Saubert played 17 of the 49ers' 54 snaps on offense and went without a target in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams. Since playing a season-high 55 snaps in a Week 11 loss to the Seahawks while starting in place of the injured George Kittle, Saubert's role on offense has predictably been scaled back in recent weeks. While Kittle has suited up in each of the ensuing four contests, Saubert has drawn just two total targets and has played less than one-third of the offensive snaps in every game.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Eric Saubert news
Team
San Francisco 49ers
Birthdate
5/9/1994 (30)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'5", 248 lbs
Draft Info
2017: Rd 5; Pk (ATL)
Birthplace
Chicago, IL, USA
Position
TE
College
Drake
Experience
7 seasons
Career History
San Francisco 49ers
2024-Present
(1 season)
Miami Dolphins
2023-2024
(1 season)
Houston Texans
2023-2023
(1 season)
Dallas Cowboys
2023-2023
(1 season)
Denver Broncos
2021-2023
(2 seasons)
Chicago Bears
2019-2021
(2 seasons)
Jacksonville Jaguars
2020-2020
(1 season)
Atlanta Falcons
2017-2020
(3 seasons)
New England Patriots
2019-2019
(1 season)
Saubert played 17 of the 49ers' 54 snaps on offense and went without a target in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams. Since playing a season-high 55 snaps in a Week 11 loss to the Seahawks while starting in place of the injured George Kittle, Saubert's role on offense has predictably been scaled back in recent weeks. While Kittle has suited up in each of the ensuing four contests, Saubert has drawn just two total targets and has played less than one-third of the offensive snaps in every game.
Saubert (illness) recorded one reception for seven yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to Seattle. The 49ers ruled George Kittle (hamstring) inactive prior to Sunday's kickoff, opening the door for Saubert to fill in as the starting tight end. The veteran backup had to overcome an illness himself in order to suit up against the Seahawks. Saubert got through the contest without issue, but he was unable to replicate the kind of numbers we have come to expect from his star teammate. Kittle's targets are usually dispersed to other skill positions when he sidelined, leaving little fantasy potential for Saubert in spot-starts.
Saubert did not receive a target in Sunday's blowout win over the Patriots, logging 18 snaps on offense (29 percent) while playing 20 on special teams. Saubert reverted to his expected backup role after starter George Kittle (4-45-1) returned from a one-game absence. The veteran backup saw his role diminish on offense after gaining 41 yards on two receptions in last week's spot-start for Kittle. Saubert can only operate as a deep-league fantasy option in games that Kittle misses, which does not appear to be the situation for next Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.
Saubert had two receptions on as many targets for 41 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Rams. Saubert received a bump up the depth chart prior to Sunday's loss after starter George Kittle (hamstring) was ruled out late in the practice week. The veteran backup performed well in the star's absence, but he didn't see his usage increase over last week's two-catch performance. There is a chance Kittle returns for the 49ers' upcoming tilt against the Patriots, so Saubert's time as the club's starting tight end may be short lived.
Saubert finished with two receptions on as many targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to Minnesota. Saubert failed to bring in his lone target against the Jets in Week 1, officially recording his first reception with San Francisco after signing with the club this past offseason. The veteran backup saw 26 snaps on offense in the loss compared to starter George Kittle's 51. Saubert won't generate much fantasy buzz in games that Kittle is active for this season.
Saubert signed to the 49ers' 53-man roster Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports. Saubert was released by the team Tuesday but returned as a third tight end behind George Kittle and Jake Tonges. The veteran made 10 combined appearances for the Cowboys and Texans last season, playing more on special teams than offense. Saubert's best statistical season came in 2022 with Denver when he caught 15 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown.
Saubert was released by the 49ers on Tuesday. Saubert inked a deal with the 49ers in April and was expected to primarily serve as a reserve blocking tight end. The 30-year-old made a push for a spot on the roster this preseason, but the team will instead roll with Jake Tonges as its lone backup behind starter George Kittle. Across 10 regular-season appearances with the Texans and Cowboys last season, Saubert caught three passes for 12 yards and worked mostly as a special-teamer.
Saubert has two receptions (three targets) for 11 yards through two preseason games with San Francisco. The veteran addition at tight end started both exhibition games while George Kittle sat out with most of the starters on offense. Saubert is known for his blocking skills as opposed to being a vertical threat, so his preseason game log might be a good representation of the kind of fantasy numbers we will see from the 30-year-old in 2024.
Saubert signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on Monday. Over the course of nine regular-season games for the Texans in 2023, Saubert (who before that suited up for one contest with the Cowboys) caught all three of his targets for 12 yards. With San Francisco, Saubert will work in a depth role behind George Kittle, and in that capacity it's unlikely he'll see enough targets in 2024 to merit fantasy consideration.