NFL Player News

Purdy (toe) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Purdy continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps as he battles through a nagging turf toe injury that has forced him to miss five of the last six games. He may be trending toward a sixth absence of the season after coach Kyle Shanahan told Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday that it'd be a "stretch" for Purdy to play Sunday in Houston. Shanahan typically has been announcing the 49ers' starting quarterback Friday ahead of Sunday matchups, so Mac Jones may be confirmed in such a capacity by week's end. Where that leaves Purdy is another story, as he could be anything from active as the backup, inactive as the emergency third QB or inactive without suiting up this weekend, assuming he isn't named the starter.

Pipkins (knee) is active for Thursday's game against the Vikings, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Pipkins missed the Chargers' last two games due to a knee injury, but he has been cleared to return for Thursday night's game against Minnesota. The Chargers will get a boost to their starting offensive line with the return of Pipkins and Joe Alt (ankle), though they will be down two depth pieces in Austin Deculus (ankle) and Jamaree Salyer (coach's decision).

Calcaterra (oblique) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Calcaterra has missed two consecutive games with the injury, but back-to-back limited practices at least gives him a chance to return for Week 8 against the Giants. Calcaterra has four catches for 40 scoreless yards as Dallas Goedert's distant backup this season.

Bates (wrist) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Bates was limited Wednesday, but his return to full work Thursday puts him on track to play Sunday against the 49ers. The 26-year-old tight end has logged 20 offensive snaps across three appearances this season, snagging two passes for 23 yards.

Alt (ankle) is active for Thursday's game against Minnesota, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

A high-ankle sprain from Week 4 against the Giants prevented Alt from playing in the Chargers' last three games. The second-year lineman has been cleared to play Thursday, and he will slide back into his starting role at left tackle against the Vikings. Starting right tackle Trey Pipkins (knee) has also been cleared to play Week 8.

Dye (thumb) is active for Thursday night's game against the Vikings, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Dye was unable to play against the Colts in Week 7 due to a thumb injury, but the 2020 fourth-rounder has been cleared to play Thursday after logging three consecutive practice sessions. Dye's return gives the Chargers additional depth at inside linebacker alongside Marlowe Wax and behind starters Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman.

Mason is welcoming back Aaron Jones (hamstring) to the Vikings backfield for Thursday's game at the Chargers.

Jones hasn't played since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury, but Minnesota designated him for return from injured reserve Tuesday and then activated him Thursday following two limited walkthroughs. It's unclear how many snaps and touches Mason may yield to Jones in his first game back, but Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com suggests that Jones at least will be utilized in a pass-catching capacity. Mason averaged 16.5 touches for 75.3 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring four rushing TDs during Jones' four-game absence.

Molden (thumb) is active for Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Molden drew the questionable tag for Week 8 following three consecutive limited practices, and the fifth-year safety has been cleared to play after going through pregame warmups. He's slated to start at safety alongside Derwin James for Thursday night's home game.

Dissly (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Dissly played just three offensive snaps during the Chargers' Week 7 loss to the Vikings. His role in the offense has waned with the emergence of rookie fifth-rounder Oronde Gadsden, and Dissly will observe Thursday's game in street clothes. With Dissly inactive, the Chargers will roll with three tight ends on the active roster in Gadsden, Tucker Fisk and Tyler Conklin for Week 8.

Scott (wrist) is listed as active Thursday at the Chargers.

Scott emerged from this past Sunday's loss to the Eagles with a wrist injury and then logged a pair of limited walkthroughs before the Vikings tagged him as questionable for Week 8 action. While he'll be available to Minnesota's backfield, he'll be welcoming back Aaron Jones (hamstring) for the first time since Week 2 after the veteran was activated from IR and now is active for Thursday's game. Scott very well could be the third RB behind Jordan Mason and Jones moving forward.