NFL Player News

Kittle (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Since the 49ers designated him for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Kittle has maintained his listed activity level on the 49ers' first two Week 7 injury reports. Per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com, Kittle said that he suffered a full tear of his hamstring Week 1 at Seattle, which spurred extra caution in his recovery effort. However, Kittle added that he's back to full health and intends to suit up this weekend. San Francisco will need to activate him from IR by Saturday afternoon in order to have him available Sunday versus the Falcons.

Bowers (knee) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Bowers also missed Wednesday's session, and another DNP a day later has the tight end trending toward missing a third straight game Sunday against the Chiefs. If Bowers remains sidelined this weekend, fellow TE Michael Mayer, who had five catches (on seven targets) for 50 yards and a TD in a Week 6 win over the Titans, once again would be in store for added opportunities in the Raiders offense.

Whiteheart (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Whiteheart was limited in practice Wednesday, but he now appears to have returned to full health. After playing a season-high 22 snaps on offense during Cleveland's loss to the Steelers in Week 6, Whiteheart may now get a chance to handle No. 2 tight end reps behind rookie Harold Fannin if David Njoku (knee) is unable to suit up at home against the Dolphins on Sunday.

Waller (hip/rest) was limited in practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Waller has consistently had his practice reps capped this season as part of a load management plan, so there's not yet any reason to worry that his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns is truly in jeopardy. It's possible that Waller could carry an injury designation for Week 7, but barring any actual setbacks the veteran tight end figures to take the field on the road versus Cleveland.

Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Sanders has been ramping up his participation in practice, and Thursday's full session puts him on track to return from a three-game absence Sunday against the Jets. Sanders could jump right back into a prominent role in a favorable matchup against a Jets defense that has allowed a league-high six touchdowns to tight ends this season.

Njoku (knee) is not participating in the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Njoku appears to be missing a second consecutive practice due to the knee injury he suffered during Cleveland's loss to the Steelers in Week 6, which bodes poorly for his odds of being able to suit up at home against the Dolphins on Sunday even though the issue isn't considered long-term. Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports that Njoku is one of Cleveland's top candidates to be moved ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline, which could motivate the team to be extra cautious with the tight end's health. If Njoku indeed can't go Week 7, rookie third-round pick Harold Fannin will benefit from increased target opportunities at the tight end position.

Odukoya is signing with the Patriots' practice squad Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Odukoya previously spent time under Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. Most of Odukoya's time with the Titans came on their practice squad, though he appeared in two regular-season games in 2024.

Njoku (knee) is among several members of the Browns that could be moved before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

At 1-5 and seemingly in a transition season, Cleveland could be an active seller leading up the deadline. In the aftermath of Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Steelers, Njoku is tending to a knee injury that kept him out of Wednesday's practice, but the issue is not viewed as a long-term concern. The tight end is in the final year of his contract, which makes him attractive to potential suitors. Harold Fannin, a rookie third-round draft pick, has been on the field nearly as much as Njoku this season and would take on a greater role at tight end if the latter is traded.

Parkinson (concussion) logged a full practice session Wednesday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Parkinson was sidelined for Sunday's game against the Ravens while recovering from a concussion. He reportedly cleared the league's protocol prior to the contest, though his ongoing presence on the injury report suggests otherwise.

Calcaterra (oblique) didn't practice Wednesday.

Calcaterra suffered an oblique injury in the first quarter of a Week 5 loss to Denver and hasn't practiced since. Philadelphia last played on Thursday Night Football against the Giants, but even with the extra time between games, Calcaterra is very much at risk of sitting out this Sunday's matchup in Minnesota. If he doesn't play, Kylen Granson likely would work as the Eagles' No. 2 tight end behind Dallas Goedert.