NFL Player News

Johnson caught two of three targets for 13 yards during Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Falcons.

Johnson logged his first targets since the season opener versus Carolina. The 6-foot-4 tight end also would have finished with one more target and catch, as he had a 28-yard catch wiped off the board by an offensive holding penalty early in the third quarter. The 6-foot-4 tight end looked like a total non-factor and was overshadowed for playing time by Foster Moreau over the last two weeks. But Johnson played a season-high 67 percent of offensive snaps compared to 57 percent for Moreau in Week 4. Neither Johnson nor Moreau has had a consistent role in the receiving game so far this season, combining for 12 total targets over four games. There's not much reason to expect that their roles will increase during their next game versus Kansas City on Monday, Oct. 7.

Tonyan reverted to the Vikings' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

The tight end played on seven of 68 offensive snaps and 10 special-teams snaps, recording no stats. Tonyan was also elevated for the Vikings' Week 3 win over the Texans but was also blanked on the stat sheet. Tonyan served as the No. 3 tight end behind Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver in both contests.

Wilcox reverted to New England's practice squad Monday.

Wilcox played exclusively on special teams during Sunday's loss to the 49ers, and he was unable to record any stats. The 27-year-old will now await his next opportunity to be elevated for a game.

Swaim reverted to Cleveland's practice squad Monday.

Swaim saw playing time on both offense and special teams during Sunday's loss to the Raiders but failed to record any stats. He could be elevated again in Week 5 versus the Commanders if David Njoku remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Saubert did not receive a target in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Patriots, logging 18 snaps on offense (29 percent) while playing 20 on special teams.

Saubert reverted to his expected backup role after starter George Kittle (4-45-1) returned from a one-game absence. The veteran backup saw his role diminish on offense after gaining 41 yards on two receptions in last week's spot start for Kittle. Saubert can only operate as a deep-league fantasy option in games that Kittle misses, which does not appear to be the situation for this coming Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Kittle (ribs) will be "day-to-day" this week, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

During Sunday's win against the Patriots, Kittle was announced as questionable to return due to a rib injury at halftime, but he was able to join the 49ers offense for the team's first offensive possession of the second half and play out the remainder of the contest. His snap share (94 percent) didn't deviate from his normal workload, and he finished with four catches (on four targets) for 45 yards and one touchdown. Because of Shanahan's comments, Kittle likely isn't in danger of sitting out this coming Sunday versus the Cardinals, but he may endure some practice limitations Wednesday through Friday.

Coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged Monday that McBride remains in the concussion protocol, but he's "looking good" in his recovery, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

McBride sustained a concussion during the Cardinals' Week 3 loss to the Lions, and he wasn't able to practice last week before the team ruled him out ahead of this past Sunday's game against the Commanders. Arizona won't reconvene for practice until Wednesday, when the team will post its first injury report of Week 5. At that point, McBride's ability, or lack thereof, to take part in drills may forecast his odds to suit up Sunday at San Francisco. In McBride's place Week 4, TEs Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman served as co-starters, but only Higgins (2-12-0 on three targets) made an impact in the box score.

Kieft (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimation.

Kieft was able to play through his ankle injury in the Buccaneers' Week 4 loss to the Eagles, tallying 22 total snaps (three offensive and 19 on special teams) without recording a stat. The third-year tight end is still expected to play in Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Falcons unless his participation is downgraded either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he expects Njoku (ankle) to practice this week, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Stefanski declined to state whether he expects Njoku to actually suit up Week 5 against the Commanders, but it's at least encouraging that the athletic tight end is on track to get back on the field. Njoku missed last Friday's practice before being ruled out for a third straight contest, despite having logged a limited session Thursday. Jordan Akins has handled the Browns' starting tight end gig for three consecutive games with Njoku sidelined, securing six of 10 targets for 49 yards and zero touchdowns in that span.

Kolar was not targeted on 18 snaps against the Bills on Sunday night.

Kolar continues to have a role as a blocker as he's played at least a third of Baltimore's snaps on offense in back-to-back weeks, but his usage in the passing game is minimal. Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews are struggling to draw targets, so it stands to reason that Kolar also isn't getting much work in that facet of the game. The Ravens face the Bengals on the road Week 5.