Heuerman isn't expected to play in Monday's preseason game against the 49ers, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since playing nine offensive snaps without a target in the Hall of Fame Game, Heuerman has missed some practices with a shoulder injury and the Broncos' two subsequent exhibitions. He'll have two more opportunities to suit up before the regular season, when he'll be attempting to fend off rookie Noah Fant and holdovers Troy Fumagalli and Jake Butt at tight end.

Heuerman (shoulder) participated in the Broncos' practice Sunday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman sat out Thursday's preseason opener due to his shoulder injury but it doesn't appear the issue was too serious. He's expected to resume his role as the team's No. 1 tight end.

Heuerman (shoulder) won't play in Thursday's preseason game at Seattle, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Heuerman and Jake Butt (knee) out, the Broncos' tight end group has been whittled down to rookie Noah Fant, Troy Fumagalli, Austin Fort and Moral Stephens.

Heuerman (shoulder) didn't practice Tuesday, The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Heuerman may still play in Thursday's preseason game against the Seahawks, which is more than can be said of fellow tight ends Jake Butt (knee) and Bug Howard (ankle).

Heuerman is listed as Denver's top tight end on the team's first official depth chart.

EDGE Analysis

The Broncos have drafted three tight ends since taking Heuerman in the third round of the 2015 draft, including a huge splash move by drafting Noah Fant 20th overall in April. Still, after signing a modest extension in March, Heuerman has continued to have a hold of the starting job. The former Buckeye may just be keeping the Hawkeye's seat warm before Fant takes off in the near future, but in an offense that made George Kittle a star last season, Heuerman could have surprising 2019 campaign.

Heuerman is facing serious competition for snaps after the Broncos selected tight end Noah Fant with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Julia Maguire of FOX 21 News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Signed to a two-year, $8 million contract earlier this offseason, Heuerman was looking at minimal competition prior to Thursday night. His experience and solid blocking will give the 26-year-old a decent chance to retain the starting job at tight end, but the uber-athletic Fant is far more intriguing in the fantasy football universe. Heuerman was limited to a 31-282-2 receiving line in 11 games (10 starts) last season before three broken ribs and a bruised lung forced him to injured reserve in late November. It isn't the type of of injury that figures to have much impact on his 2019 preparation.

Heuerman is signing a two-year, $9 million contract to stay with the Broncos, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman missed the final five weeks of 2018 after he suffered a bruised lung and three broken ribs, closing out the season with a 31-281-2 receiving line on 48 targets in 11 games (10 starts). He's never shown much upside as a pass catcher, but the 2015 third-round pick nonetheless profiles as the top option on a weak depth chart at tight end. Heuerman is backed by 2017 fifth-round pick Jake Butt (knee) and 2018 fifth-rounder Troy Fumagalli (sports hernia), both of whom also finished the season on injured reserve. The Broncos would be wise to bring in some competition during the upcoming draft, or perhaps even another veteran free agent.

Heuerman ended 2018 with 31 catches, 281 yards and two touchdowns off of 48 targets.

EDGE Analysis

The Broncos have been waiting since 2015 to see what they have in Heuerman and, just as he seemed to be finding a rhythm, he was lost for the season with injuries to his ribs and lungs. Heading into 2018, it looked like he and Jake Butt would both feature heavily in the offense. After Butt (ACL) was lost for the season early on, Heuerman became the main option and put together some quality performances, including a career-best 10 receptions in Week 9 against Houston. 2018 was easily the former Buckeye's most productive season, but he heads into free agency with Denver having not gained much from its former third-round pick and it's unclear if he'll return. If he does, it'll likely be as part of a tandem with Butt.

Heuerman (ribs/lung) was placed on injured reserve by the Broncos on Tuesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heuerman was diagnosed with three broken ribs and a bruised lung Monday, so this news comes as no surprise. In 11 games this season, Heuerman showed big moments in the passing game and caught 31 of 48 targets for 281 yards and two touchdowns. With the Ohio State product headed to IR, Matt LaCosse, Brian Parker and newly promoted Temarrick Hemingway will handle duties at tight end for the Broncos going forward this season.

Coach Vance Joseph confirmed Heuerman (ribs/lung) will miss the rest of the season, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diagnosed with three broken ribs and a bruised lung, Heuerman finishes the final season of his rookie contract with 31 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns on 48 targets in 11 games. He had a couple big moments in the passing game and earned a solid reputation as a blocker, but his uninspired marks of 9.1 yards per catch and 5.9 per target could make it difficult to land a large contract this upcoming offseason. With the 2015 third-round pick headed for injured reserve, Matt LaCosse is left as Denver's top pass catcher at tight end, though Brian Parker is also a candidate to handle some of the vacated snaps.