Fleener caught three passes on four targets for 33 yards, including four-yard touchdown, in Sunday's loss to the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

For the second week in a row, Fleener was the recipient of a garbage-time score, with Sunday's touchdown coming with five minutes left in a blowout loss. Still, with only four touchdowns all of last season, fantasy owners who took a flier on the inconsistent tight end, who's now in his second year in New Orleans, have to be pleased with the early returns. It would be unwise to expect Fleener to continue his current pace, especially since he continues to split playing time with fellow tight end Josh Hill, but with Fleener being the preferred option in the passing game, he still has plenty of upside in the Saints' tight end-friendly offense.

Fleener caught five of six targets for 54 yards and a touchdown Monday night against the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

Fleener tied for the Saints' team lead in receiving yards, with an eight-yard score on their final drive capping his night off. Overall, New Orleans was forced to settle for four field goals, so Fleener's touchdown provided some relief, even if it proved too little, too late. If Monday's defensive performance is any indication, the Saints could once again be in passing situations more than they would like, which would obviously benefit Fleener.

Fleener may hold a larger role in the passing game during Willie Snead's three-game suspension to begin the season, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Much was expected of Fleener when he joined one of the more pass-happy offenses in the NFL last year, and while he recorded at least 50 catches for a fourth consecutive campaign, his target count (81) marked his fewest since his rookie season in 2012. The combination of Snead's suspension and Brandin Cooks' departure via trade should serve Fleener well in the early going, especially if his red-zone usage (18 targets, tied for fourth among all tight ends in 2016) extends into this season.

Fleener caught one of four passes for six yards in Sunday's preseason win over the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Coming off of an undisclosed injury, Fleener played deep into Sunday's contest. While he didn't make any big plays in the passing game, his chip block on Joey Bosa will likely make the gif rounds this week. Fleener posted his lowest catch and target totals since his rookie season last year and has a ways to go before fans start forgetting about the Jimmy Graham glory days. Fleener has topped four touchdowns in a season just once in five years, so it's fair to wonder if he'll ever become a big stat-gainer if he doesn't become one soon.

Fleener (undisclosed) is expected to play in Sunday's preseason contest against the Chargers, John DeShazier of the Saints' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to kickoff, Fleener was seen in full pads and helmet, intimating that he'll be a part of the first-time offense Sunday after wrapping back-to-back joint practices with the Chargers as a non-participant. With his injury presumably behind him, it'll be difficult to tell if his rapport with Drew Brees has improved with the veteran QB on the sideline. Instead, Fleener will work with Chase Daniel during the tight end's likely brief time on the field.

Fleener has missed the past two days of practice due to an unknown reason, Herbie Teope of The Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fleener was held out with an undisclosed injury earlier this month, and although he took part in team drills to start this week, the tight end returned to the sideline once scrimmaging versus the Chargers began Thursday. While that casts doubt over his availability for Sunday's game versus Los Angeles, fellow tight end Josh Hill returned from an absence Thursday to practice fully Friday.

Fleener (undisclosed) has been taking part in team drills at practice, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fleener missed some time in early August with an undisclosed injury, but he should be good to go for Sunday's preseason game in San Diego. He's locked in as the Saints' top tight end for a second straight year, hoping an improved understanding of the New Orleans offense will lead to a more consistent campaign.

Fleener (undisclosed) missed a third consecutive practice Friday, Josh Katzenstein of The Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

It isn't clear what Fleener is dealing with, but it's entirely possible his absences this week were precautionary. Look for Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui to hold down the top two spots at tight end until he returns.

Head coach Sean Payton expects Fleener to improve in his second year with the Saints, NOLA.com's Larry Holder reports.

EDGE Analysis

Signed to a five-year, $36 million contract last offseason, Fleener ultimately struggled with the same kind of inconsistency that plagued him throughout his four-year stint in Indianapolis. His mark of 12.6 yards per reception was strong for his position, but he only scored four total touchdowns while catching 50 of 82 targets (61 percent), which is far below expectations for the top tight end in a Drew Brees offense. Perhaps most discouraging, Fleener was a total non-factor toward the end of the season, catching eight passes for 84 yards over the final four weeks. It's reasonable to expect some improvement in his second year in the New Orleans attack, but Fleener has never been particularly efficient on a per-target basis, despite benefiting from strong quarterback play throughout his career.

Fleener caught three of eight targets for 38 yards in Sunday's loss to the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

When Fleener came to New Orleans this off season the idea was that the vertical threat could do a respectable Jimmy Graham impression and thrive while no longer having to compete with Dwayne Allen. It's seldom worked out that way, however. Fleener has pulled in 11 catches of 20 or more yards, but they've helped him top 75 yards receiving just twice all year. He faltered the most down the stretch, recording just eight catches and 84 yards combined during the season's final four games.