NFL Player News

Purdy (left shoulder/toe) doesn't have a designation for and will start Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Purdy hasn't played since Week 1 due to a turf toe variant and an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, but he'll officially retake the reins of the 49ers offense from backup Mac Jones (knee). In his return to the lineup, Purdy will be taking on a Jacksonville pass defense that has allowed 209.3 yards per game (17th in the NFL).

Mayer (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears, Paul Gutierrez of Raiders.com reports.

Mayer didn't practice this week, so his next chance to see game action will arrive Sunday, Oct. 5 against the Colts. In Mayer's absence, fellow TE Ian Thomas is in line to serve as Brock Bowers' top backup Sunday, with Albert Okwuegbunam and Carter Runyon representing possible Week 4 practice-squad elevations.

Smith (heel) was a full participant at practice Friday.

Smith was limited at practice Thursday due to a heel injury before upping his participation Friday. He won't carry an injury designation into the weekend, and Smith will be in his starting role at right tackle versus the Rams on Sunday.

Winston (hamstring) is questionable to play Sunday in Houston.

Winston was a limited participant at practice for all three of the team's sessions this week, but he'll ultimately be forced to miss a fourth game in a row with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Quandre Diggs will continue to see an increase in workload against the Texans.

Zeitler (biceps) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's contest against Houston.

Zeitler was a full participant at practice Friday, leaving behind the biceps injury that forced him to miss the team's Week 3 loss to the Colts. The 35-year-old will be back in his starting role at right guard versus the Texans.

Fant (concussion) didn't practice Friday.

With 'DNPs' Thursday and Friday in the books, Fant has one more chance to practice before the Bengals release their final injury report of the week Saturday. If the tight end is unable to gain clearance to play Monday night against the Broncos, Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson and Cam Grandy would be available to handle TE duties. Of that group, Gesicki profiles as the upside fantasy play Week 4.

Thomas (forearm) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Browns, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas was absent from practice throughout the entire week as he nurses an apparent forearm injury. In his absence, Thomas Harper may be asked to operate in a larger role at reserve safety behind starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph versus Cleveland.

Cunningham (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Browns, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Cunningham appears to have picked up a hamstring injury at practice this week, which will now sideline him in Week 4. In his absence, Trevor Nowaske and Grant Stuard could absorb some workload at middle linebacker versus Cleveland.

Parkinson (shoulder) is questionable to play in Sunday's contest against the Colts, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Parkinson has been limited at practice throughout the week due to his preexisting shoulder injury that he sustained in Week 1, but head coach Sean McVay said Friday that he expects the tight end to play in Week 4. Parkinson has caught both of his targets for a loss of six yards over two games this season.

Adams (hip) was a full participant at practice Friday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Adams appears set to return to action in Week 4 after missing one game with a hip injury. The 26-year-old will be back in his starting role at strong safety against the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.