NFL Player News

Higbee (knee) caught two of three targets before injuring his knee and leaving Sunday's 20-17 win over the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

The tight end only played 14 offensive snaps before exiting Sunday, but he'll have two weeks to heal for the Super Bowl. If Higbee misses the game or is on a pitch count, look for Kendall Blanton to receive more playing time. Blanton caught all five on his targets for 57 yards after Higbee left Sunday's game.

Blanton brought in all five targets for 57 yards during the Rams' 20-17 win over the 49ers in their NFC Championship Game matchup Sunday.

Tyler Higbee exited the game for good due to a knee injury in the first half, thrusting Blanton into the top role at tight end just a week after scoring his first career touchdown. Blanton performed admirably, making some key grabs and ultimately checking in third on the team in receptions, receiving yards and targets behind Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham. If Higbee's injury is serious enough to keep him out of the Super Bowl LVI matchup versus the Bengals, Blanton, despite having just 11 career catches to his name, presumably will log starting duty in the contest.

Kittle had two receptions (on five targets) for 27 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Rams.

Kittle finally hit pay dirt after enduring a six-week scoring drought. The stud tight end could have had an even bigger final line, but two of his missed targets came on wide-open overthrows by Jimmy Garoppolo. Still, it was a positive finish to another solid fantasy season from one of the best in the league. It is worth noting that Kittle -- who started the year as the 49ers' projected primary target -- took a backseat to Deebo Samuel in the second half of the season. It may not matter much if Trey Lance is ready to take over under center in 2022, as Garoppolo acted as a muffler for an explosive offense that has two certified superstars. A quarterback change in San Francisco next season could unlock new levels of production for a talented group of playmakers.

Higbee (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Higbee sustained the injury in the first half. The Rams will have to get by without their starting tight end for the remainder of the NFC Championship Game. If Los Angeles advances to the Super Bowl, Higbee will have two weeks to heal up.

Kelce caught 10 of 11 targets for 95 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game.

Kelce was Kansas City's leader in targets, catches and receiving yards, producing yet another superb playoff performance. He racked up at least 95 receiving yards in all six of Kansas City's playoff games over the past two seasons while scoring six touchdowns in those contests. The tight end's five-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter gave the Chiefs a 14-3 lead, but the Bengals stormed back from an 11-point halftime deficit to pull off the upset. Coming off a sixth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving campaign, Kelce is poised to remain one of the league's most productive tight ends next season.

Higbee (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against San Francisco, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Higbee caught two of three targets for 18 yards prior to getting hurt in the first half. Kendall Blanton is the only other tight end active for the Rams in the NFC Championship Game.

Gray (ankle) won't return to Sunday's contest against the Bengals.

Gray was forced to leave the AFC Championship Game in the first half due to an ankle issue. In Gray's absence, Blake Bell may see increased snaps behind Travis Kelce.

Uzomah won't return to Sunday's AFC Championship Game at Kansas City due to a left knee injury.

Uzomah couldn't put much weight on his left leg prior to being carted to the locker room in the first quarter. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Uzomah may have suffered an MCL sprain, so his availability for the Super Bowl -- if the Bengals pull out a win Sunday -- would be up in the air.

Gray is questionable to return Sunday against the Bengals due to an ankle injury.

Gray wasn't targeted in the passing game before he had to leave the AFC Championship Game. He registered two targets in each of the Chiefs' previous two playoff games, so if he's unable to come back, Blake Bell may have an increased role behind Travis Kelce.

Uzomah was forced out of Sunday's AFC Championship Game against Kansas City after suffering a left knee injury, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Prior to his first-quarter exit from the contest, Uzomah -- who was carted to the locker room -- did not catch either of his two targets. In his absence, Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox are next up for the Bengals' tight end snaps.