Denver Broncos rookie tight end Noah Fant suffered a foot and hip injury during Sunday’s 38-24 win over the Houston Texans but should be fine, coach Vic Fangio during his Monday press conference.
“I think he’s OK,” Fangio said. “He got stepped on and his foot got a little bruised there, which it is OK, and a little hip irritation injury. They’re still doing more tests on him but hopefully optimistic.”
Fant (6-4, 249 pounds) was selected by Denver in the first round of April’s draft out of Iowa. Before leaving Sunday’s game with his foot injury, Fant caught four passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
With Fant sidelined, the Broncos are down to just Jeff Heuerman and Troy Fumagalli at tight end. Fullback Andrew Beck can also play tight end as needed. Heuerman and Fumagallo have both caught one touchdown pass this year. Beck has just four total catches all season.
Fant has now caught 35 passes for 492 yards and three touchdowns this year. In terms of receiving yards, Fant has been the best rookie tight end in the NFL this season. He’s averaging 14.1 yards per reception.
Denver will have off Monday and Tuesday before returning to practice Wednesday. The Broncos will release a mid-week injury report on Wednesday that will provide more clarity on Fant’s status.
