NFL Player News

LaPorta is believed to have sustained a hyperextension and a bone bruise in his left knee during Sunday's 30-20 win versus the Vikings, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

In a postgame media session, coach Dan Campbell told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that the Lions will have more info regarding LaPorta's diagnosis Monday, but the likely injuries have since been revealed. Ultimately, it's not as serious as it could have been, per Campbell, but there's a decent chance LaPorta misses time as a result.

Fant (hand) won't return to Sunday's game in Arizona, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Fant left the contest late in the first quarter and has being tended to by team trainers on the bench before Seattle ruled him out. In Fant's stead, Will Dissly should serve as the top tight end, with Colby Parkinson and Brady Russell also chipping at the position. Coach Pete Carroll said after the game that Fant cracked a bone in his hand, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.

Fant exited Sunday's game at Arizona due to a hand injury.

Prior to his departure in the first quarter, Fant hadn't made an impact in the box score. Colby Parkinson, Will Dissly and Brady Russell will man tight end for the Seahawks for as long as Fant is sidelined.

Coach Dan Campbell said after Sunday's 30-20 win against the Vikings that the Lions will have more information regarding the knee injury that forced LaPorta out of the contest on Monday, Tim Twentyman of the team's official site reports.

LaPorta appeared to hyperextend his knee on a five-yard catch in the second quarter, forcing him to the sideline tent and eventually requiring a cart to get to the locker room. Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Campbell added, "It's not as bad as it looked, but it's not good news." That may mean LaPorta is in danger of missing the wild-card round, at the very least, but with win-or-go home games from here on out, any sort of absence could mean his season is over.

Everett was forced out of Sunday's game against the Chiefs with a knee injury.

Prior to his exit from the contest, Everett caught his only target for four yards. In his absence, Stone Smartt, Nick Vannett and Donald Parham are available to handle the Chargers' TE reps in Week 18.

Kittle won't play Sunday against the Rams due to back spasms.

The 49ers ruled out Kittle right around Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, meaning he'll join quarterback Brock Purdy (coach's decision) and running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) as top skill-position players not available to the team Week 18. Kittle will turn his focus to getting healthy for San Francisco's playoff opener in the divisional round on Saturday, Jan. 20 or Sunday, Jan. 21.

Pruitt exited in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Saints with a calf injury and is questionable to return, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.

The Falcons' No. 3 tight end hauled in his lone target for a 17-yard gain prior to leaving with the injury. If Pruitt is done for the day, the Falcons would be left with Tucker Fisk and John FitzPatrick as depth options behind Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith.

Higbee (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

After he was unable to practice in any fashion this week, Higbee carried a doubtful designation into the regular-season finale. He'll unsurprisingly sit out Sunday, but if he's able to take a step forward in practice activity during the upcoming week, Higbee could be available to play in the Rams' road playoff game Jan. 13 or 14 in the wild-card round. Davis Allen is expected to serve as Los Angeles' starting tight end Sunday, with Brycen Hopkins working as his understudy.

Jackson (coach's decision) is Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Dan reports.

Jackson was signed to the Giants' active roster Saturday, but will not suit up for the team's regular-season finale. Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger will serve as the two tight ends for New York for Week 18.

Musgrave (kidney) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Musgrave officially has completed his recovery from the lacerated kidney that has sidelined him since he suffered the internal injury back in Week 11 against the Chargers. Considering he had his practice reps capped the last two weeks, there's a chance he's somewhat inhibited in his return to action, especially with how fellow rookie tight end Tucker Kraft has fared in Musgrave's stead. In any case, Musgrave has another chance to add to his first-year line of 33-341-1 on 45 targets in 10 appearances.