NFL Player News

Kittle recorded four receptions on six targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns in Monday's 38-10 win over the Cardinals.

Kittle turned in long touchdown receptions of 39 and 32 yards to account for the majority of his production. He showcased his athleticism on each occasion, picking up the majority of his yardage after the catch while weaving through Arizona's defense. As a result, he was able to top 50 receiving yards for only the third time this season. While Kittle remains a highly efficient pass catcher, the 49ers have an array of offensive weapons, which limits his volume on a game-to-game basis.

Cager reverted to the Giants' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The 25-year-old was elevated for the third game in a row, as he continued to serve as the Giants' top tight end with Daniel Bellinger (eye) still sidelined Week 11. As a result, Cager logged season highs in receptions (two), receiving yards (20) and targets (three) while playing the vast majority of New York's offensive snaps (56) ahead of Tanner Hudson (12) and Chris Myarick (eight). While this outing marked Cager's last available elevation from the Giants' practice squad, he's likely played himself into a spot on the team's active roster.

Smartt caught his lone target for six yards in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Chiefs.

The undrafted rookie actually wound up playing 19 snaps in his debut and was the only tight end to see a target, albeit a short dump-off. Smartt's playing time will likely cease with the eventual return of Gerald Everett (groin).

McKitty did not record a target in Sunday's 30-27 loss to Kansas City.

Even with Gerald Everett (groin) out, McKitty never factored in the box score. The second-year tight end did end up playing 60 percent of the offensive snaps, so it wasn't as if he lacked playing time. Everett's absence is not expected to be a long-term issue, which means McKitty will likely return to his depth role.

Kalinic reverted to the Colts' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The undrafted rookie was elevated for the second game in a row as tight end Jelani Woods (shoulder) remained sidelined Week 11. As a result, Kalinic played 17 offensive snaps while slotting in as the Colts' third-string tight end behind Mo Alie-Cox (40) and Kylen Granson (25). While the 6-foot-4 Kalinic once again went untargeted in the passing game, he could have a chance to record his first NFL reception if Woods does not return for Monday Night Football against Pittsburgh in Week 12.

Mitchell was not targeted with a pass during Sunday's 31-18 win over the Giants.

After seeing an uptick in snaps between the first and second game since T.J. Hockenson was traded, Mitchell actually saw a slightly smaller portion of the snaps in the third game than he did the second. If Brock Wright continues to handle roughly three quarters of the snaps while Mitchell hovers around 20 percent, Mitchell won't be worth any consideration in fantasy circles. Up next is a Week 12 matchup with the Bills.

Wright caught two of two targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 31-18 win over the Giants.

Wright again logged the vast majority of snaps at tight end while James Mitchell hovered around 20 percent. However, it still doesn't look like the Lions are wanting to involve him in the passing game like they did with T.J. Hockenson. Next up for Wright is a tough Week 12 matchup against Matt Milano and the Bills.

Muse was signed off the team's practice squad Monday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Muse has appeared in four games for the Vikings this season, primarily contributing on special teams while also operating as the team's No. 3 tight end. With his official move to the active roster, he should make his fifth appearance of the season with Minnesota on Thursday against the Patriots.

Atlanta placed Pitts (knee) on injured reserve Monday.

Pitts suffered an MCL tear in his right knee during Sunday's win over the Bears and will be sidelined for at least the next four games, though it's possible the tight end remains out for the remainder of the campaign. There hasn't been a decision on whether or not he'll undergo surgery, but Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports that a procedure is possible. While Pitts may have been disappointing in fantasy due to a high ADP, coach Arthur Smith has been pleased with Pitts' overall progression this season. "People just look at the stats, but his impact on winning has been enormous for us," Smith said. In Pitts' absence, Parker Hesse, MyCole Pruitt, Anthony Firkser and Feleipe Franks (calf) are candidates for increased snaps at tight end, but the likes of Drake London, Olamide Zaccheaus and KhaDarel Hodge also will have to help mitigate the loss of Atlanta's third-leading receiver.

Bellinger (eye) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The Giants held a walkthrough Monday, so the injury report is merely an estimate. Regardless, it's concerning to see Bellinger remain unavailable due a fractured left eye socket. The rookie tight end will have two more opportunities to return to practice before the team needs to make a decision on his status for Thursday's matchup against Dallas, but as of now, it appears he's trending toward a fifth straight absence.