Xavier

Grimble

Teammates and Patriots players immediately flagged down Baltimore medical staff after an ugly hit that bent Boyle’s leg backward in the second half of the Ravens’ loss to New England. Boyle was carted off. One of the league’s best blocking tight ends, Boyle had contributed via the passing game of late, reeling in four balls for 46 yards in Week 9 against the Colts. Mark Andrews could see a slight bump in targets with Boyle out. The Ravens could activate Sean Culkin or Xavier Grimble from the practice squad this week to take Boyle’s spot.

Grimble went on IR with a calf injury in Week 3. With the Steelers trading for Nick Vannett, they didn’t feel the need to stash him on a one-year contract. Grimble’s calf injury isn’t season ending, so he could draw some interest when healthy.

The Steelers were initially thought to have traded for former Hawks TE Nick Vannett to replace Vance McDonald (shoulder) longterm, but this news brings light to that situation. McDonald and Vannett will move forward as Pittsburgh’s primary tight ends when healthy.

With Jesse James out of the picture, Grimble is in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 tight end job behind Vance McDonald. Grimble played just over 16% of the downs a season ago but could be looking at much more after James was in on 50% of the plays in 2018. Many have high hopes for McDonald as a breakout candidate because of James’ absence, but it could simply be Grimble stepping into that role. McDonald should still see more targets with Antonio Brown gone.

Grimble was a restricted free agent tendered at the original-round level. With Jesse James departed for Detroit, Grimble is currently the No. 2 on the depth chart behind Vance McDonald. That could change between now and September, but for now at least, Grimble is in the driver’s seat. A blocker, Grimble has caught 22 balls since entering the league in 2014. He has zero Dynasty upside.

It’s worth $2.025 million. Since Grimble is a former undrafted free agent, it means the Steelers would receive no compensation were Grimble to sign elsewhere and they chose not to match. A blocking tight end with 22 career receptions, Grimble was Pittsburgh’s No. 3 in 2018. Perhaps he could be elevated to No. 2 if Jesse James departs in free agency.

Grimble got the scoring started in this one, holding on through a big hit for a 20-yard touchdown on the Steelers’ first drive of the game. He predictably did nothing after that catch and is not going to make a dent on the stat sheet most games, but this was his second touchdown of the season.

The third-year UDFA appeared in the first games of his career this past season, catching 11 balls for 118 yards and two touchdowns across 13 appearances, including two starts. Grimble will compete for a backup job this summer.

Grimble’s snaps jumped from 6.3 to 14.2 per game without Green, and he was playing 19.9 snaps a game before injuring his ribs. Following the decision to cut Green this week, the Steelers are again left with questions at tight end. Jesse James is the favorite to take over the starting role as he did last season, but Grimble is a more like-for-like replacement who showed well on limited targets last year. Grimble will be a name to watch during camp.

Labriola wrote Grimble “has flashed the ability to be special” but struggles with consistency. Grimble is a more dynamic receiving weapon than presumed starter Jesse James, who has averaged 8.4 yards on 47 career receptions. If he proves more reliable in camp, it would not be surprising to see Grimble push James for the starting job.