NFL Player News

Goedert exited to the locker room with trainers during Saturday's practice session, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reports.

Goedert didn't make an immediate or eventual return to practice following the issue, which could have major implications depending on the reasoning behind his departure. The second-round pick is expected to fill the role as the second-string tight end behind Zach Ertz after the team released Brent Celek, as he performed well in his first preseason action with four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Saubert paced Atlanta tight ends with two catches for 15 receiving yards in a 17-0 defeat to the Jets on Friday.

Though no Falcons tight end stood out in what proved to be a disastrous first showing for the offense as a whole -- there was a combined four receptions for 29 yards between tight ends Saubert, Austin Hooper and Logan Paulsen -- the second-year man from Drake was the best of the bunch. Saubert hauled in both of his targets on the night, including a 10-yard reception from Matt Schaub that provided Atlanta with its only first down of the first half. He also provided some value on special teams, registering a tackle on former Falcon Andre Roberts during a punt return in the first quarter.

Kittle won't suit up for any more preseason games after separating his shoulder, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expects the tight end to be ready for Week 1, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Although there's no structural damage to Kittle's shoulder, he'll need rest to ensure it heals correctly. Kittle had 43 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie campaign, with his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame helping him earn 16 red-zone target, including six from Jimmy Garoppolo. The Niners will turn to Garrett Celek as their top tight end for the rest of August.

Vannett brought in two of three targets for 20 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 19-17 preseason loss to the Colts.

Vannett lined up as the Seahawks' top tight end with Ed Dickson (groin) sitting out. Jimmy Graham is in Green Bay now, so the Seahawks will need another pass-catching tight end to fill the void of his 27 red-zone targets, and Vannett will battle Dickson for some of those chances.

Dissly hauled in both of his targets for 19 yards in Thursday's 19-17 preseason loss to the Colts.

Dissly also showed glimpses of exceptional run blocking, which is why the Seahawks drafted him in the fourth round. He likely won't be a fantasy contributor this season as the third-string tight end, but Dissly could form into a vital edge-sealer for an untapped backfield.

Garner has been ruled out for the 2018 season after suffering an ACL tear in Thursday's preseason opener, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Garner received a promotion from Washington's practice squad last December after failing to make the roster out of camp, but he failed to appear in a game for the Redskins. His pursuit of a 53-man job out of camp this season just hit a major snag, and he will now have to wait until 2019 to take another shot.

Further medical testing revealed no tears or structural damage on Kittle's separated right shoulder, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports.

Kittle prematurely exited Thursday's preseason opener with an unspecified shoulder injury, but it seems the 49ers offense dodged a bullet. While the tight end could still be held out for the remainder of the preseason, there doesn't seem to be any concern over Kittle's availability for Week 1 of the regular season.

Cajuste (concussion) caught both targets for 27 yards in Thursday's 20-10 preseason win over the Giants.

Cajust suffered a concussion in late July but is apparently clear of any further issues. The 25-year-old led Cleveland tight ends with 37 offensive snaps Thursday and was the only one to catch a pass besides starter David Njoku.

Kittle (shoulder) isn't expected to practice next week or play in the 49ers' second preseason game, Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kittle was removed from Thursday's preseason game against Dallas after taking a hard hit in the first quarter, later walking to the locker room with his right arm pinned to his body. A serious injury would be a major blow to the San Francisco offense, after Kittle finished his rookie season with 194 receiving yards over the final three weeks. Garrett Celek will step in as the 49ers' top tight end while Kittle is unavailable.

Gathers turned his lone target into a nine-yard gain during Thursday's preseason opener against the 49ers.

Gathers watched as the likes of Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz garnered more attention from the Dallas quarterbacks, waiting until the final drive of the game to garner his only reception. Even more discouraging for Gathers' case was that Geoff Swaim, the most experienced player of the bunch, didn't play in this one. The Dallas tight end battle remains open, but Gathers seemingly has a ways to go before the end of the preseason to claim a roster spot.