NFL Player News

Smith hauled in five of six targets for 17 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 19-14 loss to the Bears.

Smith tied with Sterling Shepard for the team lead in receptions, and both receivers were used mainly on short passes, as Shepard totaled just 15 yards. The 22-yeard old tight end was fortunate enough to catch a three-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, though, marking the rookie's first score of his career. Smith's usage should last as long as Evan Engram (foot) and Rhett Ellison (concussion) are out of the lineup.

Thomas caught one of two targets for four yards in Sunday's 34-31 loss to the Saints.

Thomas, who hauled in 36 passes as a rookie, needed until Week 12 to make his first grab in his second season. Of course, with Greg Olsen healthy, Thomas' involvement has been scaled back significantly, but it's still surprising how little impact he's made in 2019.

Carlson caught his lone target for eight yards in Sunday's 41-24 win over Miami.

Carlson, whose touchdown streak ended at one game, saw one of the four balls targeted at Cleveland tight ends as quarterback Baker Mayfield established better chemistry with his main weapons, wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham. With David Njoku (wrist) expected to return for Week 13 against Pittsburgh, Carlson may be the odd man out and have to head back to the practice squad.

Smith was not targeted in the team's Week 12 win over the Jaguars. He did rush the ball once for four yards.

Smith was slated to be the top tight end, replacing the injured Delanie Walker (ankle). However, he failed to produce in any meaningful way. With Walker practicing in limited fashion all week, he may be able to return in Week 13 against the Colts, which would all but eliminate any chance for Smith to contribute.

Kittle (ankle) had six catches for 129 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-8 win over Green Bay.

Kittle had missed the previous two games with an ankle injury that included a broken bone, and while he was unlikely at full strength, the star tight end stole the show offensively. The 26-year-old had been the 49ers' most-consistent receiver prior to going down to injury, and he put it all together Sunday with his first game of 100-plus receiving yards and a touchdown. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned the bone spur in his tight end's ankle after the game, stating that the injury is likely to cause pain "for a while," according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. Given his coach's statement, don't be surprised to find Kittle on the injury report leading up to games in the coming weeks, but this impressive showing should bode well for his fantasy owners heading into another heavyweight showdown against the Ravens on Sunday.

Hill secured his only target for no gain in the Saints' 34-31 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

New Orleans' triple-threat put up a donut in the box score in Sunday's win, seeing almost no action in the shootout win. Despite his involvement in the passing, rushing and receiving games, Hill has totaled just 30 combined yards over his last four games. He should be left on the waiver wire even in the deepest of leagues.

Fant caught three of five targets for 14 yards during Sunday's 20-3 loss in Buffalo.

Fant caught a quick 16-yard pass following a Justin Simmons interception to push the Broncos in the Bills territory. Brandon Allen sailed a pass six plays later to cough the ball back up. The Broncos weren't much of a threat for the remainder of the game. The luster of Week 9's win over the Browns has all but worn off by now and, though Fant has been targeted at least five times in four of his last five games and has made some big plays, his value is limited by the Broncos' quarterback situation. Next up is a Chargers defense that has been burned at times downfield this season.

Sternberger (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

With Robert Tonyan (hip) active for the first time since Week 5, Sternberger will watch this contest from the sidelines. The rookie third-rounder has played in two games since being activated from IR with an ankle injury, receiving no targets while logging a majority of his snaps on special teams.

Kittle (knee/ankle) is listed as active Sunday against the Packers.

Adam Schefter of ESPN revealed Sunday morning that Kittle's ankle issue included a broken bone, which combined with his left knee concern sidelined him the last two games. Although Kittle is back in action, it wouldn't shock if he's more of a decoy or has a cap placed on his snap count by the coaching staff. No matter his workload, though, he's one of the most difficult covers in the NFL, regardless of position, and he gets to face a Packers defense that has given up 62.7 yards per game and five touchdowns to tight ends in 10 outings this season.

Tonyan (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

For the first time since Week 5, Tonyan will take the field with the Green and Gold. The tight end will continue working as a reserve behind Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis. Tonyan has posted four catches for 66 scoreless yards over his first five contests.