NFL Player News

The 49ers designated Kittle (calf) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Keiana Martin of the team's official site reports.

San Francisco made the first of two procedural moves to get Kittle back on the active roster, the second of which will be his outright activation to the 53-man. For the time being, his 21-day window has opened for him to practice and test out his previously sore calf. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that the 49ers will reintegrate Kittle slowly, with the "real test" to happen at Thursday's session. Shanahan also said they are "not counting on it 100 percent" for Kittle to suit up Sunday versus the Cardinals, so the aforementioned test may be the selling point, one way or another.

Waller (ankle) is not listed on the Raiders' Week 9 injury report.

Waller, who was a late addition to the team's Week 7 injury report, ended up missing Las Vegas' Oct. 24 win over Philadelphia, but it appears as though he has recovered from his ankle issue following the Raiders' Week 8 bye. With Waller on track to reclaim his starting tight end position Sunday against the Giants, Foster Moreau -- who logged a 6/60/1 stat line versus the Eagles -- figures to return to a complementary role in Week 9.

Smith (shoulder) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Smith was limited in practice last week before suiting up for Sunday's win over the Chargers, playing 49 of the Patriots' 77 snaps on offense and catching both of his targets for 13 yards. With no reported setbacks in that contest, Smith is expected to continue working in a timeshare with Hunter Henry this weekend against the Panthers. He'll likely need to practice fully by the end of the week in order to avoid taking an injury designation into Sunday.

Brown (thigh) did not participate in practice Wednesday.

Brown missed the Texans' Week 8 game against the Rams after getting injured in practice. Brown will try to hit the practice field Thursday, but if he can't his Week 9 status against the Dolphins will definitely be in Jeopardy. Should Brown miss Week 9, Jordan Akins and more so Brevin Jordan will step into larger roles.

Hill (concussion) officially was limited at Wednesday's practice.

In his first on-field work since suffering a concussion Week 5, Hill had a cap on his reps, but it's a sign that he's making progress through league protocols for head injuries. The Saints have a bit of a quandary at quarterback after Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL and also damage to his MCL this past Sunday against the Buccaneers. Trevor Siemian took over for Winston and completed 16 of 29 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the 36-27 victory. Coach Sean Payton may wait to make a decision on the Week 9 starter until he sees where Hill stands as of Friday, but Hill's upcoming role could be anything from No. 1 QB to inactive player.

McKeon (anke) was activated from IR on Wednesday, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

McKeon was injured in a preseason game against the Cardinals and was placed on IR on Sept. 3. The second-year pro played 14 games last season with the Cowboys -- primarily on special teams -- and never made a reception. His return comes at an opportune time since backup tight end Blake Jarwin (hip) is questionable for the Cowboys' Week 9 contest against the Broncos.

Hill (concussion) returned to practice Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Hill's return to drills for the first time since sustaining a concussion Week 5 is well timed following Jameis Winston's diagnosis of a torn ACL in addition to damage to his MCL from Week 8. It's unclear where Hill stands in the protocol for head injuries, and also whether he'd be the first quarterback to step in for Winston. Coach Sean Payton could opt to roll with Trevor Siemian under center after he stepped in and led the Saints to a 36-27 win over the Buccaneers this past Sunday, completing 16 of 29 passes for 159 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Such a scenario likely would place Hill in his customary jack-of-all trades role, assuming he's able to get cleared in time for a Week 9 matchup with the Falcons.

Coach Sean McDermott said Wednesday that Knox (hand) will not participate in practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

McDermott said Monday that Knox is day-to-day and has been improving, but the starting tight end still isn't ready to resume handling practice reps. Knox, who is recovering from hand surgery, will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's contest against the Jaguars. If Knox isn't able to retake the field Week 9, Tommy Sweeney will once again stand to handle the No. 1 tight end reps.

Stoll caught his lone target for nine yards in Sunday's 44-6 win over the Lions.

Stoll played 42 of a possible 65 snaps (68 percent), just two fewer than Dallas Goedert. Goedert saw six more targets, however, which is probably a good indicator about how the stats will break down going forward between the two. The Eagles only attempted 16 passes the whole game, however, so perhaps Week 9 at home against the Chargers will provide a more accurate sample, one which doesn't contain such a lopsided score.

Fant's placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday was the result of a positive test for the virus, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Thus, Fant will need to produce a pair of negative tests 24 hours apart in order to be eligible to play Sunday at Dallas. He has time to do just that, but the Broncos likely are preparing for him to be sidelined for at least one game. If Fant doesn't clear league protocols in time to suit up Week 9, the Broncos will turn to Albert Okwuegbunam to take on a bigger role, with Eric Saubert and Andrew Beck also in the mix at tight end.