Bates was a non-participant in Thursday's practice due to a shoulder injury.
Bates has been a spectator for the Commanders' first two Week 8 practices and will need to get back on the field in some capacity to put himself in position to play Sunday against the Eagles. The sixth-year tight end has played at least 30 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the Commanders' first six games, mainly serving as a blocking specialist while recording five receptions for 27 yards on six targets.