NFL Player News

The Cardinals list McBride as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a rib injury.

McBride cleared concussion protocol earlier this week after missing the team's Week 4 loss to the Commanders, but despite being a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday, he apparently picked up a rib injury at some point along the way. Elijah Higgins was the de facto starting tight end in his absence last week and would likely see most of the playing time if McBride were to miss a second straight game. Expect more clarity on McBride's status to emerge when the Cardinals release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Browns elevated Swaim from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Swaim will be elevated for a third straight week to provide depth at tight end in case David Njoku (ankle) is unable to play Sunday against the Commanders. This is the last time Cleveland can call Swaim up from the practice squad, and even if he's inactive for Sunday's contest, he would need to be signed to the active roster in order to suit up for the Browns moving forward.

Kansas City signed Fortson from the practice squad to the active roster Friday.

Fortson joined the Chiefs' practice squad Sept. 26 after being cut by the Dolphins towards the end of training camp. The 28-year-old will serve as the No. 4 tight end behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray and Jared Wiley. Fortson last played in 2022 with the Chiefs, during which he registered nine catches (on 13 targets) for 108 yards and two touchdowns over 13 regular-season games.

Brown (foot) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Giants, Corbin K. Smith of SI.com reports.

Brown popped up on the Seahawks' injury report Wednesday as a limited participant in practice due to a foot issue, but it now appears he'll play Sunday. Expect Brown to see some offensive work and serve as Seattle's No. 2 tight end behind Noah Fant in Week 5.

Njoku (ankle), who is listed as questionable, said he's feeling "pretty good" and is hoping to return Sunday against the Commanders, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and Friday, while he had a scheduled day off Thursday. His fantasy managers are advised to have a replacement lined up for a fourth consecutive week. Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart have been filling in for Njoku, but Njoku is a far more accomplished pass catcher than either backup when all three are healthy.

McBride (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at San Francisco, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

McBride cleared concussion protocol and managed full practice participation both Thursday and Friday. He's back in as one of Kyler Murray's top targets after missing a Week 4 loss to the Commanders.

Mayer (personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Denver, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Mayer has been away from the Raiders since last Thursday as he tends to a personal matter, and he'll miss a second consecutive contest as a result this weekend. With Mayer out this past Sunday against the Browns, rookie first-rounder Brock Bowers paced the team's tight ends with an 81 percent snap share on his way to three touches (two catches, one carry) for 31 yards from scrimmage, while Harrison Bryant earned 76 percent of snaps and caught both of his targets for 21 yards. Mayer's next chance to play is Sunday, Oct. 13 against the Steelers.

Kittle (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle returned to practice Friday after missing the two previous sessions, and while he didn't show enough to avoid a game designation, David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard notes that the tight end was "moving around well" during Friday's practice. Fantasy managers would still be wise to have a backup plan on hand in case Kittle takes a turn for the worse ahead of the 49ers' 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday.

Johnson (forearm) was a full participant in practice Friday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Johnson began Week 5 prep with a limited session Thursday, but his upgrade to full participation Friday puts him on track to avoid a designation for Monday's game against the Chiefs. Foster Moreau has been receiving the majority of playing time at tight end for the Saints, so Johnson will be tough to rely on Monday, despite Kansas City's struggles defending the position.

Pruitt (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pruitt missed practice all week and will miss his third consecutive game. The Steelers will roll with Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward at tight end against Dallas.