NFL Player News

Derby (concussion) did not practice Wednesday.

With both Derby and Virgil Green in the NFL's concussion protocol, Jeff Heuerman is currently the Broncos' top healthy tight end as Sunday's game against the Chiefs approaches.

Hooper (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Vance McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Hooper continues to nurse a knee injury, and the Falcons are yet to release any specifics in the aftermath of Sunday's win over the 49ers. As of now, Hooper's status for Saturday's game appears to be in considerable jeopardy, though it is notable that he was able to do some jogging at Tuesday's session.

Kroft was unable to practice Wednesday with knee and ankle injuries, Paul Dehner of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It remains unclear how severe each injury is, but it's entirely possible that his absence was for maintenance purposes since he was also dealing with a concussion just last week. Kroft's availability for Thursday's practice should give more info on his ability to play Saturday against the Texans, especially since the team's normal work week is shortened by one day.

Uzomah (calf) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Texans, Paul Dehner of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Uzomah hasn't played since Week 10 against the Giants when he was given just one offensive snap. He'll likely be most utilized on special teams during the final two weeks of the regular season, even with Tyler Eifert (back) and Tyler Kroft (knee) currently carrying precautionary injury designations.

Bell (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Cam Inman of Mercury News reports.

This announcement comes as no surprise after the 49ers announced that Bell was not going to play for the remainder of the season. Je'Rom Hamm and Garrett Celek are left as the only tight ends on San Francisco's active roster.

Hooper (knee) was seen jogging during the part of Tuesday's practice open to the media, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Hooper donned a brace on his left knee in the aftermath of Sunday's win against the 49ers. Slated for an MRI on Monday, the Falcons have yet to reveal the diagnosis, but his minimal activity Tuesday isn't exactly a ringing endorsement. Expect his status to receive some clarification as the week unfolds.

Kelce recorded three receptions for 41 yards in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Titans.

Kelce's streak of four straight 100-yard efforts officially came to an end Sunday, as the emerging tight end was targeted just five times total. It may be difficult to start a new streak next week against a stingy Denver defense, but Kelce remains one of Alex Smith's top targets. While he's scored just three times this season, the pass-catching tight end should easily top 1,000 yards receiving for the first time in his career.

Dray signed a contract with San Francisco on Monday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports.

Dray was signed to replace Blake Bell (shoulder), who was placed on IR Monday. Likely the last option at tight end, behind Garrett Celek and Je'Ron Hamm, Dray is unlikely to have much of any fantasy impact in the final two weeks of the season.

Allen (hip) had just one reception for 13 yards on two targets in Sunday's win at Minnesota.

Allen had what looks like a fluky three touchdown receptions in Week 13 as he's had just one catch and four targets the past two games. A nagging hip issue could be a concern as he played just 33 of 58 snaps on offense. With Erik Swoope having three targets in Sunday's game, the Colts may have three receiving options at tight end. Allen's fantasy value continues to decline as a result.

Derby is in concussion protocol, according to coach Gary Kubiak, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Derby and fellow tight end Virgil Green both landed in concussion protocol after being injured Sunday against the Patriots, leaving Jeff Heuerman as Denver's lone healthy tight end going into Week 16.