Guest of the League
Future senior open champs Est. 2023
FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

49ers GM 'fairly confident' star TE George Kittle practices next week

Thu Oct 9 2:37pm ET
Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Thursday that he is "fairly confident" that All-Pro tight end George Kittle will practice next week.

Kittle has been on injured reserve since hurting his hamstring in the season opener and has missed the required minimum of four games. Lynch told KNBR that the two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection won't play this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I do believe we're nearing, we're getting there," Lynch said.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday that Kittle won't be available this week but could return from IR for Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.

When Kittle officially is designated to return, he will have 21 days to practice and be activated to the 53-man roster or return to IR and be out for the season.

Kittle caught a 5-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and had four receptions on four targets for 25 yards before exiting in the first half of the 49ers' 17-13 home win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 7.

Kittle, who turned 32 on Thursday, caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight TDs last season, his eighth campaign with San Francisco since being a fifth-round draft pick in 2017. He has four career 1,000-yard seasons as part of his career totals of 542 receptions for 7,405 yards and 46 TDs in 114 regular-season games (106 starts).

Kittle has another 33 receptions for 455 yards and two TDs in 12 playoff games (all starts).

He became the highest-paid tight end in NFL history in the offseason when he signed a four-year, $76.4 million extension ($19.1 million average) through 2029.

Lynch also said Jauan Jennings (ankle/ribs) is expected to be limited in Thursday's session after not participating on Wednesday, and fellow receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) won't practice for the second straight day. Both players missed last week's victory against the Los Angeles Rams.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 6

Player Notes
MarShawn Lloyd Oct 9 2:50pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on Injured Reserve coming out of the team's Week 5 bye, as his 21-day practice window has yet to be opened. The second-year back has shown flashes of big-play ability when healthy, but durability continues to be a concern. Green Bay's ground game could certainly use his spark, as the unit ranks just 27th in the NFL with a 3.8 yards-per-carry average. Until Lloyd is activated, the Packers will continue leaning on Josh Jacobs to handle the bulk of the workload, though the offense has lacked efficiency on the ground. Fantasy managers in deeper formats can continue to stash Lloyd, but his return timeline remains unclear heading into Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 9 2:40pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, putting his Week 6 status firmly in doubt. With Jackson trending toward another absence, veteran backup Cooper Rush is expected to make his second straight start when the Ravens face the Los Angeles Rams. Fortunately for Baltimore, the team's bye week follows this matchup, giving Jackson extra time to heal before a potential Week 8 return against the Chicago Bears. Despite missing time, Jackson has been stellar when on the field, boasting a 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a league-best 130.5 passer rating. Fantasy managers should stash Jackson with confidence, as he remains an elite option once he's cleared to return, while Rush can be ignored in most formats outside of two-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Oct 9 2:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (undisclosed) was spotted wearing a non-contact jersey during Thursday's practice after a strong Week 5 performance against the New England Patriots. Kincaid hauled in six passes for 108 yards in the loss and has quietly developed into the team's top receiving option through five games, posting 287 yards and three touchdowns. The decision to limit contact could be precautionary as the Bills look to keep their breakout tight end healthy for the long haul. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's practice report for more clarity on Kincaid's availability heading into Week 6. If he's unable to suit up, Dawson Knox would likely see increased involvement in the passing game, with Josh Palmer also in line for a potential uptick in targets.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 9 2:30pm ET
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett took first-team reps during Thursday's practice as Kyler Murray (foot) missed his second straight session. Murray's injury appears to be affecting his mobility, and the team may be preparing to roll with Brissett under center for Sunday's matchup against the surging Indianapolis Colts. Brissett last started in 2024 with the New England Patriots, going 1-4 while averaging 5.1yards per attempt. While the veteran brings stability and experience, he lacks the dynamic upside Murray provides both as a passer and runner. Fantasy managers should avoid Brissett outside of deep superflex leagues, as the Cardinals offense faces a difficult challenge on the road against an Indianapolis defense that ranks near the top of the league in takeaways and sacks.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 9 2:20pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle/shoulder) missed Thursday's practice after being a full participant on Wednesday, raising mild concern ahead of Sunday's clash with the Detroit Lions. Worthy has played in just three games this season, totaling 11 catches for 125 yards after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 1. The speedy second-year receiver also picked up an ankle issue prior to Monday night's game but still managed six receptions for 42 yards, suggesting the injury may not be overly serious. This absence could simply be a precautionary rest day for the rookie, though fantasy managers should monitor Friday's practice report closely for clarity on his Week 6 status. If Worthy can't go, Marquise Brown and Tyquan Thornton should continue to see heavy targets against Detroit's aggressive defense.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Oct 9 1:53pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 9.

Fantasy Spin: Jackson is still sidelined and has not practiced since suffering his hamstring injury. The Ravens are likely to start Cooper Rush once again in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams.

From TheHuddle

Terry McLaurin Oct 9 1:40pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is not practicing with the rest of the team on Thursday, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Per The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala, McLaurin was seen stretching with the rest of the team during the portion of practice open to the media. However, after that, he went to a side rehab field to work with trainers, suggesting he will pick up a DNP tag in the first official practice of the week. Reports earlier on Thursday suggested that McLaurin isn't looking good to return in Week 6 on Monday night to face the Chicago Bears. The 30-year-old has not practiced or played since injuring his quad in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers should keep him on their bench until further notice. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane should once again see more opportunities behind Deebo Samuel Sr. on Monday in a strong matchup if McLaurin misses a third straight game.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Oct 9 1:40pm ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (wrist) returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. It's unclear if St. Brown will be listed as limited or a full-go for Thursday's practice, but his return to the field should put fantasy managers' minds at ease after he didn't practice at all on Wednesday. Barring something strange happening, the 25-year-old should be good to go for a Week 6 tilt on Sunday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs. St. Brown has not slowed down at all through the first five games of the 2025 season, catching 35 of his 41 targets for 407 yards and a league-high six touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowler ranks second in fantasy points among receivers so far, behind only the Rams' Puka Nacua. St. Brown is a must-start in fantasy lineups despite a less-than-ideal matchup on Sunday night against KC's defense on the road.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Oct 9 1:20pm ET
Tyler Badie

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice on Wednesday to a full practice on Thursday, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Badie picked up a shoulder injury in the Week 5 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but he appears to be just fine to suit up for an international game in Week 6 in London versus the winless New York Jets. The 25-year-old has been ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin on Denver's RB depth chart, but he is off the fantasy radar as the No. 3 behind J.K. Dobbins and second-round rookie RJ Harvey. Badie has only seen one rushing attempt for Denver this year (back in Week 2) and has added six catches on 12 targets for 62 scoreless yards through the air. It's going to take an injury to one of Dobbins or Harvey for Badie to get any attention on the waiver wire this year.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Jones Oct 9 1:13pm ET
D.J. Jones

Denver Broncos LB Jonah Elliss (ribs, shoulder) and G Ben Powers (biceps) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 9. DL Malcolm Roach (calf), DL D.J. Jones (shoulder), RB Tyler Badie (shoulder), LB Nik Bonitto (wrist), and LB Alex Singleton (thumb) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Brandon McManus Oct 9 1:13pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers K Brandon McManus (quad) is a major concern for the team, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.

From TheHuddle

Brandon McManus Oct 9 1:10pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is calling kicker Brandon McManus' (quadriceps) injury "a major concern right now," according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "We'll see how he is today and tomorrow, and we'll have a plan," LaFleur added. It sounds like McManus has a very real chance of missing the Week 6 game this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field despite coming out of the bye week. The good news is that the 34-year-old veteran kicker was limited in Wednesday's practice with his right-quad injury, giving him a chance to be available this weekend. If McManus is unable to play against Cincy, the Packers would be forced to turn to Mark McNamee, who is currently on their practice squad. If McManus is good to go to face the Bengals, though, he should be viewed as a top-10 kicking option in fantasy against a very suspect Bengals defense.

From RotoBaller

Cade Otton Oct 9 1:10pm ET
Cade Otton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said that the team has been trying to get tight end Cade Otton the ball in recent weeks, according to Pewter Report. Otton has come through with some explosive plays recently, with Grizzard saying he is "typical Cade." The 26-year-old was blanked in two of the first three games of the year before catching seven of his nine targets for 90 yards in the last two weeks combined, which coincided with receiver Mike Evans being out with a strained hamstring. Otton has yet to find the end zone in five games in 2025, but he should once again have an elevated role in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers with Evans likely to miss a third straight game. Wideout Chris Godwin (leg) might also be trending toward sitting out, which would mean even more looks for Otton. Don't ignore him when searching for a TE2 streamer this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Oct 9 1:00pm ET
Tyler Bass

While Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott remained non-committal on whether kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) would be able to play this season, he did say that he is "heading in the right direction," according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Bass remains on Injured Reserve, and the Bills didn't feel comfortable opening his 21-day practice window this week, which means he will not be ready to return for Monday night's contest in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills probably aren't in any rush to bring the 28-year-old Bass back, with veteran Matt Prater being a reliable fill-in through the first five weeks of 2025. Prater has gone 10-for-15 on his field-goal chances while making all 15 of his extra-point opportunities for the 4-1 Bills. When/if Bass is fully healthy and ready to resume kicking, he should take back over as Buffalo's starting placekicker.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 9 12:50pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was not seen on Thursday in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Evans didn't practice on Wednesday, either, and is tracking toward missing his third straight game due to a left-hamstring strain that he suffered in the Week 3 win over the New York Jets. With the 32-year-old future Hall of Famer most likely out again, Tampa's wideout corps could be extra thin this Sunday versus the San Francisco 49ers, as fellow wideout Chris Godwin (leg) has also yet to practice this week. If Evans and Godwin are unavailable, Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson will be asked to step up in the passing game next to rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka. Tight end Cade Otton would have a higher ceiling and floor in fantasy, too. It's unclear if Evans will have a shot to return in Week 7 on Monday night against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Oct 9 12:50pm ET
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said that rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt still has a "ways to go" with his play when the football isn't in his hands, according to John Keim of ESPN. "Pass protection, pass game, any sort of lead blocks. He has to keep working to become a complete back but since day one when he touches the ball he does good things with it," Kingsbury added. It's about par for the course with most young RBs in the NFL. The 24-year-old displayed his upside in the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, carrying the ball 14 times for a season-high 111 yards and two touchdowns, but he also lost a fumble. But will it be enough to get JCM out of a committee backfield approach in Washington that also includes Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols? Fantasy managers should be willing to find out with Croskey-Merritt in their starting lineups for a Monday night affair against the Chicago Bears to close out Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 9 12:40pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Irving missed the Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks due to a sprained left foot and a subluxation of his shoulder, and he's tracking towards a second straight missed game in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers since he has yet to take the practice field this week. With the 23-year-old sidelined last Sunday, Rachaad White took advantage of lead-back duties to score two touchdowns. He had 14 carries for 41 yards and caught four passes for an additional 30 yards. With Irving looking unlikely to play again this weekend, White will once again be in play as an RB2 in fantasy lineups, and he could see even more targets in the passing game if receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 9 12:30pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) was not seen at Thursday's portion of practice open to the media, according to River Wells of Bucs Gameday. Godwin also sat out the first practice of the week on Wednesday with a fibula injury, putting his status for Sunday's contest against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 in question. Mike Evans (hamstring) remains sidelined and is expected to miss another game this weekend, so if Godwin is out as well, Sterling Shepard would be the clear WR2 for quarterback Baker Mayfield behind impressive rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka. In addition to Shepard seeing an increased role, Tez Johnson and Ryan Miller would be in line for more offensive snaps if Godwin cannot play in Week 6. Godwin didn't make his 2025 debut until Week 4 after recovering from a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year. In his first two games this season, he has caught six of 14 targets for 52 scoreless yards.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Oct 9 12:20pm ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring) will not practice on Thursday, but he's being considered day-to-day coming out of the bye week and heading into a Monday night game in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills, according to Terrin Waack of AtlantaFalcons.com. "Right now, Mooney is still day-to-day. We'll see what that is. He'll be out today. We'll get a good feel for what it looks like moving forward," head coach Raheem Morris said. It's not a great sign that Mooney isn't taking part in the first practice of the week, especially coming out of the bye week. There's still time for the 27-year-old to return to the field in the next couple of days, but right now, there is some doubt about whether he'll be able to suit up versus Buffalo. Mooney has been a disappointment for fantasy managers through three games, catching just seven of his 16 targets for 79 yards.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Oct 9 12:10pm ET
Mac Jones

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch reports that quarterback Mac Jones (knee, oblique) should be ok for Sunday's matchup with the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former Alabama Crimson Tide aggravated a PCL injury in Week 5's overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams, causing him to be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice session. Per Lynch's comments, it doesn't appear to be a concern. He'd also note that fellow signal-caller Brock Purdy (toe) is "working to get back but wants to get back at full strength," hinting that he may be a few weeks away. If, for some reason, neither athlete can suit up in Week 6, Adrian Martinez will get the nod at Raymond James Stadium.

From RotoBaller