Bates could make another start Thursday against the Bears with fellow tight end Logan Thomas (calf) ruled out for a second straight game.
Bates handled a three-down role a few times late last season when Thomas was out, but in the Week 5 loss to the Titans, the Commanders often subbed in Cole Turner for obvious passing situations. As a result, Bates was limited to playing 59 percent of snaps, though he reeled in his three targets for 39 yards. Meanwhile, Turner finished without a catch on three targets and 32 snaps (51 percent).