Eric

Saubert

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald revealed on Wednesday that Arroyo was working through something, but was expected to be ready for training camp. Getting back early, even in a limited capacity, is good to see. Arroyo’s past few years, both in college and in his NFL rookie season, have been slowed by knee issues. Fellow backup TE Eric Saubert resumed practicing as well. Hopefully, both players are practicing fully before long.

Apparently, Arroyo and fellow TE Eric Saubert are not practicing this week. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said that “they’re just working through some stuff, but it’s positive for training camp.” Saubert is not expected to be fantasy-relevant, but this is a tad concerning for Arroyo, who entered the NFL as a 2025 rookie with injury-related concerns. Continued knee issues landed Arroyo on injured reserve last season. We hope to see him take the field at, or before, training camp next month.

Saubert played 2025 on a one-year contract, with the extension tying him to the Seahawks through the 2026 season. Largely lauded for his run-blocking and pass-blocking abilities, Saubert should return to contributing primarily from 12-personnel once he makes his way back from injured reserve.

The Athletic’s Mike Dugar explains, “Seattle’s offense is built around the idea of making all the run actions look like their passing concepts and vice versa.” The Seahawks need to be able to put No. 1 TE AJ Barner and veteran Eric Saubert “on opposite ends of the line of scrimmage on early downs and make it difficult for the defense to predict which direction the run might go.” Dugar adds, “Barner continues to show he’s a great athlete with soft hands and the ability to make big-time catches,” while curiously abstaining from forecasting Elijah Arroyo’s exact role, beyond emphasizing Arroyo’s demonstrated receiving abilities. Barner appears to be the favorite to lead the position group in early-season snaps. Arroyo will likely need to prove himself as a blocker in order to have a full-time role, though operating in a specialized receiver role at least remains possible.

The veteran tight end suited up in all 17 games for the 49ers last year and has played 17 games in three of the last four years. He’s already played for seven teams, and the Seahawks will mark his eighth. Saubert has blocked on 918 of 1,530 career snaps, so there’s no fantasy value here. He’ll be tasked with trying to clear lanes for Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet.

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.