NFL Player News

Per coach Nathaniel Hackett, there's "a very high chance" that Dulcich (hamstring) will practice next week and return from injured reserve when first eligible to do so Week 5 against the Colts, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The rookie tight end had been impressing in camp prior to getting hurt, so Dulcich could carve out a prominent role once he's back. Getting up to speed in time to face the Colts won't be easy, though, as the Broncos will have a short week of practice before playing Thursday in Week 5.

Njoku (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against Atlanta after practicing fully Friday, Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku sat out Thursday's practice, but his return Friday and lack of injury designation confirm that his absence Thursday was just for maintenance purposes. The tight end appears to have established himself as Cleveland's No. 2 option in the passing game behind Amari Cooper, and Njoku will look to put forth a second consecutive strong performance Sunday after racking up 89 yards and a touchdown Week 3 against the Steelers.

Knox (back) practiced on a limited basis Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Baltimore.

That's three limited showings for the starting tight end, so we'll assume he's on the better side of questionable for Sunday's contest. Knox managers do get the benefit of a 1:00 p.m. ET start time, so his status can be checked just to be safe. The tight end still is looking for his first trip to the end zone after getting there nine times in the 2021 regular season.

Hurst caught three of four targets for 27 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 27-15 win over the Dolphins.

Hurst powered through multiple tackle attempts for a 19-yard gain on the game's third play but didn't see much involvement after that until Joe Burrow found the tight end for the game-sealing two-yard touchdown just after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. While Hurst has compiled a respectable 21 targets through four games with the Bengals, he has yet to reach 50 yards in a game while working as a secondary option in a passing game led by wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.

Gesicki secured two of four targets for 23 yards during Thursday's 27-15 loss to the Bengals.

Gesicki's 23 yards actually were his second highest single-game total of the season, which is another harsh reminder for fantasy managers that the tight end's weekly floor has vanished. It's possible that Gesicki could have a higher ceiling during Week 5's divisional matchup versus the Jets, but that also heavily depends on whether Teddy Bridgewater or Tua Tagovailoa (neck/concussion) is on hand to helm Miami's offense.

Head coach Zac Taylor said the Bengals will place Sample (knee) on injured reserve in the next couple of days, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Sample underwent surgery on his right knee following the team's Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. His return timetable is unclear, but it's possible he'll miss the entire campaign after initial tests revealed damage to his MCL and PCL, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. In Sample's absence, Mitchell Wilcox has stepped up as the Bengals' top backup tight end behind Hayden Hurst.

Asiasi (ankle) was seen in a walking boot following Thursday's victory over the Dolphins, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Asiasi didn't return to the game Thursday after he went down with a left ankle injury, and his status is now in question heading into Week 5. More information on his status will likely be provided early next week. If Asiasi ends up missing any action, Mitchell Wilcox will likely operate as the lone reserve option behind Hayden Hurst at tight end.

Thomas (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against Arizona.

Thomas was limited in practice all week due to an ankle injury, but the issue won't prevent him from suiting up in Week 4. Over the first three games of the season, he's secured five of nine targets for 79 yards.

Jameis Winston (back/ankle/hip) is doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Saints in London, so Andy Dalton is expected to draw the start, leaving Hill as the backup quarterback, Adam Hoge of AllCHGO.com reports.

Hill missed Week 3 due to a rib issue and was limited in practices Wednesday and Thursday, but he was a full participant Friday and doesn't have an injury designation for Week 4. During his limited sessions, Hill was mixed in as the second-string quarterback, while Dalton handled the first-team reps. Dalton would be the primary signal-caller if Winston indeed is ruled out, but the versatile Hill, along with his usual special-teams duties and occasional snaps at tight end, may have a few designed plays at quarterback as well.

Asiasi is questionable to return to Thursday's matchup against the Dolphins due to an ankle injury.

Asiasi failed to haul in his only target in the second quarter before picking up an ankle issue that may knock him out for the rest of the contest. If he's unable to return, Hayden Hurst and Mitchell Wilcox would be the only healthy tight ends available for Cincinnati.