- AJ Barner
- #88
- Team SEA
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
-
Touchdown drought continues
Barner caught three of six targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 18-16 win over the Colts.
Analysis: Barner has been targeted 19 times over the last four weeks, turning in 12 receptions for 107 yards and no touchdowns. After starting the season with four touchdowns through the first five games, Barner has been kept out of the end zone for nine straight contests. The second-year tight end remains the Seahawks' clear No. 1 at the position however, especially with rookie Elijah Arroyo (knee) done for the rest of the regular season.
Published: Mon, Dec 15 at 5:48am by Rotowire.com
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Targeted four times win
Barner caught three of four targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 37-9 win over the Falcons.
Analysis: Barner continued to operate as the Seahawks No. 1 tight end Sunday, but he was unable to have a major impact in the passing attack. The 23-year-old, while getting consistent targets each week, has been unable to find the end zone since Week 5, limiting his fantasy upside. Barner will have his next opportunity to take a step forward and improve upon his recent weeks' limited production when the Seahawks host the Colts in Week 15.
Published: Wed, Dec 10 at 3:23am by Rotowire.com
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Full practice Thursday
Barner (knee/shoulder) practiced fully Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
Analysis: Barner followed up Wednesday's limited session with all activity one day later, clearing him to continue serving as the Seahawks' No. 1 tight end. In such a role, he's put together a respectable 37-359-4 line on 46 targets in 12 games to date.
Published: Thu, Dec 4 at 4:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Tending to pair of injuries
Barner was limited at practice Wednesday due to knee and shoulder injuries, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
Analysis: Barner paces Seattle's group of tight ends most weeks, clearing an 80 percent snap share eight times in 12 games this season. The results have been more tepid in the box score, as evidenced by a 37-359-4 line on 46 targets on the campaign in an offense that is run-heavy and also has a clear top receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Barner will have two more chances to prove his health this week before Friday's practice report potentially includes a designation for Sunday's contest in Atlanta.
Published: Wed, Dec 3 at 4:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Leading receiver in run-heavy win
Barner brought in four of five targets for 35 yards while taking his only carry for two yards in Sunday's 26-0 win over the Vikings.
Analysis: Barner finished Sunday's contest as Seattle's leading receiver with the team executing a run-heavy game plan against Minnesota. The versatile tight end ran another successful variation of Philadelphia's "tush push," marking his ninth rushing attempt of the season. Barner has been a pleasant surprise for those in deeper fantasy formats with 37 receptions for 359 yards and five total touchdowns across 12 starts.
Published: Sun, Nov 30 at 7:39pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited impact in Week 12
Barner recorded two receptions on four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Titans.
Analysis: Barner was one of three players to earn four targets, as Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated opportunity in the Seattle offense. Both of Barner's catches came on the Seahawks' first possession, and he did help the team get into field-goal range to tie the game at 3-3. He has at least three targets in seven of his last eight games, though he's also been held to 35 yards or less five times in that span.
Published: Sun, Nov 23 at 10:13pm by Rotowire.com
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Far more involvement in Week 11
Barner corralled 10 of 11 targets for 70 yards while taking two carries for one yard in Sunday's 21-19 loss to the Rams.
Analysis: Barner bounced back nicely from a zero-catch effort in Week 10 to post career-best marks in targets, receptions and yardage against the Rams. The sophomore tight end recorded two more carries on Seattle's variation of Philadelphia's "tush push," but only one attempt proved to be successful in the divisional loss. Barner's big game pushed him up to 31 receptions for 306 yards through 10 starts, surpassing his rookie year totals of 30 and 245, respectively.
Published: Sun, Nov 16 at 10:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Rushes twice in divisional win
Barner rushed twice for three yards but wasn't targeted in Sunday's 44-22 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: The Seahawks threw the ball just 12 times, as they scored 38 points in the first half and benefited from two defensive touchdowns. Thus, Barner failed to secure a target for the first time this season while handling just 23 offensive snaps. He should return to his typical pass-catching role in Week 11 versus the Rams.
Published: Mon, Nov 10 at 6:16am by Rotowire.com
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Active Sunday
Barner (calf) is listed as active Sunday against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Barner followed up back-to-back limited sessions to begin Week 10 prep due to a calf injury with a full session Friday, but he still entered the weekend listed as questionable. Despite the designation, he'll be available to a Seahawks offense that'll be down two wide receivers in Tory Horton (groin/shin) and Jake Bobo (calf). As a result, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak could lean more on the team's tight ends in the passing game Sunday.
Published: Sun, Nov 9 at 11:42am by Rotowire.com
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Looking good for Sunday
Barner (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Arizona, but he seems likely to play after logging a full practice Friday, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The quick return to full participation confirms that Barner's injury isn't serious, though the Seahawks weren't quite ready to remove him from their injury report. He hasn't missed a game this season and should fill his usual role as the No. 1 tight end, which has resulted in four receiving touchdowns and one rushing score despite averaging just 3.25 targets per game.
Published: Fri, Nov 7 at 2:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Listed as questionable
Barner (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Arizona, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Barner handled his normal workload during Sunday's win over the Commanders, including his first rushing TD of the season on his fourth QB sneak. He also has four receiving touchdowns, but he's averaging just 3.25 targets per game and now has the calf injury as a potential concern. Elijah Arroyo and Nick Kallerup will take on larger roles at tight end if Barner ends up on the inactive listed ahead of a 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday.
Published: Fri, Nov 7 at 1:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Remains limited at practice
Barner (calf) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
Analysis: Barner maintained his activity level from Wednesday's walkthrough, giving him just one more chance to prove his health this week before the Seahawks potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Cardinals. Elijah Arroyo (elbow, FP this week) and Nick Kallerup are the healthy tight ends on Seattle's active roster at the moment.
Published: Thu, Nov 6 at 4:27pm by Rotowire.com
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Tending to calf issue
Barner was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a calf injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.
Analysis: Barner has earned at least an 80 percent snap share in six of eight games this season, but the cumulative results in the box score (21 catches for 236 yards on 26 targets) have been tepid aside from his penchant for getting in the end zone, which he's done four times. He'll have two more opportunities to get back to full this week or else risk entering the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.
Published: Wed, Nov 5 at 4:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Scores in blowout win
Barner caught three of four targets for 24 yards and rushed once for a one-yard touchdown in Sunday's 38-14 win over the Commanders.
Analysis: Barner took a direct snap in the third quarter and plowed into the end zone to extend the Seahawks' lead to 38-7. The second-year tight end continues to operate as the clear No. 1 on the depth chart ahead of rookie Elijah Arroyo, as Barner played 43 of 51 offensive snaps (84 percent) and finished tied for second on the team in targets. He's scored five touchdowns through eight games, but has averaged just 29.5 receiving yards per game.
Published: Mon, Nov 3 at 5:49am by Rotowire.com
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Held to one catch
Barner caught one pass on three targets for seven yards in Monday's 27-19 win over the Texans.
Analysis: There has been little target volume for anyone this season in the Seattle passing game behind lead wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but Barner has served as the top tight end with 18 catches for 212 yards (third on the team) and four touchdowns (tied for first). Barner continues to impress as a blocker and should maintain a high snap count as a result. He needs to find the end zone to pay off for fantasy purposes, though.
Published: Tue, Oct 21 at 3:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Long catch and run Sunday
Barner secured all three targets for 71 yards in the Seahawks' 20-12 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.
Analysis: Barner finished in the relatively unfamiliar position of second in receiving yardage and tied with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the longest reception of the game. That catch covered a distance of 61 yards on the first play of Seattle's game-clinching drive, with Barner getting loose down the middle of the field after making the reception and taking the ball down to the Jaguars' 12-yard line. Barner has now set new single-game season highs in receiving yards in three consecutive contests, but he's…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 12 at 8:35pm by Rotowire.com
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Stays hot with career game Sunday
Barner hauled in all seven of his targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers.
Analysis: Barner followed up his best fantasy score of the season with a career game against the Commanders in Week 5, setting new personal single-game bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The surging sophomore nearly doubled his entire season production in the standout effort, bringing his receiving line up to 14-134-4 through five starts. Barner's rostered percentage in fantasy will surely skyrocket heading into next Sunday's tilt against Jacksonville.
Published: Sun, Oct 5 at 7:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Finds end zone again
Barner caught all three targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 23-20 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: The Seahawks are dedicated to using two-TE sets, and Barner continues to serve as the lead tight end with an 86 percent snap share. He's starting to look like a compelling red-zone target for QB Sam Darnold with two targets in four games, but his floor remains quite low, as the second-year tight end has never produced more than 34 yards in a game.
Published: Fri, Sep 26 at 4:53am by Rotowire.com
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One catch in blowout win
Barner caught his lone target for 23 yards in Sunday's 44-13 win over the Saints.
Analysis: Barner played just 52 percent of the offensive snaps while rookie Elijah Arroyo handled 50 percent, but the split was likely due to the blowout nature of the game rather than a changing of the guard at Seattle's tight-end position. A fourth-round pick in 2024, Barner has produced four receptions for 49 yards through three games this season.
Published: Mon, Sep 22 at 4:46am by Rotowire.com
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Scores in Sunday's win
Barner caught two of three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Steelers.
Analysis: The second-year tight end caught a seven-yard touchdown on the Seahawks' first drive of the second half. Barner continues to handle a massive workload, as he logged an 89 percent snap share in Week 2 compared to rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo's 39 percent mark. Still, that has translated to just six targets through two weeks for Barner. The Michigan product wasn't known for his pass-catching abilities in college, but he should continue to see high snap counts due to his run-blocking acumen.
Published: Mon, Sep 15 at 4:33am by Rotowire.com
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Handles big workload Sunday
Barner rushed once for two yards and caught one of two targets for no gain in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the 49ers.
Analysis: Barner played 44 of the team's 52 offensive snaps, clearly out-snapping rookie second-round pick Elijah Arroyo (16 snaps). The Seahawks look committed to the run game, and Barner is considered the better run blocker of the two, meaning he should maintain an edge in snap counts moving forward. However, Barner won't provide much fantasy value unless he finds the end zone, which he did four times as a rookie.
Published: Mon, Sep 8 at 7:24am by Rotowire.com
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Logs one catch with starters
Barner pulled in his only target for five yards in Friday's 33-16 preseason win over the Chiefs.
Analysis: Barner -- who is competing with rookie Elijah Arroyo for the starting tight end job -- started Friday's exhibition with the first-team offense. The 2024 fourth-round pick nabbed new quarterback Sam Darnold's first target as a member of the Seahawks. Barner appears to have the early edge in the competition after posting decent totals (30-245-4) as a rookie backup in 2024.
Published: Fri, Aug 15 at 10:52pm by Rotowire.com
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Opportunity awaits
Barner will compete with rookie Elijah Arroyo for the starting tight end job after the Seahawks released Noah Fant on Sunday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The Seahawks selected Arroyo in the second round of April's draft and signed Eric Saubert this offseason, allowing them the flexibility to move on from Fant with one year left on his deal. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Barner started six games as a rookie and finished with 30 receptions for 245 yards and four touchdowns over 17 games. Barner will face stiff competition from Arroyo for the starting job in 2025. Arroyo is likely the better athlete of the two and should eventually command more…read more
Published: Mon, Jul 21 at 4:59am by Rotowire.com
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Finds paydirt four times as rookie
Barner caught 30 passes (on 38 targets) for 245 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games with the Seahawks in 2024.
Analysis: Barner operated as the Seahawks' No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant. The rookie fourth-round pick managed to finish third among all Seahawks pass-catchers with four touchdowns despite never recording more than 34 yards in a game. Fant has one year remaining on his contract, meaning Barner will likely serve as the No. 2 tight end again in 2025.
Published: Fri, Jan 17 at 3:52pm by Rotowire.com
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Gains 13 yards in win
Barner caught his lone target for 13 yards in Sunday's 30-18 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Barner caught a short checkdown from QB Geno Smith and used his physicality to gain extra yards after the catch. The rookie fourth-round pick recorded a 38 percent snap share as the Seahawks' No. 2 tight end.
Published: Mon, Dec 9 at 4:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Scores in comeback win
Barner caught two passes (two targets) for 14 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-21 win over the Jets.
Analysis: With Noah Fant (groin) back in the lineup, Barner reverted to No. 2 tight-end duties, recording a 40 percent snap share. Barner -- a rookie fourth-round pick -- reeled in a 12-yard pass from Geno Smith in the second quarter to get the Seahawks on the scoreboard. He doesn't have much upside in his current role unless he finds the end zone.
Published: Mon, Dec 2 at 2:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Three short catches in win
Barner caught three of four targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 16-6 win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Barner served as the Seahawks' top tight end with Noah Fant (knee) inactive. Through three games as the starter, Barner generated just nine receptions for 61 yards. Fant has a good chance to return in Week 13 versus the Jets, which would revert Barner to a No. 2 tight end role where he previously hovered around a 40 percent snap share.
Published: Mon, Nov 25 at 4:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Remaining top tight end Sunday
Barner is slated to remain the top option at tight end for the Seahawks in Sunday's game against the Cardinals with Noah Fant (groin) inactive for the contest.
Analysis: The rookie fourth-round pick wasn't able to do much with expanded opportunity during Fant's first two absences in Weeks 9 and 11, generating a modest 6-42 line on 11 targets. Nevertheless, Barner should continue to profile as the top pass-catching option at his position versus Arizona, with veteran Pharaoh Brown also mixing in.
Published: Sun, Nov 24 at 12:09pm by Rotowire.com
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Just two catches in win
Barner caught two of four targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the 49ers.
Analysis: Barner has served as the No. 1 tight end in each of the last two games with Noah Fant (groin) inactive. A rookie fourth-round pick, Barner has six catches for 42 yards over those two games. Thus, Barner's fantasy upside isn't that clear even if Fant is out again in Week 12 versus the Cardinals.
Published: Mon, Nov 18 at 5:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Replacing Fant again
Barner's teammate Noah Fant (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at San Francisco, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Fant previously missed a Week 9 loss to the Rams in which Barner played 91 percent of snaps and caught four of seven targets for 27 yards. It was Barner's first time with more than 48 percent snap share or three targets in an NFL game, with his role being larger than what Fant handles when healthy. Fant now is missing another game after a Week 10 bye, but Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald told Dugar on Friday that he doesn't expect the veteran tight end to be placed on injured reserve.
Published: Fri, Nov 15 at 1:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Reels in four passes
Barner caught four of seven targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Rams.
Analysis: Top tight end Noah Fant (groin) was inactive, leading to Barner handling a 91.0 percent snap share. Barner was clearly part of the game plan but couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. The Seahawks are on bye in Week 10 and Fant could remain out in Week 11 versus the 49ers, which would make Barner an intriguing deep-league option.
Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 6:30pm by Rotowire.com
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Puts up 34 yards
Barner caught both of his targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 31-10 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: The rookie fourth-round pick continued to play a meaningful role in the Seahawks' offense with a 40 percent snap share in Week 8. Barner appears far from vaulting over Noah Fant for the starting tight-end role, as the former has yet to surpass three targets in a game this year.
Published: Mon, Oct 28 at 6:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Catches lone target
Barner caught his lone target for 13 yards in Thursday's 36-24 loss to the 49ers.
Analysis: The rookie fourth-round pick has caught just one pass in back-to-back games, and he now has seven receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown through six games. Barner and Pharaoh Brown are splitting time behind lead tight end Noah Fant, and neither player has made enough of an impact as a pass catcher to separate himself.
Published: Fri, Oct 11 at 3:13am by Rotowire.com
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Reels in one pass
Barner caught his lone target for 13 yards in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants.
Analysis: Barner was minimally involved Sunday, playing just 15 of the Seahawks' 58 offensive snaps as the No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant. The 22-year-old rookie has now recorded six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown through the first five games of the 2024 campaign. Barner should be ignored for fantasy purposes as the Seahawks host the 49ers in Week 6.
Published: Wed, Oct 9 at 2:16am by Rotowire.com
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Finds end zone in loss
Barner caught both of his targets for 27 yards and one touchdown in Monday's 42-29 loss to the Lions.
Analysis: Barner's trip to the end zone was the first of his career, albeit it in a losing effort. The rookie handled the second-most offensive snaps (35) at tight end, behind Noah Fant (51) and ahead of both Pharaoh Brown (28) and Brady Russell (3). It's possible Barner's efficiency earns him some extra playing time in Seattle's offense, but he's likely more of depth option behind Fant for the time being. Barner does not carry much fantasy value heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Giants.
Published: Tue, Oct 1 at 9:33pm by Rotowire.com
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Three catches in win
Barner caught all three of his targets for 13 total yards in Sunday's 24-3 win over the Dolphins.
Analysis: Barner handle his lowest snap share of the year (28 percent) while fellow tight end Pharaoh Brown returned to the lineup from a foot injury. These were his first catches of the season, but Barner will have little fantasy appeal as the No. 3 tight end.
Published: Mon, Sep 23 at 8:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns from injury
Barner (hamstring) practiced with the team Monday, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The tight end sat out of rookie minicamp and missed OTAs at the end of May due to the injury. Now that he's back, the fourth-round pick can try to earn a role on a depth chart that also includes veterans Noah Fant and Pharaoh Brown.
Published: Mon, Jun 3 at 4:06pm by Rotowire.com
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Missing time with hamstring injury
Barner won't participate in OTAs this week due to a hamstring injury, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Barner missed all of rookie minicamp with the injury and still hasn't made a full recovery. Though Barner will lose out on some valuable reps prior to training camp, the Seahawks haven't indicated that the injury is anything that will affect the fourth-round rookie's availability heading into the 2024 season. Barner will look to push for playing time behind veteran tight ends Noah Fant and Pharaoh Brown after the Seahawks let Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson walk in free agency.
Published: Wed, May 22 at 5:02pm by Rotowire.com
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