Andre Caldwell came on for an injured Jordan Shipley Sunday and caught a 10-yard touchdown.

Caldwell ended up with three total catches for 27 yards. The status of Shipley is unclear, but it won't matter in fantasy anyway. Even as the starting slot receiver, Caldwell isn't a difference-maker and would struggle for targets most weeks.

Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson suggests Andre Caldwell is "getting in the mix with the starters" at receiver.

New OC Jay Gruden "can't say enough good things about Caldwell," and Hobson expects him to "take the load" off A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson. The inference is that Caldwell may be ahead of Jordan Shipley on the depth chart. Gruden suggested this past offseason that Shipley had to get past a hesitation to go over the middle.

The Cincinnati Enquirer suggests WR Andre Caldwell "might struggle" to make the roster this season.

Caldwell closed out last season in strong fashion after disappearing down the stretch in 2009. In that sense, it's hard to imagine the Bengals cutting ties. The only scenario where Caldwell gets caught in a roster crunch is if the Bengals opt to keep Chad Ochocinco and his $6 million salary to stay above the salary cap floor in the new CBA.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell caught four balls on five targets for 87 yards in a Week 16 34-20 victory over San Diego.

Caldwell burned Quentin Jammer for a 44-yard deep ball on first-and-five in the second quarter, and generated three first downs on the day, two of which came on third-down receptions. Caldwell possesses NFL-caliber talent, but is often too buried on the Bengals' depth chart to consistently shine. Even with injuries to the Bengals' veteran receivers, Caldwell shouldn't be trusted in fantasy Week 17 when the Bengals head to Baltimore.

With Terrell Owens done for the year, Andre Caldwell is expected to close out the season as the Bengals' starting flanker.

Caldwell essentially played a full complement of snaps in Sunday's win over the Browns, and finished with a team-high 84 yards on four receptions. Most owners should be able to do better in their fantasy championship week, but Caldwell might be a viable WR3 option in deep leagues that extend through Week 17.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell caught four passes for 84 yards in the team's Week 15 win over Cleveland.

Caldwell had 10 receptions entering Week 15, so it was a surprise to see him start at flanker over Terrell Owens. It initially appeared to be disciplinary after T.O. called out the coaching staff on the T-Ocho show last week, but Caldwell played a significant role for the entire game. The Bengals have not made it clear whether this will remain the plan going forward.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell (groin) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

It's not a huge loss for the Bengals. Jordan Shipley appears more than ready to handle all slot duties. Other Bengals' inactives: Third QB Dan LeFevour, RB Brian Leonard, OL Reggie Stephens, DE Carlos Dunlap, DT Pat Sims, LB Roderick Muckelroy and CB Brandon Ghee.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell (groin, questionable) did not practice Friday.

He didn't practice Thursday, either. Caldwell, a fourth receiver following the additions of T.O. and Jordan Shipley, appears unlikely to dress for Week 1.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell (groin) was held out of practice Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.

Caldwell has dropped to fourth on the depth chart this year, and he's no longer even returning kicks. He's not a fantasy factor.

Bengals WR Andre Caldwell confirmed that he anticipates "diminished" playing time following the team's addition of Terrell Owens.

Caldwell could open the year as low as a fifth receiver if he doesn't beat out third-round rookie Jordan Shipley for the backup slot receiver job. The team clearly wasn't happy with Caldwell's fade down the stretch of last season. Despite an allegedly strong offseason, he's well off the fantasy radar.

Coach Marvin Lewis calls WR Andre Caldwell "probably this offseason's most improved guy on the team."

Not so fast Caldwell Dynasty owner(s). Lewis was just as quick to praise third-rounder Jordan Shipley, who has impressed both his head coach and his quarterback early on. Caldwell was ill-suited to slot duties late last season, so Shipley's emergence could move him back outside as a backup to Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant.

Andre Caldwell acknowledged that he is in a battle with rookie Jordan Shipley for No. 3 receiver duties.

Caldwell is the latest NFL player to use boxing as an offseason workout tool, and he says he now says in the best shape of his life. He'll need to improve his route-running and consistency to hold off Shipley, who is expected to contribute right out of the gate.

Bengals slot receiver Andre Caldwell is not expected to retain his kickoff return duties this season.

Bernard Scott will likely be Cincinnati's primary kick returner. Caldwell averaged just 18.6 yards per attempt with two fumbles last season, while Scott rejuvenated the unit with a 31.5-yard average on 16 returns. Caldwell's stock has fallen by the wayside since a hot start to 2009. He is also in danger of losing slot receiver duties to rookie Jordan Shipley.

Andre Caldwell will battle third-round pick Jordan Shipley for the No. 3 receiver job, according to beat writer Joe Reedy.

Shipley fits the mold of an ideal NFL slot receiver, but we're not sure the rookie is ready to take over that role full time just yet. Caldwell won't knock anyone's socks off either, so this is probably a situation to avoid in most formats. The additions of Jermaine Gresham and Antonio Bryant means less footballs to go around this season.