Ko Kieft Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Saints vs Buccaneers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 23, 2025
Could miss rest of 2025
The Buccaneers placed Kieft on injured reserve Tuesday due to a leg injury, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft likely suffered the injury during the Buccaneers' 29-27 win over the Jets on Sunday. His placement on IR means he'll be forced to miss at least the next four games, but the injury could sideline the 2022 sixth-rounder for the rest of the season, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Kieft's absence opens the door for Devin Culp to serve as the Bucs' TE3 behind Cade Otton and Payne Durham.
Jan 22, 2025
Serves exclusively as blocker
Kieft did not see any targets across 17 regular-season games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
After exceeding 200 snaps from scrimmage in his first two seasons, Kieft's participation on offense dipped to 102 snaps in 2024 under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Additionally, after the 2022 sixth-round pick posted an 8-82-2 line 15 targets in his first pair of campaigns, Kieft was exclusively limited to blocking duties in 2024, and he'll head into the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 projected to serve in the same capacity now that Coen has been retained.
Oct 23, 2024
Seeing few snaps behind Otton
Kieft went without a target while playing six of the Buccaneers' 82 snaps on offense in Monday's 41-31 loss to the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
With Cade Otton dominating the snaps at tight end for the Buccaneers through the first seven weeks, Kieft nor the team's other depth options at the position have been able to carve out much playing time. Though Kieft has suited up in all seven of the Bucs' contests, the six snaps he played Monday represented a season high.
Oct 2, 2024
Ready for Thursday night
Kieft (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Falcons, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft was able to log a full practice Wednesday after estimating back-to-back limited sessions to open the Buccaneers' week of practice. The third-year pro is expected to serve as a depth piece in the team's tight end room while primarily playing on special teams during Tampa Bay's Week 5 divisional matchup.
Sep 30, 2024
Limited with ankle issue
Kieft (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimation.
ANALYSIS
Kieft was able to play through his ankle injury in the Buccaneers' Week 4 loss to the Eagles, tallying 22 total snaps (three offensive and 19 on special teams) without recording a stat. The third-year tight end is still expected to play in Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Falcons unless his participation is downgraded either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Sep 29, 2024
Suiting up
Kieft (ankle) is active Sunday against the Eagles, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft started the week with back-to-back DNPs at practice but did get back on the field Friday, setting him up to take the field in Week 4. He should operate as the team's No. 3 tight end, behind starter Cade Otton and backup Payne Durham.
Sep 27, 2024
Questionable for Week 4
Kieft (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
Kieft opened the week with back-to-back DNPs due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 3 against the Broncos. The 2022 sixth-round pick has given himself a chance at playing Sunday after practicing in a limited capacity Friday. If Kieft cannot play in Week 4, then rookie seventh-round pick Devin Culp would serve as the Bucs' No. 3 tight end behind Cade Otton and Payne Durham.
Sep 10, 2024
Barely sees action Sunday
Kieft did not see any targets in the Buccaneers' 37-20 win over the Commanders on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Kieft wasn't even deployed as a blocker as much as he typically was in former coordinator Dave Canales' offense, with all but two of his 18 total snaps Sunday coming on special teams. Even if he does end up seeing an uptick in playing time on offense in coming weeks, Kieft is expected to remain a distant third pass-catching option at tight end behind Cade Otton and Payne Durham.
Feb 1, 2024
Even quieter second season
Kieft was active for 16 regular-season games and both postseason contests in the 2023 campaign, bringing in one of five targets for a two-yard touchdown.
ANALYSIS
Kieft once again served almost exclusively as a blocking tight end, but an even greater extent than during his rookie 2022 campaign when he'd posted a 7-80-1 line on 10 targets. The 26-year-old's only stats from scrimmage came in Week 16 against the Packers. Kieft figures to slot into the same role and continue to also contribute to multiple special-teams units during the third year of his four-year rookie deal in 2024.
Jan 7, 2024
Returning Sunday
Kieft (shoulder) is active Sunday against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Kieft missed the Buccaneers' Week 17 matchup with the injury, but he'll return to action in the team's regular-season finale, as they attempt to wrap up an NFC South championship.
Jan 5, 2024
Officially questionable for Sunday
Kieft (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina.
ANALYSIS
Kieft was a full participant at practice Friday, so he's likely on the 'probable' end of the questionable designation. If he can't go in Week 18 though, rookie fifth-rounder Payne Durham would project to see an expanded role.
Jan 4, 2024
Upgrades to limited work
Kieft (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
After missing the Buccaneers' Week 17 loss to the Saints with a shoulder issue, Kieft began the team's week of practice with an estimated DNP on Wednesday followed by a limited session Thursday. It seems as if the 26-year-old's shoulder injury could be improving, but unless he's able to practice in full Friday, he'll likely carry an injury designation into Week 18.
Jan 3, 2024
Remains hindered by injury
Kieft (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft missed the team's Week 17 loss to the Saints and appears in danger of missing the team's regular-season finale against the Panthers, although his participation level was just an estimate. The second-year pro will work to get out onto the field Thursday, when the Buccaneers will likely hold a regular practice, which could help put him on the path of suiting up for Sunday.
Dec 31, 2023
Not playing Sunday
Kieft (shoulder) is inactive Sunday against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Kieft was technically ruled out Friday, but his appearance on the team's inactive list makes it official. Payne Durham and David Wells will be candidates to see extra snaps in his absence.
Dec 29, 2023
Out for Sunday vs. Saints
Kieft (shoulder) is out for Sunday's game versus the Saints, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft will miss his first game of the season in Week 17 due to a shoulder injury. In his place, rookie fifth-rounder Payne Durham will probably see more snaps on early downs and near the goal line.
Dec 27, 2023
Nursing shoulder injury
Kieft (shoulder) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft played more snaps during Sunday's win versus the Jaguars (17) than he had in any game this season since Week 2, and it's not clear when he picked up the shoulder issue. He'll probably need to practice Thursday or Friday to have a chance to suit up in Week 17.
Dec 27, 2023
Goes untargeted in win
Kieft went without a target while playing 17 of 74 snaps on offense in Tampa Bay's 30-12 win over Jacksonville.
ANALYSIS
A week after cashing in on his first reception of the season for a two-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 34-20 win over the Packers, Kieft's involvement as a pass catcher predictably dropped off. Kieft has been active for all 15 of Tampa Bay's games this season, but he's logged just five total targets while functioning mainly as a blocker during his time on the field.
Dec 19, 2023
Finds end zone in win
Kieft caught his only target for a two-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 34-20 win over the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Kieft's first catch of the season was certainly noteworthy and extended the Buccaneers' lead to 27-17 late in the third quarter. The blocking tight end also recorded a scoring grab on seven catches during his rookie 2022 campaign, but he remains a complete afterthought in the air attack despite Sunday's contribution.
Dec 11, 2023
Empty line on one target
Kieft failed to bring in his only target in the Buccaneers' 29-25 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The fact the blocking tight end saw even one target was news in itself, considering it's the first time a pass has gone his way since Week 1. Kieft actually logged a 7-80-1 line on 10 targets as a rookie a year ago, but he's been a complete non-factor in this year's Baker Mayfield-helmed air attack.
Sep 27, 2023
No targets over 10 snaps
Kieft logged 10 snaps on offense but did not draw a target in the Buccaneers' 25-11 loss to the Eagles on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
The blocking tight end saw Baker Mayfield throw in his direction on three occasions without success in Week 1 against the Vikings, and he's subsequently failed to draw a target over the next two games. Kieft didn't even officially run any routes Monday night, as his blocking presence was needed versus an aggressive Eagles defense. Kieft's fantasy value figures to remain non-existent as long as complementary pass-catching options at tight end like David Wells and Payne Durham are healthy behind Cade Otton.
Sep 20, 2023
Goes without target
Kieft went without a target over his 17 snaps on offense in Sunday's 27-17 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
After Kieft failed to reel in any of his three targets in the Week 1 win over the Vikings, quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't end up looking the tight end's way in the Week 2 win. Kieft has run routes (26.5 percent) more frequently than he's blocked (18.4 percent) when he's taken the field for passing plays, but he's unlikely to rank as anything more than a tertiary option in the aerial attack at any point this season.
Aug 23, 2023
One catch in preseason win
Kieft brought in one of two targets for five yards in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday night.
ANALYSIS
The second-year blocking tight end made his first grab of preseason in his typically modest offensive role. Kieft should be locked into a roster spot given his superior blocking ability, which he flashed throughout his rookie 2022 campaign as the No. 3 tight end.
Jan 18, 2023
No catches in wild-card loss
Kieft failed to bring in his only target during the Buccaneers' 31-14 wild-card loss to the Cowboys on Monday night. He finished the 2022 regular season with seven receptions (10 targets) for 80 yards and a touchdown and one kickoff return for seven yards across 17 games.
ANALYSIS
The rookie tight end was primarily utilized as a blocker and on special teams, where he logged 271 snaps. Kieft was efficient with his few opportunities as a receiver, and he could be set to move up to the No. 2 role next season if veterans Cameron Brate and Kyle Rudolph (knee) aren't brought back.
Jan 5, 2023
Doesn't bring in only target
Kieft logged 22 snaps on offense in the Buccaneers' Week 18 win over the Panthers but failed to bring in his only target.
ANALYSIS
The rookie once again served primarily in a blocking role, and despite the fact Cameron Brate was a healthy scratch, Kieft was an afterthought as a receiver. After a seven-game stretch between Weeks 7 and 14 when he caught a pass in six contests, Kieft has only logged Sunday's lone target over that span.
Dec 14, 2022
Records short reception in loss
Kieft hauled in his lone target for an 11-yard gain in Sunday's 35-7 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
For the third week in a row, Kieft drew a target in the passing game, but he remained a distant third in the pecking order at tight end behind fellow rookie Cade Otton and veteran Cameron Brate. Otton led the group with 44 snaps, while Brate and Kieft took the field for 28 and five snaps on offense, respectively.
Dec 6, 2022
Another catch in Week 13 win
Kieft brought in one of two targets for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Saints on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Kieft was able to once again make an appearance on the stat sheet with Cameron Brate (illness) sidelined, recording a catch for the fifth time in the last six games. Despite the frequent cameo appearances on the stat sheet, the rookie sixth-round pick is the Buccaneers' clear block-first tight end even when a pass-catching option at the position like Brate is sidelined.
Nov 29, 2022
Cashes in on one catch
Kieft brought in his only target for a five-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 23-17 overtime loss to the Browns on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The blocking tight end logged 16 snaps from scrimmage and came up with his first career touchdown midway through the third quarter. Kieft now has one catch in four of the last five games but remains a fantasy afterthought in all but the deepest of formats.
Nov 16, 2022
No targets in Week 10 win
Kieft did not log a target over 23 snaps during the Buccaneers' 21-16 win over the Seahawks in Week 10.
ANALYSIS
The blocking-first tight end had recorded a reception apiece over the prior three games, but with Cameron Brate returning from a neck injury Sunday, his minuscule pass-catching role disappeared altogether. Kieft will have negligible fantasy value as long as Cade Otton and Brate are healthy in front of him.
Nov 8, 2022
Makes one grab in win
Kieft brought in one of two targets for six yards in the Buccaneers' 16-13 win over the Rams on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The rookie tight end continued to operate primarily in a blocking capacity while logging 16 snaps. Kieft made an appearance on the stat sheet in the form of one catch apiece over the last three games, and he could once again garner active status in the Week 10 contest versus the Seahawks in Munich, especially if Cameron Brate (neck) remains out.
Oct 27, 2022
Drops injury designation
Kieft (ankle) will play Thursday against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Kieft was a limited participant in practice each of the last two days, but it appears he'll be good to go for Thursday against Baltimore. With Cameron Brate (neck) out, Kieft should operate as the team's No. 2 tight end, which could make him a worthwhile dart throw in single-game DFS contests. The rookie has two catches on two targets for 37 yards on the season.
Oct 26, 2022
Limited practice Wednesday
Kieft (ankle) was listed as a limited participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Kieft has practiced in a limited capacity for two straight days after picking up an injury during Week 7's loss. While Kieft still has no injury designation for Thursday's matchup, he might have the opportunity to suit up. The tight end has caught two receptions for 37 yards through seven games.
Oct 25, 2022
Upgrades to limited activity
Kieft (ankle) was limited at Tuesday's walkthrough, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After sitting out Monday, Kieft was back on the field in some capacity one day later and has one more opportunity to get back to full activity before the Buccaneers potentially gives him a designation for Thursday's contest versus Baltimore. While Cameron Brate hasn't practiced since injuring his neck during the Week 6 game against Pittsburgh, it looks as if Keift will once again operate as Tampa's No. 2 tight end behind Cade Otton should Brate eventually be ruled out for Thursday's matchup versus the Ravens.
Oct 24, 2022
Sidelined in estimated practice
Kieft (ankle) was listed as a DNP on the Buccaneers' estimated practice report Monday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Kieft apparently picked up an ankle injury at some point during Sunday's loss to the Panthers, as he was unable to participate in Monday's walkthrough sessions. However, the rookie tight end did manage to catch his lone target for 18 yards while playing 18 of his 33 snaps on offense in the contest, and the nature and severity of this issue are still unclear. Kieft will now have two more practices to improve his status before Thursday's game against the Ravens.
Oct 4, 2022
Impressive gain on first pro catch
Kieft brought in his only target for 19 yards in the Buccaneers' 41-31 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday night.
ANALYSIS
The rookie tight end was impressive on his first pro reception, and he logged just nine snaps from scrimmage overall along with 17 on special teams. Kieft's catch aside, the sixth-round pick's primary role on offense will continue to be as a blocker unless injuries strike multiple players in front of him at tight end.
Sep 14, 2022
No targets over 16 snaps in opener
Kieft logged 16 snaps on offense but did not draw a target during the Buccaneers' 19-3 win over the Cowboys in Week 1.
ANALYSIS
The rookie sixth-round pick garnered active status as the No. 3 tight end behind Cameron Brate and fellow first-year player Cade Otton, but his role was limited to blocking in the opener. That's very likely to be par for the course moving forward, considering both Kieft's 265-pound frame and the fact he was used in a very similar role during his college days at Minnesota (12 catches in four seasons).
Apr 30, 2022
Goes to Tampa Bay in sixth round
The Buccaneers selected Kieft in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 218th overall.
ANALYSIS
Kieft comes to the league from Minnesota with 10 career receptions, so blocking will be his path to getting on the field in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers led off Day 3 of the draft by selecting Washington's Cade Otton, so Kieft has plenty of competition as it is. If Rob Gronkowski returns to Tampa Bay, Kieft is at risk of not making the roster.
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