NFL Player News

Kolar (arm) is questionable to return to Sunday's AFC divisional-round game against the Bills, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Kolar suffered an arm injury in the second half, forcing him to exit the game. His absence doesn't carry much of an impact on offense, and Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely continue to operate as the team's top options at tight end.

Higbee caught seven of 10 targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-22 NFC divisional-round loss to the Eagles.

Higbee continued his strong postseason with a four-yard touchdown catch on the first Rams possession, and he ultimately led the team in catches in the season-ending loss while finishing second in targets behind Puka Nacua (14). The veteran tight end didn't make his season debut until Week 16 after tearing his ACL during last season's playoffs, but Higbee proved that he still has some gas left in the tank at age 32 by racking up 12 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown across two playoff games. He should be back for the final year of his contract with the Rams in 2025.

Smith caught his lone target for two yards in Saturday's 23-14 divisional-round playoff loss to the Chiefs.

Smith moved up the depth chart after Houston placed Cade Stover (collarbone) on injured reserve. Smith was a late-season addition to the active roster, as the Texans dealt with long-term and ephemeral injuries at the position, and was never targeted during the regular season. He enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

LaPorta recorded six receptions on seven targets for 51 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 45-31 divisional-round loss to the Commanders.

LaPorta was overshadowed by both positive and negative performances throughout the Lions' offense, though he remained a steady pass catcher. The highlight of his performance was an impressive one-handed touchdown from two yards away midway through the second quarter. While LaPorta's production dipped in his second pro season, he remained a key part of the offense with 11 catches of at least 20 yards and eight touchdowns across 17 total games, including the postseason. He'll remain a key to the offense in 2025, particularly around the end zone.

Ertz brought in all five targets for 28 yards and a touchdown in the Commanders' 45-31 divisional-round win over the Lions on Saturday night.

The veteran tight end finished second in receptions for the Commanders, but he was only fourth in receiving yards thanks to his short-area role. However, Ertz's value went beyond the stat sheet Saturday, even though his five-yard touchdown grab late in the first half did extend Washington's lead to 10 points at the time. Additionally, Ertz was able to convert a key fourth down early in the second quarter that led to him being checked for a concussion and which helped lead to a Brian Robinson one-yard touchdown run, and he also managed to handle a tricky bounce and recover an onside kick with 5:01 remaining and Washington up by 14 points. Ertz should once again play a key complementary role in an NFC Championship Game battle against either the Rams or his old Eagles squad Sunday, Jan. 26.

Ertz (head) returned to Saturday's divisional-round game in Detroit, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

In the first half of Saturday's back-and-forth affair, Ertz was checked for a concussion following a fourth-down connection with Jayden Daniels that eventually was followed by a Brian Robinson touchdown run. Ertz announced his return to the game with a TD of his own just before halftime and will look to build upon his 3-18-1 line on three targets.

Ertz is under evaluation for a concussion during Saturday's divisional-round game at Detroit.

With the Commanders facing fourth-and-3 at the Lions' nine-yard line early in the second quarter, QB Jayden Daniels connected with Ertz for a seven-yard gain, but in the process of getting tackled the tight end took hits from multiple defenders and appeared to be banged-up afterward. If Ertz is diagnosed with a concussion, he'll finish Saturday's contest with two catches (on two targets) for 13 yards.

Schultz caught all four of his targets for 63 yards in Saturday's 23-14 divisional-round loss to Kansas City.

The veteran tight end was on the other end of C.J. Stroud's longest completion of the day, a 34-yard connection on the Texans' first possession that helped set up a field goal. Schultz suited up for every game in 2024, the first time he'd accomplished that since he was a Cowboy in 2021, but even with the Texans dealing with a number of injuries to their wide receiver room, he didn't see an increase in his production of target volume. He posted a 53-532-2 line on 85 targets over 17 regular-season contests before adding six catches for 86 yards on eight targets over two postseason appearances. Schultz has two years and $22 million left on his current contract, and given the middling impact he made in 2024, it's possible the Texans consider making him a cap casualty this offseason.

Kelce corralled seven of eight targets for 117 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 23-14 win over Houston.

A well-rested Kelce walked into Saturday's divisional-round tilt and casually dropped his best receiving line of the season. The 35-year-old dominated the middle of the field in a matchup that had Kansas City at a disadvantage on the perimeters. Kelce saw his season totals take a dip in 2024, but it is obvious that he remains quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite target when the stakes are raised. The Chiefs will now prepare to host next Sunday's AFC Championship Game against either the Bills or the Ravens.

The Commanders activated Yankoff (hamstring) off injured reserve and removed him from their injury report Saturday.

Yankoff was designated to return to practice Jan. 8 but didn't play in last weekend's wild-card win over Tampa Bay. He logged a second straight week of full practices this week, and by being activated, he's now eligible to suit up Saturday night against the Lions. A roster spot opened up for Yankoff after linebacker Jordan Magee was placed on injured reserve Saturday due to a hamstring injury.