NFL Player News

Kittle (calf) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The sore calf Kittle picked up in Sunday's loss to the Packers looks like it may be more worrisome than initially anticipated, as the star tight end will miss his second straight practice as the 49ers prepare for a Week 4 matchup with the Seahawks. Kittle has proven in the past that he doesn't need a full slate of practice to suit up on game days, but his ability to get on the field in any capacity Friday would alleviate some of the concern fantasy managers may have about the health of his calf. Through three games, Kittle has yet to find paydirt, but he's recorded 15 receptions and has totaled 196 yards from scrimmage.

Parkinson (foot) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Parkinson has battled the same foot injury for much of his professional career, as he was sidelined until Week 8 of the 2020 campaign with a broken bone in his foot. He suffered the same injury Aug. 13 in the same foot and landed on injured reserve about three weeks later. Parkinson can now return to practice and must be activated within 21 days.

Kroft (rib) was limited at practice Wednesday.

That Kroft was able to practice in any fashion suggests that he has a chance to suit up Sunday against the Titans. However, with six catches on nine targets for 46 yards over his first three games with the Jets, he's only a fantasy option at tight end in deeper formats.

Conklin was held out of Wednesday's practice due to glute and elbow injuries.

Conklin instead worked out with the training staff on the side Wednesday, per Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. After busting out for seven catches (on eight targets) for 70 yards and one touchdown this past Sunday against the Seahawks, Conklin could be in danger of missing time. If he does, Chris Herndon, Ben Ellefson and potentially, practice-squad members Zach Davidson and Brandon Dillon, may be beneficiaries.

The Seahawks placed Everett (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

According to Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston, Everett tested positive for the virus, which may make it difficult for him to clear the necessary hurdles to suit up Sunday at San Francisco. If Everett is out Week 4, fellow tight end Will Dissly would likely take on a much bigger role in the Seattle offense.

Firkser (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Firkser managed only three catches for 19 yards Week 1, but he could have a larger role after his two-game absence, with star wideouts Julio Jones (leg) and A.J. Brown (hamstring) looking uncertain for Sunday's game agains the Jets. That said, the Titans could respond to the injuries with more run plays and heavy formations, which would limit Firkser's snaps even if the pass-catching alternatives are unimpressive. Either way, he'll at least be able to play this week.

Kittle (calf) won't practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

In the aftermath of the 49ers' Week 3 loss to the Packers, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Kittle emerged from the game with calf soreness, which has persisted into the first session of Week 4 prep. Shanahan relayed to Matt Barrows of The Athletic on Wednesday that he expects Kittle to be fine this week, but the 49ers won't push the tight end just yet. Kittle's stature is such that he likely doesn't need to practice to be ready for game day, but he'll have two more chances to get on the field before week's end.

Conklin didn't participate in the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Instead, Conklin worked on a side field with a member of the Vikings' training staff, according to Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The nature of Conklin's injury is unclear, but it's coming on the heels of his best game of the season in Week 3, when he hauled in seven of eight targets for 70 yards and one touchdown in a victory over the Seahawks.

Smith (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Smith has been listed on the Giants' injury report with a knee issue every week this season, but the 24-year-old tight end has played in every game. He has caught all three of his targets for 33 yards this year. Barring a setback, Smith should once again be available in Week 4 despite his injury status.

Goedert caught two of his four targets for 66 yards in Monday's 41-21 loss to Dallas.

Goedert looked like he might have been on his way to a big game when he caught the Eagles' first pass of the game for a 38-yard pickup. He would only see one more look in the half before starting the third quarter much the same way he started the first, with another big gain of 28 yards on the first play of the period. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old's production continues to be drained by the presence of Zach Ertz, who caught four balls on seven targets for 53 yards and a touchdown while playing one more snap than Goedert.