Smith limited Wednesday

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. That seemingly puts him on track to play vs. the Chargers this weekend. Smith seemed to be a big part of New England's Week 7 game plan, racking up 5 targets and a carry before exiting in the 1st half. But he still can't be trusted in Week 8 fantasy lineups.

The Patriots are trading TE Jonnu Smith to the Falcons, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move primarily looks like a salary dump for New England. Smith caught just 55 passes at 9.8 yards per reception across two seasons after signing a $50 million deal as a 2021 free agent. Atlanta might seem like an awkward fit for him as well, with TE Kyle Pitts already on hand. But the third-year Falcon is more receiver than TE. He has played just 21.8% and 25.6% of pass snaps from an inline position the past two years. Smith, meanwhile, has never run less than 52.6% from there. He was inline on 59.5% of routes last year and topped 64% in each of his first three NFL seasons. He spent those three years -- plus one more -- playing under current Falcons HC Arthur Smith. In Tennessee, Smith served as TEs coach over Smith's first two years, and then OC for the other two. Smith increased his receptions every season there but topped out with a 41-448-8 receiving line in 2020. It'll be similarly tough for Smith to find much fantasy value in Atlanta's run-heavy offense. And we're not downgrading Pitts' outlook for the short or long term on Smith's arrival. Check our dynasty rankings to see how optimistic we remain on Pitts. Smith's departure from New England, meanwhile, certainly can't hurt TE Hunter Henry's opportunities.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (concussion) is out for today's game vs. the Bills. That gives TE Hunter Henry the potential to play a big role again. He registered a 100% route rate and 18% target share last week. The issue is the matchup against the Bills, who rank 2nd in both adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs and Football Outsiders' TE coverage rankings.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is active for today’s game vs. the Browns. He’s not a fantasy option but figures to put a dent in TE Hunter Henry’s routes and targets.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Browns after a limited week of practice. He’s not a fantasy option, but his return would likely mean fewer pass routes for TE Hunter Henry.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Lions. That should mean more routes for TE Hunter Henry, but he’s still tough to trust in fantasy lineups.