Nick Vannett News

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 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 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 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.

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'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.