NFL Player News

Njoku (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Saints after logging a full practice listing Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku's practice reps were limited Tuesday and Wednesday, but the tight end's return to a full session Thursday has him ready to go for Saturday's contest. Through 11 games to date, Njoku has recorded a 51/551/3 stat line on 67 targets, a pace that keeps the 2017 first-rounder on the fantasy lineup radar this weekend while facing a New Orleans defense that has allowed an average of 195.1 passing yards thus far.

Vannett (shoulder) was not listed with a game status ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Vikings.

Vannett popped up with a shoulder injury on Tuesday's injury report, though it's unclear when or how this issue first arose. However, the 29-year-old should be ready to suit up again despite remaining limited in each practice ahead of Saturday's game versus Minnesota. Vannett has caught two of his three targets for 24 yards over the past two games, and he should continue to serve as the Giants' No. 2 tight end behind Daniel Bellinger.

Thomas (thigh) was a full participant during practice Thursday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Saturday versus Detroit.

Thomas popped up with a thigh injury and logged back-to-back limited sessions to begin Week 16 prep. However, the 26-year-old is still in line to play his 14th game in a row this season. Thomas has caught 19 passes on 26 targets for 176 yards in 2022, and he should reprise his role as the Panthers' No. 2 tight end Tommy Tremble.

Hurst (calf) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Patriots after practicing in a limited fashion this week.

Ben Baby of ESPN.com previously noted that the tight end feels ready to return to action Saturday, but Hurst's status won't be confirmed until the Bengals' inactive lis is posted 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. If Hurst ends up out or limited this weekend, Mitchell Wilcox would be in line to see added snaps versus New England.

Fant (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Fant sat out Tuesday's walk-through session and now has gone down as a non-participant for a second straight day. With one session to go in Week 16 prep, his listing Thursday may be telling with regard to his ability to suit up Saturday in Kansas City. If Fant is limited or sidelined this weekend, Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson will serve as the Seahawks' tight ends.

Hurst (calf) was a limited practice participant Wednesday and said he's preparing to play Saturday against the Patriots, ESPN.com's Ben Baby reports.

Hurst missed the past two games after injuring his calf in a Week 13 win over the Chiefs on Dec. 4. Mitchell Wilcox played 79 and 91 percent of snaps with Hurst out, catching four of five targets for 44 yards and a touchdown across the two games. After back-to-back days being listed as limited, Hurst will have one more chance Thursday to upgrade to full participation before Saturday's game.

Trautman (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Limited for a second straight day, Trautman should be able to play Saturday in Cleveland after playing through the same injury last week and handling 65 percent of the offensive snaps in a 21-18 win over the Falcons. He was targeted just once, which isn't unusual when fellow tight end Juwan Johnson is healthy.

Njoku (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The same was true Tuesday, as the Browns have continued to list Njoku on their injury reports with the knee issue ever since he sat out the team's Week 13 win over the Texans. He's proceeded to play 96 and 94 percent of snaps in the two games since, and he should get plenty of playing time this Saturday against the Saints, albeit in a game that may not have many pass attempts due to bad weather.

Calcaterra is expected to slide down to third on the depth chart at tight end in Saturday's game at Dallas after Philadelphia reinstated Dallas Goedert (shoulder) from injured reserve Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

After missing the Eagles' last five games, Goedert is expected to step back in as the team's starting tight end, while Jack Stoll handles the No. 2 role. During Goedert's five-game absence, Calcaterra recorded four receptions for 41 yards on eight targets while playing at least 28 percent of the Eagles' offensive snaps in each contest. In his other seven appearances this season when Goedert was available, Calcaterra played less than a quarter of the snaps each time while totaling just one reception.

Thomas caught one of three targets for six yards in Sunday's 20-12 loss to the Giants.

Thomas operated as the Commanders' No. 1 tight end, playing 40 of the team's 63 offensive snaps in the contest. Unfortunately, the veteran was unable to make the most of limited opportunities. It's been a mostly disappointing season for Thomas, as he is averaging an abysmal 19.6 receiving yards per game and has scored just one touchdown this season. The 31-year-old remains a very risky fantasy option heading into a Week 16 matchup with the 49ers.