NFL Player News

Hockenson (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Minnesota, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Hockenson was held out of Wednesday's practice before logging limited sessions Thursday and Friday. He was thought to be more of a true game-time call as of Friday, but Schefter's report suggests Hockenson's status is less of a question mark. Still, fantasy managers will want to watch make sure Hockenson avoids the Lions' inactive list, which will be released approximately 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Hesse was waived by the Falcons on Saturday.

The tight end was let go after appearing in two games this season, failing to record a reception. He was buried on the depth chart behind Kyle Pitts and Hayden Hurst, ultimately being the odd man out when the team activated cornerback Kendall Sheffield from injured reserve Saturday.

Okwuegbunam (hamstring) has been placed on IR by the Broncos.

With Okwuegbunam slated to miss as least three games, Eric Saubert and Andrew Beck are candidates in the meantime to see increased roles behind Denver's top tight end Noah Fant.

Hudson was elevated from the 49ers' practice squad Saturday.

Hudson was unable to land a spot on the Buccaneers' 53-man roster to begin the regular season, but he'll serve as depth at tight end Sunday after George Kittle (calf) was placed on injured reserve. The 26-year-old Hudson appeared in 11 games for Tampa Bay last year and brought in three of his seven targets for 41 yards.

With George Kittle (calf) having landed on IR, Dwelley is in line to head the 49ers' tight end corps for the team's next three games.

Kittle is reportedly likely to return from IR when he's eligible, but for the 49ers' next three games, Dwelley is in line to see added snaps and targets, with Charlie Woerner and Tanner Hudson in the mix on that front as well. Though Dwelley can't be expected to approach Kittle's level of production, he's nonetheless an option for those scrambling for fantasy tight end depth for the next few weeks.

Kittle (calf) has been officially placed on IR by the 49ers.

As a result, Kittle will miss the 49ers' next three games, with Adam Schefter of ESPN noting that the team believes the tight end will be able to return to action when he's eligible to do so. That would put Kittle on track to rejoin the lineup Nov. 7 against the Cardinals. Until then, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner are slated to head the 49ers' tight ends corps, with Tanner Hudson in the depth mix.

The 49ers plan to place Kittle (calf) on IR, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Once the move is made official, Kittle, who had been listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, will be destined for a three-game absence, which would keep him sidelined through Week 8 since the 49ers have a bye during that time. In the meantime, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner are slated to head the 49ers' tight end corps.

Knox, who has four touchdowns over the last three games, draws a favorable Week 5 matchup Sunday against the Chiefs' 27th-ranked pass defense.

The Kansas City defense has struggled against tight ends, giving up an average of 6.5 catches and 85 yards per game to tight ends, as noted by Chris Brown of the Bills' official site. With Knox dominating the receiving role at his position -- 20 targets to just two for backup Tommy Sweeney -- his floor should be pretty high this week, considering the Bills will probably try to move the chains and keep Patrick Mahomes off the field as much as possible. Knox recorded a 6-42-1 line against the Chiefs in last year's AFC Championship Game, his best performance in a disappointing season, but one that may have provided a sneak peek at some of the success the team is having utilizing him in 2021.

Jordan (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Jordan fully participated in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he was unable to take the field Friday due to his illness. The 21-year-old hasn't yet made his professional debut, so his absence wouldn't have a significant impact on Houston's offense.

Horsted (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Horstead logged a full workload at each practice this week, so he is certainly trending in the right direction Sunday. With Jesse James (personal) and J.P. Holtz (quadriceps) sidelined, Horsted would be the No. 3 tight end behind Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham should he ultimately get the green light.