocking tight end with Hockenson working as the receiving threat (even though he's a devastating blocker). We're excited to see Hockenson play in the pros, especially if he can play up to the comparisons (Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski) that were thrown around about him before the 2019 NFL draft. |
Jesse James player page

Free-agent TE Jesse James (Steelers) officially signed with the Detroit Lions Thursday, March 14.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent TE Jesse James agreed to a four-year, $25 million deal with the Detroit Lions, according to a source. He will receive $11 million fully guaranteed.
Footballguys view: James is a good blocker and an underrated receiver. He heads to the Lions where he will split snaps with Michael Roberts in some form of TEBC. James is the lead tight end and should be the team's leading receiver at the position. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent TE Jesse James plans to sign with the Detroit Lions, according to a source. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent TE Jesse James likely will receive more money in free agency than the Steelers are willing to offer, in the opinion of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.
Footballguys view: Earlier reports indicated the Steelers might keep James around. More recently, the tone has changed and now it looks like James could move on. He's not a 'first wave' free agent but should find a home in the second wave next week sometime. |
Jesse James player page

The Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly very interested in Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James, who is expected to become a free agent next month, according to DraftAnalyst.com's Tony Pauline.
Footballguys view: James will be one of the more sought after tight ends on the open market. The Steelers may let him test the market, and there's not that many quality tight ends available in that process. The Bills moved on from Charles Clay and need to find better weapons to put around QB Josh Allen. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James is likely to receive an extension this offseason, according to general manager Kevin Colbert.
Footballguys view: James will be sought after if he hits the open market. Not really because his production has been off the charts, but there's just not that many quality TEs in free agency this year. We'll see if the Steelers can work out something with him before the new league year begins on March 13th. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent TE Jesse James expects to receive interest from other teams this offseason and indicated that he will be fielding offers during free agency.
Footballguys view: James won't be the hottest name on the market at the tight end position but his all-purpose skill set should get him quite a bit of attention. He finished the 2018 season with 30 catches for a career high 423 receiving yards. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James caught two passes for 53 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James posted just one reception for seven yards on his only target in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, Sept. 24.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James posted five receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Footballguys view: James was basically left uncovered by the Chiefs more than once. He's still an underwhelming play, but with the wide-open nature of Chiefs game scripts, we learned about playing tight ends against them (that's George Kittle next week), although Vance McDonald could still muddy the picture here. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James finished with three receptions for 60 yards on five targets in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (back) suffered a back contusion against the Tennessee Titans Saturday, Aug. 25, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, but Tomlin said the severity of the injury is not yet known.
Footballguys view: All three of the Steelers top tight ends are hurt. The team could look to make a deal or wait for final cuts to see who ends up on the waiver wire. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Vance McDonald reportedly 'made a huge impression down the stretch' and is considered the favorite to start over Jesse James, according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
Footballguys view: James is more of the all-purpose tight end, while McDonald is more of the receiving option. McDonald needs to stay healthy and prove that he can be more than a flash in the pan for the Steelers. Fantasy owners who want a TE2 with upside should consider McDonald late. McDonald is currently going undrafted in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Vance McDonald player page
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James failed to haul in his only target in the team's Week 16 game Monday, Dec. 25, against the Houston Texans, finishing with zero yards.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James had 10 catches for 95 yards Sunday, Dec. 10, against the Baltimore Ravens.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Detroit Lions CB Quandre Diggs was fined $24,309 by the National Football League for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James during Week 8's game.
Link to storyJesse James player page
Quandre Diggs player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James managed three receptions for just 24 yards on five targets in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 6, and is listed as doubtful for Week 5. FS Sean Davis (ankle), LB Bud Dupree (shoulder), OG Ramon Foster (thumb), LB James Harrison (illness), TE Jesse James (shoulder), FS Mike Mitchell (hamstring), QB Ben Roethlisberger (non-injury), LB Ryan Shazier (shoulder) and DE Stephon Tuitt (biceps) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.
Link to storyJames Harrison player page
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Donald Brown player page
Mike Mitchell player page
Ryan Shazier player page
Stephon Tuitt player page
Jesse James player page
Bud Dupree player page
Sean Davis player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 6, and is not on the injury report for Week 5.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) was a full participant at practice Thursday Oct. 5, one day after he practiced on a limited basis.
Footballguys view: Against the Jaguars on Sunday, we've got James down as a TE2 for fantasy owners. You likely have better options for your starting lineup, even with four teams on bye. |

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James hauled in three receptions for 40 yards on his three targets in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison (illness) did not participate in practice and is listed as questionable for Week 4. OT Marcus Gilbert (hamstring), FS Sean Davis (ankle) and FS Mike Mitchell (hamstring) were limited during practice and are listed as questionable. OG Ramon Foster (thumb) fully participated in practice and is listed as questionable. RB Le'Veon Bell (non-injury), WR Martavis Bryant (illness), LB Bud Dupree (shoulder), TE Jesse James (shoulder), QB Ben Roethlisberger (non-injury), DE Stephon Tuitt (biceps) and LB T.J. Watt (groin) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.
Link to storyJames Harrison player page
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Donald Brown player page
Mike Mitchell player page
Le'Veon Bell player page
Stephon Tuitt player page
Martavis Bryant player page
Jesse James player page
Bud Dupree player page
Sean Davis player page
T.J. Watt player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 29, and is not on the injury report for Week 4.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 28.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 27.
Footballguys view: The Ravens were gashed by Marcedes Lewis in Week 3, so fantasy owners are hopeful James can put up big numbers against Baltimore in Week 4. James has been banged up and has struggled to stay on the field. We'd only consider him as a streaming option...and there's likely better options out there for your fantasy team this week. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) finished with two receptions for 19 yards on four targets in the Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury in Week 3 and is considered questionable to return.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert (illness, hamstring) and LB T.J. Watt (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 22, and have been ruled out for Week 3. OT Jerald Hawkins (knee) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. DE Stephon Tuitt (biceps) fully participated in practice and is listed as questionable. LB Bud Dupree (shoulder), TE Jesse James (ankle), C Maurkice Pouncey (illness), QB Ben Roethlisberger (non-injury) and FS J.J. Wilcox (concussion) fully participated in practice and are not in the injury report.
Link to storyBen Roethlisberger player page
Stephon Tuitt player page
Jesse James player page
Bud Dupree player page
T.J. Watt player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 22, and is not in the injury report for Week 3.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 21.
Footballguys view: After a tremendous Week 1, James fell back to earth, mostly because of an injury he sustained on the first drive against Minnesota. He was never quite the same and the re-emergence of LeVeon Bell as a threat seemed to remove him from the red zone opportunities he had the previous week. He should get enough work to be a solid TE2, and we've seen his upside, but he's a lot lower on the totem pole than we'd like. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Footballguys view: If James can play against the Bears, he could be a sneaky fantasy play for owners in need of help. The Bears gave up a big game to Austin Hooper (Falcons) in Week 1, and they almost got burned by Cameron Brate (Buccaneers) in Week 2. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers OT Marcus Gilbert (hamstring), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (illness), TE Jesse James (ankle), C Maurkice Pouncey (illness) and QB Ben Roethlisberger (rest) did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 20. LB Bud Dupree (shoulder), DE Stephon Tuitt (biceps) amd LB T.J. Watt (groin) were limited participants, while S J.J. Wilcox (concussion) practiced in full.
Link to storyBen Roethlisberger player page
Darrius Heyward-Bey player page
Stephon Tuitt player page
Jesse James player page
Bud Dupree player page
T.J. Watt player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James (ankle) said he expects to play in Week 3 even though he suffered an ankle injury during the team's Week 2 game.
Footballguys view: James was dinged up against the Vikings, but he played 71 snaps on Sunday. Xavier Grimble only played 16 snaps in Week 2 and Vance McDonald didn't play at all due to a back injury. James is likely to be limited during the week of practice, but we should see him back out there in Week 3 against the Bears. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James caught six passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
Footballguys view: James long-term value is threatened by Vance McDonald, but in the short term he looks like a top red zone target. He'll be a viable streamer going forward, with the Vikings up next. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Xavier Grimble could push TE Jesse James for the starting job if he can become consistent catching the football, according to Bob Labriola of Steelers.com.
Footballguys view: Grimble is considered a darkhorse candidate to be the starter for the Steelers. He'll have to beat out Jesse James for that top spot, but there's not a lot of fantasy value here. The Steelers will fill the air with footballs in the passing game, but a majority of targets are bound for guys like WR Antonio Brown, WR Martavis Bryant and RB Le'Veon Bell. |
Jesse James player page

Bob Labriola, of Steelers.com, believes Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Xavier Grimble could 'make a run' at the starting job in training camp this year. While Grimble has flashed the ability to be special, Labriola cautions that the young tight end must get more consistent if he's going to beat out Jesse James for the top spot on the depth chart.
Footballguys view: With all the weapons in Pittsburgh, we don't expect big production from the tight end position. Both players have intriguing upside but unless looking to take a flier on someone, this isn't a team we'd go to for a fantasy tight end. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James will be the 'main guy' at the tight end position this year, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan.
Footballguys view: At 6'7" 261 pounds, James can be a red-zone force...if not more...for the Steelers in 2017. He caught 39 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns last year, but in the postseason James caught 10 passes for 131 yards in the Divisional Round and AFC Championship Game. He moves into the top spot with the release of Ladarius Green. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James failed to register consecutive weeks after the first two games of the 2016 season in which he produced 20 or more receiving yards, despite playing in all 16 contests and starting 13 of them.
Footballguys view: James seems like he could be a very good tight end if he can be consistent, which he clearly couldn't last season. We're wary of thinking that's going to change next year but more experience can only help. |

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James caught five passes for 48 yards against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, Jan. 22.
Footballguys view: James also had a key drop on third down when the game was still close. When Le'Veon Bell went down, the entire Steelers offense needed to step up and nobody really did. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James had five catches for 83 yards Sunday, Jan. 15, in an 18-16 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Footballguys view: James was instrumental in the Steelers win. He helped move the chains and made clutch catches to keep drives alive. With so much attention placed on WR Antonio Brown, other targets needed to come through and that's what James did. |
Jesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James posted four receptions for 59 yards on four targets in the Week 10 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Link to storyJesse James player page

Pittsburgh Steelers TE Jesse James caught six passes for 43 yards and one touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 5.
Link to storyJesse James player page