NFL Player News

Higbee (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints, Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Higbee won't make his season debut Sunday, leaving Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson as the Rams' top two tight ends against New Orleans. The 31-year-old Higbee managed to notch a full practice Friday, suggesting he's closing in on a return as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered during last season's playoffs. Higbee could return to game action in Week 14 against the Bills.

Moreau (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Rams, Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Moreau will be available Sunday after logging three limited practices. He'll work as part of a crowded New Orleans tight end room that also features Juwan Johnson and the versatile Taysom Hill.

Knox is in line to maintain a larger role Sunday against the 49ers, as Dalton Kincaid (knee) has been ruled out.

Knox ascended to the top of the tight end depth chart in Kincaid's absence against the Chiefs in Week 11 and proceeded to turn six targets into four catches for 40 yards. Buffalo's Week 12 bye didn't provide Kincaid sufficient time to recover, so Knox should maintain a sizable role against a 49ers defense that has limited tight ends to 384 receiving yards this season -- second-fewest in the NFL.

Oliver (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

He hasn't practiced since suffering the ankle injury Week 11 and now is confirmed to be out for a second straight game. T.J. Hockenson noticed large increases in snap and route share with Oliver out last week, taking advantage to the tune of a 7-114-0 receiving line on nine targets.

Dissly (groin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Atlanta.

Dissly was a full practice participant Friday, upgrading from limited participation Thursday and an absence Wednesday. He's caught four or more passes in six of the past seven games, averaging 4.6 receptions for 44.9 yards on 6.0 targets since taking over as the Chargers' primary pass-catching TE. Dissly already has career-high totals for catches (41) and receiving yards (399) but has scored just one touchdown in 11 games.

Bryant is inactive for Friday's game against the Chiefs.

With Bryant inactive, Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer will lead the Raiders' tight end corps Friday, with Justin Shorter in reserve.

Sanders (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Sanders unsurprisingly hasn't practiced since suffering a serious-looking injury during last week's loss to the Chiefs. With his promising rookie season on hold, the Panthers figure to turn back to Tommy Tremble as their top tight end. Tremble played every snap on offense after Sanders' early departure last Sunday.

Johnson may miss the rest of the season after injuring his foot during Thursday's loss at Dallas, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Coach Brian Daboll informed reporters Friday morning, after Johnson took 89 percent of snaps and caught each of his five targets for a career-high 54 yards during a 27-20 loss to Dallas on Thursday. It was his fifth straight game with at least four targets, three catches and 35 receiving yards, making the rookie fourth-round pick one of the few positives for the New York offense recently. The Giants will be left with Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz and recent addition Greg Dulcich as their tight ends if/when Johnson's rookie season is confirmed to be ending early.

Head coach Sean McDermott noted Friday that Kincaid (knee) won't play Sunday night against the 49ers.

With Kincaid set to miss his second straight contest, Dawson Knox is slated to maintain an expanded role in the Bills offense while serving as the team's primary option at tight end versus San Francisco. Kincaid's next chance to see game action will occur Dec. 8 when Buffalo faces the Rams in Week 14.

Johnson reeled in all five of his targets for 54 yards during Thursday's 27-20 loss in Dallas.

For a third consecutive week of game prep, Johnson endured practice limitations due to a back injury, but he continues to suit up and handle a consistent role in the Giants' passing game, despite different signal-callers directing the offense. Drew Lock got the call in place of Tommy DeVito (forearm) this week, and while the former didn't look his way until the 4:23 mark of the third quarter, Johnson finished second on the team in catches and receiving yards (both behind rookie Malik Nabers) and third in targets (behind Nabers and Darius Slayton). Johnson's next opportunity to produce is Sunday, Dec. 8 versus the Saints, but who will be under center remains to be seen.