Cade Otton has generated +3.0 receptions over expected over the past two games, the most over a two-week stretch by any tight end this season.

Two touchdowns in loss

Otton secured nine of 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 31-26 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton led the Buccaneers in receptions, receiving yards and targets, not wholly surprising considering the absences of Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR-knee). The third-year tight end recorded his second and third receiving touchdowns of the season on five- and four-yard grabs in the first and fourth quarters, respectively, and he now boasts a wide-receiver-like 17-181-2 line on 20 targets over the last pair of contests. Otton could remain similarly busy during a Week 9 road showdown…read more

Likely headed for target increase

Otton should have a good chance for an increase in targets over the next several games thanks to the Buccaneers' short-handed receiver corps, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The third-year tight end's experience and increasing comfort level in coordinator Liam Coen's offense should certainly be integral in helping the Buccaneers navigate what is expected to be a three-game absence for Mike Evans (hamstring) and the loss of Chris Godwin (ankle) for the remainder of the regular season. Otton had already been coming on in recent weeks following a very slow first two games, posting 26 receptions for 258 yards and a touchdown over his last five contests. Otton recorded…read more

Career-best game in loss

Otton brought in eight of 10 targets for 100 yards in the Buccaneers' 41-31 loss to the Ravens on Monday. He also fumbled once but recovered.

Analysis: Otton finished as the Buccaneers' leader in receptions, receiving yards and targets, reaching the lofty numbers thanks in no small part to Mike Evans' first-half exit with a hamstring injury. Otton's reception and receiving yardage totals were both regular-season career highs, while his target tally matched the high-water mark he established Week 13 of his 2022 rookie campaign. Otton could be set to garner a similar amount of Baker Mayfield's attention moving forward, considering Evans' injury…read more

First TD of season Sunday

Otton secured two of six targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 51-27 win over the Saints on Sunday. He also recovered a fumble.

Analysis: In what was his least productive game since Week 2, Otton found a way to salvage his fantasy day with his first touchdown of the campaign. The third-year tight end also logged his third-highest target total of the campaign, so despite the downturn in production, it's encouraging Otton remains a fairly consistent subject of Baker Mayfield's attention heading into a Week 7 home showdown with the Ravens next Monday night.

Solid yardage on three grabs

Otton brought in three of four targets for 44 yards in the Buccaneers' 36-30 overtime loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

Analysis: The third-year tight end finished second in receptions and third in both receiving yardage and targets on the night for the Buccaneers. Otton has firmly put a slow start to the season behind him, recording a 16-143 line on 21 targets over the last three games. Otton should continue serving in a complementary pass-catching role in a Week 6 road matchup against the Saints.

Another productive showing Sunday

Otton secured six of nine targets for 52 yards in the Buccaneers' 33-16 win over the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: After opening the season with one catch for five yards (on four targets) over his first two games, Otton has emerged as a key option in the air attack over the subsequent pair of contests. The third-year tight end has generated a 13-99-0 line on 17 looks from Baker Mayfield in that span, and on Sunday, he tied Chris Godwin for second in targets. Otton's role still may fluctuate on occasion, but he appears to be finding his niche within coordinator Liam Coen's offense heading into Thursday…read more

Finally emerges in loss

Otton secured seven of eight targets for 47 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-7 loss to the Broncos on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Otton was the surprise leader in receptions for the Buccaneers while checking in second to Chris Godwin in both receiving yards and targets. The third-year tight end had recorded only one catch for five yards on four targets through his first two games, but he became a frequent short-area target for Baker Mayfield on Sunday with the veteran signal-caller frequently under duress. However, Otton's fumble, which came at the Broncos' 10-yard line with 3:49 remaining, essentially snuffed out any…read more

Empty line on two targets

Otton failed to bring in either of his two targets in the Buccaneers' 20-16 win over the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: The third-year tight end had also seen two targets Week 1 and had recorded one catch for five yards, but he had an even quieter day Sunday. Otton played on all 47 snaps from scrimmage as well, so there wasn't any drop in playing time to help explain the lack of involvement. However, it's worth noting Baker Mayfield put up just 19 attempts Sunday, so perhaps Otton will see an uptick in opportunity during a Week 3 home matchup against the Broncos.

Quiet start to season

Otton secured one of two targets for five yards in the Buccaneers' 37-20 win over the Commanders on Sunday.

Analysis: Most of the Buccaneers' incumbent skill-position assets enjoyed productive days in their first game operating in new coordinator Liam Coen's offense, but Otton was a notable exception. The third-year tight end's modest target count over 52 snaps from scrimmage was particularly disappointing, but given Coen's typically heavy use of two-tight-end sets, Otton's downturn could quickly end in a Week 2 road showdown against the Lions.

Plays one drive in preseason finale

Otton started Friday's 24-14 preseason win over the Dolphins but wasn't targeted.

Analysis: Otton played only the first drive along with the rest of the first-team offense. The Buccaneers went with three wide receivers, one running back and one tight end throughout the drive, showcasing the personnel grouping that Tampa Bay will likely use the majority of the time come the regular season, which kicks off Sept. 8 against the Commanders. That heavy reliance on 11 personnel stems in part from the lack of quality tight-end options on the roster behind Otton, who exceeded a 90-percent snap…read more

Versatile role in new offense

Otton is expected to fill his most versatile role yet in new coordinator Liam Coen's offense this coming season, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The third-year pro has already made his mark over his first two seasons, recording a combined 89-846-6 line across 33 regular-season games and adding 17 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown in three career postseason contests. However, Otton could be in store for his most productive campaign yet, given Coen's offense will focus heavily on shifts and motion to get its playmakers into advantageous matchups. While the Buccaneers operated out of a two-tight-end set a relatively modest 28.3…read more

Another impressive playoff effort

Otton secured five of eight targets for 65 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 31-23 divisional-round loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: On the heels of a career-best showing in the wild-card win over the Eagles, Otton put together a solid encore Sunday that included the Buccaneers' second-most receptions and receiving yards on the afternoon. The second-year tight end also tied for second in targets and hauled in a two-yard scoring grab just before halftime for his first career postseason touchdown. Otton, who'll head into the third year of his rookie contract in 2024, put together a relatively ordinary 47-455-4 line across 17…read more

Career-best showing in playoff win

Otton brought in eight of 11 targets for 89 yards in the Buccaneers' 32-9 wild-card win over the Eagles on Monday night.

Analysis: Otton was the surprise leader in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night, and by a wide margin at that, arguably the single-most unexpected individual performance on either side during Tampa Bay's dominant win. His totals were all career highs as well, as he continuously exploited Philadelphia's linebackers and safeties. The second-year pro could be busy again in Sunday's divisional-round battle against the Lions, considering Detroit also had plenty of trouble defending the tight…read more

Solid efficiency in win

Otton secured two of three targets for 30 yards in the Buccaneers' 9-0 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: While Otton's numbers look unremarkable on the surface, they were actually noteworthy when considered in the context of how quiet a day it was for the Buccaneers' air attack and the fact Otton had failed to clear 16 receiving yards in four of the previous five contests. Otton now will look to make an impact in Monday night's wild-card matchup against the Eagles after producing a 4-58-0 line on seven targets in a wild-card loss to the Cowboys last season as a rookie.

Underwhelming numbers in loss

Otton secured two of six targets for 10 yards in the Buccaneers' 23-13 loss to the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton tied for the team lead in targets with Chase Edmonds but did little with them, leading to his fourth sub-20-yard outing in the last five contests. Otton's substandard production down the stretch has made him a virtual fantasy non-factor heading into the regular-season finale against the Panthers.

Minimal production in win

Otton secured his only target for seven yards in the Buccaneers' 30-12 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton saw a notable downturn in receiving yardage after producing a 2-44-0 line in Week 15, with Sunday's tally serving as his second lowest of the season. The second-year tight end is still the Buccaneers' primary pass-catching option at the position and played a season-high 71 snaps against the Jaguars, but rookie Payne Durham did outpace him in the victory by recording a 25-yard grab on his only catch.

Two big catches in win

Otton brought in both targets for 44 yards in the Buccaneers' 34-20 win over the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year tight end contributed a pair of 22-yard receptions -- both coming on a late third-quarter drive that culminated in a Buccaneers touchdown -- showing more downfield chops than in his typical shorter-area role. With Sunday's production, Otton tied the 42 catches he posted as a rookie in 2022, and he set a new career high by pushing his season yardage total to 408 yards. Otton had only Week 14's two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown in the two games prior to Sunday, so his…read more

Finds end zone in Week 14 win

Otton brought in two of five targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 29-25 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton tied multiple teammates for second on the team in receptions, and he was also on the receiving end of an 11-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield with 31 seconds remaining that turned out to be the game-winning score. Otton had been blanked altogether in Week 13 against the Panthers, but Sunday's trip to the end zone, his fourth of the season, helped make up for it to an extent in a critical week of the fantasy season.

Blanked despite robust role

Otton did not draw a target over 61 snaps in Sunday's 21-18 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Otton was blanked on the stat sheet for only the third time of his career, with the first two coming Weeks 1 and 12 of his rookie 2022 season. The catch-less performance came out of nowhere and is certainly an outlier, considering Otton had recorded at least four receptions in five of the previous six contests. The second-year pro should have a very good chance of atoning in a Week 14 road matchup against a Falcons team that's allowed a robust 73-705-3 line to tight ends over 12 games.

Four catches in Week 12 loss

Otton secured all four targets for 45 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-20 loss to the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year tight end finished tied with Trey Palmer for second on the team in receptions and with Chris Godwin for the same slotting in receiving yards. Otton now has back-to-back four-catch tallies and at least that many receptions in five of the last six contests overall, giving him a serviceable floor heading into a Week 13 home matchup against the Panthers.

Modest numbers in loss

Otton caught four of five targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 27-14 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: The yardage actually led the Buccaneers on the day, and it was Otton's second-best total of the season. The second-year tight end is beginning to develop some consistency, catching at least four passes in four of the last five games, but he remains a secondary option in a fairly low-upside Tampa Bay passing game.

Downturn in production Sunday

Otton brought in two of three targets for 10 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-6 win over the Titans on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton finished tied with Rachaad White and Trey Palmer for third on the team in receptions, but his numbers were a noteworthy disappointment for fantasy managers banking on a successful encore to his season-best 6-70-2 line in Week 9 against the Texans. Otton's production is bound to continue fluctuating due to game script and the involvement of top wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as well as White, who's proven to be one of the best pass-catching backs in the league during his second…read more

Finds end zone twice in loss

Otton secured six of nine targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 39-37 loss to the Texans on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton was the surprising leader in receptions and targets for the Bucs on the afternoon, exploiting a Texans defense that had been vulnerable to tight ends in the first half of the season. The second-year pro found the end zone from three and 14 yards out for his first two scores since Week 4 against the Saints, and he's now amassed an impressive 15 receptions on 21 targets over his last three games. Otton will look to carry over his burgeoning chemistry with Baker Mayfield into a Week 10 home…read more

Four grabs in Week 8 loss

Otton secured four of six targets for 27 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-18 loss to the Bills on Thursday night.

Analysis: Otton put together a reasonably serviceable performance from a PPR standpoint, although his yardage once again was underwhelming. The second-year tight end's 43-yard tally Week 7 against the Falcons qualifies as his season high, leaving him with capped fantasy value heading into a Week 9 road matchup against the Texans.

Season-high yardage total in loss

Otton brought in five of six targets for 43 yards in the Buccaneers' 16-13 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year pro produced a season-high yardage total. Otton's catch total was also his second best of the campaign, and although he remains a complementary, short-area option for Baker Mayfield (knee), the clear-cut top pass-catching option at tight end for the Bucs does have decent utility in deeper full-PPR formats.

Held to one catch in loss

Otton brought in one of two targets for 15 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-6 loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton's catch and target totals tied for season lows, while his yardage total marked his third straight under the 20-yard mark. The second-year tight end appears to have a lesser role in coordinator Dave Canales' offensive scheme compared to that of predecessor Byron Leftwich's, but Otton has at least logged over 50 snaps in four of his first five games, including three tallies over 60.

Finds end zone in Week 4 win

Otton brought in three of four targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 26-9 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The second-year tight end worked himself free for his first touchdown of the season, a four-yard grab in traffic just past the midway point of the second quarter. Otton has mostly been a complementary option in the air attack as expected -- he's recorded three receptions or fewer in three of four games -- but he could enjoy a larger role in a Week 6 matchup against the Lions following a Week 5 bye if No. 1 wideout Mike Evans is unable to suit up due to the hamstring injury that caused his early…read more

Good gain on one reception

Otton brought in one of two targets for 16 yards in the Buccaneers' 25-11 loss to the Eagles on Monday night.

Analysis: Otton was coming off a solid six-catch, 41-yard effort versus the vulnerable Bears defense, but he garnered much less of Baker Mayfield's attention in an appreciably tougher matchup. The second-year tight end does have at least one catch in each of the first three games, but he remains a clear complementary option in a passing attack that still figures to revolve around Mike Evans and Chris Godwin -- and feature plenty of short passes to running back Rachaad White -- on the overwhelming…read more

Big boost in targets Sunday

Otton secured all six targets for 41 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-17 win over the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: After a quiet two-catch opener, Otton bounced back to co-lead the team in catches while checking in second in targets. The second-year tight end worked mostly near the line of scrimmage as his final line implies, but the type of volume he saw Sunday is one that fantasy managers can likely count on in most games this season as the sure-handed Otton develops into a trusted underneath option for Baker Mayfield.

Pair of grabs in opener

Otton secured two of three targets for 19 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-17 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: The promising second-year tight end was a clear complementary option to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the air attack, but that certainly wasn't surprising, as Baker Mayfield leaned heavily on the talented duo in his first start. Otton should have a steady role with occasional opportunities for big games this season when defensive attention is particularly focused on his productive pair of teammates, and he is the clear top pass-catching option at the tight end position. Otton will aim to boost…read more

Breaks off impressive run Saturday

Otton wasn't targeted during Saturday's 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens but carried once for 12 yards.

Analysis: Otton's sole contribution ironically came on the ground, but he flashed his speed by taking the ball up the right sideline for a solid gain to the Ravens' 22-yard line on the Buccaneers' first touchdown drive. The second-year tight end is expected to play a significant role in an offense that projects to feature plenty of play-action passing, following an impressive rookie campaign in which he finished with a 42-391-2 line over 16 games and a four-catch, 58-yard effort in the wild-card loss to…read more

First two catches of preseason

Otton secured both targets for 17 yards in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday night. He also recovered a fumble.

Analysis: Otton had logged 14 snaps against the Steelers in the preseason opener but hadn't seen a target. The second-year tight end broke the ice Saturday and remains on track to serve as the clear-cut top pass-catching option at tight end to open the 2023 season.

Excited about new offense

Otton, who's heading into the 2023 season as the No. 1 tight end, is excited about the diversity the position enjoys in new coordinator Dave Canales' offense, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The second-year pro, who's the top pass-catching option at his position on the Buccaneers, will be playing in a scheme projected to feature an emphasis on the ground attack and plenty of play action off of that. That's expected to open up some more opportunities for a player the caliber of Otton, who's both a solid blocker and has also already demonstrated an ability to find soft spots in coverage. The projected increase in the use of two-tight-end sets -- which is based on how frequently the…read more

Competition expected from rookie

Otton is joined on the tight end depth chart by rookie fifth-round pick Payne Durham, who recorded 56 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns during his senior 2022 campaign at Purdue, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Otton was a first-year hit in 2022 while splitting time with veteran Cameron Brate, progressively earning Tom Brady's trust and finishing with 42 receptions, tops among rookie tight ends across the league. Brate is no longer on the roster, but Otton now stands to face competition for targets from another young position mate with receiving prowess in Durham, who boasts a large catch radius that could make him an especially good fit while working with either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask, two…read more

Productive close to season

Otton brought in four of seven targets for 58 yards in the Buccaneers' 31-14 wild-card loss to the Cowboys on Monday night. He finished the 2022 regular season with 42 receptions for 391 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets across 16 games.

Analysis: The rookie tight end put a productive cap on his first NFL season with Monday night's showing, which saw him check in third in receiving yards and fourth in catches and targets on the night for the Buccaneers. Otton recorded just one catch for four yards on two targets over his first two NFL games, but he began expanding his profile in the offense beginning in Week 4 against Kansas City and posted multiple receptions in 11 of the final 14 contests of the campaign. Otton was afforded enough of a…read more

One catch in finale

Otton secured his only target for five yards in the Buccaneers' 30-17 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The rookie tight end saw just 19 snaps from scrimmage as head coach Todd Bowles limited the play of his starters. Otton recorded multiple receptions in 11 of his last 13 regular-season games, but he'll head into next Monday night's wild-card matchup against the Cowboys not having topped 28 receiving yards since Week 10.

Quiet in Week 17 win

Otton caught two of six targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Otton played 68 of the Buccaneers' 78 offensive snaps Sunday, the most of any Tampa Bay pass catcher. Despite seeing the field for all but 10 snaps, the rookie tight end failed to produce a fantasy-friendly line. Assuming his steady usage continues, Otton will look to have a bounce-back performance Week 18, when the Buccaneers visit the Falcons to close out the regular season.

Gets back to full participation

Otton (quadriceps) practiced fully Thursday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: Otton opened Week 17 prep with a limited session Wednesday due to a quad injury, but it didn't stop him from getting back to all activity one day later. He'll thus continue to serve as Tampa Bay's top receiving tight end Sunday versus the Panthers, which so far has resulted in a 39-369-2 line on 58 targets for the rookie fourth-round pick in 14 games this season.

Dealing with quad issue

Otton was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a quadriceps injury.

Analysis: Otton has been a regular for the Buccaneers offense when healthy in his rookie season, playing more than 50 percent of snaps in 13 of 14 appearances. His target count has been all over the place, however, with a range of zero to 10 over the last five games, a stretch in which he compiled a 13-88-1 receiving line. With a health concern in tow, Otton's status will continue to be monitored as the week goes on ahead of Sunday's NFC South showdown with the Panthers.

Two catches in Week 16 win

Otton brought in two of seven targets for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 19-16 overtime win over the Cardinals on Sunday night.

Analysis: Otton notably checked in third in targets on the night for the Buccaneers, but his inefficiency in corralling those looks led to a lackluster fantasy performance. The rookie also logged a whopping 65 snaps overall, leaving position mate's Cameron Brate's eight plays from scrimmage in the dust. Otton should continue to enjoy a robust role in a key Week 17 divisional clash against the Panthers.

Limited to one catch Sunday

Otton secured his only target for 20 yards in the Buccaneers' 34-23 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton logged a robust 48 snaps, so his meager volume was particularly perplexing on a day when Tom Brady threw for 312 yards. However, with 19 more plays from scrimmage than veteran position mate Cameron Brate, Otton still appears to be the top pass-catching option at the position going into a Week 16 Christmas Night road matchup against the Cardinals.

Four catches in loss

Otton brought in four of five targets for 28 yards in the Buccaneers' 35-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton once again logged a solid target tally despite the return of Cameron Brate from a one-game absence due to an illness. However, it was a quiet day for the Buccaneers passing game overall against the 49ers' suffocating defense, one where no pass catcher recorded more than 54 yards (Chris Godwin). Otton has 10 receptions overall in the last two games, giving him a solid floor heading into a Week 15 home matchup against the Bengals.

Key scoring grab in win

Otton secured six of 10 targets for 28 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Saints on Monday night.

Analysis: The rookie tight end tied for second on the team in receptions and was the runner-up in targets as well, but the most noteworthy part of his night was his one-yard touchdown grab with three minutes remaining that made it a one-possession game. Otton once again had the No. 1 tight end role to himself with Cameron Brate (illness) logging his fourth absence in the last six games, which led to a new career high in targets for the 2022 fourth-round pick. Otton will aim to build on the solid…read more

No targets in Week 12 loss

Otton did not draw a target over 36 snaps during the Buccaneers' 23-17 overtime loss to the Browns on Sunday.

Analysis: The complete lack of involvement was a shock considering Otton had recorded multiple catches in seven straight games and had made at least one reception in every game except for the Week 1 win over the Cowboys. Otton still led the tight end group in snaps and should have an opportunity to bounce back against the Saints in the Week 13 Monday night divisional clash.

Three grabs in win

Otton brought in all three of his targets for 35 yards in the Buccaneers' 21-16 win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: Despite the return of Cameron Brate from a neck injury, Otton still out-snapped his teammate by a 46-34 count and also logged one more target. He appears to have Tom Brady's trust -- particularly after hauling in a game-winning touchdown against the Rams in Week 9 -- and the transition from Brate to Otton as the top pass-catching option at tight end is underway. His next opportunity to build on an already solid rookie campaign comes in a Week 12 road matchup against the Browns, following a Week…read more

Hauls in winning TD

Otton caught five of six targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Rams.

Analysis: The rookie tight end was quiet most of the game, but he emerged as Tom Brady's favorite target in the fourth quarter, hauling in a 28-yard pass to begin the Bucs' final possession before capping it with a one-yard game-winning TD with just nine seconds left on the clock. Otton has seen at least five targets in all four games Cameron Brate (neck) has missed this season, and the trust he's earning from Brady could allow him to retain a significant role even if Brate is healthy for a Week 10 clash…read more

Pair of grabs in Week 8 loss

Otton brought in two of five targets for 15 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-22 loss to the Ravens on Thursday night.

Analysis: The rookie tight end drew another start with Cameron Brate (neck) out of action, but he couldn't parlay the opportunity into the same level of production he'd enjoyed in a pair of previous contests with an expanded role. Otton logged a robust 56 snaps overall, so the inefficient night certainly wasn't attributable to a lack of playing time. Otton has showed plenty of promise as a pass catcher, however, so even if Brate is back for the Week 9 home matchup against the Rams a week from Sunday, the…read more

Another start awaits

Otton is expected to serve as the Buccaneers' top tight end Thursday against the Ravens with Cameron Brate (neck) listed as out for the contest.

Analysis: Brate will be sidelined for the third time in four games, setting Otton up another starting opportunity. While playing north of 50 percent of the snaps on offense in each of the Bucs' last four contests, Otton has proven to be a useful short-yardage target for quarterback Tom Brady. In those games, Otton is averaging 3.8 receptions for 39.8 yards on 4.8 targets.

Another productive showing in loss

Otton brought in four of five targets for 64 yards in the Buccaneers' 21-3 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Otton finished with the second-highest yardage total of the day for the Buccaneers' pass catchers as he drew a start for Cameron Brate (neck). The rookie has made good use of both his starting opportunities thus far -- he also posted a 6-43 line on seven targets in Week 5 when Brate missed time with a concussion. Otton may slowly be putting himself in position to take over the top role irrespective of Brate's status, and he could be in line for another game in that spot with Tampa Bay having a…read more

Pair of grabs in Week 6 loss

Otton brought in two of three targets for 23 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-18 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

Analysis: The rookie tight end went back to a timeshare role at tight end to open the game, as Cameron Brate had been deemed healthy enough to return from his concussion. However, Brate suffered a head/neck injury that forced him to be stretchered off after 32 snaps, leading to Otton assuming the lead pass-catching role at the position the rest of the way. Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports that Brate's injury has now officially been diagnosed as a neck sprain, and there are no associated neurological…read more

Stands out with role expansion

Otton brought in six of seven targets for 43 yards in the Buccaneers' 21-15 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The rookie drew expanded opportunity with Cameron Brate (concussion) sidelined, and he was able to build on his 3-29 line in Week 4 with another set of career highs. Otton's performance over the last two games offers an encouraging glimpse at his upside, and it could earn him much more of a steady, larger role going forward.

Season-high three catches Sunday

Otton secured three of four targets for 29 yards in the Buccaneers' 41-31 loss to Kansas City on Sunday night.

Analysis: The rookie set new career highs across the board after logging his first pro reception in Week 3. Otton's offensive snaps have seen a modest increase through his first three NFL games, going from 30 in Week 1 to 39 in this one, although he was inactive in Week 3. He could continue to see his role expand in a Week 5 home matchup against the Falcons.

Clear of injury report

Otton (personal) was not listed on the Buccaneers' injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: Otton appears ready to return after missing Week 3's loss to the Packers due to personal reasons. The rookie tight end recorded one reception for four yards on two targets while playing 63 offensive snaps over the first two weeks of the season, though he figures to see increased targets if wideouts Chris Godwin (hamstring), Julio Jones (knee), Russell Gage (hamstring) and Breshad Perriman (knee/hamstring) are sidelined in Week 4.

Out as expected Sunday

Otton (personal) is inactive for Sunday's Week 3 game against the Packers, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: As expected, the rookie tight end will not be available after missing practice all week. In his absence, fellow rookie Ko Kieft and veteran Kyle Rudolph, the latter garnering active status for the first time this season, will serve as complementary options behind top tight end Cameron Brate.

Unlikely to play Sunday

Otton (personal) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Analysis: Otton didn't practice all week due to personal reasons and will likely be sidelined for at least one game. If he's ruled out, Ko Kieft and Kyle Rudolph would be candidates for increased roles behind Cameron Brate.

First pro reception Sunday

Otton brought in one of two targets for four yards in the Buccaneers' 20-10 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The rookie tight end thus got on the board with his first pro reception after not drawing a target in the opener. The Buccaneers' depleted receiving corps helped facilitate a bit more opportunity for Otton in the air attack, and he also saw his snap count bump up to 38 after he logged 30 against Dallas in Week 1. Otton's active status over veteran Kyle Rudolph over the first two games is encouraging as well, and with Tampa Bay now potentially down all three of Mike Evans (suspension), Chris…read more

No targets in pro debut

Otton logged 30 snaps on offense but did not see a target during the Buccaneers' 19-3 win over the Cowboys in Week 1.

Analysis: The rookie did at least see a solid amount of action, playing just under half (48 percent) of the offensive snaps while logging an additional 12 on special teams. Notably, both Otton and fellow first-year tight end Ko Kieft garnered active status over veteran Kyle Rudolph, but that may not necessarily be indicative of what can be counted on from a game-to-game basis for the time being.

Impressive with two catches

Otton secured two of three targets for 37 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-10 preseason loss to the Colts on Saturday night.

Analysis: Otton's yardage total was second only to that of fellow tight end J.J. Howland's on the night for the Buccaneers. Otton's night included an impressive 30-yard reception in connection with Blaine Gabbert to open the second quarter, a play that showcased the Washington product's downfield chops. While he has plenty of potential, Otton still appears set for a backup role behind the veteran duo of Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph to open the season.

No stats over 26 snaps

Otton logged 26 snaps from scrimmage and another 13 on special teams during the Buccaneers' 13-3 preseason loss to the Titans on Saturday night but did not log any offensive statistics.

Analysis: Otton's quiet night was a disappointment after he'd at least drawn a pair of targets and generated a 1-10-0 line during the preseason-opening loss to the Dolphins. The rookie tight end did at least get some solid reps in on both offense and special teams, and considering the spotty quarterback play the Buccaneers endured versus Tennessee, the blank stat sheet is at least somewhat understandable.

One grab in preseason opener

Otton brought in one of two targets for 10 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Analysis: The rookie tight end generated only modest production, but Otton was able to log his first game action in approximately 10 months after seeing his final college season end early due to an ankle injury. Otton should continue to log ample playing time over the final two preseason games as he aims to secure a solid role behind veterans Kyle Rudolph and Cameron Brate to open the regular season.

Stands out in Sunday's practice

Otton made a strong impression as both a receiver and blocker in Sunday's practice, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Analysis: The highlights were plentiful for the rookie Sunday, starting with several noteworthy catches that included an over-the-shoulder grab in the left corner of the end zone and a leaping reception on a seam route in a goal-line period. Otton also saw reps split out wide and in the slot with Cameron Brate receiving a veteran's day off, Chris Godwin (knee) once again limited to individual drills, and Mike Evans (hamstring) still sidelined. Dix noted the Washington product also rounded out his day…read more

Enjoys first few camp practices

Otton, who was medically cleared from the ankle injury that cut short his final college season just before training camp, has been able to practice each day thus far after missing all offseason on-field work, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Otton studied the Buccaneers offense in the classroom and through sideline observation throughout the offseason, but getting live reps has naturally been a welcome new phase in his acclimation. The rookie fourth-round pick is slated to rotate in with veterans Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph and also put in plenty of time on special teams this season, but his athleticism could certainly help him carve out meaningful snaps as the season unfolds if he proves a quick study in the offense and…read more

Cleared ahead of training camp

Otton (ankle) has received medical clearance Thursday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: Otton missed rookie minicamp while recovering from ankle surgery, but the 2022 third-round pick will be on the field when Tampa Bay's training camp kicks off July 27. The Buccaneers recently signed veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph in the wake of Rob Gronkowski's retirement, who in addition to Cameron Brate could provide Otton with strong competition for Year 1 snaps.