NFL Player News

Dulcich, who is dealing with hamstring and foot injuries, is not expected to play in the Broncos' regular-season finale against the Raiders, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

The Broncos designated Dulcich to return from IR on Dec. 13, but he'll likely stay on the team's injured reserve list due to his multiple injuries. Head coach Sean Payton noted Monday, per Tommason, that the team's medical staff is "working hard" to get Dulcich the strength and conditioning training necessary to get and remain healthy. The 2022 third-round pick out of UCLA has played just two games this season, and if he is indeed inactive for Week 18, he'll finish the year with three catches on four targets for 25 yards.

Higbee dislocated his left shoulder in Sunday's Week 17 win over the Giants and will be evaluated this week, Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

It's unclear when Higbee suffered the injury Sunday, as he played 94 percent of the Rams' offensive snaps and finished with a season-high six catches for 62 yards. The Rams clinched a wild-card berth with their victory against New York, so the team may opt to limit or hold out its starters, including Higbee, against San Francisco this Sunday. If Higbee does sit out, Davis Allen could step into a starting role.

Mitchell caught one pass for four yards during Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Cowboys.

Mitchell caught his first pass of the season while again logging at least a quarter of the offensive snaps in the continued absence of Brock Wright (hip). He'll remain off the fantasy radar even if Wright remains sidelined for the regular-season finale Sunday against the Vikings.

Brown caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Bills.

With Hunter Henry (knee) sidelined for the second straight game, Brown and Mike Gesicki both logged 36 of a possible 53 snaps on offense Sunday. However, it was Gesicki who did more in the passing game, catching four of his six targets for 35 yards. As the Patriots' season finale against the Jets approaches, Brown is off the fantasy lineup radar, with an overall 12-208-1 receiving line through 16 games.

Higbee secured six of seven targets for 62 yards during Sunday's 26-25 victory against the Giants.

Higbee played all but four snaps on offense, seeing his snap share spike to 96 percent after he'd been in the 70-75 percent range the prior two weeks. The veteran tight end was utilized early and often on the Rams' opening drive, snagging three catches for 48 yards en route to a Kyren Williams rushing touchdown, and while Higbee's production slowed down from there, he still had an encouraging performance against a defense that has been stingy against tight ends. How much action he will see in Week 18 against the 49ers is unclear, as the Rams have already locked up a playoff spot but can do no better than the No. 6 seed, while the 49ers have secured the No. 1 seed and will likely be resting their starters as much as possible.

Jordan caught both of his targets for 19 yards and a in Sunday's 26-3 win over the Titans.

Jordan was open in the flat and waltzed into the end zone from 12 yards out for Houston's lone offensive touchdown early in the second quarter. It was the second TD of the season for Jordan, who played 31 snaps -- the most the backup tight end has seen in a game with starter Dalton Schultz healthy. The uptick in snaps for Jordan was largely due to fullback Andrew Beck (calf) being inactive.

Hudson recorded three catches on seven targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 25-17 loss to the Chiefs.

Hudson tied for the team lead in targets with Ja'Marr Chase, matching his season high. However, that didn't lead to a big performance, as the Bengals' offense struggled to move the ball for much of the game. Despite seeing at least four targets in seven of his last nine games, Hudson has failed to surpass 50 receiving yards in that span.

Johnson brought in eight of 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 23-13 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Johnson was the surprise leader in receptions, receiving yards and targets for the Saints, posting season bests across all three categories. The fourth-year pro has now scored in three straight contests as well, and he could play a key role again in a Week 18 divisional clash against a Falcons team that's given up plenty of production to tight ends all season.

Kraft recorded six receptions on six targets for 48 yards in Sunday's 33-10 win over the Vikings.

Kraft continued to operate as the Packers' top tight end in the absence of Luke Musgrave (abdomen). He was overshadowed by both Jayden Reed (chest) and Bo Melton in Sunday's win, but Kraft's role in the offense is secure. He has at least six targets in four of his last five games and has a minimum of four catches in four straight contests. His ceiling is limited due to Green Bay's willingness to spread targets, but so long as Musgrave remains out, Kraft is a reliable option.

Tonyan caught three passes for 40 yards in the Bears' 37-17 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Although Cole Kmet (knee) was active in this game, Tonyan was the only Chicago tight end utilized in the passing game. Tonyan was third on the team with four targets, and the only Chicago player with more receiving yards was DJ Moore. This was the only time all season that the veteran tight end posted 20 or more yards, but if Kmet's back in his typical role next week at Green Bay, Tonyan would likely go back to seeing minimal work as a receiver.