NFL Player News

Dissly (illness) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

The veteran tight end was cleared to return to practice in a limited capacity after missing Wednesday's session due to an illness. Dissly is trending toward being available for Sunday's game against the Titans, though he was a healthy scratch for Week 8 as the Chargers went with three active tight ends in Oronde Gadsden, Tucker Fisk and Tyler Conklin.

Tonga (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Tonga sustained a knee injury during New England's Week 8 win over Cleveland, but it doesn't appear to be a serious issue as he was able to practice Thursday without restriction. Barring any setbacks, the 2021 seventh-rounder is on track to play against the Falcons on Sunday. Tonga has started in each of the Patriots' last two games and has logged four tackles (two solo), including one tackle for a loss, over that span.

Oliver (foot) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Oliver sprained his foot during the Vikings' Week 8 loss to the Chargers, and Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reported Wednesday that the veteran tight end is unlikely to play against the Lions on Sunday. Ben Yurosek would be the Vikings' backup tight end behind T.J. Hockenson if Oliver is indeed ruled out Week 9 while Ben Sims -- who Minnesota claimed off waivers from Green Bay on Monday -- serves as the TE3.

McConkey (calf) remained limited at practice Thursday.

McConkey also was limited Wednesday, so the wideout has one more chance to upgrade to full participation before the Chargers assign injury designations for Sunday's game against the Titans. In his team's 37-10 win over the Vikings in Week 8, McConkey caught six of a team-high 10 targets for 88 yards and a TD.

Neal (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Neal maintained his activity level from Wednesday as he tends to an ankle injury. No. 1 RB Alvin Kamara also is operating with a cap on his reps this week due to a lingering ankle issue, but there's been no indication that either player is in danger of sitting out Sunday's game at the Rams. In Week 8 against the Buccaneers, Neal took over the No. 2 role following Kendre Miller's torn ACL, logging a 46 percent snap share and netting 11 yards on his three catches. Meanwhile, Kamara handled 51 percent of the plays on his way to 45 yards from scrimmage on eight touches.

Ham (hand) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Ham was unable to play against the Chargers in Week 8 due to a hand injury he picked up against the Eagles in Week 7. He's missed the first two practices of Week 9 prep, and he'll have to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday to have a realistic chance of playing against the Lions on Sunday. Without another fullback on the active roster, the Vikings would continue to lean on tight ends Josh Oliver (foot) and Ben Yurosek to handle backfield blocking duties if Ham is not cleared to play.

Greenard (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Greenard was limited in Wednesday's session due to an ankle injury, but the 2020 third-rounder is on track to play against the Lions in Week 9 after logging a full practice Thursday. Greenard has accumulated 24 tackles (16 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble through the first seven games of the regular season.

Brown (illness) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Brown missed practice Wednesday due to an illness, but his full participation Thursday indicates the wide receiver has recovered and should be available Sunday against the Bills. His role has decreased substantially since Rashee Rice's return from suspension, with Rice, Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy all earning more attention from Patrick Mahomes than Brown.

Dugger (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Dugger missed this past Sunday's game against Cleveland due to a knee issue. He was then traded from New England to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Dugger's ability to log a full session Thursday suggests he's healthy enough to play Sunday against Indianapolis, but he may not have had enough time to get fully up to speed with Pittsburgh's playbook. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic mentions that the Steelers have a "contingency plan" at strong safety if Dugger isn't ready for a full workload.

Pearsall (knee) didn't take part in Thursday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

On a positive note, though, Pearsall ran quick routes and made cuts on a side field, seemingly testing the current state of his right knee and its lingering PCL injury. The 49ers may make a ruling on the second-year pro's availability for Sunday's game at the Giants as soon as Friday, but the 49ers' receiving corps again might be led by Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson in Week 9.