Denver Broncos acquire tight end Vernon Davis from San Francisco 49ers

The Denver Broncos acquired two-time Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis from San Francisco on Monday. Under terms of the deal, the teams will swap sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2016, and Denver will send San Francisco a sixth-rounder in 2017.

Davis, 31, has 55 touchdown receptions in his 10-year career, though his production has diminished the last two seasons. He had 18 receptions for 194 yards with the struggling 49ers this season and has not caught a touchdown pass since the 2014 season opener. His contract expires after this season.

However, he fills a need at the position for the unbeaten Broncos (7-0), whose tight ends Owen Daniels and Virgil Green have combined for only 228 yards receiving while being used primarily as blockers to help a battered offensive line protect Peyton Manning.

“I’ve always liked Vernon,” said John Elway, the Broncos’ vice president of football operations. “He’s always been a guy . . .that can really stretch the field, has tremendous speed and athletic ability. He’s one of those guys at tight end that really catches your eye all the time.”

The timing of the trade is interesting because, assuming he plays Sunday against Indianapolis, the new Broncos addition will be lining up against his brother, Colts cornerback Vontae Davis.

Pierre-Paul status

New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin indicated there is a chance two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul will play this week for the first time since losing the index finger on his right hand in a July 4 fireworks accident. Coughlin said Pierre-Paul’s stamina and his ability to play with a swollen hand will be tested in practice, and if the 26-year-old makes enough progress, the Giants (4-4) would be open to using him against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

A concrete plan?

St. Louis Coach Jeff Fisher said the Rams organization has been in contact with the league for possible solutions after two players slipped on concrete bordering the field the last two weeks. San Francisco running back Reggie Bush was carted off with a left knee injury Sunday after slipping on the concrete, and Cleveland quarterback Josh McCown banged his left arm or shoulder the previous week when he slid into the wall, though he didn’t come out of the game.

Jets’ QBs hurting

The availability of the New York Jets’ top two quarterbacks is uncertain because of injuries. Coach Todd Bowles said Ryan Fitzpatrick has at least one torn ligament in his left thumb and Geno Smith is dealing with a badly bruised left shoulder, which means rookie Bryce Petty or perhaps someone not even on the team’s roster as of Monday night could start the Jets’ next game.

Uncertainty in S.F.

San Francisco Coach Jim Tomsula did not name a starting quarterback for this week’s game against Atlanta, an indication Colin Kaepernick’s job could be in jeopardy. A day after the 49ers (2-6) lost 27-6 at St. Louis and failed to score a touchdown for the second straight game and third in five, Tomsula said, “I don’t have any comments on any position on our field right now. We’re evaluating everyone.”

Watkins apologizes

Buffalo receiver Sammy Watkins apologized for posting a message on his Instagram account last week in which he called his critics “losers” and suggested they wished they were in his position while “working y’all little jobs.” On Monday, Watkins said, “I would never do it again.”

Etc.

Buffalo Coach Rex Ryan said quarterback Tyrod Taylor is set to reclaim his starting job after missing two games with a sprained ligament in his left knee. . . . Chicago Coach John Fox said star running back Matt Forte and veteran receiver Eddie Royal are likely to return this season and probably won’t need surgery to repair knee injuries they suffered in the Bears’ loss to Minnesota. . . . San Diego Coach Mike McCoy says receiver Keenan Allen has a kidney injury and will miss an undetermined amount of time. . . . Cleveland’s McCown suffered a rip injury in the second half of Sunday’s loss to Arizona and it’s not yet known if the quarterback will face unbeaten Cincinnati this week. . . . Denver Coach Gary Kubiak said rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo needs season-ending surgery on his left shoulder. . . . The NFL will use its flexible scheduling option the first week it’s available this season, moving the Nov. 22 matchup between Cincinnati and Arizona into prime time.

Times staff writer Sam Farmer contributed to this report.