NFL Player News

Wilcox reverted to New England's practice squad Monday.

Wilcox played exclusively on special teams during Sunday's loss to the 49ers, and he was unable to record any stats. The 27-year-old will now await his next opportunity to be elevated for a game.

Swaim reverted to Cleveland's practice squad Monday.

Swaim saw playing time on both offense and special teams during Sunday's loss to the Raiders but failed to record any stats. He could be elevated again in Week 5 versus the Commanders if David Njoku remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Saubert did not receive a target in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Patriots, logging 18 snaps on offense (29 percent) while playing 20 on special teams.

Saubert reverted to his expected backup role after starter George Kittle (4-45-1) returned from a one-game absence. The veteran backup saw his role diminish on offense after gaining 41 yards on two receptions in last week's spot start for Kittle. Saubert can only operate as a deep-league fantasy option in games that Kittle misses, which does not appear to be the situation for this coming Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Kittle (ribs) will be "day-to-day" this week, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

During Sunday's win against the Patriots, Kittle was announced as questionable to return due to a rib injury at halftime, but he was able to join the 49ers offense for the team's first offensive possession of the second half and play out the remainder of the contest. His snap share (94 percent) didn't deviate from his normal workload, and he finished with four catches (on four targets) for 45 yards and one touchdown. Because of Shanahan's comments, Kittle likely isn't in danger of sitting out this coming Sunday versus the Cardinals, but he may endure some practice limitations Wednesday through Friday.

Coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged Monday that McBride remains in the concussion protocol, but he's "looking good" in his recovery, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

McBride sustained a concussion during the Cardinals' Week 3 loss to the Lions, and he wasn't able to practice last week before the team ruled him out ahead of this past Sunday's game against the Commanders. Arizona won't reconvene for practice until Wednesday, when the team will post its first injury report of Week 5. At that point, McBride's ability, or lack thereof, to take part in drills may forecast his odds to suit up Sunday at San Francisco. In McBride's place Week 4, TEs Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman served as co-starters, but only Higgins (2-12-0 on three targets) made an impact in the box score.

Kieft (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimation.

Kieft was able to play through his ankle injury in the Buccaneers' Week 4 loss to the Eagles, tallying 22 total snaps (three offensive and 19 on special teams) without recording a stat. The third-year tight end is still expected to play in Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Falcons unless his participation is downgraded either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he expects Njoku (ankle) to practice this week, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Stefanski declined to state whether he expects Njoku to actually suit up Week 5 against the Commanders, but it's at least encouraging that the athletic tight end is on track to get back on the field. Njoku missed last Friday's practice before being ruled out for a third straight contest, despite having logged a limited session Thursday. Jordan Akins has handled the Browns' starting tight end gig for three consecutive games with Njoku sidelined, securing six of 10 targets for 49 yards and zero touchdowns in that span.

Kolar was not targeted on 18 snaps against the Bills on Sunday night.

Kolar continues to have a role as a blocker as he's played at least a third of Baltimore's snaps on offense in back-to-back weeks, but his usage in the passing game is minimal. Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews are struggling to draw targets, so it stands to reason that Kolar also isn't getting much work in that facet of the game. The Ravens face the Bengals on the road Week 5.

Likely had one catch for 26 yards on two targets in Sunday's win over the Bills.

Likely's usage continues to be a fraction of what it was in the season opener, when he drew 12 targets. He made a splash with his lone catch Sunday night with an impressive leaping grab for a 26-yard gain that was Baltimore's longest completion of the night. Likely is playing a healthy snap share at 60 percent over the first four games. However, Baltimore has gone to a more run-heavy approach of late and is mixing and matching its tight-end personnel. This development not only is limiting Likely's chances, but the entire group of pass catchers as a whole. The Ravens have attempted fewer than 20 passes in each of the last two games, both of which were wins. Likely and the Ravens head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in Week 5.

Thomas (calf) is expected to be designated to return from injured reserve this week, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Thomas has missed the minimum four games and is now eligible to return to action. Once he is officially designated to return, he'll be able to practice with the team, but that doesn't guarantee he'll return this Sunday against the Bears. More clarity on his status for the matchup will likely come later in the week.