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.

TE Troy Niklas has inked a 1-year deal with the Patriots. A 2nd-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2014, Niklas has totaled just 19 receptions across 4 NFL campaigns, missing time with 4 separate ankle sprains and a wrist injury. He's still just 25, though, and goes 6'6, 270 pounds with a 70th percentile SPARQ score. Niklas will push Dwayne Allen for #2 TE duties in New England.

Cardinals TE Troy Niklas will undergo what insider Mike Jurecki calls a "minor procedure" on his ankle on Thursday.  Niklas reportedly rolled the ankle in practice on Tuesday.  He's expected to be ready for the start of camp, but remember that he also required ankle surgery last year after suffering a pair of high-ankle sprains.  It's unclear if this issue is related, but it's a situation worth monitoring.  Niklas is expected to serve as Arizona's lead TE this season, although that spot doesn't bring much fantasy upside.

Cardinals TE Troy Niklas (ankle) has been placed on IR.  He suffered his 2nd high-ankle sprain of the year last week.  This one will reportedly require surgery.  Niklas finishes his rookie campaign with 3 catches for 38 yards.  He's just a low-upside stash in dynasty leagues.

Cardinals TE Troy Niklas suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Broncos.  He'll be out multiple weeks.  The rookie has just 1 catch through 4 games and is well off the fantasy radar.  He's only worth rostering in dynasty leagues.

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.