Nick Vannett Injury News & Updates

Vannett reverted to Minnesota's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Vannett was elevated ahead of Sunday's win over Detroit and started alongside T.J. Hockenson, logging 27 of Minnesota's 62 offensive snaps. He didn't get any targets but did work ahead of Ben Yurosek (17 offensive snaps) as the Vikings' No. 2 tight end behind Hockenson. Josh Oliver (foot) didn't suit up Sunday but may be able to return in Week 10 against Baltimore, which would potentially prevent Vannett from getting elevated again.

Vannett was elevated from the Vikings' practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Vannett has bounced on and off the Vikings' active roster but has spent the last few weeks on their practice squad. With Josh Oliver (foot) out, Vannett will serve as depth among the tight end corps.

Minnesota re-signed Vannett to the practice squad Thursday.

Vannett was cut by the Vikings on Monday as the team did some roster shuffling, but the veteran tight end now returns to the team as a member of the practice squad. He spent time on Minnesota's active roster earlier this year and suited up for four games, primarily playing on special teams. He could be elevated for a similar role in the future.

Vannett was released by the Vikings on Monday.

Vannett initially joined the Vikings as a member of the practice squad, but he was active in three of the last four games. He contributed primarily on special teams and could find a new opportunity relatively quickly given his plentiful experience.

The Vikings signed Vannett off their practice squad Thursday.

Vannett and Tim Jones were signed Thursday to fill the two roster spots opened up from Blake Cashman (hamstring) and Ty Chandler (knee) being placed on IR. In 111 games of regular-season NFL experience, Vannett has contributed 108 catches for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns, so he's unlikely to factor into the passing game significantly.

Vannett was signed to the Vikings' practice squad Wednesday, Craig Peters of the team's official website reports.

Vannett has decided to stick around Minnesota after the team released him Tuesday. The tight end has played in 111 regular-season contests over his nine-year NFL career, and he will provide the Vikings with a rather experienced depth option on their practice unit ahead of the 2025 campaign.

The Vikings released Vannett on Tuesday.

Veteran tight ends Vannett and Giovanni Ricci were let go by the Vikings on cutdown day. Vannett finished the preseason with three receptions for 22 yards. The 32-year-old played all 17 games with the Titans last season and posted 17 receptions for 135 yards and three touchdowns. His experience makes him a strong practice-squad candidate if he can't latch on elsewhere.

Vannett signed with the Vikings on Monday.

The 10-year veteran landed with a team that is suddenly needy at his position, with Gavin Bartholomew still down with an ankle injury and T.J. Hockenson missing practice Saturday with an undisclosed issue, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Vannett played on 374 offensive snaps in 17 games with the Titans last year, catching 17 passes for 135 yards and three scores.

Vannett recorded 17 receptions on 20 targets for 135 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games in 2024.

Vannett has been a depth option for most of his career and that didn't change in 2024. However, he posted his most receptions, yards and touchdowns since 2018 while playing 374 offensive snaps. Vannett will be a free agent this offseason and is likely to land another short-term deal.

Vannett recorded one reception on one target for eight yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jaguars.

Vannett played a minimal role on offense, as he was on the field for just 12 offensive snaps. Howver, he made the most of his role and lone target in the game by hauling in a wide-open target from eight yards away to find the end zone. Vannett now has 15 receptions on the season, three of which have gone for touchdowns.

Vannett (neck) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Vannett was listed on Thursday's injury report with a neck issue, but it doesn't appear to be a serious issue as he was able to practice in full Friday and should be good to go for Week 10. Vannett has logged 10 catches (on 11 targets) for 78 yards and two touchdowns through eight regular-season games as the Titans' No. 2 tight end behind Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Vannett (neck) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Vannett played 34 snaps on offense during the Titans' Week 9 overtime win over the Patriots and finished with two catches for 33 yards and one touchdown. While he was able to practice in full Wednesday, he was limited in Thursday's session due to a neck issue, which puts his status in question for Sunday's game against the Chargers. If Vannett is unable to play, Josh Whyle would figure to step into the No. 2 tight end behind starter Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Vannett recorded two catches on two targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 overtime win against the Patriots.

Vannett has maintained around a 40 percent offensive snap rate in recent weeks, though his role is primarily as a blocker. That changed briefly early in Sunday's win, as he leaked off the line of scrimmage on a play-action pass and found the end zone from 10 yards away. It was his second touchdown of the season, though Vannett has also been held without a catch in four of eight contests.

Vannett recorded four receptions on four targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Bills.

Vannett saw both his second-highest snap total and rate of the season and got involved as a pass catcher early in the game. His longest gain of the day went for 11 yards, and he managed to record a double-digit yardage total in a game for the second time on the campaign.

Vannett was not targeted in Monday's 31-12 win over the Dolphins.

Vannett played a season-high 50 percent of offensive snaps in Week 4 against the Dolphins. However, he was used as a blocking tight end and now has zero targets in half of his four games.

Vannett recorded two catches on two targets for nine yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-14 loss to the Packers.

Vannett has played on roughly 25 percent of offensive snaps each game this season, serving primarily as a blocking option. However, he managed a two-yard touchdown catch midway through the first quarter after getting open in the back of the end zone. Vannett may occasionally serve as an option in the red zone or short areas of the field, but his statistical impact is likely to remain minimal overall.

Tennessee signed Vannett to the 53-man roster Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Vannett was cut by the Titans on Wednesday to make room for a waiver claim, but he was expected to return to Tennessee, per Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. Vannett is part of a crowded tight end room made up of Chigoziem Okonkwo, Josh Whyle (concussion), Thomas Odukoya and David Martin-Robinson.

Vannett was cut by the Titans on Wednesday, Sam Phalen of AtoZSports.com reports.

Vannett was cut to make room for a waiver claim, though he is expected to rejoin the team at a later date, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports. The Titans already have four tight ends on the roster, so it's unclear how he'll fit on the roster throughout the season.

The Titans signed Vannett on Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

The veteran tight end has spent time with six different teams across his eight-year career, and he's now headed to Nashville after agreeing to terms with the Titans on Tuesday. Vannett most recently played with the Chargers, tallying 125 offensive snaps across eight games and recording one reception for three yards in 2023. Expect the 31-year-old to compete for a depth role in Tennessee's tight end room as the offseason progresses.

Vannett (back) is active Sunday against the Broncos.

Vannett has been nursing a back injury the last couple of weeks, but he'll continue to play through the injury again in Week 17. With Donald Parham (coach's decision) once again inactive, the Ohio State product should be the Chargers' No. 3 option at tight end.

Vannett (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos.

The veteran tight end was able to play through his back issue in Week 16, and after two limited sessions to begin the Chargers' week of practice, he's got a shot to suit up Sunday. If Vannett is unable to suit up in Week 17, expect Donald Parham to see increased opportunities as a reserve option in Los Angeles' TE room.

Vannett (back) is active for Saturday's contest against the Bills.

Donald Parham is a healthy inactive for this contest meaning Vannett and Stone Smartt should mix in on occasion behind Gerald Everett. Vannett has played 37 offensive snaps combined over the past two weeks.

Vannett (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Bills.

Vannett now seems to be dealing with a back issue that's put him in jeopardy of missing Los Angeles' Week 16 contest, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. The 30-year-old has not been targeted despite playing 72 offensive snaps this season, and if he were to miss Saturday's affair, Stone Smartt would likely see increased work in the Chargers' tight end room.

Vannett (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Vannett was able to log full practice sessions both Thursday and Friday after limited work Wednesday, and it now seems as if he's had enough time to move past his concussion. The 30-year-old has appeared in only three games for Los Angeles this season, and he'll likely serve as the team's No. 4 tight end in Week 14.

Vannett (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Vannett has been dealing with the aftermath of a concussion presumably suffered Week 11 against the Packers, and he's been held out of each of the Chargers' past two games. Though it's not clear if he's cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, the tight end's limited practice session Wednesday is a positive sign of progress after he logged a trio of DNPs during prep last week. Vannett is behind Gerald Everett, Donald Parham and possibly Stone Smartt in Los Angeles' tight end pecking order, and he hasn't logged more than 20 percent of the team's offensive snaps in any of the three games in which he's played thus far.

Vannett (concussion) is listed as out for Sunday's game at New England.

Vannett will sit out for a second consecutive game in Week 13 as he continues to recover from a concussion. His being sidelined means the Chargers will likely have to rely more heavily on Stone Smartt on Sunday.

Vannett (concussion) didn't participate in the Chargers' practice Wednesday.

Vannett remains in the concussion protocol after missing last week's loss to the Ravens. The 30-year-old still needs to clear the protocol in order to play versus the Patriots on Sunday.

Vannett (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Ravens.

The veteran tight end was held out of practice all week with a concussion, so it's not a surprise that he'll be inactive for Week 12's contest. Vannett has appeared in three games with the Chargers since signing with the team's active roster in early November, playing 59 total snaps (34 offensive and 25 on special teams).

Vannett (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Vannett popped up on Wednesday's injury report with a concussion and will now need to clear the concussion protocol before he's eligible to return to the field. With Gerald Everett still dealing with a chest injury as well, the Chargers are in danger of being short handed at tight end for Sunday's matchup with the Ravens.

The Chargers signed Vannett to their active roster Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Vannett joined the Chargers' practice squad on Aug. 31 after being cut by the Texans ahead of the 53-man roster deadline. It'll be the sixth different team Vannett will play for since entering the league as a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He'll add depth at the tight end position behind Gerald Everett -- who missed Sunday's game against the Bears due to a hip injury -- Donald Parham and Stone Smartt.

Vannett signed with the Chargers onto their practice squad Thursday, Gavino Borquez of USA Today reports.

Vannett was released by the Texans on Tuesday after joining the team on Aug. 2. The 2016 third-round pick out of Ohio State played with both the Saints and Giants last season where he registered six catches for 55 yards in nine games. He'll acclimate himself to the Chargers' playbook as he awaits an opportunity to be called up to the team's active roster.

The Texans released Vannett on Tuesday.

Vannett joined the Texans in early August but was unable to secure a spot on the team's 53-man roster. He's spent time with three teams since the start of the 2022 campaign and will need to seek out other opportunities once again.

Vannett is in line to sign with the Texans on Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The veteran tight end will join the sixth team in his career and his third team since the beginning of the 2022 campaign. Vannett is coming off a season where he played with both the Saints and Giants, recording six catches for 55 yards in nine appearances. He'll most likely serve as more of a blocking and special teams guy for Houston ahead of the coming season.

Vannett played in nine regular-season games between the Saints and the Giants, finishing with four receptions on seven targets for 42 yards and no touchdowns.

Vannett began the campaign with New Orleans before latching on with New York's practice squad in late November. He eventually joined the team's active roster but saw limited action behind rookie starter Daniel Bellinger. Vannett's overall catch and yardage totals during the campaign were his lowest since his rookie season in 2016 with Seattle. Bellinger is the Giants' clear tight end of the future, so the team isn't like to prioritize bringing back Vannett, who will be an unrestricted free agent.

Vannett made two catches on four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's loss to the Eagles.

Vannett came into the contest with only two catches over his past five games, and he equaled that total with a pair of receptions in a meaningless contest for the Giants. Usual starting tight end Daniel Bellinger was held out in anticipation of the postseason while Lawrence Cager, who hadn't played since Week 15, was the team's leading receiver with eight catches for 69 yards. Bellinger has been playing almost every offensive snap when healthy, so both Vannett will likely return to a minor role against the Vikings in next weekend's wild-card contest.

Vannett (shoulder) was not listed with a game status ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Vikings.

Vannett popped up with a shoulder injury on Tuesday's injury report, though it's unclear when or how this issue first arose. However, the 29-year-old should be ready to suit up again despite remaining limited in each practice ahead of Saturday's game versus Minnesota. Vannett has caught two of his three targets for 24 yards over the past two games, and he should continue to serve as the Giants' No. 2 tight end behind Daniel Bellinger.

Vannett (shoulder) was a limited participant at practice Tuesday ahead of Saturday's game at Minnesota, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Vannett made his second grab of the season at Washington on Sunday night, but he played a much smaller share of snaps than in Weeks 13 or 14, which suggests he may have sustained his shoulder injury during that game. If Vannett can't go Saturday, Lawrence Cager would probably operate as the Giants' second tight end.

Vannett brought in his only target for 15 yards in Sunday's Week 15 win against Washington.

Daniel Bellinger (62 offensive snaps) remained New York's clear top tight end and received four targets, but he managed only one catch for four yards in the big victory. Vannett saw a much smaller role with just 10 snaps and one target, but he outgained Bellinger thanks to a second-quarter 15-yard reception. Vannett has two catches for 24 yards in his three games as a Giant, and his fantasy value is non-existent given his minimal opportunities behind Bellinger.

Vannett caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's Week 14 loss to the Eagles.

Vannett's first catch since joining New York came late in the fourth quarter on a nine-yard toss from Tyrod Taylor. At that point, the game was already out of reach for the Giants, and starting tight end Daniel Bellinger had been pulled with a rib injury. Bellinger's status for Week 15 is uncertain due to the issue, and Vannett would likely step into the starting role if the rookie is unable to play against Washington on Sunday.

Vannett did not get any targets against Washington in Sunday's 20-20 tie despite taking the field for 45 percent of the Giants' offensive snaps.

Vannett made his debut with New York after coming over from New Orleans in late November. He was on the gridiron often Sunday but worked primarily as a blocker. Vannett did haul in a four-yard pass in the fourth quarter, but the play was called back due to a holding penalty. Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger played all but two of the Giants' offensive snaps in the tie and caught five passes for 24 yards, emphasizing his role as the team's primary option at the position.

The Giants signed Vannett to their active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's game versus Washington, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

With starting tight end Daniel Bellinger (eye) listed as questionable for Week 13, the Giants saw fit to add Vannett to the 53-man roster to provide some depth at the position. He has two catches for 13 yards on two targets through three games in 2022.

Vannett signed with the Giants' practice squad Tuesday, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Vannett was waived by the Saints on Saturday and will now get a chance to make an impact in New York. The veteran tight end spent most the season as a healthy scratch and failed to carve out a consistent role in New Orleans. He did however find his way onto the active roster for four games, making two catches for 13 yards on two targets.

The Saints released Vannett on Saturday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Vannett made three appearances for the Saints this season, catching both of his targets for 13 yards across 63 offensive snaps. New Orleans also released tight end J.P. Holtz and signed Yasir Durant and Bryce Thompson to fill the empty roster spots.

Vannett (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Buccaneers, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Vannett was also inactive in Week 1, as the team still has Adam Trautman, Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson ahead of him.

Vannett (coach's decision) will not play Sunday against the Falcons, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Vannett was able to crack the 53-man roster, but he's still listed behind Adam Trautman, Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson on the team's tight end positional depth chart. He'll have to wait to make his season debut.

Vannett restructured his contract with the Saints on Wednesday, dropping his base salary from $2.6 million to $1.035 million, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The move free's up $1.55 million in cap space for New Orleans, while Vannett sticks around as a third tight end option in 2022. The 29-year-old has proven himself to be an effective run blocker while he also caught nine passes for 133 yards and a touchdown over seven games with the Saints last season.

Vannett (illness) passed his physical Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Vannett's medical clearance is an encouraging sign after he started Saints' training camp on the active/non-football illness list. The 29-year-old is thus eligible to practice once again and will look to cement a role in a tight end corps that also includes Adam Trautman, Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson.

Vannett (illness) was placed on the active/non-football illness list Tuesday, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Vannett will have to wait to hit the field for training camp. The veteran tight end is expected to file in behind Adam Trautman and Taysom Hill on the Saints' positional depth chart.

Vannett caught nine of 15 targets for 133 yards and one touchdown over seven games in 2021.

Vannett's preseason knee injury wound up costing him over half of the season. While he caught a few passes in two of the four games Adam Trautman missed down the stretch, the veteran otherwise didn't do much from a receiving standpoint while rotating in behind Trautman. Both players will be back to head the Saints depth chart at tight end in 2022 and Juwan Johnson, who is an exclusive-rights free agent, should be there to join them.

Vannett was activated off of the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The tight end was placed on the COVID list Jan. 1, forcing him to miss the Saints' Week 17 win over the Panthers. Vannett will now return ahead of a must-win Week 18 matchup with the Falcons, though his role will likely be limited as a result of him playing a secondary role behind Adam Trautman.

Vannett was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

The return of Juwan Johnson (COVID-19) and Adam Trautman (COVID-19) has relegated Vannett to essentially a bit piece in the Saints offense, but Saturday's designation will test the depth of the team's tight end corps once more. Expect the aforementioned duo to shoulder the majority of the offensive snaps as the Saints did not elevate another one from the practice squad.

Vannett (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Vannett was limited in practice all week due to an ankle injury, but he'll be able to suit up in Week 17. Since Adam Trautman (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Vannett should revert to a backup role against Carolina.

Vannett (ankle) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice session.

Vannett served as the Saints' top tight end in Monday's loss to the Dolphins but was targeted just once. He apparently sustained an ankle injury that has made him a limited participant at practice Wednesday and Thursday. If he hopes to avoid the Week 17 injury report, he'll likely need to practice fully Friday.

Vannett is expected to serve as the Saints' top option at tight end Monday against the Dolphins, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

New Orleans didn't activate fellow tight ends Adam Trautman (illness) and Juwan Johnson (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to the deadline for Week 16 roster moves, leaving Vannett and practice-squad call-up Ethan Wolf as the Saints' lone options at tight end. Considering Wolf has just one NFL appearance to his name since turning pro in 2018, Vannett will likely dominate the snaps at the position. He had already been on the field for at least half of the Saints' offensive plays in each of the last three weeks, operating primarily as a blocker. Over that stretch, Vannett hauled in six of 11 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns.

Vannett caught three of six targets for 44 yards in Sunday's 30-9 win over the Jets.

Vannett led the Saints in targets and receiving yards, but New Orleans did the vast majority of its damage on the ground, totaling over 200 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. A more pass-heavy game plan will likely be required in Week 15 against the Buccaneers, and Vannett should continue to see plenty of looks from quarterback Taysom Hill given the Saints' dearth of enticing alternatives in the passing game.

Vannett caught his only target for 11 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 31-6 loss to Buffalo.

Vannett, who made his season debut last week against the Eagles, split time with Garrett Griffin and Juwan Johnson but again was minimally involved in the passing game. While he at least found the end zone, you probably can' t count on many scores from someone who's topped one touchdown once in five previous seasons. Next up for Vannett and the Saints is a Week 13 home matchup against the Cowboys.

Vannett is inactive for Sunday's game against the Titans, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Vannett picked up a knee injury in preseason and while he's healthy, he will have to wait at least one more week to make his season debut. He appeared in 15 games for the Broncos last season.

Vannett was activated off of injured reserve Thursday.

The tight end injured his knee in the preseason finale and is yet to make his 2021 debut. Vannett's first opportunity will come Sunday against the Titans, though he will likely operate as a depth option behind Adam Trautman and Garrett Griffin.

Vannett (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday, John DeShazier of the Saints' official site reports.

Vannett has been on injured reserve since Sept. 7, but he'll be able to rejoin the Saints for practice this week. The tight end will have to be activated within the next 21 days if he hopes to return this year.

The Saints placed Vannett (knee) on injured reserve Monday, Amie Just of NOLA.com reports.

Vannett injured his knee during the Saints' preseason finale against the Jaguars. He will be forced to miss at least the first three weeks of the regular season after being placed on IR. His absence could mean more playing time for Adam Trautman and Juwan Johnson.

Vannett (knee) is expected to miss two-to-four weeks, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The blocking-oriented TE injured his knee during Monday's preseason game against the Jaguars, while fellow tight end Adam Trautman hurt his ankle/foot. The position already looked like a potential weakness for the Saints after they parted ways with Jared Cook and Josh Hill in the offseason, and a trade would make sense now that the top two guys on the depth chart are banged up. Vannett is an extreme long shot for fantasy value this year, but his presence/absence could have some impact on playing time for the team's more receiving -oriented TEs, i.e., Trautman and Juwan Johnson.

Vannett will have an MRI after injuring his knee during Monday's preseason game against Jacksonville, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Fellow Saints tight end Adam Trautman suffered a foot/ankle injury in the contest, and Garrett Griffin (undisclosed) didn't play at all. Trautman is the favorite to lead the group in targets if his injury isn't too serious, while Vannett could have a blocking-heavy role similar to the one Josh Hill filled in recent years. All the injuries could also create an opening for Juwan Johnson, a converted wide receiver who reportedly has looked good at training camp.

Vannett expects to have chances to make plays in the passing game with New Orleans. "I'm just excited for being in this system, especially as a tight end." Vannett said during minicamp. "I think they do a great job of really giving us a legit shot of making plays in this system."

Spending time with Seattle, Pittsburgh and Denver since being drafted out of Ohio State in 2016, Vannett never topped 20 receptions in college and he's only done it once through five years in the pros. While New Orleans' Sean Payton represents the first offensive-minded coach that Vannett will play under in the NFL, the potency of the Saints offense going forward largely hinges on the ability of Jamies Winston or Taysom Hill to replace future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees. While Vannett should see plenty of playing time this year after the Saints decided against further bolstering the tight end through the draft, the 28-year-old seems significantly less likely to emerge as a fantasy asset compared to Adam Trautman, who racked up 916 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final season at Dayton in 2019.

Vannett signed a three-year contract with the Saints on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The Saints let Jared Cook and Josh Hilll go this offseason, so Vannett is part of their plans to replace them. Vannett suited up in 15 games with the Broncos last season in a secondary role behind Noah Fant, recording 14 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old will need to compete with 2020 third-round pick Adam Trautman for the No. 1 tight end in 2021, though both players should have roles on offense.

Vannett has been released by the Broncos, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Vannett was to slated to earn $2.678 million this coming season, so the move frees up some extra cap room for the Broncos. The 28-year-old hauled in 14 of his 21 targets for 95 yards and a TD in 15 games last year, while earning most of his keep with his blocking. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as a depth tight end.

Vannett brought in 14 passes off of 21 targets for 95 yards and a score during the 2020 campaign.

Vannett stepped up a bit following the season-ending knee injury to Albert Okwuegbunam. The veteran Buckeye had three of his four multi-catch games during the final six contets of the season, including a four-reception outing in Week 13 against Carolina. He did well in providing Drew Lock with a safety blanket underneath. The question heading into 2021 is whether that's worth $3.6 million against the cap when cutting him will cost just $875,000. Vannett is a strong blocker and a solid veteran presence, but he might be squeezed out with returning youngsters Noah Fant, Andrew Beck, and Okwuegbunam.

Vannett didn't catch his lone target in Sunday's 48-19 loss to the Bills.

Vannett logged 16 snaps on offense, finishing behind Noah Fant (44) and Troy Fumagalli (19). Fant was the only position mate to catch a pass, however, as he finished with an 8-68-1 line on 11 targets. Vannett and Fumagalli will continue to compete for the No. 2 role in Denver's offense, and it could simply shape up as a timeshare moving forward.

Vannett reeled in all four of his targets for 20 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 32-27 win against Carolina.

Vannett and Troy Fumagalli saw increased passing-game opportunities during Week 14, with starting tight end Noah Fant being forced to an early exit after falling ill. Vannett's two-yard receiving TD in the second quarter marked the 27-year-old's first since he scored three times for Seattle in 2018. With Albert Okwuegbunam (knee-ACL) remaining on injured reserve, Vannett could maintain a minor role as a pass catcher Week 15 against the Bills. Absences from Fant and Jake Butt (hamstring) -- who was designated to return from IR on Dec. 10 -- would clear Vannett's path towards a more integral role, however.

Vannett caught both targets for seven yards during Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Chiefs.

The 27-year-old has played about 50 percent of the offensive snaps over the past three games and has four catches for 31 yards during that stretch. Vannett should continue to operate as Denver's secondary tight end while starter Noah Fant remains healthy.

Vannett caught both targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Dolphins.

With Drew Lock playing through a rib injury, coach Vic Fangio opted to utilize Vannett and Troy Fumagalli more in the offensive game plan to help protect the second-year quarterback. As a result, Vannett logged a season-high 41 snaps on offense. He's still not much of a pass-catching threat, but this trend could continue in Week 12 against the Saints.

Vannett wasn't targeted in Sunday's 37-12 loss to the Raiders.

Vannett moved up to second on Denver's tight end depth chart due to a rash of injuries at the position, but he didn't take advantage of the expanded role. He has caught just six passes all season and has never broken 30 catches or 300 yards in a campaign.

Vannett is one of the few healthy bodies in Denver's tight-end room with Albert Okwuegbunam (ACL), Andrew Beck (hamstring), and Jake Butt (hamstring) all heading to injured reserve during the past week, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

That rash of injuries doesn't even include Noah Fant's continued ankle troubles. The Broncos were doing well by mixing in Okwuegbunam in recent weeks, but don't expect Vannett to fill that role. He and Okwuegbunam are of very different skill sets and Vannett has never been much of a consistent threat in the passing game. Vannett heads into Sunday's game against Las Vegas with just six catches on the season and just one outing with multiple catches this year. The Broncos figure to run even more three-receiver sets -- their most common personnel grouping -- than they already have.

Vannett (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Vannett carried a questionable designation into the weekend, but he never seemed at much risk of missing the contest after he was able to put in a full practice Friday. Expect Vannett to fill a minor role behind starter Noah Fant as the Broncos' top blocking tight end.

Vic Fangio said Friday that Vannett (foot) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons but is expected to be available, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Vannett suffered a foot bruise against the Chargers in Week 8, but it looks like he should be able to avoid missing any time. As long as he's able to suit up, Vannett will handle his usual depth role at tight end.

Vannett was diagnosed with a foot bruise after an MRI on Monday and should be able to play Week 9, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

The 27-year-old received the start Sunday with the Broncos starting out in a two-tight end set, but he ended up playing only 11 offensive snaps. Vannett has only five catches for 33 yards in six games this season, so even if available this weekend he's unlikely to be a significant factor in the passing game.

Vannett sustained a foot injury during Sunday's 31-30 win over the Chargers, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

Vannett didn't record a catch during Sunday's contest. The severity of the depth tight end's injury remains undisclosed, but if he were to miss any time it could mean more opportunities for impressive rookie Albert Okwuegbunam.

Vannett cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and returned to practice Sunday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

Vannett suffered this concussion Wednesday but made a quick recovery. Heading into his fifth NFL season, Vannett is learning a new system but could secure the No. 2 role behind Noah Fant with a strong training camp.

Vannett is in the concussion protocol Wednesday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Vannett will need to fully clear the league's concussion protocol before retaking the practice field. The Broncos are relying on him to provide a veteran presence in an otherwise extremely youthful tight end room.

The Broncos have parted ways Jeff Heuerman, Brandon Krisztal of KOA News Radio reports. The move leaves Vannett as the veteran in the Broncos' tight-end room.

Heuerman's exit seemed inevitable back in March as Vannett's signing tied up a fair amount of money in two reserve tight ends. Cutting Heuerman had less cap repercussions. Vannett is a good bet to make the roster as a TE2 or TE3, but he is unlikely to be a big factor fantasy-wise. Both 2019 first-round pick Noah Fant and 2020 fourth-rounder Albert Okwuegbunam figure to be more involved in the passing game than the veteran, who is the superior blocker.

Vannett signed a two-year contract with the Broncos on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

It's an odd decision by the Broncos considering they've invested a first-round (Noah Fant), third-round (Jeff Heuerman) and two fifth-round picks (Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli) in the tight end position over the last five years, but Vannett profiles as a more reliable blocking option behind obvious starter, Fant. Vannett caught just 17 passes combined last season between stints with the Seahawks and Steelers, but the fourth-year player has missed just two games over the past three years despite playing at least 500 combined offensive and special teams snaps each season.

Vannett (illness) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Vannett was unable to practice Thursday due to the illness, but it won't impact his status for this weekend. The 26-year-old is coming off his best game of the season after catching five of six targets for 40 yards during last week's loss to the Bills.

Vannett and Zach Gentry will serve as the Steelers' available tight ends Monday against the Bengals with Vance McDonald (shoulder) inactive, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

The Seahawks traded Vannett last Tuesday due to the withered state of the TE room in Pittsburgh. Aside from Vannett, who was donning a sling and didn't practice before this game, Xavier Grimble (calf) is on injured reserve. Vannett will step into a prime opportunity to produce with Mason Rudolph under center. That said, Vannett didn't do much during his Seahawks tenure, averaging 6.9 yards per target and scoring four touchdowns in 42 appearances.