NFL Player News

Magee (hamstring) was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday.

Magee suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 1 loss to Philadelphia. As a result, he was placed on injured reserve and missed the last four contests. Magee can be activated any time in the next 21 days, meaning there's a chance he will suit up Monday night against the 49ers.

Ekeler was a limited practice participant Thursday due to a chest injury.

Among those in the Commanders backfield, Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) didn't practice to begin Week 6 prep, Ekeler endured practice restrictions, and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps, IR) was full, leaving just Rachaad White as a healthy body on the active roster. Since re-signing with Washington in late September, Ekeler has received nine touches across two games, which he turned into 54 yards from scrimmage. If Croskey-Merritt ends up sitting out Monday's contest at San Francisco and McNichols remains on injured reserve, Ekeler, assuming he's active, will be in line for increased work alongside White.

Lambert-Smith (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

One of six Chargers receivers on the Week 6 injury report, Lambert-Smith is the only one who isn't currently on the 53-man roster. He's been on injured reserve since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury, but after having his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday, Lambert-Smith could have a shot at suiting up this Sunday in Kansas City. He's been a limited participant in both of the first two practices of the week, so he may need to turn in a full session Friday in order for the Chargers to feel comfortable activating him.

Knight will start in Thursday's game against the Broncos, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

With Drake Thomas (ankle) ruled out, Knight will take his place in the starting lineup. The 25-year-old has started in 14 regular-season games throughout his career, amassing 102 total tackles (56 solo) and 3.5 sacks in those appearances.

Burks was limited at Thursday's practice due to a shoulder injury.

After being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Burks has been active and increased his snap share in each of the ensuing four contests, a span in which he combined for a 5-86-2 line on 11 targets. While Burks and No. 1 WR Terry McLaurin (hamstring) both opened Week 6 prep with capped sessions, Stefon Diggs (hamstring) was held out entirely Thursday. If Diggs requires another absence Monday at San Francisco and Burks is active, the latter again should be a regular option for QB Jayden Daniels in the passing game.

Harris (hamstring) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

The Chargers have held Harris out of their first two practices of the week, a development that comes as little surprise after head coach Jim Harbaugh described the wideout as "more week-to-week" than day-to-day coming out of this past Sunday's loss to the Broncos, per Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com. Unless Harris is able to make a surprise return to practice Friday, he'll likely miss his first game of the season this Sunday in Kansas City.

Johnston (chest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Johnston practiced in a limited fashion for the second day in a row, which offers hope that he'll be able to put an end to a one-game absence and return to action Sunday in Kansas City. In order to avoid carrying a designation into the weekend, however, Johnston may need to upgrade to full participation during Friday's practice.

McLaurin (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

McLaurin sat out the Commanders' Week 4 matchup with the Colts in London due to a hamstring injury, which capped him to one limited practice during Week 5 prep. He was able to play this past Sunday against the Giants, when he handled a 57 percent snap share and gathered in all four targets for 62 yards. With a capped session already to begin this week, McLaurin appears to be in a better spot, health-wise, than he was a week ago, while fellow WR Stefon Diggs continued to sit out due to his own hamstring issue.

McConkey (foot) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

After being active but not playing in this past Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Broncos, McConkey is in a better spot on the health front in Week 6. He's participated on a limited basis in the Chargers' first two practices of the week, and if he can maintain that level of activity of upgrade to full Friday, McConkey could head into Sunday's game against the Chiefs without an injury designation. Much like the other core members of a struggling Chargers offense, McConkey has gotten off to an underwhelming start to 2026 with a 12-183-1 receiving line on 17 targets through his four appearances.

Croskey-Merritt was held out of Thursday's practice due to a groin injury.

Croskey-Merritt logged two limited practices during Week 5 prep due to a groin issue and still suited up this past Sunday against the Giants, turning his 11 carries into 82 yards and one touchdown. As a result, his absence Thursday could be more for maintenance than anything, but his status nonetheless will be watched closely in advance of Monday's game at San Francisco.