NFL Player News

Kelce is among several Chiefs starters who could be rested for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Head coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that Carson Wentz will start at quarterback Sunday while Patrick Mahomes rests, and there's a high probability that other key players join Mahomes in street clothes or play only limited snaps. Kelce would be among the most likely candidates to get the day off given his veteran status, heavy workload throughout the campaign and big role in the team's offense. If the 35-year-old does indeed spend the game on the sideline, Noah Gray and Peyton Hendershot would likely lead the Chiefs' tight-end corps against Denver.

Njoku (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku was estimated as a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice. After another absence Wednesday, he'll have just one more opportunity to practice this week before the Browns decide whether he'll be available for Saturday's game against the Ravens. If Njoku remains sidelined this weekend, Jordan Akins would likely serve as the Browns' top option at tight end.

The Eagles designated Goedert (knee) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Goedert is slated to resume practicing with the Eagles on Wednesday, after having missed the last four games following his placement on IR on Dec. 7. The Eagles are locked in as the NFC's No. 2 seed in the playoffs, so it doesn't seem likely that Goedert will be activated ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Giants. The tight end will, however, be able to get some valuable practice reps in this week, presumably with an eye toward being ready to handle a full workload in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Musgrave caught his lone target for four yards in Sunday's 27-25 loss to the Vikings.

Musgrave's reception Sunday was his first catch since Week 4 after he missed the majority of the season with an ankle injury. The 24-year-old tight end has been eased back into the mix, playing just 12 of the Packers' 63 offensive snaps. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Tucker Kraft played 54 snaps in the contest. Musgrave will likely continue to play a smaller role going forward, especially with Kraft proving to be an effective option in the passing game. The Packers visit the Bears in Week 18.

Granson caught three of four targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants.

Granson had a relatively quiet game Sunday, though his 34 yards ranked him third among Colts pass catchers in the contest. The 26-year-old tight end has caught at least one pass in just eight of the 16 games he's appeared in this season, as he has split snaps with fellow tight ends Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox throughout the season. Nonetheless, Granson will look to finish the 2024 campaign on a high note in a favorable matchup against the Jaguars in Week 18.

Knox caught one of three targets for four yards in Sunday's 40-14 win over the Jets

Knox had another quiet day in Week 17, continuing a 2024 campaign which has been mostly disappointing for fantasy purposes. The veteran played 34 of the Bills' 70 offensive snaps in the contest, slightly ahead of fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (31). It's possible that gap in playing time will increase in Week 18, as the Bills may choose to rest their starters against the Patriots. In this case, Knox could see extra opportunities against New England in the season finale.

Njoku (knee) was listed as a non-participant for Tuesday's walk-through practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Njoku sat out the Browns' Week 17 loss to the Dolphins with the knee injury, and his absence from practice to begin Week 18 prep doesn't inspire much early confidence in his chances of suiting up in Saturday's season finale versus the Ravens. Even if Njoku gets the green light to play Saturday, his snap count could be monitored carefully, and his fantasy prospects will likely be further hindered by the Browns using either or both of Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) and Bailey Zappe at quarterback.

Whiteheart was a limited practice participant Tuesday due to a knee injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Whiteheart logged a season-high 31 offensive snaps Sunday versus Miami and appears to have picked up a knee injury. His increased opportunity came as a result of starting tight end David Njoku missing the contest due to a knee issue of his own. Njoku didn't practice Tuesday, leaving Jordan Akins and Brenden Bates as the two Browns tight ends not currently dealing with an injury.

Kolar (forearm) was a full participant in practice Tuesday.

Kolar was designated to return to practice Monday after spending Baltimore's past four games on IR. Head coach John Harbaugh stated Monday that the team is hopeful the third-year tight end will be able to be activated ahead of Saturday's matchup versus Cleveland, and Kolar's full participation Tuesday is a good sign that he will indeed be able to play. If he does suit up Saturday, Kolar will likely work as the team's third tight end behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

Sample was deemed a non-participant in Tuesday's practice walkthrough due to a groin issue, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

This is the first word of the tight end dealing with a groin issue, and it's currently unclear how severe the injury is. Sample handled about his usual workload this past Saturday against Denver, logging 51 offensive snaps and recording one catch on one target for three yards. Sample isn't typically a big part of the Bengals' air attack, but his effective blocking would be missed if he can't suit up Saturday versus Pittsburgh.