Eric

Saubert

Kittle did not participate in pre-game warmups, leading us to conclude he was not close to playing this week. Backup TE Eric Saubert is reportedly ill and should not be considered as a streaming option, though he is active today. LT Trent Williams (ankle) went through an extensive pre-game workout and was seen somewhat favoring one leg but the training staff ultimately determined Williams is healthy enough to play. DE Nick Bosa (hip) is active. The 49ers also declared CB Charvarius Ward, DT Kevin Givens, WR Ronnie Bell, OL Ben Bartch and DT Khalil Davis.

Saubert was efficient with his targets, effectively exploiting the Rams’ league-worst tight end-coverage unit. He averaged 1.52 yards per route run. He is not a recommended streaming option against the Patriots in Week 4.

Kittle was added to the injury report on Thursday, unable to participate. While varying reports described the issue as tightness and/or soreness, the malady is evidently likely to sideline him for at least one week. The Rams’ tight end coverage unit is among the league’s weakest but backup Eric Saubert is only an option for the most desperate of teams. Superior streaming options can be found on the waiver wire.

Saubert was released from injured reserve via an injury settlement after the team signed him to a one-year contract this spring. Miami will begin the regular season with Durham Smythe atop the depth chart, backed up by Tyler Kroft and undrafted free agent Julian Hill. Smythe has reportedly made strides as a pass-catcher this offseason, with beat reporters going as far as saying he could be utilized all over the formation.

Saubert set career highs in catches (15) and yards (148) in 2022. The low totals make it obvious that Saubert is strictly a blocker who can occasionally pitch in for a few receptions. He will serve as a backup and a sixth lineman for Miami.

It was a beautiful catch, to be fair, as he grabbed it over underneath linebacker Christian Kirksey in pretty good coverage. The blocking tight end will probably not be involved in Denver’s passing offense more than this next week, but we guess we can’t rule anything out right now with Nathaniel “third-down Andrew Beck sweep” Hackett at the helm. The Broncos will take on the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.

Saubert turned 28 last weekend and is entering his sixth pro season. Last year with the Broncos, Saubert appeared in all 17 games and caught 8-of-12 targets for 47 yards and his first career touchdown. He’s also played for the Falcons, Bears, and Jaguars.

Saubert appeared in eight games for the depleted Jaguars last season, registering three catches for 16 scoreless yards. He’ll compete for a back-of-the-roster job behind Noah Fant.

Tight end has been a position of need for the Pats since waving goodbye to Rob Gronkowski, who hung up his cleats earlier this offseason. Ben Watson’s four-game PED suspension has also complicated matters. Primarily used as a blocking tight end, Saubert nabbed five catches for 48 scoreless yards over 178 snaps last season. He gives New England some added depth behind presumed Week 1 starter Matt LaCosse.

Saubert (6’5/253) was a dominant receiving tight end in the Pioneer Football League, starting all four years and piling up a 56-776-10 (13.9 YPR) stat line as a redshirt senior. He was voted second-team All-America in the FCS in 2016. Saubert blazed 4.65 with a 33-inch vertical and 7.29 three-cone time at his Pro Day, showing NFL-level athleticism. Blessed with long arms (33 ½"), huge hands (10 3’8"), and smarts (35 Wonderlic score), Saubert offers big-time pass-catching traits. While an unlikely early-career contributor, Saubert is an intriguing project if he can handle the colossal jump in competition.