NFL Player News

The Texans placed Quitoriano (knee) on injured reserve Thursday.

Quitoriano may have picked up the injury during the Texans' Week 12 loss to the Titans this past Sunday. By being placed on injured reserve, Quitoriano will be forced to miss at least the next four regular-season games, making Week 18 against Tennessee on Sunday, Jan. 5 the earliest he could be activated off IR. Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover are the two healthy tight ends on the 53-man roster, so the Texans could elevate Irv Smith from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

LaPorta caught three of six targets for six yards and two touchdowns in Thursday's 23-20 win over the Bears.

LaPorta caught a three-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter and added a one-yard score in the third. Despite his modest yardage total in this game, LaPorta's usage has trended up recently; he's drawn at least six targets in four of his past five appearances after falling short of that mark in each of his first six games this season. The second-year tight end has scored five touchdowns in his last seven games, showcasing the red-zone proficiency that helped him rack up 10 regular-season TDs as a rookie in 2023. He'll look to build on his recent momentum Week 14 against the Packers, which will be another Thursday game.

Swaim (concussion) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's injury report, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Swaim was sidelined for the Browns' Week 12 win over the Steelers due to a concussion. The veteran tight end will need to clear the league's five-step concussion protocols in order to play against the Broncos on Monday. A return to practice Friday and Saturday -- even in a limited capacity -- would indicate that Swaim is progressing through concussion protocols.

Higbee (knee) was listed as limited on Thursday's practice report, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

The Rams designated Higbee for return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, which was the first step as the team prepares to get their No. 1 TE back in the lineup for the first time since he suffered ACL and MCL tears in his right knee during a playoff loss at Detroit on Jan. 14. So far, he's been listed as limited on both Week 13 injury reports, but coach Sean McVay told Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com on Tuesday that he doesn't believe Higbee will be activated in time for Sunday's game at New Orleans. Friday's practice report may provide a ruling on that front.

Dissly (groin) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday.

After he was deemed a non-participant Wednesday, Dissly's limited listing one day later has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Falcons. Friday's injury report will reveal whether the tight end is able to work fully to close the week, and in turn if he heads into the weekend with a Week 13 injury designation.

Kincaid (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Back-to-back listings of DNP cloud Kincaid's status for Sunday night's game against the 49ers, with the tight end down to one chance to return to practice ahead of Week 13 action. If Kincaid ends up remaining sidelined for the contest, Dawson Knox would be in line to maintain an expanded role in the Bills offense as the team's top TE option versus San Francisco.

Dissly (groin) was spotted at practice Thursday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

It's not yet clear whether Dissly was limited or if he practiced in full, but either way his participation is a step up after he was deemed a non-participant Wednesday. The Chargers' top tight end's practice level Friday should determine whether he'll enter the weekend with an injury designation. Tucker Fisk and Stone Smartt are the other tight ends currently on Los Angeles' 53-man roster.

Oliver (ankle) was a non-participant in practice Thursday.

Oliver was also estimated as a DNP on Wednesday. The tight end hasn't practiced since spraining his ankle Week 11 against Tennessee and missed last Sunday's game against the Bears. Johnny Mundt figures to again get increased offensive snaps this Sunday versus Arizona if Oliver is unable to suit up.

Sanders (neck) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders is in recovery mode from a neck injury that he sustained this past Sunday against the Chiefs in which he was carted off the field and required further evaluation at a Charlotte area hospital. Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Sanders to be available for Sunday's game versus the Buccaneers, per Gantt, but the tight end may get back on the practice field before week's end. Friday's injury report will reveal as much and also may include a ruling on his Week 13 status.

Firkser was elevated from Kansas City's practice squad Thursday ahead of Friday's game against the Raiders.

Firkser will get his first elevation since signing to Kansas City's practice squad Nov. 2. He got into four games with the Jets earlier this season, totaling eight offensive snaps and 60 snaps on special teams without recording any other stats. Firkser's elevation this week follows the placement of fellow tight end Peyton Hendershot on IR due to a calf injury.