NFL Player News

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

Bates sustained a knee injury during the Falcons' Week 8 loss against the Dolphins, but the veteran safety relayed after Thursday's practice that he feels confident that he'll be cleared to play against the Patriots on Sunday. Without the 2018 second-rounder, the Falcons would have to turn to either Jordan Fuller or DeMarcco Hellams to start at safety alongside Xavier Watts. Bates has tallied at least five tackles in six of the first seven games of the regular season, and his 45 stops is second most on the Falcons behind Kaden Elliss (48).

Kirk (hamstring) was a full practice participant Thursday.

With a full session in tow, Kirk appears set to put an end to a two-game absence this Sunday versus the Broncos. Aside from Tank Dell (knee), the Texans project to have all of their key wide receivers available for the Week 9 matchup, as Nico Collins cleared concussion protocol after joining Kirk as a full practice participant Thursday. Over three appearances with the Texans this season, Kirk has put together a 10-109-0 receiving line on 16 targets.

Washington (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

A back injury prevented Washington from practicing Wednesday, but he took a step in the right direction by logging a limited session Thursday, and he would likely avoid an injury designation for Week 9 against the Patriots if he were to practice in full Friday. Washington played just four offensive snaps against the Dolphins in Week 8, and he would remain in a limited role on offense if Drake London (hip) is cleared to play against New England.

James (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

James sustained a low ankle sprain in Week 8 against the Vikings, but he is trending toward being available against the Titans on Sunday after practicing in full Thursday. The veteran safety will continue to start at safety alongside Elijah Molden, barring a setback.

Crosby (knee) participated in Thursday's practice, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Crosby sustained a knee injury during the second quarter of the Raiders' Week 7 loss to the Chiefs. He had extra time to rest thanks to the Week 8 bye, and his ability to practice Thursday indicates that he is trending toward being available for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Charles Snowden, Tyree Wilson and rookie fourth-rounder Tonka Hemingway would pick up more rotational snaps at defensive end if Crosby is unable to play Week 9.

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.

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.

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.

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.