NFL Player News

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.

Pitts caught one of two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Giants.

Pitts continued his underwhelming 2024 campaign, with his seven-yard catch representing his lowest yardage total of the season aside from goose eggs in Weeks 4 and 13. The other target Pitts received on the day ended in disaster, as he was unable to corral a Michael Penix inside the Giants' five-yard line and ended up tipping the ball into the hands of cornerback Cor'Dale Flott for an interception. Over his last five contests, Pitts has produced a woeful 7-58-0 receiving line on 17 targets.

Granson failed to record a single target in Sunday's 38-30 win over the Titans.

Granson operated as the Colts' No. 3 tight end Sunday behind teammates Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox, playing just 19 of 62 offensive snaps while not being targeted in a contest for just the third time this season. The veteran tight end's limited usage and inconsistent production keep him far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Giants.

The Seahawks listed Russell (foot) as a non-participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Russell has sat out the Seahawks' last two games and hasn't practiced in any fashion thus far during Week 17 prep. The reserve tight end looks to be trending toward another absence Thursday, when the Seahawks face the Bears in Chicago.

Fant (knee) was listed as a full participant in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Fant was a limited participant in Monday's walkthrough, but his increase in activity a day later suggests he'll be ready to play Thursday in Chicago. Since returning to action Week 13 after a three-game absence due to a groin injury, Fant has caught 12 of 21 targets for 109 yards over a stretch of four appearances.

Hurst was a non-participant in Tuesday's practice due to an illness.

Hurst missed five straight games with a hip injury before coming off injured reserve and suiting up in last Thursday's 34-27 win over the Broncos. Though top tight end Will Dissly (hip) wasn't available for Week 16, Hurst handled a light role in his return to action, playing just eight snaps and recording an eight-yard reception. Hurst could have a chance to see his role expand Saturday versus the Patriots if he's able to shake off the illness, though the Chargers might also get Dissly back for that game.