NFL Player News

Ruckert (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Ruckert sustained a concussion in the third quarter and will not return to Sunday's contest. He finishes the game without recording a stat. Kenny Yeboah will step into the backup tight end role behind Tyler Conklin.

Hockenson won't return to Sunday's game against the Lions due to a right knee injury, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson suffered the injury on the Vikings' opening drive of the third quarter, when he took a hard shot to the knee following a reception, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. He'll finish the contest with four catches for 58 yards on four targets. The Vikings will likely provide an update on Hockenson's condition in the coming days, but for the time being, his status for the team's Week 17 game versus the Packers is uncertain.

Kmet (quadriceps) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

The Bears tacked Kmet on to their Week 16 injury report Thursday as limited due to a quadriceps injury, and he maintained that activity level Friday before entering the weekend as questionable. Now that he's confirmed as active, he'll extend his streak to 65 straight appearances to begin his career. Since Justin Fields returned to action Week 11 following a four-game absence due to a dislocated right thumb, Kmet has gathered in 20 of 24 targets for 152 yards and one touchdown over the last four contests.

Hooper is expected to serve as the Raiders' starting tight end in Monday's game against the Chiefs with Michael Mayer (toe) and Jesper Horsted (hamstring) both ruled out for the Week 16 contest, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran had taken a back seat to the rookie Mayer in recent weeks, but Hooper could be in store for one of his largest snap shares of the season Monday now that the other two tight ends on the Raiders' 53-man roster are sidelined with injuries. The Raiders could elevate Cole Fotheringham from their practice squad to provide additional depth Monday, but he shouldn't be a major threat to poach playing time from Hooper. Through 14 appearances on the season, Hooper has cobbled together a 16-154-0 receiving line on 20 targets.

Strange (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

The tight end missed the Jaguars' last three games and was limited in practice throughout the week. Strange enters Sunday's contest as Jacksonville's third tight end behind Evan Engram and Luke Farrell. Strange has four catches for 34 yards and a touchdown on 246 offensive snaps this season.

Horsted (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Chiefs, Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Horsted was a late addition to the Raiders' injury report Saturday after practicing in limited fashion. With Michael Mayer (toe) already ruled out, Austin Hooper is now the only healthy tight end on the team's active roster.

Wesco (shin) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

The third-string tight end missed the first two practices of the week before returning on a limited basis Friday. Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle are healthy and ahead of Wesco on the depth chart, but his absence could open up some snaps for Kevin Rader.

Whyle (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

The backup tight end was a full participant in practice all week and is now returning from a two-game absence. Whyle's availability should help the Titans with third tight end Trevon Wesco out due to a shin injury. Whyle has nine catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in 11 games this season.

Okonkwo (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Okonkwo carried a questionable tag into the weekend after he was added to the injury report Friday, when he was unable to practice due to the illness. The tight end has apparently made good progress in his recovery since Friday, and the expectation is that he'll be able to handle his usual workload. However, Okonkwo will be working with a new quarterback for the first time since Week 8, as rookie Will Levis (ankle) is inactive for the contest and will give way to veteran Ryan Tannehill.

Thomas (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Packers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Thomas will return from a one-game absence caused by an ankle injury. He logged a full practice session Friday, so he should be able to return to his typical role of splitting reps with Tommy Tremble and Stephen Sullivan.