NFL Player News

Vannett (back) is active Sunday against the Broncos.

Vannett has been nursing a back injury the last couple of weeks, but he'll continue to play through the injury again in Week 17. With Donald Parham (coach's decision) once again inactive, the Ohio State product should be the Chargers' No. 3 option at tight end.

Fotheringham (hamstring) is considered questionable to return to Sunday's game in Indianapolis.

The severity of Fotheringham's hamstring injury is unknown at this time. He had not recorded any stats prior to exiting the game. If he is unable to return, Austin Hooper would be the lone healthy tight endon the Raiders' roster.

Johnson (shoulder) has returned to Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson had been forced out of the contest with a shoulder issue, but the tight end will resume action and look to build off the 3/19/1 receiving line he had logged prior to his exit.

Johnson was forced out of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a shoulder injury, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Prior to his departure from the contest, Johnson caught all three of his targets for 19 yards and a TD. In his absence, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau and Jimmy Graham are available to handle the Saints' tight end reps.

Turner (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's tilt against the 49ers.

Turner played just four offensive snaps (seven percent) in Week 16, and it looks like the Commanders feel comfortable with their tight end depth this week. As a result, his only remaining chance to play again this season will come in Week 18 versus the Cowboys.

Gesicki is expected to serve as the Patriots' top tight end Sunday in Buffalo with Hunter Henry (knee) inactive for the contest, Chris Brown of the Bills Radio Network reports.

While Henry was sidelined for last Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Broncos, Gesicki played two-thirds of New England's snaps on offense and finished with two catches for 15 yards and a touchdown on two targets. Gesicki should remain the top tight end once again Week 17 while Pharaoh Brown serves as the No. 2 option, but neither profiles as a reliable fantasy option within the context of a weak New England passing attack.

Dwelley (ankle) will not play in Sunday's matchup with the Commanders.

Dwelley's absence will mark his fourth straight due to an ankle injury. As a result, Charlie Woerner and Brayden Willis figure to continue as depth tight end options behind George Kittle. Dwelley's next chance to suit up will come in the 49ers' regular-season finale versus the Rams.

Kieft (shoulder) is inactive Sunday against the Saints.

Kieft was technically ruled out Friday, but his appearance on the team's inactive list makes it official. Payne Durham and David Wells will be candidates to see extra snaps in his absence.

FitzPatrick (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game at Chicago, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

FitzPatrick will miss his third straight game in Week 17. In his absence, MyCole Pruitt and Tucker Fisk will continue to operate as Atlanta's depth tight ends behind Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith.

Henry (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Henry, who was also inactive in Week 16, was limited in all three of New England's practices this week before approaching the contest listed as questionable. In his continued absence Sunday, Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown (who both caught two passes in last weekend's win over the Broncos) are slated to lead the Patriots' tight end corps in Week 17.