NFL Player News

Kittle (knee) wasn't present Thursday for the 49ers' practice session, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan has thus far resisted ruling Kittle out for a second straight game this weekend versus Arizona, but at this stage, it would be a major surprise if the tight end received clearance to play. Kittle's expected absence sets the stage for Ross Dwelley to play a major role once again in Week 11 after the second-year player logged 80 of a possible 88 offensive snaps in Monday's loss to the Seahawks, finishing the night with three catches for 24 yards on seven targets.

Alie-Cox (hip) was not spotted at Thursday's practice, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Alie-Cox hasn't practiced in any capacity this week, and he looks to be trending toward missing Sunday's tilt against Jacksonville. With Eric Ebron fully healthy and Jack Doyle (shoulder) having returned to practice Thursday, even if Alie-Cox were forced to miss any time, it wouldn't be a tremendous loss for the Colts' offense. The 26-year-old mainly contributes as a blocker for Indianapolis.

Hooper (knee) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Considered a "longshot" to suit up Sunday in Carolina by coach Dan Quinn, Hooper predictably is focusing on rehab of his sprained MCL rather than on-field drills. Back-to-back absences seem to indicate Hooper is trending toward inactive status this weekend, but the Falcons have yet to make an official ruling on the fourth-year tight end. Behind Hooper, Jaeden Graham and Luke Stocker (knee) occupy the next two spots on the depth chart.

Knox missed practice Thursday due to a sore knee, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Coach Sean McDermott expects the rookie back at practice Friday, though we'll see if that comes into fruition when the team hits the field for its last session prior to Sunday's divisional showdown in Miami. Given that Knox practiced Wednesday and his coach is downplaying the issue, it sounds like there's still a good chance Knox will suit up for Week 11.

Bell will not practice Thursday due to an ankle injury, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Bell was briefly sidelined during Sunday's loss to the Titans due to an ankle injury, but he managed to retake the field without missing more than a couple of drives. It now appears that the issue could jeopardize his availability for Monday's tilt against the Chargers, though the fifth-year pro will have two more chances to practice before a decision on his availability is made. Bell plays a reserve role behind Travis Kelce in Kansas City's offense, and he also contributes on special teams.

The 49ers haven't officially ruled out Kittle (knee) for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan crossed some wires when talking to the Arizona media Wednesday, indicating that he ruled out Kittle, per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site. Shanahan later clarified his words, stating the 49ers need to prepare as if Kittle won't suit up this weekend. Kittle thus seems likely to miss a second game in a row, giving Ross Dwelley another shot to serve as the 49ers' primary tight end.

Higbee didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Over the last six games, fellow tight end Gerald Everett has put together a 28-322-2 line on 49 targets. Meanwhile, Higbee has been contained to 15 receptions (on 19 targets) for 151 yards and no scores during that span. He's now the less healthy of the two as well -- Everett was limited by a wrist issue Wednesday -- further hindering Higbee's prospects.

Everett (wrist) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Everett is beginning to shine a bit more on a weekly basis. Helped along by double-digit targets three times in the last five games and 8.2 looks per game over the last six, he's posted a 28-322-2 line during that stretch. Considering he fit in some activity while Tyler Higbee (knee) failed to do so Wednesday, Everett is the healthier of the Rams' top two tight ends.

Coach Kyle Shanahan ruled out Kittle (knee/ankle) for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Shortly after noting Kittle didn't practice Wednesday, Shanahan made the decision on the tight end's Week 11 availability. Kittle thus will focus on getting his left knee and ankle right while the 49ers turn to Ross Dwelley as their primary tight end. Dwelley aside, Garrett Celek and Levine Toilolo also should play bit parts in the offense.

Kittle (knee/ankle) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

On Tuesday, coach Kyle Shanahan expressed "hope" regarding Kittle's odds to return for the 49ers' Week 11 matchup with the Cardinals. One day later, Kittle was unable to practice for the first time since injuring his left knee Oct. 31, which interestingly enough happened in Arizona. The team will release two more injury reports this week, at which point he'll get a designation for Sunday's game.