NFL Player News

Johnston wasn't targeted in Thursday's 37-10 win over the Vikings.

Johnston was on the field for 38 of 73 offensive snaps, trailing Tre' Harris (43) and Ladd McConkey (42) but finishing well ahead of Keenan Allen (18). Harris has an overlapping skill set with Johnston, and the rookie second-round pick could gradually supplant Johnston as the team's go-to deep threat. Johnston exceeded 70 receiving yards in each of his first four appearances this season while scoring four touchdowns over that span, but he has just 70 yards and one touchdown in his last three games combined. His next opportunity to bounce back will arrive against the Titans in Week 9.

Hockenson had two receptions for 26 yards on three targets in Thursday's loss to the Chargers.

Minnesota's offense struggled against the Chargers as Carson Wentz was sacked five times amid an injury-depleted offensive line. There were few opportunities for Hockenson as a result. He did go out on a route on 30 of his 40 snaps on offense, so he was involved in the passing game when the team fell far behind.

With Brock Purdy (toe) unlikely to be ready to play Sunday against the Texans, Jones is expected to make another start at quarterback, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jones has been starting since Week 2 and appears to be ready to make a sixth consecutive start, as Purdy continues to deal with his turf toe issue. Across his five starts, Jones has completed 67 percent of his passes at 6.9 yards per attempt with six touchdowns and four interceptions. He's done enough to help manage the 49ers to four wins across those five games, but Jones carries minimal fantasy value outside of two-quarterback formats.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said after Thursday night's loss to the Chargers that McCarthy (ankle) will start Week 9 against the Lions if he's healthy, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

McCarthy hasn't played since Week 2, as Carson Wentz has started each of the Vikings' last five contests. However, Wentz -- who has been playing through a painful left (non-throwing) shoulder issue -- was sacked five times Thursday and looked defeated at the end of the loss to the Chargers, as he was pressured and hit relentlessly by the Los Angeles defense. The Vikings have dropped two games in a row and three of the last four with Wentz at quarterback. McCarthy has been logging limited practices of late, and he'll now have 10 days to try and get ready for a date with Detroit.

Purdy (toe) is not expected to start Sunday against the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Rapoport added that Mac Jones is expected to make another start for San Francisco. Purdy has logged back-to-back limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, but it sounds like his toe needs more time to heal. Jones has completed 67 percent of his passes and has helped guide the 49ers to a 4-1 record while under center. If Purdy is unable to play Sunday, his next chance to suit up will be Week 9 against the Giants.

Allen brought in four of five targets for 44 yards in the Chargers' 37-10 win over the Vikings on Thursday night.

Ladd McConkey and Oronde Gadsden posted a combined 11-165-2 line, which rendered Allen a clear tertiary component of the air attack on the night. Nevertheless, the veteran receiver continued to offer serviceable real-world and fantasy production -- all of his receptions Thursday resulted in first downs -- and he extended his season-opening streak of games with at least four receptions to eight contests overall. Allen will take a 48-479-4 line on 70 targets into a Week 9 road matchup against the Titans on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Addison secured three of four targets for 26 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers on Thursday night.

The Vikings' offense had a mostly forgettable performance as the final score indicates, but Addison still found a way to continue making an impact by recording a four-yard touchdown catch with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Addison has scored twice over his first four games after the delayed start to his season, and he's likely to have his first regular-season opportunity to work with J.J. McCarthy (ankle) as his quarterback in a Week 9 road matchup against the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 2.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that there's a "real possibility" Daniels misses just one start with his low-grade hamstring strain.

Daniels has already been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Chiefs due to the hamstring injury he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, but it sounds like he's not looking at any sort of extended absence. Marcus Mariota will be under center against Kansas City, and Daniels would then be in line to return to the lineup in Week 9 at home against the Seahawks.

Mason rushed four times for three yards and brought in his only target for three yards in the Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers on Thursday night.

Mason saw Aaron Jones return from a four-game stay on injured reserve for Thursday's contest, and the former finished with a season-low carry total. While that was partly due to Jones' return, game script also played a significant role, as the Vikings were already down 21-3 at the half. Mason appears likely to slide back into a complementary role that should still yield him a serviceable amount of work in games where the Vikings have a chance to run a more balanced attack, with a Week 9 road matchup against the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 2 serving as the next opportunity to see how the backfield shakes out.

Hampton (ankle) remained in a walking boot following Thursday night's win over the Vikings, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Hampton has been on injured reserve since Week 5 and doesn't appear to be close to a return to action. At the time of his placement on injured reserve, it was reported that Hampton would likely miss more than the minimum four games. With Hampton, Najee Harris (Achilles) and Hassan Haskins (hamstring) out Thursday against Minnesota, Kimani Vidal had a career game with a 23-117-1 rushing line. He should continue operating as the Chargers' RB1 in the immediate future.