NFL Player News

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.

Knox (calf/illness) returned to practice Thursday, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports.

Knox's presence at practice means he must have cleared COVID-19 protocols after testing positive for the virus prior to Week 7. Before landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Knox sat out the Bills' Week 6 loss to the Chiefs with a calf issue, so his activity in practice will still need to be monitored before his status for Sunday's game against the Seahawks is confirmed. The Bills have received very little tight end production all season, and it's reached a low point with Knox out of the lineup.

Wolf agreed to sign with the Saints' practice squad Wednesday, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Wolf has spent time between the Saints and Colts this season on both practice squads, as he's failed to see regular-season action this season. Wolf will provide depth at the tight end position as he tries to make a push for a 53-man roster spot around the league.

Lewis (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Thursday's game against San Francisco.

Lewis has seen his practice reps managed by the team the past two weeks but had ultimately suited up, so this news isn't surprising. Now healthy, the veteran tight end is expected to share depth reps with Jace Sternberger behind starter Robert Tonyan.

Alie-Cox (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Alie-Cox managed to play through his lingering knee issue during Sunday's win over the Lions, so barring any setbacks, he should be good for Week 9. Fellow tight ends Jack Doyle and Trey Burton both scored versus Detroit, while Alie-Cox was limited to just three catches (on four targets) for 37 yards.