NFL Player News

LaPorta was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury.

LaPorta previously tended to a strained calf Weeks 6 and 7, but the issue didn't affect his availability for game days, as he logged at least a 70 percent snap share on both occasions. With a new health concern in tow, his status will need to be monitored as the week goes on to get a sense of his odds to play Sunday against the Vikings, who contained him to three catches (on three targets) for 18 yards in Week 16.

Kieft (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report.

Kieft missed the team's Week 17 loss to the Saints and appears in danger of missing the team's regular-season finale against the Panthers, although his participation level was just an estimate. The second-year pro will work to get out onto the field Thursday, when the Buccaneers will likely hold a regular practice, which could help put him on the path of suiting up for Sunday.

Njoku won't practice Wednesday due to an illness, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku has been on a tear over the last four games, racking up a cumulative 28-373-4 receiving line on 39 targets during that stretch. He benefited from Amari Cooper sitting out last Thursday's win over the Jets due to a heel injury, with Njoku turning his eight targets into six catches for 134 yards. Now that Njoku is dealing with an illness, though, his status will be monitored to see if he may join a healthy Joe Flacco (coach's decision) on the sideline Sunday at Cincinnati.

Knox played 29 offensive snaps but wasn't targeted in the passing game during Sunday's 27-21 win over the Patriots.

Knox is still getting on the field with regularity, playing between 43 percent and 63 percent of the offensive snaps since returning from a wrist injury in Week 14. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid led the team with 87 yards on four catches, further cementing himself as the better receiving option among the two. As for Knox, he has only one touchdown catch on the season and hasn't exceeded 36 receiving yards in any of his 11 games played, leaving him as a deep option at best among fantasy tight ends.

Ruckert (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Ruckert suffered the concussion Week 16 against the Commanders, which ultimately put an end to his second NFL campaign. The Ohio State product saw a significant bump in work this season, going from 42 offensive snaps during his rookie year to 301 in 2023. Ruckert will finish the season with 16 catches on 22 targets and 151 yards receiving. Kenny Yeboah should continue seeing an increased workload Week 18 against New England.

Kmet (knee) won't practice Wednesday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

While head coach Matt Eberflus said "it's looking positive" for Kmet's chances of being available for Sunday's game against the Packers, the tight end will get some maintenance as the Bears begin Week 18 prep. Despite being listed as questionable with the same injury ahead of the Bears' Week 17 win over the Falcons, Kmet was cleared to play but was limited in the contest, as he failed to draw a target while logging a season-low 13 snaps on offense.

Head coach John Harbaugh said last week that Andrews (ankle) might be able to return during the playoffs, Saraha Ellison of the Ravens' official website reports. "Our job is to get to that point," Harbaugh said. "That's what we have to do -- get to the point where we're still playing when [Andrews] comes back."

Andrews suffered a fibula fracture and ankle ligament injury during the team's Week 11 win over Cincinnati. He'll miss a sixth straight game to close out the regular season when Baltimore hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday, but the Ravens seem to have at least have some hope of getting their star tight end back in the lineup if they make a deep playoff run. They've already taken the first step in that direction by locking up a first-round bye and homefield advantage in the playoffs, with their first postseason game set to take place either Jan. 20 or Jan. 21. Backup tight end Isiah Likely has stepped up big in Andrews' absence, scoring four touchdowns in five games and averaging 3.8 catches for 58.2 yards on 5.2 targets.

Sample caught three of four targets for 21 yards in Sunday's 25-17 loss to the Chiefs.

Sample saw his highest snap share of the season Sunday, playing 72 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps. The veteran tight end caught three passes for the second-straight week, but he continued his string of modest production this season. In 16 games, Sample has recorded just 20 receptions for 156 and two touchdowns. The 27-year-old will look to stay involved and finish the season on a high note when the Bengals host the Browns in Week 18.

Thomas caught three of four targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the 49ers.

Thomas played 28 of the Commanders' 46 offensive snaps Sunday, while backup tight end John Bates was on the field for just three fewer snaps. The veteran Thomas now has 54 catches for 487 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games, his highest marks in each category since the 2020 season.

Krull secured both of his targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 16-9 win over the Chargers.

Krull played 33 percent of the team's offensive snaps behind fellow tight ends Adam Trautman (49) and Chris Manhertz (33). The 25-year-old's involvement on offense took a dip in Week 17 after he saw five targets in Week 16. With limited opportunities, Krull remains far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 18 matchup with the Raiders.