NFL Player News

Tonges operated as the Niners’ primary pass-catching tight end earlier this season when Kittle was sidelined with an injury, and could find himself in that role again this week against the Bears if Kittle — who sustained a “low to mid” ankle sprain on Monday night — is sidelined. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he’s confident Tonges can take on the role and be a productive part of the team’s red-hot passing offense. Tonges had 22 receptions over five games with Kittle out in the first half of the season. He would be a viable 14-team league option against the Bears if Kittle can’t suit up.

It’s possible Flowers gets in some light work after the media portion of the practice, but this should go down as a DNP. Flowers left the Ravens’ Week 1 win over the Colts in the first half. He already had 150 yards and a touchdown to his name. The hamstring issue isn’t believed to be serious, but the team may want to take a cautious approach and hold him out for a week. With Ja’Kobi Lane out because of a broken wrist, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews would be the top targets for Lamar Jackson if Flowers is also sidelined.

Delane left Week 1 with a right shoulder injury and did not return. He underwent X-rays after exiting the game and the results were negative. Reid specifically said he expects Delane to be available, but that doesn’t rule out a reserve role if the team wants to play it safe with the rookie. He is expected to practice today, presumably in a limited capacity.

Okonkwo left Week 1 in the third quarter with the hamstring issue and did not return. A DNP today puts him on the wrong side of questionable for Week 2. John Bates and Ben Sinnott each ran 10 routes on Sunday. They would likely split Okonkwo’s role if he can’t suit up, meaning their isn’t much fantasy value to be had here.

This comes as the Niners placed rookie WR De’Zaun Stribling (ankle) on injured reserve, meaning he’ll be sidelined for at least four weeks. Hodge isn’t likely to see many snaps or routes this week against the Dolphins and should remain on waiver wires.

Stribling will be sidelined for at least four weeks after suffering a serious ankle injury in Week 1’s win over the Rams. It’s a disappointing start for the rookie, who can safely be dropped in most fantasy leagues. Deebo Samuel, who led the Niners in slot routes last week, could see an uptick in playing time and targets over the next month. Samuel had 48 yards on six receptions against the Rams. He should be rostered in 12-team PPR formats ahead of the Niners’ Week 2 game against the Dolphins.

Stefanski on Wednesday wouldn’t rule out any of his four quarterbacks of the apocalypse, including rookie QB Jack Strand, who flashed in preseason action against second and third-team defenses. Rush as abysmal in the Falcons’ Week 1 loss to the Steelers. He was 10.5 percent below his expected pass rate, throwing for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two picks. There’s almost no way Strand would be a downgrade for Week 2 if he gets the nod. Michael Penix (knee) will continued to be sidelined and Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) is questionable at best. Strand should be picked up in superflex leagues.

Kincaid, according to Fowler, “could be the real key to elevating Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense this season.” Fowler added “multiple people with the team told me Kincaid is healthier than he was this time last year and is on no snap restrictions.” This is further confirmation that Kincaid won’t see the highly restrictive usage of the Sean McDermott era in Buffalo. Head coach Joe Brady is keen on using Kincaid both as an intermediate threat and a downfield option. Kincaid in Week 1 against the Texans led all tight ends in air yards (94) and ran a route on nearly 70 percent of the Bills’ drop backs. He could be an elite every-week option going forward.

Fowler said Penix, still recovering from his 2025 ACL injury, “wants to be fully confident before stepping onto the field. And my understanding is the Falcons are leaving the comfort level part of his recovery up to him.” “Penix is coming off his third ACL reconstruction, which is a lot of ACL reconstructions,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano added. “I believe it takes a lot of mental work to convince yourself it’s OK to go back out there and play. If Penix needs more time, I’m sure the Falcons will give it to him, though I believe we will see him on the field at some point this season.” That would leave Tua Tagovailoa as the team’s presumed starter if Tua can play through the oblique strain that sidelined him in Week 1 against the Steelers. If Tua can’t go, the Falcons could be forced to start Cooper Rush for another game or two. Rush, who had the lowest drop back EPA of any QB in Week 1, makes Drake London and Kyle Pitts iffy starts in 12-team fantasy formats.

It’s a very different report than the one we got from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who said Darnold — injured on the first drive of the regular season — could be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. In any case, Drew Lock is set to start for Seattle this week against the Cardinals. In Week 3 the Seahawks will face off against the Commanders. Expect the Seattle offense to be among the run-heaviest units for as long as Lock is under center. The Seahawks in Week 1 produced 176 total team air yards, the third fewest of the week.

Allen was arrested for DWI in late August and could face a suspension from the NFL. When that suspension could come down is anyone’s guess. For now Allen will continue playing significant snaps for the Colts. In Week 1 against the Ravens, Allen caught all six of his targets for 32 yards while running a route on 73 percent of the team’s drop backs.