Browns HC Mike Pettine said that TE Rob Housler "needs to work on catching the ball."  That's not a good look for a pass-catching TE.  Housler has had a quiet start to camp and reportedly dropped 2-3 balls on Tuesday.  There's still opportunity on a Browns TE depth chart that includes Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge, but Housler needs to pick it up.  He's just a late-round flier for now.

Browns HC Mike Pettine called Rob Housler the "ideal 'F'" TE.  Here's how Pettine described that position: "The F is more of a move type, off the ball, more of a wing. You can flex him out some."  That's the kind of role we want our fantasy TE playing.  Housler was signed by the Browns to be a pass-catcher.  Although he disappointed in Arizona, there's still upside here.  Housler goes 6'5, 250 pounds with a SPARQ (athleticism) score in the 92nd percentile among TEs.  He's a nice late-round flier in fantasy drafts.

TE Rob Housler has agreed to a deal with the Browns.  It might be a sneaky-good spot for his fantasy value.  With Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray as the only other TEs on the roster, Housler should easily emerge as the lead pass-catching TE.  And that could mean plenty of targets on a team with Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins atop the WR depth chart.  Housler was mostly invisible last year but totaled 84 catches and 871 yards between 2012 and 2013.  The 27-year-old goes 6'5, 250 pounds and ripped up the 2011 Combine with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and 37-inch vertical.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler worked with the 1st-team offense in Saturday's preseason opener, making this catch-and-run for 38 yards.  Previous reports had him 4th on the depth chart.  It now looks like he'll at least see time in 2-TE sets with John Carlson.  Rookie Troy Niklas figures to open the season 3rd on the depth chart but could work his way up.  None of these guys are likely to emerge as reliable fantasy assets this year.

Cardinals insider Josh Weinfuss believes TE Rob Housler is 4th on the depth chart heading to training camp.  "He's just not the type of tight end head coach Bruce Arians prefers," Weinfuss writes.  Housler is an athletic pass-catcher but doesn't offer much in the blocking department.  Weinfuss believes the current pecking order at TE is John Carlson, Jake Ballard, Troy Niklas and then Housler.  We just adjusted our projections for the Arizona TEs, but none of them are worth drafting in fantasy football right now.

Cardinals TE Troy Niklas broke his hand last week when it got caught up in a jersey.  HC Bruce Arians expects the rookie to be ready for training camp, but the missed time is still bad news.  Remember that Niklas was sidelined earlier this offseason after undergoing sports hernia surgery.  If nothing else, expect him to get off to a slow start this season.  We're not optimistic about his chances of emerging as a reliable fantasy option at all this year.  Niklas will be battling for snaps with TEs Rob Housler and John Carlson.

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians revealed that rookie TE Troy Niklas is currently recovering from sports hernia surgery.  It's unclear when the procedure took place or when Niklas will get back on the field.  Any sort of missed time for a rookie is bad news.  Niklas -- a big, athletic, well-rounded TE -- has a chance to earn significant playing time this season.  But he'll battle with TEs Rob Housler and John Carlson for snaps.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin) is active for today’s game against the Seahawks.  He’s not a recommended fantasy starter at less than 100% in a bad matchup.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.  He’s expected to play after putting in limited practices on Thursday and Friday.  But Housler is a weak fantasy option against a stout Seattle defense.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin) is inactive for today’s game against the Titans.  TEs Jake Ballard and Jim Dray will fill in, but neither is a fantasy option.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin) did not practice all week and is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Titans.  He'll be replaced by a combination of Jake Ballard and Jim Dray.  Avoid the situation in fantasy.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin) missed his 2nd straight practice on Thursday.  It looks like he's in danger of missing this weekend's game against the Titans.  Housler will be tough to trust even if he ends up playing. He's averaging just 3.3 catches and 38 yards with 0 TDs in his last 3 games.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (ankle, hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams.  His practice reps were limited this week, but he's expected to play.  Between his injury and QB Carson Palmer's injury, though, Housler is just a TE2 for Week 14.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (ankle) is active for today’s game against the Saints.  He might be on a snap count for his 2013 debut and isn’t a fantasy option yet.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (ankle) is listed as probable for this weekend's game against the Saints.  After limited workouts on Wednesday and Thursday, Housler put in a full practice on Friday.  It's still unclear what kind of role he'll play in his 2013 debut, though.  Housler isn't a recommended fantasy option.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (ankle) put in a full practice on Wednesday -- his 1st since a preseason high-ankle sprain.  Barring a setback, he'll make his 2013 debut this Sunday against the Saints.  Housler will certainly be worth monitoring, but he's not a fantasy option yet.

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians is "hopeful" that TE Rob Housler (ankle) will be back for Week 3.  Housler has yet to practice since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Arizona's 3rd preseason game.  He's worth rostering in deeper leagues but won't be a fantasy option right away.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.  He didn't practice at all this week and doesn't look particularly close to a return.

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians admits that TE Rob Housler is unlikely to be ready for Week 2.  That's not surprising considering Housler suffered a high-ankle sprain just a little more than 2 weeks ago.  He might end up missing 3 or 4 games.  Housler can be left on the waiver wire for now in most fantasy leagues.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's opener against the Rams.  He didn't practice all week, so a Week 2 return doesn't look particularly likely.  Housler reportedly suffered a high-ankle sprain in the 3rd preseason game.