NFL Player News

Johnson (foot) was estimated as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

For the fourth consecutive week, Johnson has been listed with a foot injury on New Orleans' injury report. On the first three occasions, he was able to play through the issue while putting up a combined 8-89-1 receiving line on 10 targets over that span. Assuming his fate is similar this week, Johnson will continue to split reps at tight end with Foster Moreau in New Orleans' offense.

Musgrave (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

Both Musgrave and Tucker Kraft (hip) were listed as limited on the Packers' first Week 17 injury report, but at least Musgrave's health concern is an existing one, while Kraft's is a new one. In his first game action since Week 4 in Monday's 34-0 win over the Saints, Musgrave was targeted once among his eight offensive snaps.

Kraft was listed as limited participant on Wednesday's practice estimate due to a hip injury.

Luke Musgrave (ankle) had the same listing, which is no surprise coming two days after his first game action since Week 4. As for Kraft, the hip issue is a new health concern, so the statuses of both tight ends will be watched as the week goes on. Since getting blanked on one target Week 11 at Chicago, Kraft has reeled off a 16-242-2 line on 20 targets over the last five contests.

Kelce recorded eight receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in Wednesday's 29-10 win over the Steelers.

Kelce snapped out of a minor slump with his best fantasy performance since Week 8 against Las Vegas, when he produced a 10-90-1 receiving line. In the process, Kelce surpassed Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record in career receiving touchdowns (67). With the Chiefs clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs following Wednesday's win, the team may opt to rest Kelce and some other key players in Week 18. Kansas City has a week and a half off before its next tilt against Denver, so make sure to check on the statuses of the team's key fantasy options leading up to the contest.

Hurst (illness) was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's walk-through practice.

Hurst was held out of Tuesday's session due to an illness, but his ability to increase his activity Wednesday indicates progress. Thursday's practice report will provide clarity on Hurst's status heading into Saturday's game against the Patriots. Hurst missed five games due to a hip injury but returned to action in the Week 16 win over the Broncos, finishing with one catch for eight yards while playing eight snaps on offense. He could see a larger role in Week 17 if he can overcome his illness and if Will Dissly (shoulder) is forced to miss a third straight game.

Alie-Cox (toe) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's estimated injury report.

Alie-Cox played through a hip injury in Week 16 against the Titans and finished with one catch (on two targets) for 15 yards, but it appears he may have picked up a toe injury in the process. His practice participation over the next two days will provide clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Giants. If Alie-Cox is not cleared to play, Kylen Granson and Will Mallory would serve as the Colts' backup tight ends behind starter Drew Ogletree.

Otton (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report.

Otton opened last week as a non-participant on the first two practice reports before returning to drills Friday as a limited participant, but he was spotted with a large brace on his left knee during the session. A doubtful designation followed for the tight end, and he proceeded to sit out this past Sunday's loss to Dallas. Otton will have two more opportunities to prove his health this week before the Buccaneers potentially make a ruling on his status ahead of Sunday's game versus the Panthers. Payne Durham will fill in for Otton if the latter is limited or out this weekend.

Knox caught both of his targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 24-21 win over the Patriots.

Knox ended Sunday's contest with a modest receiving total despite leading Buffalo tight ends in snap share. The veteran played 56 percent of the Bills' offensive snaps against New England while Dalton Kincaid handled a 34 percent snap share. It was Kincaid, however, who saw more targets from Josh Allen, with seven passes coming his way. The 28-year-old Knox will continue to be extremely difficult to trust in Week 17 when the Bills host the Jets.

Ertz caught one of his two targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 36-33 win over the Eagles.

Ertz had a quiet day against the Eagles, matching his season-low total in receptions. The 34-year-old tight end has seen his involvement in the passing game drop off of late, with just four total targets over the past two contests. He's been held out of the end zone in that two-week stretch after scoring touchdowns in three straight games prior to Washington's Week 14 bye.

Gesicki caught both of his targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 24-6 win over the Browns.

Gesicki played just 34 percent of the Bengals' offensive snaps while fellow tight end Drew Sample handled an 88 percent share of the snaps. Since the Bengals' Week 12 bye, the 29-year-old Gesicki has failed to reach a 50 percent snap share in any contest. With limited opportunities in the Cincinnati passing attack, the veteran profiles as a touchdown-dependent fantasy option at tight end.