NFL Player News

Oliver (back) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Colts, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

It's unclear how Oliver picked up the injury, but this is tough news for him, considering he was in line for an increased snap count Sunday. With him and Seth DeValve (oblique) sidelined as well, the only healthy tight end left on the roster is Ben Koyack. Oliver left late in the fourth quarter, so in the likely event he doesn't return, expect specifics from the team in the coming days regarding the injury.

Kittle (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle will log a second consecutive DNP as a result of his knee injury. There's no end in sight to his recovery, but his next opportunity to attempt to return arrives next Sunday night against the Packers. In Kittle's place, the 49ers will send out tight end Ross Dwelley, who was targeted seven times while earning 91 percent of the snaps on offense Week 10.

Oliver is expected to handle a heavier snap count Sunday against the Colts with Seth DeValve (oblique) inactive for the contest, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

DeValve had played more than half of the Jaguars' offensive snaps in each of the pass three games and garnered eight targets in that span, so some modest volume in the passing game will be up for grabs. While the Jaguars may end up filtering more of DeValve's looks to their running backs or receivers, Oliver represents a better candidate to draw targets than the lone other healthy tight end, blocking specialist Ben Koyack. After an injury delayed start to his NFL career, the rookie caught two of four targets for 10 yards in the Jaguars' two games prior to the team's Week 10 bye.

Alie-Cox (hip) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars.

Despite not practicing all week, Alie-Cox is ready to rock for the divisional matchup. The tight end will mainly be used in a blocking role behind Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle on the depth chart, as Alie-Cox has been targeted just seven times over nine contests.

Arnold (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Arnold is a healthy scratch for the second straight game. In the two contests he's suited up this year, Arnold hauled in two of four targets for 25 scoreless yards.

Kittle (knee), who is listed as doubtful on the 49ers' official injury report, won't play Sunday against the Cardinals, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Kittle was listed as doubtful ahead of Monday's overtime loss to the Seahawks and didn't play, so it's not a surprise that he'll be due for another absence while retaining the same designation for Week 11. Ross Dwelley, who played 93 percent of the offensive snaps and drew seven targets against the Seahawks, is expected to serve as the primary replacement for Kittle at tight end.

Bell (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Bell sustained the injury last week against the Titans and actually returned to the game, but he was unable to practice this week. Deon Yelder should serve as Kansas City's No. 2 tight end in his place.

Mundt (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Mundt appeared on the injury report mid-week with the issue but has put in two limited practices to close it out. He logged his first catch of the season Week 10, and with Gerald Everett (wrist) and Tyler Higbee (knee) also questionable, the 24-year-old could be looking at a few extra snaps Sunday.

Higbee (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Higbee practiced for the first time this week Friday, but coach Sean McVay expressed optimism the tight end will be ready to play come Sunday. The 26-year-old has yet to total 50 receiving yards in any game this season.

Dwelley could be in line for significant snaps in Sunday's game against the Cardinals with George Kittle (knee/ankle) listed as doubtful for the contest.

Dwelley filled in for Kittle in Monday's 27-24 loss to Seattle, catching three of seven targets for 24 yards while playing 92 percent of the offensive snaps. The Niners could give some of that playing time to Garrett Celek or Levine Toilolo in Week 11, but Dwelley remains the better bet to draw targets.