The Bengals announced Friday that they will not tender Wilcox, making the tight end an unrestricted free agent, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
What it means:
Wilcox appeared in 16 regular-season contests and caught 17 of 18 targets for 139 yards and one touchdown. The majority of his production (nine receptions for 69 yards and a score) came in Weeks 15 and 16, when Hayden Hurst was sidelined due to injury. The undrafted tight end out of South Florida should have some interest as a free agent, but he may have to settle for another backup role.
Wilcox played 27 of the Bengals' 65 snaps on offense and went without a target in Sunday's 27-16 win over the Ravens.
What it means:
Hayden Hurst settled back in as Cincinnati's top tight end in his return from a three-game absence, resulting in Wilcox settling for a downturn in playing time as the No. 2 option at the position. While Hurst was sidelined, Wilcox offered only marginal fantasy value, as he cobbled together a 10-79-1 receiving line on 11 targets during that three-game stretch.
Wilcox had six catches for 35 yards in the Bengals' win over the Patriots on Sunday.
What it means:
Wilcox entered Sunday's game with only 11 catches on the season, but he was active early in place of Hayden Hurst this week, as the Bengals connected on a number of early short passes. Hurst was making progress in practice this week before missing a third consecutive game - we'll see if he's available next Monday against Buffalo, or whether Wilcox will get a fourth start at tight end.
With Hayden Hurst (calf) having been downgraded to out, Wilcox is in line to start at tight end for the Bengals in Saturday's game against the Patriots, Michael Niziolek of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
What it means:
It will be the third straight start for Wilcox, who caught all three of his targets for 34 yards and a TD in this past Sunday's 34-23 win over the Buccaneers, while handling a 91 percent snap share. Though the 26-year-old isn't a high-percentage fantasy option in Week 16, Wilcox does offer an option to those needing to fill in for Hurst or are otherwise seeking short-term TE help.
Wilcox caught all three of his targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Buccaneers.
What it means:
Wilcox was well on his way to another disappointing fantasy outing before he caught a 12-yard touchdown strike late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's matchup in Tampa Bay. The 250-pounder has served as Cincinnati's No. 1 tight end during both of the last two contests with Hayden Hurst sidelined due to a calf issue, catching four passes on just five targets for 44 yards and a score in that span. If Hurst is able to gain medical clearance before the weekend, then Wilcox would likely see his overall snap count decrease as a result.
Wilcox had one catch on two targets for 10 yards in Sunday's win over the Browns.
What it means:
Wilcox provided more value with his run-blocking than with his receiving skills, netting those two targets on 48 snaps while filling in for the injured Hayden Hurst. Hurst remains week-to-week, so Wilcox could be in line for another start this week against the Bucs.
