NFL Player News

Purdy (left shoulder/toe) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Purdy continues to string together capped sessions going back to Week 3 prep, and he even handled the first QB reps during pre-practice drills Thursday, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Afterward, when asked if he'll start Sunday against the Jaguars, Purdy told Vic Tafur of The Athletic, "We'll see. I like where I'm at. I am felling a lot better." Purdy has missed the last two games due to a turf toe variant and an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, and Mac Jones, who's earned a pair of spot starts in Purdy's place, is dealing with a sprained PCL of his own. Unless coach Kyle Shanahan officially names a starter for Week 4 on Friday, the decision to roll with Purdy or Jones in Week 4 may come down to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

Mayfield (right biceps) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Mayfield maintained his activity level from one day prior and also was seen wearing a sleeve on his right throwing arm but not actually attempting passes Thursday, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Speaking on Mayfield's preparation, offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard told Stroud, "Yeah, he was limited...he's in all, of course, all the meetings, all the walkthroughs, and he does such a good job of preparing already, a lot like, what [backup QB] Teddy [Bridgewater] was doing. Everybody's on the same page." There doesn't seem to be much worry about Mayfield's availability for Sunday's game against the Eagles, but who he may be throwing to is up in the air with Mike Evans (hamstring) expected to miss time and Chris Godwin (foot) still not cleared to return to action.

Fields (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Though Fields was listed as a full participant in the session, he still needs to progress entirely through the NFL's concussion protocol in order to be available Monday night versus the Dolphins, per Cimini. With that in mind, prior to Thursday's practice, coach Aaron Glenn noted of the QB, "He still has to go through the whole protocol before he's totally cleared, but I like where he's at," while adding, "If he's cleared, he's the starter" against Miami.

Ward (ankle/calf) upgraded to a full practice Thursday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Ward was limited in Wednesday's session, but it appears as if it was more precautionary than anything else, and the rookie No. 1 overall pick is poised to be under center Sunday against the Texans. Ward will have a new play-caller in his ear after coach Brian Callahan gave up play-calling duties to QBs coach Bo Hardegree earlier this week.

Daniels (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Daniels sat out a Week 3 win against the Raiders due to a sprained knee that he suffered during a Week 2 loss at Green Bay. He now has strung together three consecutive limited listings on injury reports stretching back to last week, but he told John Keim of ESPN.com on Wednesday that a decision on his availability for Sunday's game in Atlanta is "up to the doctors." The Commanders could make that call as soon as they post Friday's injury report, but until they do, one of Daniels or backup QB Marcus Mariota will be the options to lead the offense this weekend.

Coach Aaron Glenn noted that Fields will practice Thursday, but he added that the QB is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

With the Jets playing Monday night against the Dolphins, Fields has an extra day to progress through the protocol ahead of Week 4 action, but his ability to practice Thursday is a good sign on that front. Meanwhile, Glenn confirmed Thursday that Fields will draw the start versus Miami (backed up by Tyrod Taylor) if he gains clearance to play.

McKee (thumb) participated in practice in a limited capacity Wednesday.

McKee has now been limited in each of the Eagles' past three practice sessions dating back to last week. He's yet to be active on gameday this season but has served as the emergency third QB each of the past two weeks. McKee seems to be trending in the right direction and could be active as Jalen Hurts' backup as soon as this Sunday versus Tampa Bay.

The Saints placed Dekkers (undisclosed) on the practice squad injured list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Dekkers has bounced on and off the Saints' practice squad early this season. He'll now be ineligible to be elevated to the active roster for at least the next four games.

Mayfield was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a right biceps injury.

It's not ideal that the injury is to his throwing arm, but Mayfield's ability to practice in any capacity suggests he's on track to play Sunday against the Eagles. WR Mike Evans (hamstring) isn't expected to play, but Chris Godwin (ankle) is closing in on his 2025 debut after upgrading to full practice participation Wednesday.

Daniels (knee) said he felt no discomfort during a limited practice Wednesday, but he still isn't sure if team doctors will clear him for Sunday's game at Atlanta, ESPN.com's John Keim reports.

The gist of Daniels' media session was that he thinks he's healthy enough to play but isn't sure if the doctors will let him. He also said he'll defer to medical staff on the potential use of a knee brace, having never tried/needed one before. The Commanders could hardly be blamed for a cautious approach this early in the season, especially after backup QB Marcus Mariota played well last week, but it does sound like Daniels wants to play and thinks he can do so.