NFL Player News

Jones (hamstring) is active for Thursday's game at the Chargers.

It's been a quick turnaround for Jones, who was designated for return from injured reserve Tuesday, followed that up with back-to-back limited walkthroughs, was listed as questionable for Week 8 action and then activated from IR on Thursday. He now has been cleared for his first game action since he suffered a hamstring injury Week 2, but with Jordan Mason faring well in Jones' absence -- and considering how long the latter was sidelined -- Jones seems poised for complementary work as a pass catcher, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Jones has five seasons of 50-plus receptions in his nine-year career.

McCarthy (ankle) is listed as inactive Thursday at the Chargers but will be available as the emergency third quarterback, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy thus won't be active for a fifth consecutive game due to his ongoing recovery from a high right-ankle sprain, but his standing as the emergency third QB for a second straight contest gives him a chance to play if both starter Carson Wentz and backup Max Brosmer leave Thursday's matchup due to injuries. McCarthy himself has put together back-to-back weeks of limited on-field work, and coach Kevin O'Connell even told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com that the second-year quarterback's workout Tuesday was "just not there," but could have been if the Vikings had a Sunday game on the schedule. McCarthy's next chance for his first action since Week 2 is Sunday, Nov. 2 in Detroit.

Gaines (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

A toe injury prevented Gaines from participating in Wednesday's walkthrough. He was back at practice Thursday in a limited capacity, and Friday's injury report will indicate his chances of playing Sunday against the Saints. Gaines' availability could be even more crucial, given that Vita Vea popped up on Thursday's injury report due to a foot injury.

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

Vea was able to participate in Wednesday's walkthrough, so the foot injury he's working through may be a recent issue rather than one he picked up during Monday's loss to the Lions. Friday's practice report will provide more clarity on Vea's chances of playing Sunday against the Saints. If he's not cleared to play, then Elijah Simmons, C.J. Brewer and Greg Gaines (toe) would be in line to see more snaps on the defensive line in Week 8.

Schultz (back/shoulder) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Schultz was also limited at practice Wednesday, so he may need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the 49ers. With wideouts Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) having logged DNPs both Wednesday and Thursday, Schultz, assuming he's available, could be in store for a high-volume Week 8 if the Texans remain shorthanded at WR.

Winfield (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Winfield came out of Monday's 24-9 loss to the Lions with a toe injury, which prevented him from participating in Wednesday's walkthrough. His ability to return to practice Thursday is a positive sign, and he would avoid an injury tag for Week 8 against the Saints if he were to practice Friday without restriction. Winfield has accumulated 35 tackles (22 solo), including 1.0 sacks, two pass defenses and one forced fumble through the first seven games of the regular season.

David (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

David continues to have his practice reps limited while he works through a lingering knee injury. He should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Saints, but a full practice Friday would mean he would enter Week 8 without an injury designation. David has played nearly every single defensive snap through the first seven games of the regular season, and his 47 tackles is third most on the Buccaneers behind Tykee Smith (58) and SirVocea Dennis (52).

Bridgewater (teeth) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Bridgewater has missed the first two practices of the week, so Friday's injury report will provide clarity on whether he serves as Baker Mayfield's backup against the Saints on Sunday. Connor Bazelak is the lone quarterback on the practice squad, so he would likely be elevated to the active roster for Week 8 if Bridgewater is unable to play.

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

Hobbs was limited to open Week 8 prep due to a lingering knee injury, but his ability to practice Thursday indicates that he is on track to play against the Steelers on Sunday. The 2021 fifth-rounder has played every single defensive snap in the Packers' two games following the Week 4 bye, accumulating nine tackles (five solo) over that span.

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

Fuller has been a full participant in practice since being designated to return from injured reserve Oct. 16. He wasn't cleared to play against the 49ers in Week 7, but a full practice Friday would put him one step closer to being activated off IR and making his return Sunday against the Dolphins. Fuller's return would give the Falcons a boost on special teams and in the secondary.