NFL Player News

Kelce secured 10 of 12 targets for 159 yards in the Chiefs' 33-31 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Kelce paced the team in receptions and receiving yards in a performance highlighted by a 44-yard grab, his second-longest catch of the campaign. The Panthers came into the contest with solid numbers against tight ends, but Kelce's elite athleticism, which has now helped him to three 100-yard efforts in the last five games, clearly overcame any statistical disadvantage. Now having seen 12 targets in back-to-back contests, Kelce will look to improve on Sunday's season-best effort against the vulnerable Raiders defense in a Week 11 AFC West battle.

Smith (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's matchup against Washington, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Smith has been a constant presence in the Giants' lineup through the first half of 2020, appearing in all eight of New York's games while also logging seven starts. He's undergoing evaluation from the team's training staff and will now have to clear the league's concussion protocol before being eligible to return in a future contest. With Smith out, Levine Toilolo heads into the practice week as New York's No. 2 option at tight end behind Evan Engram.

Keene (knee) did not travel with the team to New York, but he remains questionable for a Monday night matchup against the Jets.

With an extra day to work with, there seemingly is a chance Keene may be able to take private transport and still suit up for kickoff. Keene made his NFL debut Week 7 against the 49ers, catching his lone target for an eight-yard gain. Last Sunday against Buffalo he was ruled out with the same knee issue, and he's seemingly in danger of missing his second straight.

Okwuegbunam was forced out of Sunday's game against the Falcons with a knee injury, Patrick Smyth of the Broncos' official site reports.

Okwuegbunam caught his first pass of the game with 5:28 remaining in the third quarter, but he went down in clear pain and immediately left for the locker room. Noah Fant already injured his ankle earlier this game but was able to return, so Fant and Nick Vannett will handle the reps at tight end if Okwuegbunam doesn't return.

Fant (ankle) returned to Sunday's game versus the Falcons, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

Fant caught a 32-yard pass on the opening drive but immediately limped to the sidelines. He got re-taped and sat out a series, but the second-year tight end out of Iowa has returned to action.

Fant left Sunday's game at Atlanta due to an ankle injury, Patrick Smyth of the Broncos' official site reports.

Fant limped off the field and went to the locker room during the Broncos' first drive of the game. If he's unable to return, he'll finish Week 9 with one 32-yard catch. Albert Okwuegbunam and Nick Vannett are in line for more reps as long as Fant is sidelined.

Parkinson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

The rookie fourth-round pick out of Stanford made his NFL debut last week after rehabbing from a foot injury that kept him out of the first six games. Parkinson logged just three offensive snaps, though, and now he'll watch from the sidelines Sunday. The Seahawks will roll with Greg Olsen, Will Dissly and Jacob Hollister at tight end.

Alie-Cox (knee) is active Week 9 against Baltimore.

Alie-Cox returned to action following the team's Week 7 bye, playing 32 snaps and seeing four targets -- his second-highest total of the season -- in that contest. The knee troubles did resurface a bit in practice this week, and he was held out of Thursday's session as a precaution. Alie-Cox will ultimately get clearance to suit up, but with both Jack Doyle and Trey Burton active as well, there will be a crowded position group contending for targets.

Knox (calf) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

The 23-year-old was considered questionable for Sunday's contest while continuing to battle the calf issue, but he'll be suiting up against Seattle. Knox should work as Buffalo's No. 1 tight end with Tyler Kroft the next man up should he be limited or aggravate the injury.

Vannett (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Vannett carried a questionable designation into the weekend, but he never seemed at much risk of missing the contest after he was able to put in a full practice Friday. Expect Vannett to fill a minor role behind starter Noah Fant as the Broncos' top blocking tight end.