NFL Player News

Kittle (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Kittle is thus slated to make his NFL regular-season debut, and in the process the fifth-rounder is in line to step right into action as a starter for the 49ers following the trade of Vance McDonald to the Steelers. A wait-and-see approach is probably in order here, but it's conceivable that Kittle could, in time, emerge as one of Brian Hoyer's top options in the 49ers passing game.

Tomlinson (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bills.

Tomlinson was the Jets' starter at tight end Sunday due to Austin Seferian-Jenkins (suspension) sitting out. The Jets are light at tight end because Jordan Leggett (knee) is unable to play as well, so if Tomlinson cannot return, Will Tye will be the last remaining healthy tight end on the roster.

McGrath (knee) is questionable for Monday's game against the Broncos, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

McGrath was limited throughout practice this week and did not play in any preseason games, so his status for Monday is fairly unknown. The 29-year-old would likely be in line for duties as the third tight end with rookie Sean Culkin at best, given his limited reps thus far.

Uzomah (ankle) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Uzomah has been dealing with an ankle sprain since early August and was a candidate to land on injured reserve at roster cutdowns, so he was never really expected to be available for Week 1. The 24-year-old did not practice this week and likely has a couple more weeks to go in his recovery.

Kittle (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina, Joe Fann of the 49ers' official site reports.

Listed as a limited participant all week, Kittle was spotted running routes at full speed during individual drills Friday. He's seemingly on track to make his NFL regular-season debut, stepping right into action as a starter after the 49ers traded Vance McDonald to the Steelers last week. The extent of Kittle's pass-catching role remains to be seen, but he has a real chance to emerge as one of Brian Hoyer's top options, playing in an offense that lacks proven talent outside of Pierre Garcon at wide receiver. The Niners are asking a lot of a fifth-round rookie at a position with a notoriously steep learning curve.

Kittle (hamstring) is to be track to play in Sunday's game against the Panthers, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.

Limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday, the rookie tight end was running and cutting at full speed in individual drills Friday. Kittle is listed atop the depth chart at tight end after the 49ers traded Vance McDonald to the Steelers last week. Another update will be available when the 49ers release their final injury report Friday afternoon/evening.

Allen was on the field for 27 of the Patriots' 81 snaps on offense in Thursday's 42-27 loss to the Chiefs, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Allen was targeted twice Thursday, but did not record a catch. Meanwhile, star TE Rob Gronkowski was out there for 78 snaps, a clear indication that the Patriots intend to roll with him as much as possible, health-permitting. While there may be some weeks when Allen sees occasional red-zone looks, he's not a reliable fantasy option so long as Gronkowski is able to suit up.

Kelce brought in five of seven targets for 40 yards and rushed once for four yards in Thursday's 42-27 season-opening win over the Patriots.

Kelce took on a more secondary role with Kareem Hunt and Tyreek Hill doing the majority of heavy lifting on offense. However, he did a lot of the grunt work close to the line of scrimmage, and even with what looks like a more explosive offense after one week due to the front-line roles of Hunt and Hill, Kelce should unquestionably continue to provide a key presence in his own right. He'll look to turn in a more productive effort in Week 2 against the Eagles.

McGrath (knee) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

McGrath did not play in any preseason games after hyper-extending his knee in early August, so even limited participation is a good sign. If the 29-year-old is unable to play against the Broncos on Monday, rookie Sean Culkin is the only tight end on the Chargers' roster to fill the No. 3 role, which he likely earned in McGrath's absence anyway.

Kittle (hamstring) remained limited at Thursday's practice, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee

After tweaking his hamstring Wednesday, Kittle displayed a modicum of health with a limited showing one day later, participating in individual drills with his fellow tight ends. The injury comes on the heels of missing time in the first half of August due to a similar concern, so it remains to be seen how long he'll be afflicted. If he's ultimately unable to suit up Sunday against the Panthers, the next men up at the position would be Garrett Celek and Logan Paulsen.