NFL Player News

Coach Jonathan Gannon said Friday that McBride (concussion) will play Sunday at San Francisco, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

It sounds like McBride has either cleared concussion protocol or is on track to do so at some point Friday. He missed a Week 4 loss to Washington after suffering a concussion in a loss to the Lions a week prior.

The Vikings announced Friday that Hockenson (knee) has been designated to return to practice from the reserve/PUP list.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has made clear that Minnesota's plan was to get Hockenson back on the practice field Friday, after traveling with the team to London in preparation for Sunday's matchup against the Jets. That gives the Vikings a 21-day window to monitor Hockenson at practice. The standout tight end can be activated at any point in that span and then be eligible for game days, though it doesn't seem like he's in consideration to come back this weekend. After a Week 6 bye, the Vikings will play two games in quick succession, facing the Lions on Sunday, Oct. 20 and the Rams on Thursday, Oct. 24. Hockenson, who is recovering from right ACL and MCL tears sustained late last December, could more realistically make his return to play in one of those contests.

Pitts brought in seven of eight targets for 88 yards in the Falcons' 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night.

Pitts finished third in receptions and receiving yards on a prolific passing night for the Falcons offense, generating a receiving line that also served as a season-best one across the board. Much like teammate Bijan Robinson, another player with a rich skill set that transcends his position, Pitts' usage has been the subject of much consternation by team fans and fantasy managers alike. Thursday night's numbers was therefore highly encouraging, but whether it will have any long-term carryover is a question that will begin to be answered in a Week 6 road divisional clash with the Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Brown (foot) was a limited participant in practice for the second day in a row Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

The backup tight end recorded one catch on two targets on 25 snaps during Seattle's loss to Detroit on Monday. Starter Noah Fant (toe) was also limited for the second straight day Thursday, leaving AJ Barner and Brady Russell as the only healthy tight ends on Seattle's roster at the moment.

Fant (toe) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

With back-to-back capped sessions to begin Week 5 prep, Fant has just one more chance to return to full participation Friday before the Seahawks potentially give him a designation for Sunday's contest versus the Giants. Despite the toe injury following him all season, he's been available for each of the team's four games, but his output (11-111-0 on 15 targets) has been lacking in an offense that features the NFL's leading passer in QB Geno Smith.

McBride (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

After opening the week as limited Wednesday, McBride returned to full participation one day later. Per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site, McBride also didn't have on a yellow non-contact jersey while running routes and catching passes from QB Kyler Murray, signifying that he's closing in on emerging from the concussion protocol. Clearance from an independent neurologist awaits for McBride, though, so his listing on Friday's injury report will be telling in that regard. The third-year tight end is seeking to miss just one game as a result of the head injury that he sustained Week 3 against the Lions.

Kittle (ribs) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

A rib injury has been attached to Kittle since he was reported to be questionable to return at halftime of this past Sunday's win against the Patriots. He didn't miss a beat as he was back in the game for the 49ers' first possession of the third quarter, finishing with a 94 percent snap share and four catches (on four targets) for 45 yards and one touchdown. Coach Kyle Shanahan termed Kittle day-to-day Monday, but the tight end has followed that up with back-to-back DNPs to begin Week 5 prep. On a positive note, Kittle was spotted in uniform and working on the side Thursday, per Wagoner, so he may be trending in the right direction. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not Kittle enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals.

Johnson (forearm) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice session.

Johnson may have picked up the injury during the Saints' 26-24 loss to the Falcons on Sunday. He'll have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation ahead of Monday's game against the Chiefs. Johnson has caught four passes (on six targets) for 39 yards and one touchdown through four regular-season games.

Tonyan signed with the Vikings' 53-man roster from their practice squad Thursday.

Tonyan has been elevated each of the last two weeks, seeing 10 snaps on offense without a target. The veteran tight end's promotion comes with Josh Oliver (wrist) currently questionable for Sunday's game in London against the Jets and T.J. Hockenson (knee) still likely at least another week away from returning. If Oliver is unable to suit up Sunday, Tonyan and Johnny Mundt will likely be the only healthy tight ends for the Vikings in Week 5.

Engram (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Engram hasn't played since Week 1, but with two straight limited practices to begin Week 5 prep, he's putting himself in a position to put an end to his three-game absence Sunday versus the Colts. In order to avoid being listed as questionable heading into the weekend, however, Engram will likely need to upgrade to full participation in Friday's practice.