As fantasy football owners prepare to make their final lineup decisions of the season, monitoring the statuses of tight ends Hayden Hurst, Greg Dulcich, and Hunter Henry is crucial. While consistent production from the tight end position is hard to come by, all three players have upside and could factor into your Week 17 start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these TEs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 17 fantasy landscape. For updates on banged-up QBs Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Tua Tagovailoa, and Colt McCoy, click here; for news on ailing RBs Jamaal Williams and Damien Harris, go here; for the latest on hurting WRs Christian Watson, Chris Olave, Deebo Samuel, and Tyler Lockett, click here.
Follow your fantasy team and watch every week during the 2022 NFL season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange or Blue for $35/month, or both for $50/month. Right now, get half off your first month, plus SHOWTIME, STARZ, AND EPIX -- first month on us! SIGN UP FOR SLING!
WEEK 17 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Hayden Hurst injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Hurst (calf) is practicing on Thursday.
According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Hurst (calf), "had a good week" last week, and the Bengals wanted to give it "another week to get in great shape." Hurst missed his third straight game this past week against the Patriots but is in line to return on Monday Night against the Bills.
Hurst's likely return gives Joe Burrow another stable weapon in the passing game, but fantasy owners should still be cautious about running him out in their starting lineups. Buffalo's defense has fared well against the tight end position, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points. If Hurst can't go for a fourth straight week, Mitchell Wilcox remains the team's go-to TE.
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Greg Dulcich injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: The Broncos placed Dulcich (hamstring) on injured reserve on Friday, effectively ending his rookie season.
Dulcich (hamstring) logged a "DNP" to start the week, according to the Broncos' official injury report. If Dulcich doesn't participate in practice the rest of the week, it's unlikely he suits up in Week 17 against Kansas City with Denver having little to play for.
Should Dulcich miss this week, fellow TEs Eric Saubert and Eric Tomlinson will fill his void, but neither TE lands on the fantasy radar. Even with a favorable matchup against Kansas City, it's wise to avoid starting any Broncos' players.
WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Hunter Henry injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Henry (knee) was officially listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
Henry (knee) logged a limited practice session on Wednesday, which is a good sign after he exited New England's Week 16 matchup against Cincinnati in the first quarter. If he continues practicing in even a limited fashion this week, he has a chance to suit up against Miami.
With the Dolphins allowing the third-most fantasy points to TEs, Henry could be a deeper-league play but is still a touchdown-dependent start. If Henry's unable to go in Week 17, Jonnu Smith (ankle) will see an uptick in usage if he's able to go, and he'd be a formidable replacement in deeper leagues.
