Tre' McKitty News

McKitty failed to surpass 100 yards on the season despite playing in every game, and was outgained on the season by Donald Parham who only played in six games. While McKitty has primarily been used as a run blocker, he has still failed to live up to his status as a third-round pick. Don't expect McKitty to be involved more as a pass catcher unless the Chargers opt not to bring back Parham, who is a restricted free agent.

McKitty continues to see plenty of snaps as a blocking specialist and has slowly been incorporated into the passing attack more as a result. The second-year tight end has drawn four targets in the past four games after combining for just 7 total from Weeks 1-11. Needless to say, McKitty should not be in fantasy consideration unless injuries impact the availability of Donald Parham or Gerald Everett.

Though Gerald Everett is the Chargers' starting tight end, McKitty frequently shares the field with him. He played 40 snaps on offense in Week 14, though unlike Everett -- who finished with five catches for 28 yards on eight targets -- McKitty wasn't prominently featured in the passing attack. Since earning six targets Week 10 against the 49ers, McKitty has drawn only two looks from quarterback Justin Herbert in the Chargers' subsequent four games.

McKitty was targeted for just the first time in the past three weeks as he continues to struggle to fight for opportunities. Despite playing nine more snaps than Stone Smartt, he was still targeted two less times than the rookie tight end, as he continues to be utilized primarily as a blocking specialist. Barring an injury, McKitty's production shouldn't be expected to increase and thus doesn't have much fantasy value except in the deepest of leagues.

Gerald Everett (groin) returned to the lineup after missing last week's game relegating McKitty back to his role as blocking specialist. With Everett and Keenan Allen (hamstring) now healthy, along with Mike Williams (ankle) potentially returning soon, McKitty should continue to struggle getting targets, and doesn't have much fantasy value except in the deepest of leagues.

Even with Gerald Everett (groin) out the second-year tight end never factored in the box score. Perhaps more troubling, McKitty did end up playing 60 percent of the offensive snaps, so it wasn't as if he was lacking playing time. Everett's absence is not expected to be a long-term issue, which means McKitty will likely return to his lower snap count in the coming weeks.