The 2023 NFL season is quickly approaching, meaning it's the time of year to begin following the biggest injury headlines. There are a handful of key tight ends dealing with or coming back from injuries this week. We have the latest updates. Our fantasy football injury reports for tight ends as of Wednesday, August 16 will give you the latest news on the statuses of T.J. Hockenson, Mike Gesicki, Zach Ertz, and Logan Thomas.
Being up-to-date on NFL injury news can give you an edge over your league mates in fantasy football. Even though the season is still about three weeks away, keeping up with key tight end injuries as we move closer to fantasy draft season is important.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
T.J. Hockenson Injury Update
According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (illness) has battled an ear infection since training camp began. The 26-year-old hasn't practiced much, recently prompting speculation that he would participate in a limited capacity while seeking a new deal. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, with Hockenson reporting the ailment has impacted his equilibrium.
The 2019 No. 8 overall pick is coming off a productive year, totaling 86 catches for 924 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games with the Lions and Vikings. The issue seems to be clearing up, so it's unlikely to keep Hockenson out of the lineup for Week 1, assuming things continue to trend in a favorable direction. But unless fantasy managers hear something negative about his health, he remains a top option at the tight end position heading into the 2023-24 campaign, regardless of his contract situation.
Mike Gesicki Injury Update
New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder) is reportedly dealing with a mild dislocated shoulder after leaving practice early on Monday. The team hopes he'll be ready for the Week 1 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he could miss plenty of preseason time moving forward.
The former Miami Dolphin has been a standout at Patriots camp, so hopefully, he'll be able to heal up quickly. Gesicki has been getting work at wide receiver and alongside Hunter Henry to 12-personnel, so he could be a fantasy sleeper if the New England offense ascends under offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.
Zach Ertz Injury Update
Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (knee) was recently activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and is running routes at Tuesday's practice. The 32-year-old tight end suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 10 last season and looks to get close to full strength before Week 1.
The former Pro Bowler's best days are likely behind him, and he'll likely see his role reduced with the emergence of sophomore tight end Trey McBride. Ultimately, it's tough to expect much out of Ertz in 2023 with Kyler Murray (knee) out of action for an unknown period of time. That said, the Cardinals could look to trade him to a contender during the regular season.
Logan Thomas Injury Update
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said on Monday that the team is using "caution" with tight end Logan Thomas (calf) in training camp due to his injury. Thomas has been held out of practice in camp for the last week, but the Commanders don't think it's a very serious injury.
It makes sense for the Commanders to take things slow with the oft-injured tight end, but as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks when he returns to the practice field, it sounds like Thomas won't be in danger of missing the start of the regular season. When healthy, Thomas is expected to be the team's top pass-catching tight end, but because of the injury risk, fantasy managers in standard-sized leagues are probably going to pass on him in upcoming drafts.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!