Broncos TE Noah Fant is questionable for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Fant was carted off the field Week 4, so his return would be somewhat surprising. The Broncos will need all hands on deck on the road.

Broncos Head Coach Vic Fangio told reporters on Wednesday that tight end Noah Fant is doubtful to play this week against the Patriots due to his ankle injury.

Fant's injury looked serious after he was carted off the field but the news since then has been relatively positive and it appears Denver will not put him on injured reserve. It sounds like Fant has a shot to return for Week 6 against Miami. Monitor his status in practice over the rest of the week to get a better idea of when Fant will be back.

The Broncos have the players to roll two tight ends in and out of the game. Nick Vannett and Noah Fant would be the starters in “12.” Jake Butt is healthy and versatile. Rookie Albert Okwuegbunam is a receiving threat. And Andrew Beck can play fullback and tight end.

Projected third receiver K.J. Hamler (hamstring) remains out. The first month of the season presents edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney (Titans), T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh) and Shaq Barrett (Tampa Bay), which means using the tight end in protection. And the best way to ease a young offense into the season is by having an effective running game. The extra tight end helps there, too, the story all said.

According to the Denver Post, Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant expressed his excitement at being used in different ways in offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s offensive scheme.

Noah Fant sounds excited about being a part of Pat Shurmur’s offense, saying “I’d say my favorite thing is I’m moving around a lot and he’s using me in different places — I’ll be in the slot, I’ll be in-line, I’ll be outside as a receiver.”. Fant getting looks in the slot and out wide will help to maximize his snap potential this season. Albert Okwuegbunam should push him for snaps, but Fant is the unquestioned starter. Rookie wide receiver K.J. Hamler’s injury may result in the Broncos utilizing more 12 personnel than originally anticipated, and Fant’s ability to be moved around the formation will only increase the possibility. Blessed with the skill set, size, and speed of a day two wide receiver, Fant has TE1 upside if the Broncos choose to unleash sophomore quarterback Drew Lock.