NFL Player News

Tonges is poised for a bigger role in the 49ers offense Sunday versus the Bears due to George Kittle (ankle) being inactive, Briana Jeannel of the team's official site reports.

Kittle is missing his first contest since he sustained a mid-to-low ankle sprain last Monday at Indianapolis. When Kittle was sidelined in Weeks 2-6 due to a full tear of his hamstring that occurred in the season opener, Tonges was the primary pass-catching TE between himself and Luke Farrell, with the former accruing a 22-209-2 line on 31 targets during that span. Tonges thus is about as good of a streaming option remaining in the midst of fantasy championship weekend with just two games left in the Week 17 slate.

Edwards (glute) is active for Sunday Night Football against the 49ers.

The middle linebacker did not participate in Wednesday's practice and was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's estimated practice report, though he did upgrade to a limited session Friday. Edwards has 54 tackles (25 solo) and three pass breakups in eight games this season.

Watkins (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the Bears.

Watkins will head back to the bench after being active in Week 16 against the Colts. The wide receiver will be a healthy scratch for the fourth time in five weeks.

Warren rushed the ball 12 times for 64 yards in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Browns.

The Steelers' backfield usage remained consistent from the last few weeks, with Warren serving as the primary rusher but losing out on opportunities as a pass catcher. He managed to make the most of his opportunity with long rushes of 15 and 13 yards, and his 5.3 yards per attempt marked one of his more efficient performances of the season. However, given the split backfield in Pittsburgh, Warren is reliant on finding the end zone to have a strong fantasy performance. He has a good chance of recording double-digit carries in a win-or-go-home matchup with the Ravens in Week 18.

Austin brought in four of five targets for 52 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 34-26 win over the Titans on Sunday.

Austin continued to fill an elevated role with Mason Tipton (groin) sidelined, and the second-year wideout provided season-best catch and receiving yardage totals while also equaling his season high in targets. The Notre Dame product has multiple receptions in three consecutive games heading into the Week 18 finale on the road against the Falcons.

Zaccheaus (illness) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against San Francisco.

Zaccheaus was a late addition to Chicago's injury report due to an illness, and despite initially being initially listed as questionable to face the 49ers, he'll join Rome Odunze (foot) on the sideline for Week 17. DJ Moore (illness) is active for Sunday Night Football, meanwhile, despite having been added to the injury report in a similar fashion to Zaccheaus. Behind Moore and Luther Burden, expect Devin Duvernay, Jahdae Walker and JP Richardson to see increased offensive reps at the wide receiver position Sunday.

Moore (illness) is active for Sunday's contest at San Francisco.

Both Moore and fellow WR Olamide Zaccheaus were added to the Bears' Week 17 injury report Sunday morning as questionable due to respective illnesses. While Moore will be available to the offense this weekend, Zaccheaus won't be along with Rome Odunze, the latter of whom is missing a fourth straight game due to a stress fracture in his foot. In the prior three outings with Odunze on the sideline, Moore combined for a 10-162-3 line on 15 targets.

Pearsall (ankle/knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.

After sitting out the 49ers' Week 16 win at Indianapolis due to a sprained ankle and an aggravation of his previous PCL injury, Pearsall will return to action in Week 17 following consecutive limited practices Wednesday through Friday. Considering he wasn't able to log a full session during that span, he may not be poised for his typical weekly snap share of 70-plus percent, which he's earned in six of his eight appearances this season. Nevertheless, with TE George Kittle (ankle) inactive Sunday, Pearsall and the rest of San Francisco's available pass catchers are candidates for more targets from QB Brock Purdy.

Ayomanor brought in four of seven targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Titans' 34-26 loss to the Saints on Sunday.

Ayomanor tied for the team lead in receptions and targets while adding the fourth touchdown of his career on a seven-yard catch late in the first half. The rookie has picked up the pace over the last two games after a multi-week funk, as he sports a 7-95-1 line on 11 targets over the last pair of contests. Ayomanor needs 35 receiving yards in a Week 18 road matchup against the Jaguars to reach the 500-yard mark in his first NFL campaign.

Kittle (ankle) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Bears, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.

Kittle came out of last Monday's win at Indianapolis with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The health concern didn't allow Kittle to practice in any capacity during Week 17 prep, with GM John Lynch (via KNBR San Francisco) and coach Kyle Shanahan (per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com) implying Friday that the veteran tight end's status would come down to a game-time decision. Adam Schefter of ESPN then reported Sunday morning that Kittle was "highly unlikely" to suit up, and his lack of availability now has been confirmed. Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell will split TE duties in Kittle's absence, with the former more likely to contribute as a pass catcher.