NFL Player News

Lewis converted his lone target into a one-yard touchdown in Thursday's 34-17 victory over the 49ers.

As per usual, Lewis was limited mainly to blocking duty throughout the contest, but he was rewarded for his efforts with a goal-line target. Lewis continues to run behind Robert Tonyan and has totaled just nine receptions for 32 yards and two scores over seven games, so he continues to reside on the fringe of fantasy relevance.

Tonyan recorded a five-yard reception on his lone target in Thursday's 34-17 victory over the 49ers.

Tonyan was on the field for 62 percent of the plays the Packers ran, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaned on his receivers and running backs in Week 9. Since breaking out for three touchdowns Week 3 against the Falcons, Tonyan has averaged just 35.3 yards per game and hasn't found the end zone. He's still a decent bet to end the scoring drought Week 10, when the Packers face a Jacksonville team that surrendered seven touchdowns to opposing tight ends over six games between Weeks 2 and 7.

Dwelley secured all three targets for 52 yards in the 49ers' 34-17 loss to the Packers on Thursday night. He also returned one kickoff for 20 yards.

With George Kittle (foot) out, Dwelley served as the primary tight end even with Jordan Reed (knee) also being activated from injured reserve for the contest. The third-year tight end finished a distant second in receptions and receiving yards to Richie James, who exploded for a career-best 9-184-1 line. Kittle could well be out for the remainder of the regular season, so Dwelley could retain a solid role in a Week 10 battle against the Saints on Sunday, Nov. 15 while sharing snaps with Reed.

Keene (knee) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Keene sat out last week's loss to the Bills with the knee issue, and he appears to still be battling the knee issue. The Patriots' tight end depth chart is currently pretty banged up, with Keene and Ryan Izzo (hamstring) battling injuries, along with Devin Asiasi (undisclosed) hitting injured reserve Tuesday.

The 49ers elevated Helm from their practice squad ahead of Thursday's game against the Packers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Helm was one of three pass catchers promoted to the roster as designated replacements for Kendrick Bourne, Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Brandon Aiyuk, all of whom were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list a day earlier. Even with George Kittle (foot) on injured reserve, the 49ers still have Jordan Reed, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner as available tight ends, so Helm won't be a lock to see the field Thursday.

Kmet (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate.

Kmet wasn't among the Bears' injured players Wednesday, so this 'DNP' is cause for concern with regard to his ability to suit up Sunday at Tennessee. If he's unable to go, any lingering TE reps behind Jimmy Graham will filter down to Demetrius Harris and J.P. Holtz.

Graham (knee/hamstring) was listed as a full participant on Thursday's estimated injury report.

Meanwhile, rookie tight end Cole Kmet (groin) wouldn't have practiced if the Bears had held practice. If the TE group is down one player Sunday in Tennessee, Graham could be even more utilized than he has been this season. Through eight games, his offense snap share has ranged between 62 and 80 percent, which has translated to a 29-247-4 line on 49 targets.

The 49ers placed Kittle (foot) on injured reserve Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kittle's move to IR was fully expected after the tight end was diagnosed Wednesday with a fractured cuboid bone in his foot. The 49ers haven't placed an official timeline on Kittle's return, but Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday that the 27-year-old could be sidelined for around eight weeks with the injury. With Kittle unlikely to play again until late in the season, the 49ers will rely more heavily on Jordan Reed and Ross Dwelley at tight end.

Hockenson (toe) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

The tight end took a step up after being limited in Wednesday's session, clearing up any concern about his availability for Sunday's game in Minnesota. With at least a touchdown or 50-plus receiving yards in each of his seven games this season, Hockenson has been a consistent fantasy producer for his managers. He'll draw a juicy matchup versus a suspect Vikings pass defense this weekend, though Hockenson may have to catch passes from Chase Daniel, who will start at quarterback if Matthew Stafford isn't able to return from the reserve/COVID-19 list when first eligible Sunday.

Thomas (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Bumping up from Wednesday's limited showing, Thomas has put himself into a position to be Washington's top tight end Sunday against the Giants, who have allowed 8.1 yards per target (eighth worst in the NFL) and two touchdowns to the position in eight games this season.