Colby Parkinson

Kittle returned to practice on Friday but is still a true game-time call for Week 5. Backup tight end Eric Saubert caught two passes for 41 yards when Kittle missed Week 3 because of a hamstring injury. He would be a weak emergency option for fantasy managers if Kittle is ruled out on Sunday. Tucker Kraft and Colby Parkinson, who also play in the second wave of games, are better backup plans at tight end.

Parkinson saw the second-most targets on the team, though that conveyed into just 33 total yards on the day. He is the definitive No. 1 TE on the team and will be a top-three option in the passing game with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out. However, it will be a frustrating journey through the depleted Rams offense. Parkinson is a touchdown-dependent TE2 play against the Packers in Week 5.

Parkinson technically finished with at team-high six targets though one was ultimately negated. The usage is encouraging but Parkinson remains a frustrating, touchdown-dependent option. He is a TE2 against the Bears in Week 4.

The Rams' short-staffed pass-catching corps will be without its No. 2 tight end as well. Allen was unable to practice all week though, so this is hardly a surprise. While he is firmly entrenched behind starter Colby Parkinson, a Week 4 return would at least provide Matthew Stafford with a capable rotational player.

It's possible Kittle gets in some light work after the portion of practice open to the media is over, but he appears to be headed for his second straight DNP. He is questionable, at best, for Week 3. The 49ers play on Monday night, so fantasy managers will need to find a contingency plan ahead of time. Colby Parkinson, whose Rams face the 49ers, is running all of the routes on a team missing two superstar wide receivers. He is likely the best for fantasy managers willing to gamble on Kittle's health.