Payne Durham Injury News & Updates

Durham failed to catch his only target, his first since Week 2, in Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Patriots.

Durham saw a drop in snaps to 19 (28 percent) after having on at least 30 percent of plays in each of the previous four contests. The third-year tight end has surprisingly been a complete non-factor in the air attack through nine contests after posting a 16-173-2 career line on 21 targets over his first pair of seasons, and even the Buccaneers' perpetually injury-hampered receiving corps has done nothing to expand Durham's involvement beyond his role as a blocker.

Durham went without a target while playing 32 of the Buccaneers' 58 snaps on offense in Sunday's 23-3 win over the Saints.

Durham logged 101 receptions over his final two collegiate seasons at Purdue, but he's seen sparse involvement in the passing game since entering the NFL as a fifth-round pick of Tampa Bay in 2023. Though he's played at least 20 percent of the snaps in every game this season while working as the No. 2 tight end behind Cade Otton, Durham has run just 19 routes while drawing one uncaught target.

Durham didn't draw a target across 15 snaps from scrimmage in the Buccaneers' 23-20 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

The Buccaneers' No. 2 tight end was 35 snaps behind Cade Otton, who'd cleared his injury designation by Thursday and filled his usual robust role. Durham is likely to find targets sparse while Otton remains healthy, considering Baker Mayfield has plenty of other pass catchers to focus on even with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (IR-neck) currently unavailable.

Durham could see more pass-catching opportunities than usual to open the 2025 season due to Cade Otton potentially being sidelined with a leg injury, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

While more clarity on a potential return timeline for Otton is expected during the official Week 1 practice week next week, Dix reports the Buccaneers are planning on taking a committee approach at the position if he is indeed forced to miss any regular-season action. That would afford Durham more targets, a scenario that also played out in Weeks 16-18 last season when Otton was sidelined due to a knee injury. Durham secured nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns on 12 targets in that span while sharing pass-catching responsibilities at the position with then-rookie Devin Culp, and that arrangement could well be replicated in the event of any Otton absences early this season.

Durham, who did not log any targets across 15 snaps in Sunday night's 23-20 wild-card loss to the Commanders, finished the 2024 regular season with 11 receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns across 16 games.

Durham saw a significant increase in opportunity on offense during his second season, logging 417 plays from scrimmage after playing only 125 as a rookie in 2023. However, the Purdue product was likely on his way to potentially falling short of his meager 5-58 receiving line of a season prior before top tight end Cade Otton suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss the final three games of the regular season. That opened the door for Durham to serve as the No. 1 tight end from Weeks 16-18, during which he generated a 9-81-2 line on 12 targets despite position mate Devin Culp also showing some promise during that span and absorbing some targets in his own right. Nevertheless, Durham garnered active status over Culp for Sunday night's postseason game, although with Otton back in action, that didn't lead to any production. Durham will be heading into the penultimate year of his rookie deal in 2025 and profiles as the likely No. 2 option at the position again.

Durham brought in both targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 27-19 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Durham drew another start for Cade Otton (knee) and played on a robust 54 snaps (81 percent) in the close, playoff-clinching win. The second-year pro also recorded his second career touchdown on a six-yard pass early in the third quarter, which narrowed what had been a 16-6 halftime deficit. Durham has done a solid job over the last three games in Otton's stead, but the latter's ability to practice in limited fashion on two occasions during Week 18 prep could be a sign he'll be ready to return for Sunday night's wild-card matchup against the Commanders.

Durham (quadriceps) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Durham and Devin Culp (ribs) both avoided injury designations and should continue to play larger roles in the regular-season finale since Cade Otton (knee) is listed as doubtful. Over the previous two games Otton missed, Durham caught seven of 10 targets for 65 yards and one touchdown. Durham upgraded to full practice participation Friday to gain clearance for Sunday's win-and-in game after missing practice Wednesday and being limited Thursday.

Durham (quadricep) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Durham and fellow tight end Cade Otton (knee) have followed the same pattern of practice activity to begin Week 18, with both following up absences Wednesday with limited sessions Thursday. Otton has missed the Buccaneers' past two games, but if he can maintain limited activity or upgrade to full participation Friday, he could have a good chance at making it back for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Saints. If both Otton and Durham are cleared to play, Durham would likely fade back into a secondary role at tight end after playing more than three quarters of the offensive snaps in both of the past two contests while producing a 7-65-1 receiving line on 10 targets.

Durham missed Wednesday's practice with a quadriceps injury.

Durham filled in the past two weeks for Cade Otton, who also missed practice Wednesday and thus appears in danger of missing a third straight game with a knee injury. Devin Culp (ribs) took some of the snaps from Durham in Sunday's blowout of the Panthers, catching three passes for 52 yards but apparently suffering a rib injury along the way. Practice reports Thursday and Friday should provide more clarity on Tampa Bay's TE room for a crucial Week 18 matchup with the Saints.

Durham brought in two of three targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 48-14 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

The second-year tight end once again filled a lead role with Cade Otton (knee) sidelined and got in on the fun of Baker Mayfield's five-touchdown day. Durham secured a five-yard scoring grab with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter for his first NFL touchdown, and his yardage total served as a new career high. Durham will reprise his role in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Saints if Otton remains sidelined.

With Cade Otton (knee) ruled out for the second straight game, Durham is once again set for an expanded role Sunday against the Panthers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

With Otton out last Sunday against Dallas, Durham dominated the playing time at tight end for Tampa Bay, logging 93 percent of the offensive snaps. He turned in a useful 5-29-0 receiving line on seven targets and now catches a Carolina defense that has struggled badly against tight ends in fantasy this season.

Durham brought in five of seven targets for 29 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-24 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night.

With Cade Otton (knee) sidelined, Durham worked as the sole pass-catching option at tight end and finished the night tied for second in both receptions and targets. Both numbers also matched Durham's output in those categories over the 13 regular-season games he played as a rookie in 2023 and served as new single-game career highs. Durham's massive role expansion -- he logged 67 snaps (93 percent) overall, the most of any non-QB skill-position player -- will naturally be a one-game outlier if Otton is able to recover in time for a Week 17 home matchup against the Panthers on Sunday.

Durham could have an expanded role Sunday in Dallas with Cade Otton (knee) listed as doubtful for that contest, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

More snaps for Durham may not result in an expanded role in the passing game, as he's earned just two targets in 13 games this season. Position mates Ko Kieft and Devin Culp, a rookie seventh-round pick, haven't been targeted at all, though, so Durham at least should be an option for QB Baker Mayfield considering the workload he likely will be taking on. In 26 appearances as a pro to date, Durham has a 7-92-0 line on nine targets, which is good for a 77.8 percent catch rate and 10.2 YPT.

Durham did not draw a target across 30 snaps in the Buccaneers' 40-17 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

Durham's snap count was his second highest of the season, but he went without a single pass from Baker Mayfield for the third straight game. The second-year tight end remains a complete non-factor on offense despite serving as Cade Otton's direct backup.

Durham did not draw a target across 25 snaps in the Buccaneers' 28-13 win over the Raiders on Sunday.

Durham flashed with a 26-yard reception on his only target in Week 12 against the Giants, but his only other catch on the season was an eight-yard grab against the Broncos way back in Week 3. The second-year tight end hasn't been able to make any inroads as a pass catcher despite injuries to other members of the Buccaneers' air attack, as Cade Otton is essentially the only offensive threat at tight end for Tampa Bay.

Durham did not see a target during the Buccaneers' 31-26 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Durham logged 11 snaps on offense and another one special teams in his return from a one-game absence due to a calf injury. The 24-year-old has only one reception over his first seven games, and even the absences of Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (IR, ankle) could spur further involvement for the second-year tight end.

Durham (calf) is active Sunday for a matchup against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers official site reports.

Durham missed Week 7 due to a calf issue, but he was able to log a full practice Friday after beginning the week with a DNP. The tight end entered the weekend deemed questionable for Sunday, but he'll be able to suit up against Atlanta. Durham has only one catch on one target for eight yards through six games in a backup role, but there's a chance he could be utilized more in the passing game with Tampa Bay's top wideouts -- Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) -- both out of action.

Durham (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Durham missed the Buccaneers' Week 7 loss to the Ravens due to a calf issue, but he was able to log a full practice session Friday, giving himself a chance to suit up Sunday. However, if Durham can't play through his calf issue in Week 8, expect Ko Kieft to serve as Tampa Bay's No. 2 tight end behind Cade Otton.

Durham (calf) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Durham was unable to play Monday against the Ravens due to a calf injury, which kept him off the practice field Wednesday. He was initially spotted on the sidelines during Thursday's session, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, but Durham managed to upgrade his practice participation, albeit in a limited capacity. Durham will have one more chance Friday to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's NFC South clash against the Falcons.

Durham (calf) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Durham also sat out Wednesday's practice session, and his calf injury forced him to sit out Tampa Bay's loss to the Ravens in Week 7. The depth tight end's status again looks to be in question for Sunday's matchup against Atlanta. Ko Kieft and Devin Culp will be in line to again handle increased reserve work behind behind starter Cade Otton at the tight end position of Durham can't go.

Durham (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against Baltimore, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham has been unable to practice this week due to a calf injury he sustained during the Buccaneers' Week 6 win over the Saints. His next chance to suit up will be Week 8 against the Falcons on Oct. 27. Durham's absence opens the door for Ko Kieft and Devin Culp to see more snaps as the backup tight ends behind starter Cade Otton.

Durham secured his only target for eight yards in the Buccaneers' 26-7 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.

Durham was in on 21 percent of the snaps -- 12 plays total -- which represented a new low over his first three games. However, the second-year pro at least came away with his first reception of the season. Top tight end Cade Otton finally saw his production rise in new coordinator Liam Coen's scheme with a seven-catch outing, but Durham still doesn't have a very bright outlook as his backup considering he's primarily being used in a blocking capacity.

Durham did not draw a target in the Buccaneers' 37-20 win over the Commanders on Sunday.

Durham saw a modest 17 snaps from scrimmage and wasn't afforded any opportunities to touch the ball. However, it was a down game for the Buccaneers' tight ends in general, as Cade Otton saw only two targets in his own right despite playing 52 snaps. Given new offensive coordinator Liam Coen's scheme is expected to frequently deploy tight ends as pass-catching options, Week 1 might ultimately prove to be an outlier. However, Otton is the clear top target at the position, meaning Durham will still be difficult to trust on a game-to-game basis even when he does start getting more involved.

Durham brought in his only target for 13 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-14 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday night.

The second-year tight end was able to get in one last bit of preseason action after missing the second exhibition against the Jaguars due to a knee injury suffered during a joint practice with Jacksonville. Durham was able to practice for multiple days leading into Friday's contest against the Dolphins, so he should be set to fill his No. 2 tight end role behind Cade Otton without limitations right from the onset of the regular season.

Durham (knee) is practicing Tuesday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham had been sidelined since suffering the injury last Wednesday during a joint practice with the Jaguars. His quick recovery should allow him to keep a firm grip on the team's No. 2 tight-end spot behind expected starter Cade Otton.

Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Durham (knee) is considered day-to-day, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham injured his knee during practice Wednesday, but at the very least it appears that the second-year pro has avoided a severe issue. It currently appears as though Durham has a solid grip on the backup spot behind No. 1 tight end Cade Otton, so his availability is key for Tampa Bay's offense. It could be difficult for Durham to get healthy in time for Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars, however.

Durham suffered a knee injury about halfway through the Buccaneers' joint practice with the Jaguars on Wednesday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The severity of the second-year tight end's injury is still unknown, with head coach Todd Bowles confirming Durham would be undergoing tests Wednesday afternoon. Greg Auman of FOXSports.com separately reports the initial read is that Durham's injury isn't serious, but until he can return to the field, the likes of Devin Culp, David Wells and Sal Cannella could all see more pass-catching opportunities behind Cade Otton.

Durham secured both targets for 27 yards in the Buccaneers' 17-14 preseason win over the Bengals on Saturday night.

The second-year tight end drew the start with Cade Otton sitting out with the rest of the Buccaneers' frontline skill-position players. Durham finished third in receiving yards on the night for Tampa Bay, with the highlight of his night a 16-yard grab. Durham appears to have a firm grip on the No. 2 tight end job, but it was nevertheless encouraging to see him turn in a solid performance in his first in-game opportunity within new offensive coordinator Liam Coen's scheme.

Durham is being utilized in diversified fashion alongside position mate Cade Otton in offensive coordinator Liam Coen's scheme, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Durham is being split out wide within several of Coen's personnel groupings, a development that dovetails well with the new coordinator's guiding principle of utilizing a plethora of methods to keep defenses off balance. Durham is seemingly a strong candidate to threaten as either a decoy or the intended target, considering he averaged 11.6 yards per reception on his five regular-season catches as a rookie in 2023 and recorded 126 catches and 21 touchdowns during a 36-game college career at Purdue. Scott Smith of the team's official site reports Durham feels much more comfortable over the first two weeks of his second training camp, noting the talented tight end feels the offseason work he put in taking hold and the game slowing down for him as a whole despite the fact he's learning a new offense.

Durham was active for 13 regular-season games during the 2023 season, securing five of seven targets for 58 yards. He added an 18-yard reception on his only target over two postseason games.

The rookie fifth-round pick was a clear No. 2 pass-catching option at tight end behind Cade Otton, who was healthy for all 17 regular-season games and both postseason contests. However, Durham flashed some field-stretch ability with his sparse opportunities, recording double-digit yardage on three catches when factoring in his one postseason grab. Otton heads into the offseason with a clear grasp on the top job at the position, but Durham could potentially earn his way onto the field more often in 2024 while working in a new offense, and potentially, with a new quarterback.

Durham secured his only target for an 18-yard gain in the Buccaneers' 32-9 wild-card win over the Eagles on Monday night.

The reserve tight end made a habit of making good use of the few times the ball came his way during the regular season, and he continued that trend in his first career postseason contest. Durham now has six receptions for 76 yards on eight targets since his Week 6 pro debut, and the rookie fifth-round pick could potentially see at least a couple of opportunities during Sunday's road divisional-round matchup against the Lions.

Durham secured his only target for a 25-yard gain in the Buccaneers' 30-12 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.

Durham's reception netted a career-high yardage total from both a single-catch and single-game perspective. The rookie fifth-round pick had gone the last three games without drawing so much as a target after posting a combined 3-25 line in Weeks 11 and 12, however, so he remains a fantasy non-factor in ahead of season-long championship games and purely a tournament dart throw in DFS formats.

Durham brought in his only target for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 27-20 loss to the Colts on Sunday.

The rookie tight end was a healthy scratch for the first four game of his career before recording one catch for eight yards on three targets over his first five games with active status. However, after posting a 2-13 line on a pair of targets in Week 11 against the 49rs, Durham was able to get back on the stat sheet again Sunday while logging 12 snaps for the second straight contest. Despite the very modest surge in production, Durham remains a distant No. 2 pass-catching option at tight end behind Cade Otton.

Durham played six of the Buccaneers' 56 snaps on offense and hauled in his lone target for an eight-yard gain in Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions.

Durham was a healthy inactive for the Buccaneers' first four games of the season, but the rookie fifth-round pick out of Purdue got the chance to make his NFL debut Sunday following Tampa Bay's Week 5 bye. The Buccaneers kept him active as their No. 3 tight end over David Wells, with Durham ranking behind starter Cade Otton (54 snaps) and Ko Kieft (14 snaps) in playing time. The coaching staff values Kieft for his blocking skills, and though he brings more pass-catching upside to the table, Durham may not have much of an opportunity to move up to the second position on the depth chart.

Durham (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Vikings, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Durham won't make his NFL debut Week 1 and the team will opt to roll with Cade Otton, Ko Kieft and David Wells at tight end Sunday. The fifth-round rookie will now work to earn the chance to play in Week 2 against the Bears.

Durham brought in his only target for eight yards in the Buccaneers' 26-20 preseason win over the Ravens on Saturday night.

Durham got a long look for a second straight game, leading all Buccaneers tight ends with 24 snaps. The rookie fifth-round pick recorded only three receptions for 11 yards on four targets through three preseason games, and it could come down to him and Dominique Dafney for a potential No. 4 tight spot on the final roster.

Durham brought in one of two targets for three yards while logging 24 snaps from scrimmage and another 10 on special teams in the Buccaneers' preseason-opening loss to the Steelers on Friday.

It was a solid workload for the rookie fifth-round pick, who led all Buccaneers' tight ends in both snaps from scrimmage and on special teams. Durham compiled 101 receptions in his last two college seasons alone, and with second-year pro Ko Kieft a classic blocking tight end, the former's primary competition for playing time -- and perhaps even a roster spot -- appears to be journeyman David Wells.

The Buccaneers selected Durham in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 171st overall.

Durham (6-foot-6, 253 pounds) lacks speed (4.87-second 40), but the Purdue product was a surprisingly productive pass catcher for a tight end who would normally profile as more of a blocker. While Durham is probably too slow to threaten the seam, the fact that he caught 101 passes over the last two years seems to indicate that he has some ability as a pass catcher, if only underneath. Unfortunately for Durham's fantasy prospects, he's unlikely to prove as good of a pass catcher at any point as incumbent starter Cade Otton.

The Buccaneers selected Durham in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 171st overall.

Durham (6-foot-6, 253 pounds) lacks speed (4.87-second 40), but the Purdue product was a surprisingly productive pass catcher for a tight end who would normally profile as more of a blocker. While Durham is probably too slow to threaten the seam, the fact that he caught 101 passes over the last two years seems to indicate that he has some ability as a pass catcher, if only underneath. Unfortunately for Durham's fantasy prospects, he's unlikely to prove as good of a pass catcher at any point as incumbent starter Cade Otton.