Carlson caught all three targets for 33 yards during Sunday's win against the 49ers.

For a third week in a row, Carlson dominated his fellow tight ends in terms of snaps, garnering 51 to Troy Niklas' 27 and Darren Fells' seven. Moreover, neither option was considered by fill-in quarterback Drew Stanton in the passing game, while fellow TE Rob Housler was deemed inactive due to a hip injury. On the season, Carlson's line (six catches for 96 yards) pales that of the aforementioned trio's combined two receptions (on four targets) for 32 yards, relaying the pecking order at the position in Arizona.

Carlson gathered in two of three targets for 43 yards during Sunday's win against the Giants in New York. Additionally, he took the field for 66-of-68 offense snaps for the Cardinals, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Carlson dominated his fellow tight ends in terms of snaps -- Rob Housler garnered 25, while rookie Troy Niklas was handed 17 -- and only Niklas (one catch for 19 yards) contributed to the passing game. The preceding workload has trickled into a second consecutive game, intimating that Carlson is the TE to consider when looking at Arizona's corps of pass catchers. No matter, he only has three receptions (on four targets) for 63 yards to date, which won't endear him to any owners outside of deep formats.

Carlson played 61-of-70 offensive snaps during Monday's win versus the Chargers, FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Despite earning 41 more snaps than fellow tight end Rob Housler, their respective lines were nearly identical, with Carlson gathering in his sole target for 20 yards, while Housler caught one ball (on three targets) for 16 yards. Meanwhile, rookie Troy Niklas wasn't targeted on his 12 snaps, which isn't a surprise behind two veteran options. Considering his overwhelming snap total compared to the other two, Carlson is the Cardinals' tight end to own, but the team's lack of a fullback forces more blocking assignments than the typical TE corps.

Carlson had a touchdown reception called back in Saturday's preseason game, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website reports.

More importantly, Rob Housler got the starting nod, even though Carlson is listed atop the initial depth chart. It shouldn't be all that surprising, as Housler is not only the incumbent, but also has the higher ceiling as a receiver at this point in their respective careers. Second-round draft pick Troy Niklas is also in the mix, though he's unlikely to have a major role in the passing game this season. Between his injury issues, his middling talent, and the competition for playing time, Carlson doesn't make for a particularly attractive fantasy option.

John Carlson "impressed the most" among the tight ends at Cardinals OTAs.

The Cardinals' website has penciled in Carlson as a starter in two-tight end packages, alongside Jake Ballard and ahead of both Rob Housler and injured rookie Troy Niklas. Carlson drew praise from both Carson Palmer and coach Bruce Arians this spring. "John has done a really, really good job," Arians said. "... He plays full speed all the time and has got outstanding hands. He's not an overwhelming blocker but he's more than adequate." As usual, we'll be avoiding Cardinals tight ends in fantasy football this year.

Cardinals signed TE John Carlson to a two-year, $4.65 million contract.

Concussion-plagued Carlson finished the 2013 season with 32 catches for 344 yards and one touchdown, appearing in 13 games with eight starts for Minnesota. He turns 30 in May. Although Carlson has never been an effective blocker or overly productive pass catcher in the NFL, teams seem to always hold him in high regard. His addition isn't good news for Rob Housler. As tight ends have never been a big part of Cardinals coach Bruce Arians' vertical passing offense, Carlson landing in Arizona has little or no expected fantasy impact.

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports the Jets and Packers are interested in free agent John Carlson, in addition to the Cardinals.

The New York Daily News recently opined that Carlson could be a fit for Gang Green. He'd also make sense for the Packers, who aren't expected to re-sign Jermichael Finley. Carlson visited the Cardinals on Thursday.

Free agent John Carlson is visiting the Cardinals on Thursday.

It's a vote of no confidence in Rob Housler, though Carlson's concussion history means he'll be viewed more as a bonus than bedrock wherever he signs. Carlson is more of a receiver than a blocker, so he'd be a bit of an odd fit for coach Bruce Arians, who likes his tight ends to block.

The New York Daily News suggests free agent TE John Carlson as a fit with the Jets.

Vikings released TE John Carlson.

Vikings TE John Carlson plans to return in 2014.

Carlson was considering retirement after suffering his third known NFL concussion last season. "It's a serious thing, but I'm not ready to be done," Carlson confirmed. Due $3.9 million in 2014, Carlson will return as the No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Rudolph.

Vikings GM Rick Spielman said he hasn't heard from TE John Carlson on whether he's made a decision to return for the 2014 season.

Carlson suffered his third known NFL concussion this past season and is considering retirement. He appeared in 13 games (eight starts) before being placed on injured reserve, finishing with 32 catches, 344 yards, and one touchdown. Carlson is set to make $3.9 million if he decides to play in 2014 and would return as the No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Rudolph.

Vikings placed TE John Carlson on injured reserve with a concussion, ending his season.

Carlson suffered his third known NFL concussion in Week 14 and will be shut down with just two games remaining. He took on an expanded role in the second-half of the season with Kyle Rudolph (foot, I.R.) sidelined, making eight starts and finishing with 32 catches, 344 yards, and one touchdown. Carlson is believed to be considering retirement due to his lengthy concussion history. He's currently signed through 2016.

John Carlson (concussion) is listed as doubtful for Week 16.

Carlson won't play against the Bengals and is considering retirement.

John Carlson said he and his wife will discuss his lengthy concussion history after the season, and retirement might be an option.

Two weeks ago in Baltimore, Carlson suffered his third known NFL concussion. He had two more documented while at Notre Dame. Carlson indicated there have been others. "It's a serious issue and it's not something that I'm ignoring," he said. Carlson had been cleared from his latest concussion on Wednesday, but symptoms resurfaced Thursday. He may be done for the season.

John Carlson was held out of Thursday's practice after his concussion symptoms resurfaced.

It's troubling news for a player with a lengthy concussion history. Carlson is almost certainly going to sit out against the Bengals, and is quite likely done for the season. Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford are next up on the depth chart.

John Carlson (concussion) has been cleared to play.

Carlson is ready to resume starting tight end duties with Kyle Rudolph (foot) on injured reserve. He'll be a low-end TE2 in a tough matchup at Cincy.

Vikings TE John Carlson (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 15.

The Vikings will turn to some combo of Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford.

John Carlson (concussion) remained out of Vikings practice Thursday.

Carlson appears unlikely to gain clearance for Sunday's game against the Eagles. We should get final word on Friday. Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford will split tight-end duties if Carlson sits.

John Carlson (concussion) did not practice Wednesday.

Carlson was concussed in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. He'll be in a race to get cleared for Week 15 against the Eagles. If Carlson can't go, Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford will handle tight end duties for Minnesota.