NFL Player News

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle (ribs) won't take part in Wednesday's practice, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

After Shanahan termed Kittle day-to-day Monday, it comes as no surprise that the 49ers are taking a cautious approach with the veteran tight end, especially considering all the injuries that have affected the skill positions through just four games this season. Kittle will have two more chances for on-field work this week before San Francisco potentially tags him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday the team plans to designate Hockenson (knee) for a return to practice Friday, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Hockenson spent the first four games of the regular season on the reserve/PUP list while working his way back from right ACL and MCL tears sustained Dec. 24 of last season. Minnesota plans for Hockenson to travel with the team to London ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets and have his first practice session Friday. At that time, Hockenson's official 21-day practice window will open. Hockenson doesn't seem to be in consideration to face New York on Sunday, after which point the Vikings will benefit from a bye week. The team hasn't yet offered a definitive timetable for Hockenson's return, but Oct. 20 versus the Lions in Week 7 and Oct. 24 against the Rams in Week 8 could be in play.

Njoku (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Njoku was expected to resume practicing this week, but Stefanski didn't comment on expectations for the tight end for Sunday's game at Washington. With Njoku out the past three weeks, Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart split playing time at tight end.

Mayer (personal) remained away from the Raiders on Wednesday and doesn't have a timeline to return, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

Mayer was added to the injury report last Thursday and ended up missing Sunday's win over the Browns. Harrison Bryant took over most of Mayer's snaps, with rookie tight end Brock Bowers essentially handling the same role he had Weeks 1 through 3. A similar plan will likely be in place again if Mayer isn't back with the team before Sunday's game in Denver.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that McBride (concussion) is slated to practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Gannon indicated that McBride will be "coming out of the concussion protocol," but it's unclear whether the standout tight end has yet gained full clearance. In any case, McBride getting back on the practice field represents a positive step forward after he was forced to miss Arizona's 42-14 loss to the Commanders in Week 4. McBride will still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before exiting the protocol and potentially suiting up Sunday in San Francisco.

Thomas (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Thomas has been out of action since before the season began and has missed the mandatory four games on IR. He'll now be able to practice with the team, although he'll have to be added back to the 53-man roster to suit up Sunday against the Bears.

Gesicki caught his lone target for minus-nine yards in Sunday's 34-24 win over the Panthers.

Gesicki had his worst statistical game of the young season Sunday, tallying season lows in targets, catches and yards. In addition, the 28-year-old tight end saw his lowest offensive snap share in Week 4, playing 32 percent of snaps while rookie Erick All played 60 percent of snaps. Though one game should not lead to panic, the emergence of All could result in a reduced number of opportunities for Gesicki. Nonetheless, the veteran will look to bounce back in a Week 5 matchup against the Ravens.

All secured all four his targets for 28 yards in Sunday's 34-24 win over the Panthers.

With Sunday's performance, All has now recorded four catches on four targets in three-straight games. In addition, his 60 percent offensive snap share was a season-high. Though the rookie is No. 2 on the tight end depth chart, he played 18 more snaps than veteran Mike Gesicki in the contest. All's solid play may earn him even more opportunities going forward. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder will look to be more involved in Week 5 when the Bengals host the Ravens.

Knox secured his lone target for zero yards in Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Ravens.

Knox had a quiet day in Week 4 while fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid led the Bills in targets against the Ravens. The 27-year-old Knox played 27 of Buffalo's 59 offensive snaps, 10 fewer than Kincaid. Though the two tight ends are sharing playing time, Knox's smaller role in the passing game limits his fantasy potential. The veteran shouldn't be trusted for fantasy purposes barring an injury to Kincaid. The Bills will visit the Texans in Week 5.

Oliver had two receptions for 10 yards, including a two-yard touchdown, on two targets in Sunday's win at Green Bay.

Oliver started at tight end and played on 46 of the offense's 68 snaps. He went out for a pass on 14 snaps. Despite the touchdown, he's mostly a blocking end with just five targets in four games.