NFL Player News

The Broncos won't activate Dulcich (foot) from injured reserve after his 21-day practice window closed Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Coming off a promising rookie campaign in which he tallied 33 catches for 411 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games, Dulcich failed to take a step forward in 2023 due to hamstring and foot issues. He played just 32 offensive snaps across two games in 2023, catching three of four targets for 25 scoreless yards. The 23-year-old tight end has now missed 22 of 34 games to begin his professional career.

Johnson was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a chest injury.

Johnson sat out Weeks 4 through 7 due to a calf issue and has dealt with quadricep and shoulder concerns for about the last month. Despite the recent injuries, he's suited up in all six games since the Saints' Week 11 bye, recording a 20-231-3 receiving line on 34 targets during that span. It's unclear if the current injury is threatening his availability for Sunday's contest against the Falcons, but his activity level -- or lack thereof -- in the coming days could be telling for his Week 18 status.

Henry (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Henry has missed the Patriots' last two games due to the knee issue, but his limited participation in practice to kick off Week 18 prep would seem to suggest he has a better chance to play in Sunday's season finale against the Jets.

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.