NFL Player News

Ruckert is set to have a bigger role in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

In the absence of Mason Taylor (neck), Ruckert is set to take on a bigger role, likely in both the pass and run game. The tight end will likely be utilized as an additional blocker to protect Brady Cook and to open up holes for Breece Hall, but his ability in the receiving game cannot be understated. Ruckert has 18 receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown on 21 targets this season as the backup to Mason Taylor. Being thrust into the No. 1 tight end role means the 2022 third-rounder could see a further increased target share in Sunday's contest as well.

Thomas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.

Thomas continued to trend in a positive direction with full participation in practice Friday after opening the week as a non-participant with a calf injury sustained in Week 14. The 29-year-old's progression is a good sign for his availability Sunday against the Eagles. If Thomas is unable to play, Carter Runyon will act as the No. 3 tight end behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.

Smartt (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Smartt was able to practice Friday without limitations, but he'll need to pass an evaluation from an independent neurologist in order to clear the league's concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game. The fourth-year pro has mostly served on special teams this season, but he could see an expanded role on offense Sunday behind Jeremy Ruckert due to the absence of Mason Taylor (neck).

Zylstra (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Zylstra logged three limited practices heading into Week 15 against the Rams, a step up from his practice progression in Week 14 when he ended the week as a non-participant. If the 29-year old does return, he would be making his first appearance since Week 2 against the Bears. The fifth-year pro plays a majority of snaps on special teams but could possibly see a larger role on offense with Sam LaPorta (back) on injured reserve.

Adkins (knee) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Adkins' availability for Week 15 was initially suspected when the Broncos waived fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis on Thursday. Adkins has been absent since Week 9 with a persistent knee injury, and his return to the lineup is a valuable addition to a Broncos team that is attempting to secure the AFC's top seed. Adkins has six receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets through six games this season. The 26-year-old's ability to block for the run and pass game is arguably more valuable to the team, but he also has solid receiving upside.

Smartt (concussion) practiced fully Friday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Smartt advanced from a non-participant Wednesday to a full participant in Friday's session, but evidently he's yet to clear the NFL's concussion protocol, given that he carries a 'questionable' designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Washington (concussion) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.comreports.

Washington remains in the concussion protocol but has now logged back-to-back limited practices to begin Week 15. If he's able to practice in full Saturday and gain clearance from an independent neurologist, Washington would be in line to suit up for Monday's matchup against Miami. In the event that Washington can't play Week 15, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth would stand to benefit slightly from increased target consolidation at the tight end position.

Saubert (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Saubert was placed on injured reserve after suffering a calf injury in the Seahawks' Week 7 win over the Texans. The tight end has been working his way back and was able to log enough practice sessions in some capacity to be considered questionable for Sunday's matchup. If Saubert can suit up, he will likely slot in as the No. 2 tight end behind 2024 fourth-round pick AJ Barner.

Ferguson (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Minnesota after logging a limited practice Friday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Ferguson sandwiched two limited practices around a Thursday absence, with Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones revealing Friday that the team expects its top tight end to be available Sunday night. If not, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford will be the top TEs for an offense that's consolidated around RB Javonte Williams, WR CeeDee Lamb and WR George Pickens over the past month. Anyone considering Ferguson as a Week 15 lineup option should keep an eye on the situation, as he'd be a high-risk play if there's any hint of real danger for missing SNF.

Morris (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets.

Morris was a full participant in Friday's practice and has moved past his ankle injury enough to be cleared of any injury designation going into Sunday's contest. The No. 2 tight end has logged two receptions for 25 yards on five targets through 10 games played this season and will likely continue in his primary role as a blocking tight end for the Jaguars' offense.