Rob

Housler

Housler worked out for the Packers a day earlier, so he’s been making the rounds. The Raiders could use an extra body with Lee Smith (leg) on I.R. and Clive Walford nursing a knee injury. Mychal Rivera and Ryan O’Malley, who was just signed off the practice squad, are the Raiders’ only healthy tight ends.

He saw six targets and had an early drop. Housler’s explosiveness is noticeable on the field, but his role and production have been inconsistent. Even with Todd Heap inactive, Housler is no more than a bottom-barrel TE2 option.

"(Housler) has shown he can make some plays, and we’re excited about what he can become,” Whisenhunt said. With Todd Heap dealing with a hamstring injury, the team’s official website reported on Friday the Cardinals are expected to “lean on” Housler, who has 4.5 speed in the 40. If you’re really hurting for a bye week fill-in, Housler could be a shrewd under-the-radar play.

Housler was targeted just twice on a day where Kevin Kolb threw just 21 passes. With Todd Heap (hamstring) expected to return next week against the Rams, Housler will head back to the bench.

Starting in place of Todd Heap, Housler was limited to just one catch on two targets. He will be “evaluated as the week progresses.” With Heap expected back this Sunday, Housler is off the radar as a bye week fill-in.

Bad news for the Cardinals, as starting TE Todd Heap (hamstring) has yet to turn in a full practice as he looks to play for the first time since Week 4. Arizona could be left with only blockers Jeff King and Jim Dray at tight end with backup quarterback John Skelton under center.

Housler recently passed Jeff King for second-string duties and shows flashes of upside as a pass catcher. The Florida Atlantic product has looked serviceable with five receptions for 53 yards in the last two games, and was targeted eight times by Kevin Kolb in Week 7. Continue to monitor Heap’s status, but Housler is nothing more than a TE2 flier until proven otherwise.

Rob Housler (thigh) is listed as doubtful. Heap has been out for so long that it would barely make sense to pick him in up a fantasy league until he does something, let alone start him. He’s barely even on the deep league radar.

Rookie Rob Housler will continue to pick up increased snaps with Heap out. He’s not a top-20 tight end option against a Ravens defense that allows the 32nd-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. The Cardinals are probably better off without Porter, who has failed to muster a pass rush this year.

The Cardinals are hopeful that Todd Heap (hamstring) will return this week, but he’ll be a game-time decision. Housler can be sent back to the waiver wire in fantasy leagues. He has failed to capitalize on his opportunities.