NFL Player News

Dwelley is expected to start at tight end and see an uptick in snaps Sunday against the Cardinals with George Kittle (calf) listed as doubtful for the game.

Kittle has been sidelined for only a handful of plays through the 49ers' first four games, leaving few reps left over for Dwelley and Charlie Woerner, the two reserve options at tight end. Neither player can come close to matching Kittle's impact as a pass catcher, but Dwelley projects as the more fantasy friendly option of the two, given that he's drawn 25 targets in 20 games over the past season and change compared to just four for Woerner. Dwelley, who turned his lone target of 2021 into a 21-yard touchdown Week 4 against the Seahawks, shouldn't be viewed as much more than a desperation streamer at tight end in deeper season-long leagues or as a punt play in DFS.

Kittle (calf) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle reportedly wasn't able to do much at Friday's practice, attempting a return after missing Wednesday and Thursday. He played through the same calf injury and handled a full workload last week, though he caught just four of 11 targets in the 49ers' loss to Seattle. It now appears Trey Lance will make his first NFL start without the help of his team's best offensive player, with TE snaps instead going to Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner. The team then has a Week 6 bye, followed by a Sunday night home game against the Colts in Week 7 (Oct. 24).

Okwuegbunam (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Steelers, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports that the Broncos have yet to make a decision on whether or not to place Okwuegbunam on injured reserve. Expect Eric Saubert and Andrew Beck to see increased roles behind Noah Fant in Week 5.

Hockenson (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Minnesota.

Hockenson is believed to have picked up the injury last week, though he saw eight targets and handled an 82-percent snap share in a 24-14 loss to the Bears. He was then held out of Wednesday's practice before logging limited sessions Thursday and Friday. He looks to be truly questionable, with the tight end noting that he'll ice his knee Saturday and hope for the best Sunday morning, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Hockenson also mentioned that his injury is a result of repeated hits to his knees, rather than any structural or internal issue. Still, fantasy managers should treat him as a game-time call ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday, with Darren Fells likely filling in as Detroit's top tight end if Hockenson can't go.

Smith (knee) is not listed on the Giants' injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Smith has played through the knee injury all season, so it's not surprising to see him active for Week 5. The 24-year-old will likely maintain his marginal role behind Evan Engram and Kyle Rudolph against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Holtz (quadriceps) won't play Sunday against the Raiders.

With fellow tight end Jesse James (personal) also ruled out, Jesper Horsted (knee) will slide up to third on the depth chart behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham in Vegas. Holtz -- who hasn't had a pass thrown his way all season -- will look to make his return in Week 6 against the Packers.

James (personal) won't play Sunday against the Raiders.

James didn't practice all week and will consequently sit out when his teammates travel to Vegas. Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham should continue to dominate snaps at the tight end position for Chicago.

Njoku (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku hadn't previously dealt with any injuries this season until a knee injury cut into his practice time this week. The Browns have Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant on hand should Njoku -- who has seven catches for 111 yards this season -- need to miss any time.

Coach Robert Saleh said Friday that Yeboah will be elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's contest against the Falcons, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Yeboah will get a chance to make his NFL debut after Tyler Kroft (back) was ruled out for Week 5. The Ole Miss product had a strong finish to the preseason, catching four passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns -- including a 49-yard Hail Mary score -- during the Jets' final exhibition contest. Despite the preseason heroics, the 22-year-old will likely have a very limited role against Atlanta on Sunday.

Parkinson caught one pass (two targets) for one yard in Thursday's 26-17 loss to the Rams.

Parkinson logged 35 of 65 offensive snaps with Gerald Everett (COVID-19 protocol) out of the lineup, but he didn't make much of an impact in the passing game. Everett should be back in the lineup Week 6 against the Steelers, so Parkinson will move back to the No. 3 tight end role.