49ers QB Brock Purdy, TE George Kittle return as limited practice participants

Wed Oct 15 5:07pm ET
Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle will return to practice on Wednesday as limited participants.

Purdy has missed four of the past five games due to a turf toe injury initially sustained in the season-opening road win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 7 and aggravated during a Sept. 28 home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kittle, 32, has been on injured reserve since hurting his hamstring in the season opener and missed five games for the 49ers (4-2), who host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. With Kittle officially 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.

Purdy, 25, has thrown for 586 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions on 73 passes. His replacement, Mac Jones, has been dealing with knee and oblique issues but still has started four games, going 3-1 and passing for 1,252 yards and six TDs with three picks.

Both were listed as limited for practice on Wednesday, with Shanahan saying, "Brock is more limited than Mac."

For his career, Purdy has completed 67.4% of his passes for 10,104 yards and 68 touchdowns with 31 interceptions in 42 regular-season games, going 24-14 as a starter. He also has thrown for 1,343 yards, six TDs and one pick in six playoff games (all starts).

San Francisco used the 262nd and last overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Purdy in the seventh round. He was in the Pro Bowl the next 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 win over the Seahawks.

He 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. Kittle 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 is a two-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection.

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.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Spencer Rattler Oct 17 11:00pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 20-of-26 passes for 227 scoreless yards and added four rushes for 20 yards in Week 6's loss to the Patriots. He attempted a season-low 26 passes but committed zero turnovers for the fifth time in six games, and his 6:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks seventh in the league. Rattler has been efficient, completing 68.5% of his passes, though he's averaging just six yards per attempt, 28th in the league. He looks to maintain that efficiency and find the end zone against the Bears in Week 7, who have allowed a league-worst 2.6 passing touchdowns per game. Rattler profiles as a high-upside QB2 or Superflex option in the matchup.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Oct 17 10:50pm CT
Kendrick Bourne

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has shined of late. Although the wideout still hasn't scored a touchdown, he's certainly made up for it by combining for 15 catches (20 targets) for 284 yards in his last two appearances. With Brock Purdy (toe) still out, Mac Jones should continue to look in his direction in Week 7 versus a potent Falcons defense. While George Kittle (hamstring) will make his return after getting injured in the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Bourne could continue to get more attention that Jauan Jennings (ankle, rib, shoulder), who had only one catch in the recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With that in mind, Bourne has done enough to earn a spot in any fantasy lineup despite a challenging matchup on tap.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 17 10:40pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle, shoulder) practiced in full on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday night's game against the Falcons. The 28-year-old has been banged up all year. Unfortunately, he hasn't looked the best, catching only 10 passes for 136 yards and one touchdown. Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) won't be available. However, the 49ers will get George Kittle (hamstring) back after being on the shelf since the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. With a recent uptick in production from Kendrick Bourne and Kittle's return, Jennings may not be the safest fantasy option in Week 7 versus a tough Falcons defense.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Oct 17 10:40pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (shoulder, calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup against the Cowboys. He missed practice to begin the week, then practiced in full on Thursday before being downgraded to limited on Friday. That puts his status for Sunday in question. The veteran bounced back in Week 6 with six catches (six targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. After being held catchless in Week 5 for the first time in over a decade, Ertz and QB Jayden Daniels got back on the same page. Ertz could be relied on heavily again if he is active in Week 7 against the Cowboys with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) out and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) questionable for Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Oct 17 10:30pm CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Kelce caught six passes for 78 yards as he led the Chiefs pass catchers against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. The veteran tight end has strung together back-to-back good games, but that solid production could be coming to an end. Rashee Rice is set to return from suspension in Week 7, which could negatively impact Kelce's offensive contributions. Rice had an outstanding start to the 2024 season, averaging over 20 PPR points per game, but Kelce was not effective during that span. At the beginning of the 2024 season, the Chiefs tight end had eight catches for 69 yards through three games. Kelce and Rice win in the same areas of the field, and the latter is much more explosive at this point. It remains to be seen how the usage will be divided amongst the Chiefs pass catchers, so Kelce should still be a viable starter against Las Vegas this week. The Raiders have allowed the eighth-fewest points to opposing tight ends this season, but that does not mean it will be a bad matchup for Kelce. He can find success against the Raiders if Patrick Mahomes decides to feed him. Kelce is ranked TE8 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a solid TE1 this week.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 17 10:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he logged a full session on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into the Week 7 meeting with Atlanta. Kittle suffered a hamstring injury during the opener versus the Seattle Seahawks and has been on the shelf ever since. Fortunately, the 49ers will welcome him back, which is good news, considering the team will be without Brock Purdy (toe) and Ricky Pearsall (knee). With that in mind, Kittle should immediately be inserted back into all fantasy lineups in Week 7 despite a challenging matchup on the horizon, especially since he won't be on a snap count.

From RotoBaller

Chris Moore Oct 17 10:20pm CT
Chris Moore

Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore has benefited from the absences of Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin), running the most routes of any Washington WR besides Deebo Samuel Sr. over the past few weeks. And Samuel's status for Sunday is uncertain as he continues to manage a heel injury. Moore made his first splash since being in Washington in Week 6 against Chicago, catching three of five targets for 46 yards and a touchdown on an athletic spinning catch. While Moore has run a decent number of routes lately, he hasn't been a target earner, recording just nine over the past three weeks. However, he has operated as Washington's preferred outside receiver and draws a matchup against a Dallas defense that has been torched this season, allowing the most PPR points per game. Moore is worth considering as a flex option in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Oct 17 10:10pm CT
Luke McCaffrey

Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey has scored in three of his last four games and is emerging as a much-needed playmaker in a banged-up Washington WR room. McCaffrey has only eight receptions on the season, but three of them have gone for touchdowns, and one went for 50 yards on an outstanding catch and beautiful deep ball from Jayden Daniels. McCaffrey's season high for route share was 43.5% back in Week 3, and he hasn't been higher than 40% since then. With Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) out for his fourth straight game and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) uncertain for Sunday, McCaffrey could see a bump in routes and targets in Week 7 against Dallas. It'd be an ideal spot for McCaffrey to get more run, as the Dallas defense has been abysmal against opposing wide receivers, allowing the most PPR points per game. McCaffrey would be a player to consider plugging in for Samuel if he is unable to go.

From RotoBaller

Jaylin Lane Oct 17 10:00pm CT
Jaylin Lane

With Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) ruled out for his fourth consecutive game and Deebo Samuel Sr.'s status up in the air, Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane could be in line for increased opportunities in Week 7 against Dallas. The rookie caught one of two targets for 37 yards in Week 6 against Chicago, beating Bears' cornerback Tyrique Stevenson on a beautiful double move for an explosive gain down the sideline. He was schemed up on an end-around last week as well, which went for seven yards. Lane has the speed to beat corners vertically and the dynamic ability to make plays with the ball in his hands on designed touches. The fourth-rounder out of Virginia Tech had only a 34.3% route share in Week 6, but that should be expected to tick up in Week 7. If Samuel is out, Lane will have plenty of opportunities to make plays against a Dallas defense that is allowing the most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. There's some flex appeal for Lane in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 17 10:00pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey appears back on track after a forgettable 2024 campaign. While the 29-year-old is currently averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry, he has more than made up for it by catching 46 of his 60 targets for 444 yards and three touchdowns in the 49ers' first six contests. With Brock Purdy (toe) out once again, Mac Jones may continue to look in his direction in the Week 7 meeting with Atlanta. Although the Falcons defense has been formidable this season, that shouldn't deter managers from starting McCaffrey in any fantasy format, especially with this contest projected to be one of the highest-scoring games on the slate.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Oct 17 9:50pm CT
Mac Jones

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee, oblique) will be under center in the Week 7 matchup versus Atlanta. With Brock Purdy (toe) still working his way back, Jones will get a chance to make amends for his two-interception showing in the recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To be fair, the 27-year-old has played well enough throughout the 2025 campaign, tossing for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns, and three picks while completing 67.3% of his attempts. Unfortunately, the 49ers will be without Ricky Pearsall (knee). However, Jones will still have Christian McCaffrey, Kendrick Bourne, and Jauan Jennings in his arsenal. George Kittle (hamstring) will also make his return after being sidelined since the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. All things considered, the signal-caller may not be the safest fantasy option in single-quarterback setups against an improved Falcons defense. Still, with Sunday's contest anticipated to be one of the highest-scoring games on the Week 7 schedule, Jones can realistically be utilized by those participating in Superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Oct 17 9:40pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Brown was listed on the injury report with an Achilles injury, but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation heading into the weekend. The 28-year-old didn't light the world on fire in Week 6, catching four passes for 45 yards, but he did manage to find the endzone twice in the matchup. It will be tougher sledding for Brown this week against the Raiders, but not due to the matchup. The Raiders have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, but Brown will have increased target competition with the return of Rashee Rice. Rice should immediately return to being the top target earner for Kansas City, leaving less volume for Brown. Brown is ranked WR46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 17 9:40pm CT
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Cowboys. Samuel was able to get some work in at practice on Friday, but there is uncertainty for his status for Week 7. He was noticeably impacted by the injury in Week 6 against the Bears and finished with only four catches (five targets) for 15 yards. Samuel described the injury as "aggravating for sure" and said, "we'll just have to see" regarding his status for Sunday. The 29-year-old has seen heavy usage over the past few weeks with WR Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) out, and he'll be expected to play a big role again Sunday if he can suit up. It's a dream matchup for Samuel against a Dallas defense that is allowing the most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. If Samuel is unable to go, rookie Jaylin Lane and second-year Luke McCaffrey could emerge as viable fantasy options in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 17 9:30pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Worthy caught two passes for 20 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions. The speedster was on the injury report with shoulder and ankle injuries this week, but practiced fully all week and is good to go for this week's matchup. Worthy has been the de facto WR1 for Kansas City since returning from his shoulder injury in Week 1, but it looks like he will have to relinquish that role against the Raiders. With fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice returning from suspension this week, Worthy may be less featured in the passing game. That said, Worthy and Rice win in different areas of the field, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the duo coexist. Rice's return takes pressure off and opens things up downfield for Worthy. The Raiders have also given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, so both wideouts can find their share of success in this matchup. Worthy is ranked WR19 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a solid WR2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 17 9:00pm CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (thigh) has been ruled out for the upcoming Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Santos will officially miss his second straight game due to a lingering thigh issue. Jake Moody will handle the kicking duties in Chicago for at least one more week. Moody made four of his five field goal attempts, including a game-winner during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Moody should offer streaming value for fantasy managers in need of a kicker for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Oct 17 9:00pm CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. played only one snap in Week 6 against the Bears after missing practice all week with a calf injury. Rodriguez is now off the injury report heading into Sunday and should be expected to play a bigger role. He did, however, drift back into a depth role in Week 5 against the Chargers. He played only four snaps in the first three quarters while rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled the bulk of the touches. All five of Rodriguez's carries in that game came in the fourth quarter when Washington was leading by two scores. Croskey-Merritt will likely lead the backfield again, leaving Rodriguez with only a handful of touches against a Dallas defense that has been repeatedly gashed by opposing running backs. He's safe to leave on waivers for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 17 8:50pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will take the field for the first time this season against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. The Chiefs receiver was injured to end last season and served his six-game suspension to begin this season, so Rice has not been active since Week 4 of 2024. That said, everyone in the Chiefs organization seems confident in his ability to be an impact player upon his arrival. Rice was averaging 21.6 PPR points per game to begin last season and had an explosive 12-catch, 110-yard performance the week before his injury. The 25-year-old is more than a year removed from the injury and should slot right back in as the team's top target. Rice will face the Raiders, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Rice is ranked WR8 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a strong WR1 in his first game this season.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Oct 17 8:50pm CT
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) was placed on the injured reserve on Friday. He recently suffered a calf injury and will now miss the next four weeks because of it. Valdes-Scantling wasn't offering much value anyway with four receptions for 40 yards heading into Week 7. His absence will only mean less depth for the already significantly banged up 49ers offense. Demarcus Robinson could see more playing time now, but he hasn't done much with his time on the field this season. Valdes-Scantling won't be eligible to play in a game until November 16.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Oct 17 8:40pm CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quad) is officially questionable for the Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. McManus is in danger of missing his second straight game due to a right quad injury. The veteran kicker hasn't practiced all week, which puts him in serious danger of missing another contest. Last week, Lucas Havrisik handled the kicking duties with McManus absent. He made both his field goal attempts and three extra point attempts in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It seems like the Packers are in good hands if McManus is unable to go.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Oct 17 8:30pm CT
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Diggs reportedly had an incident at his home on Thursday that has landed him in concussion protocol. There isn't much information outside of that, but his absence will certainly hurt this secondary. Luckily for Dallas, the Commanders could be without both their top wideouts in Terry McLaurin (quad) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) for Sunday's game. Regardless, C.J. Goodwin will likely be asked to step up and play a big role without Diggs. There's a chance that Diggs returns for the Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller