NFL Player News

Quitoriano (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars.

Quitoriano was forced out with a hyperextended knee and bruised quadriceps in the Week 16 win over Tennessee. The rookie was then sidelined for each practice during Week 17 prep, so he'll now sit out for the first time since his Week 9 debut versus Philadelphia. Quitoriano has caught four of 10 passes for 30 yards and two touchdowns this season, so his absence could lead to increased opportunities for Brevin Jordan and O.J. Howard behind No. 1 tight end Jordan Akins.

Dulcich (hamstring) has been placed on IR by the Broncos, Ben Swanson of the team's official site reports.

With the Broncos eliminated from playoff contention, Dulcich's season is officially over. The 2022 third-rounder thus concludes his rookie campaign with 33 catches (on 55 targets) for 411 yards and two TDs in 10 games. Looking ahead to next year, Dulcich should lead Denver's tight end corps out of the gate in 2023, a context that will place the UCLA product firmly in the fantasy radar at his position.

Fant (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets, Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle reports.

With fellow tight end Will Dissly (knee) placed on injured reserve this week and WRs Tyler Lockett (hand) and Marquise Goodwin (wrist) both listed as questionable, Fant could be the second or third option for QB Geno Smith this Sunday. The 2019 first-round pick scored touchdowns three of the past four games, but he's reached 50 yards just once all year while sharing snaps/routes with Dissly and Colby Parkinson.

Henry (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins after practicing in a limited fashion this week, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Henry's status is worth confirming ahead of Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff, but if the tight end is available, he'd have a path to added snaps and targets versus Miami with Jonnu Smith (concussion) having been ruled out. In that context, Henry would have a decent chance to yield fantasy utility in Week 17 fantasy lineups.

Dulcich (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Dulcich failed to practice in any capacity this week. With the Broncos out of the playoff picture, it wouldn't be surprising if the rookie tight end failed to suit up for the Week 18 season finale against the Chargers as well. Dulcich also suffered a hamstring injury just before the season, which kept him out until Week 6. In his absence, Eric Saubert, Eric Tomlinson, Andrew Beck and possibly Albert Okwuegbunam will see snaps at tight end against Kansas City.

Smith (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Dolphins, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

Fellow tight end Hunter Henry (knee) is listed as questionable, but if Henry's able to suit up, Smith's absence may afford him more playing time against a Dolphins defense that's allowed 10 touchdowns to tight ends, which is tied for the most in the league. Smith's last opportunity to return before the end of the regular season will come in Week 18 against the Bills.

Dulcich (hamstring) wasn't spotted at practice Friday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Dulcich didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday either, which suggests that he's trending toward missing Sunday's game against the Chiefs. If he ends up ruled out for the contest, Eric Saubert, Eric Tomlinson and possibly Albert Okwuegbunam would be in line to see added Week 17 snaps.

Knox (hip) remained limited at practice Friday.

Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com previously relayed that Knox had downplayed what he described as a "little hip pointer. Nothing major." However, after back-to-back limited listings, the tight end will presumably need to practice fully Saturday in order to avoid approaching Monday night's game against the Bengals with an injury designation.

Coach Sean McVay said Friday that Higbee (elbow) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

On the Rams' injury report Wednesday, Higbee was listed as a resting player, but after the day off, he returned as a limited participant Thursday due to an elbow issue. McVay also told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that Higbee underwent an MRI that returned positive results, but the tight end still is entering the weekend with a designation. McVay does think Higbee will suit up Sunday, which won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

Wesco (calf) is considered questionable to play Sunday versus the Lions.

Wesco has missed the last two games while nursing a calf injury, but he was able to log limited practices all week, giving him a shot to return in Week 17 against Detroit. The tight end primarily operates as a blocker in the run game, reeling in just two catches for 26 yards on four targets over 12 games this year. If he can't go Sunday, Ryan Griffin would likely continue to operate in Wesco's role.