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49ers activate star TE George Kittle (hamstring) from IR

Sat Oct 18 6:16pm ET
Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was activated from injured reserve Saturday after missing five games due to a hamstring injury.

Defensive tackle Kevin Givens (pectoral) also was activated from the IR ahead of the Sunday night home game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Kittle was injured in the second quarter of the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. He told reporters this week that he "fully" tore the hamstring.

Kittle, 32, caught four passes for 25 yards and one touchdown before exiting in Week 1.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection has topped 1,000 receiving yards four times during his stellar career. He is in his ninth season.

Givens will be making his season debut. He sustained his pectoral injury during training camp.

Givens, 28, is his seventh season with San Francisco. He has 90 tackles and eight sacks in 65 games (14 starts).

San Francisco also put star linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) on the IR. He sustained the season-ending injury in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 49ers also released tight end Brayden Willis, promoted defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and elevated receiver Malik Turner and offensive lineman Nick Zakelj from the practice squad for Sunday's game.

Mac Jones is again starting at quarterback for the 49ers after Brock Purdy (toe) was ruled out for the fifth time in six games.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Xavier Legette Oct 18 6:00pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette was unable to find much success versus the Dallas Cowboys last week. Legette hauled in both his targets for 11 yards in the win. The 24-year-old has two or less receptions in three of his four games this season. Legette isn't viewed as a significant threat in this offense right now. His role on offense could take a hit with Jalen Coker (quad) returning from the injured reserve. Honestly, no one on this offense is trustworthy outside of Tetairoa McMillan and Rico Dowdle right now. Legette is a touchdown-dependent option against the New York Jets in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Oct 18 5:40pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) has been activated off the injured reserve. Coker is set to make his season debut against the New York Jets in Week 7. It's great to see the 23-year-old back in action, but it's unclear how significant of a role he'll have in his first game back. The return of Coker figures to mean less snaps for Hunter Renfrow, Brycen Tremayne, and Jimmy Horn. However, Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette should still be ahead of Coker in the pecking order. Coker could be worth a stash depending on the format, but isn't a recommended streaming option for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Oct 18 5:30pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) will return to the field for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets. Hubbard is expected to be back in the mix after missing each of the last two games. During that time, Rico Dowdle went off for over 400 scrimmage yards with two touchdowns. Now, it's unclear if Hubbard will return to his job as the lead back in Carolina. The expectation is that the two of them will have a closer split in the backfield. It wouldn't be shocking for each back to get around 10 carries this weekend. That being said, Hubbard is probably only worth a look as a flex option for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Oct 18 5:30pm CT
Tetairoa McMillan

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is coming off a two-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys last week. McMillan finished with a season-low 29 receiving yards, but the two scores salvaged his fantasy value. The rookie wideout only saw five targets last weekend, but had seen eight or more in every game before that. The 22-year-old is one of the few players having success in Carolina right now. It's worth noting that he'll draw a tough matchup against defensive back Sauce Gardner in Week 7. Despite that, McMillan should still be able to offer low-end WR2 value for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jaylin Noel Oct 18 5:00pm CT
Jaylin Noel

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel could be lined up for more work this week when the Texans visit the Seahawks on Monday Night Football. Noel is the most direct replacement for Christian Kirk (hamstring), since both operate primarily out of the slot. Noel played 17 and 15 snaps the first two weeks of the season with Kirk out and worked his way up to 21 snaps in his last game before the Texans' bye. The fact that Kirk was ruled out in the first game after the bye week isn't a good sign for his availability going forward, especially since he also missed the first two games with a hamstring injury. Noel could be a natural replacement, and the third-round pick from Iowa State caught two of three targets for 13 yards and his first NFL touchdown in Week 5 before the bye week against the Ravens. He'll still be a long-shot flex play even with more work available, but he's a rookie to watch going forward if this Texans' offense can build on their 44 points against the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Oct 18 5:00pm CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins had the best game of his rookie season just before the team's bye week, and he'll look to pick up where he left off as he returns to the field in Seattle on Monday night. He'll get a boost in Week 7 from Christian Kirk (hamstring) missing another contest, which could allow more targets to come his way. Higgins only had five catches in his first four games combined, but he had four catches on four targets for 32 yards in Week 5 against the Ravens. He played a season-high 56% of snaps in that blowout win, and could pick up Kirk's work this week as well. The No. 34 pick in last year's draft started the season with some fantasy buzz but hasn't been able to emerge as a weekly starting play in Houston's crowded receiver room. He has a very high ceiling but also has a very low floor since he has only one catch in three games this season. Weighing his risk and reward, he is a boom-or-bust longshot play at a flex spot this week, but he does have some intriguing upside as a rookie option down the road if he can build on his Week 5 success.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Oct 18 4:50pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains the go-to option for the Texans, and he remains a strong starter in all formats as the Texans come back from their bye week and visit the Seahawks as the late game on Monday night. Collins has found the end zone in three of his last four games and has at least four catches in each of his last three games. He had 52 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 before the bye week as the Texans thrashed the Ravens, 44-10. Since the game wasn't competitive, he wasn't quite as involved late, but he is still one of the most consistent top receivers in the game. With Christian Kirk (hamstring) out for Monday night's game, Collins has a very high ceiling as a starting WR1 in his road matchup against Seattle, which has been a slightly favorable matchup for receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Hutchinson Oct 18 4:50pm CT
Xavier Hutchinson

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson hadn't scored a touchdown in his first two seasons, but he found the end zone twice in Week 5's win over the Ravens. The Iowa State alum will look to build on that career day when he returns from his bye week to face the Seahawks on Monday night. Hutchinson still only had three targets in the game, but he hauled in all three for 18 yards and his first two NFL touchdowns. He has been playing the second-most snaps at receiver all season, behind only Nico Collins, but he hasn't drawn many targets. In five games, he has only 12 catches on 14 targets for 110 yards. He could get more work this week with Christian Kirk ruled out, but he is still a longshot flex play in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 18 4:40pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce played a season-high 16 snaps and had seven carries for 21 yards in his team's last game before the bye week. However, it was his first game being active since Week 1, and all his work came in the fourth quarter of their blowout win over the Ravens. With Nick Chubb getting early-down work and Woody Marks as a promising prospect for passing downs, Pierce will likely have no role except in mop-up duty or an occasional one-off carry. He is the No. 69-ranked RB in RotoBaller's rankings for Week 7 and is not expected to be a fantasy factor going forward, barring injury to Chubb or Marks.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Oct 18 4:30pm CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks had a breakthrough game in Week 4, dominating the Titans for 69 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He looked every bit the part of an every-down feature back, but then against the Ravens in Week 5, he only had 24 yards on seven carries and no catches, while Nick Chubb took back over the lead role. After the team's bye week, Marks has the potential to emerge as the top option this week against the Seahawks in Seattle for Monday Night Football's late game. He has shown a very high ceiling, but he remains a risky flex or RB3 option since his workload is uncertain from week to week. He's high-risk but also brings a very high ceiling as the RB33 in RotoBaller's Week 7 rankings.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Oct 18 4:20pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud went into his Week 6 bye week with immaculate vibes after throwing for 244 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-10 rout of the Ravens. He seemed to be making strides in new offensive coordinator Nick Caley's system, and he'll look to carry over that momentum to a tough Monday Night Football matchup against the Seahawks. Stroud threw for progressively more yards and increasing touchdowns leading up to that big game, when he completed 23 of his 27 pass attempts and looked dominant. He's only the QB18 in RotoBaller's rankings this week, though, since the Seahawks will present a formidable road challenge for the Ohio State alum. He's an excellent second QB in deep leagues, and he'll be out to prove that his two big games before the bye were the start of a positive trend.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 18 4:20pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb will be back on the field on Monday night against the Seahawks after his team's Week 6 bye week. Chubb went into the bye week with a strong performance, totaling 61 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Ravens on just 11 carries. He has seen his snap share start to slip a bit, though, dropping from around 50% the first three weeks of the season to just 34% in Week 5. He still had more carries than any other running back in that win, though, and he seems to be the go-to option on early downs and in run-focused situations. He'll remain in a timeshare with rookie Woody Marks and Dameon Pierce on Monday, but he still brings enough touchdown-dependent upside to be an RB3 or flex play since he is the No. 29 RB this week in RotoBaller's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Oct 18 4:10pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran wild on the Bills last week, racking up 238 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. He's now gone over 100 scrimmage yards in each of the team's first five contests while averaging a league-best 5.8 yards per rush (minimum 50 attempts) and almost five receptions per game. Week 7's matchup on Sunday night against the 49ers brings a matchup against a defense that's yielded the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, and will again be without Nick Bosa (knee) and Fred Warner (ankle). Game script hasn't mattered in relation to Robinson's fantasy production, as the 23-year-old will be involved whether the team goes run or pass-heavy. With just a 2.5 point spread, this one figures to be close, which should keep all of the Falcons' key offensive pieces involved, and former first-round draft pick will again be a high-end RB1 on Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 18 4:10pm CT
Jake Moody

Chicago Bears kicker Jake Moody was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints. Moody was close to perfect in his Bears debut in Week 6 against Washington, nailing his lone extra point and hitting four of five field goals, including a 38-yarder as time expired to give the Bears their third win of the season. His 48-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter was blocked, but it was otherwise a great debut for Moody, who has had his struggles in San Francisco. He projects again as a decent option in Week 7 with the Chicago offense improving each week.

From RotoBaller

Travis Homer Oct 18 4:00pm CT
Travis Homer

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (calf) was activated off injured reserve on Saturday. Homer missed the first five games of the season and is now ready to make his season debut on Sunday in New Orleans. Starter D'Andre Swift was limited in practice this week with a groin injury, potentially opening up opportunities for Homer, rookie Kyle Monangai, and Roschon Johnson. Homer has primarily been a special teamer for his career and shouldn't be on fantasy radars.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 18 3:50pm CT
George Kittle

The San Francisco 49ers activated tight end George Kittle (hamstring) from injured reserve on Saturday, and he's set to return for Sunday Night Football against the Falcons. Kittle played just 20 snaps in Week 1 against the Seahawks before suffering a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve. The stud tight end rewarded fantasy managers with four catches (four targets) for 25 yards and a touchdown before leaving, and now makes his return after missing five games. With several 49ers receivers sidelined, Kittle could see an increased target share on Sunday night against an Atlanta defense that has surrendered the fewest receptions to tight ends this year. Despite the challenging matchup, he remains a high-end TE1 for Week 7 and going forward.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Oct 18 3:30pm CT
Rico Dowdle

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been one of the best stories in the NFL over the past two weeks, totaling an unbelievable 473 yards and two touchdowns as the lead back in place of Chuba Hubbard (calf). Hubbard will make his return on Sunday against the Jets, which muddies the outlook for the backfield this week. Hubbard earned a contract extension for his strong production last season and operated as the clear lead back before getting injured this season, but the superb play of Dowdle certainly changes some things. Head coach Dave Canales was noncommittal on how touches would be distributed, but expect it to be close to an even split, perhaps with a lean to Dowdle. Given his recent strong play, Dowdle profiles as a viable RB2 or flex start in Week 7 against the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Oct 18 3:20pm CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has played better of late and is coming off his most efficient game of the season against the Cowboys, completing 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. After a brutal Week 4 showing in a 42-13 loss to New England, Young has responded with two solid performances. The third-year QB has performed well at home, leading the Panthers to wins in all three contests in Carolina, but he's struggled on the road. Young will look to change that as the team travels to New York to face the 0-6 Jets in Week 7. He offers QB2 value, but the ceiling is limited.

From RotoBaller

Pierre Strong Jr. Oct 18 2:00pm CT
Pierre Strong Jr.

The Green Bay Packers have elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad for the team's Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Packers RB1 Josh Jacobs (calf) practiced in full on Friday, but is officially listed as questionable to play in Week 7 due to a calf injury. If Jacobs were to be sidelined, Green Bay would likely split backfield work between Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks, and Strong Jr. Wilson has rushed for 671 yards and four touchdowns on 135 carries across 29 career games for the Packers and has served as the team's primary RB2 so far this season. While Jacobs should still be expected to play, fantasy managers might be wise to scoop up Wilson in leagues where that's still possible, just in case Jacobs is a late scratch.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 18 2:00pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that "several teams" are interested in trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but the Dolphins have no interest in trading him. The 26-year-old has recorded 29 catches for 390 yards and three touchdowns on 40 targets through his first six games of 2025. In two games since taking over for the injured Tyreek Hill (knee) as Miami's clear WR1, Waddle has recorded 12 catches for 205 yards and a score on 17 targets. Waddle is under contract with the Dolphins through the 2028 season, so the team is under no pressure to move him despite their ugly 1-5 record. With Hill out for the remainder of the season, Waddle profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver as the clear top option in the passing game for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

From RotoBaller