Payne

Durham

With Cade Otton back from injury, this was not a surprise. Durham caught 11-of-14 targets for 115 yards and two touchdowns on the season with most of his production coming in two weeks at the end of the season when Cade Otton was out. The second-year pro figures to remain Tampa Bay’s backup tight end in 2025 but that doesn’t give him much fantasy value.

Durham was wide open for a red-zone touchdown on the Buccaneers’ first drive of the second half. The 24-year-old scored two touchdowns this year and could see the start at tight end again if Cade Otton (knee) can’t play in the Wild Card round, but he’s a tough sell in any type of fantasy format.

Durham drew the startt in Week 17 with Cade Otton sidelined. He caught two passes for 36 yards and scored his first career touchdown. While Otton appears unlikely to play this week, the quad issue could stifle Durham’s progress. Even if active, Durham is likely stuck in a committee with Devin Culp for Week 18.

Durham drew the start with Cade Otton sidelined once again. He didn’t see many targets but made the most of his increased role by reeling in his first career touchdown. The Panthers’ secondary lost Durham in the back of the end zone for an easy touchdown toss by Baker Mayfield. Durham will hang around the TE2 for another week if Cade Otton remains out with his knee issue.

Durham saw a spot start in the absence of Cade Otton, who missed Week 16 with a knee injury. Otton’s status moving forward remains unknown, meaning Durham could be called upon again when the Bucs host the Panthers in Week 17.

Otton was seen sporting a knee brace and working off to the side at Thursday’s practice. His production has slowed in recent weeks after an early stretch in which he topped 75-plus receiving yards in three-straight games, as he’s managed just 10-144-0 on 17 targets in his last four games, but Otton remains a pivotal part of the Buccaneers’ offense. If he’s not able to go in Week 16 against the Cowboys, second-year tight end Payne Durham would be next in line to see work.

Future NFL tight end Brycen Hopkins blocked Durham’s (6’6/253) path to success as a freshman, but he still made a name for himself with four touchdowns on just nine catches. He then took over the starting role for the COVID-shortened 2020 season but didn’t break out until his junior season when he put together a 45-467-6 line. Durham followed that up with 560 yards and eight scores as a senior. At the combine, the former Boilermaker didn’t turn any heads with his 4.87 40 and his 6.49 RAS was equally pedestrian. Durham was a willing and capable blocker in the run game and can stay on the line for pass protection when needed. He ultimately projects as a well-rounded but low-ceiling option at his position. Cade Otton remains the most likely tight end to run consistent routes in the Bucs offense this season.

With wide receiver David Bell opting out of this game to prepare for the NFL draft, Purdue needed some pass-catchers to step up. Durham (6'5/255) was one of those as he found the end zone twice. He was part of a big second quarter for the Boilermakers as he and quarterback Aidan O’Connell connected for a two-yard touchdown late to give them their first lead of the game. The most impressive play for Durham came late in the fourth quarter when he made a catch and was able to fight off the tackles, came oh so close but was able to stay in bounds and run down the line for a 62-yard touchdown and 38-30 lead.

Durham (6'5/255), who was sidelined earlier this season by a concussion, has been dealing with another injury in recent weeks. While HC Jeff Brohm didn’t sound all that optimistic about a return earlier in the week, it appears that the senior senior tight end will be available to play. With Garrett Miller also in uniform, the Boilermakers’ depth chart at tight end stands to be whole.

After sustaining a concussion earlier in the season, it seems that Durham (6'5/255) is dealing with another injury. He sustained it this past Saturday against Nebraska, but was able to finish the game, including recovering the onside kick that sealed the game. This would be a big blow for the Boilermakers, as they are set to host Michigan State on Saturday.