NFL Player News

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Friday that Bowers (knee) won't play Sunday against Miami, but Kubiak did say the tight end "will be back soon," per Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site.

When asked if an absence of 1-to-2 games was an accurate expectation, Kubiak replied, "I'm not going to talk about timelines," per Sam Warren of The Athletic. All eyes will be on Bowers' practice participation (or lack thereof) next week. For now, the Raiders have Michael Mayer ticketed for a large role at tight end, with Ian Thomas and various WRs also in the mix to pick up some unexpected snaps in Bowers' absence this Sunday against the Dolphins.

Kittle brought in two of five targets for 12 yards during the 49ers' 27-7 Week 1 win over the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.

Kittle headed into the game without an injury designation, making a remarkable recovery from January's Achilles tear to suit up Week 1. The veteran tight end wasn't much of a factor despite the fact San Francisco lost rookie De'Zhaun Stribling in the first half to what may be a serious ankle injury. However, Kittle did help the 49ers' ground attack generate an impressive 5.8 yards per carry, and he's likely to see his participation rate progressively increase in coming weeks. Kittle's position mate Jake Tonges also suffered a potentially significant knee injury, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, a development that could accelerate Kittle's return to a full complement of snaps.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said after Thursday night's win over the Rams that Tonges' knee injury "does not look good," Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Tonges hobbled off with the assistance of trainers in the second quarter against Los Angeles and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He now appears to be looking at an extended absence. Luke Farrell soaked up the TE2 snaps behind George Kittle following Tonges' departure.

Allen is getting examined for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Thursday's matchup with the 49ers.

The tight end recorded one catch on one target for 13 yards before exiting. The Rams use as many as four tight ends, and in Allen's absence, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson are the players still available at the position.

Tonges (knee) will not return to Thursday's game against the Rams, Brooke Evans of the 49ers' official website reports.

Tonges was helped off the field during the second quarter of Thursday's contest, and his night will come to an early end. The extent of his status is not yet known, but his status will be updated again when more details are available.

Tonges (knee) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Tonges came up limping in the second quarter and was unable to put any weight on his right leg while being assisted off the field by the Niners' training staff. The tight end didn't draw a target prior to suffering the injury. Luke Farrell will be in line for more snaps while Tonges is sidelined.

Spann-Ford signed a three-year extension with the Cowboys on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Spann-Ford has played in all 34 regular-season games with Dallas during his first two NFL seasons and is now set to remain with the club for the foreseeable future. The Minnesota product hasn't been a big part of the Cowboys' passing game, logging only 18 catches during those 34 contests, but he has contributed solid blocking in a rotational role. Spann-Ford should continue to work behind starter Jake Ferguson and alongside fellow reserve Luke Schoonmaker in 2026.

Kacmarek (calf) was a limited participant in practice for the second consecutive day Thursday, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

The tight end emerged from the Dolphins' last preseason game with an undisclosed issue that was eventually revealed to be a calf injury. He appears to still be dealing with it, though he did tell Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald on Wednesday that he expects to play in Miami's season opener Sunday against Las Vegas. The rookie third-round pick is the backup to Greg Dulcich on the depth chart.

Klare (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's season-opener versus San Francisco in Melbourne, Australia, Nate Atkins of The Athletic reports.

The Rams liked Klare enough to select him in the second round of the NFL Draft in April, but he's not going to be an option for the team in Week 1. Los Angeles has a crowded tight-end room that includes three veterans in Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen along with second-year pro Terrance Ferguson, so Klare may not log much playing time this year as long as those above him in the pecking order are healthy.

Delp (hamstring) did not participate at practice Thursday.

Delp has been nursing a nagging hamstring injury since late August, and his availability for Week 1 is in serious doubt at this point. Unless he makes a showing at practice Friday, it's not likely he'll play Sunday at Detroit.