NFL Player News

Jones (knee) was in uniform for Thursday's practice but didn't attempt many throws, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The 49ers appear to be taking it easy on Jones in the likely scenario that No. 1 QB Brock Purdy (toe) isn't able to play Sunday at Tampa Bay. Notably, Adrian Martinez was the only quarterback to throw during route-running work Thursday, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com, so Jones seems destined to log a second consecutive limited session. Friday's practice report will be key to determining who will be under center for San Francisco this weekend.

The Packers listed McManus (quadriceps) as a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

According to Ryan Wood of USA Today, McManus wasn't in full uniform during the open portion of Thursday's practice, nor was he seen doing any kicking after injuring his right quad during Wednesday's workout. Even so, McManus apparently did enough on-field work to garner a limited listing for the second straight day. Though head coach Matt LaFleur expressed some concern about McManus' availability for Sunday's game against the Bengals when he spoke to the media earlier Thursday, the kicker himself said after the practice session that he expects to be ready to play by the time the weekend arrives, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. McManus' activity -- or lack thereof -- at Friday's practice will likely determine whether he takes a designation into Sunday.

Watson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Since the Packers designated him for return from the reserve/PUP list Monday, Watson has operated with a cap on his practice reps through two sessions, giving him just one more chance to prove his health this week before the team potentially makes a ruling on his availability for Sunday's contest against the Bengals. Watson is seeking his first game action since tearing the ACL in his right knee Week 18 of last season.

Rodriguez (calf) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Rodriguez still has two chances to raise his practice participation level before Washington reveals its Week 6 injury report for Monday's game against the Bears. If Rodriguez doesn't play against Chicago, that could open up more opportunities for Jeremy McNichols to work in a change-of-pace role behind lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Gonzalez (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Gonzalez wasn't listed with any injury designation on Wednesday's report, so he appears to have sustained his current hamstring issue during practice. That said, it was a hamstring injury that forced him to miss New England's first three games of the regular season, so it's possible that he's either suffered a setback or is having his reps capped. Gonzalez said after practice Wednesday that Sunday's contest against the Saints "will be a good test," Mark Daniels of MassLive reports.

Brown (groin/knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Head coach Dan Quinn clarified that Brown's absence, which dates back to Week 2 against the Packers, has been related primarily to his groin injury rather than the knee injury that bothered Brown during camp, per John Keim of ESPN.com. Brown seems to be a step ahead in his recovery compared to Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), who was listed as a non-participant Thursday. Both receivers are hoping to return from multi-week absences Monday against the Bears.

Pearsall (knee) was working on the side with a sleeve on his right leg during Thursday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Pearsall has yet to practice since picking up a minor PCL injury in his right knee during a Week 4 loss to the Jaguars, but GM John Lynch said Thursday that the second-year wide receiver "hasn't given up hope" on playing Sunday in Tampa Bay, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com. In the end, though, Pearsall likely will need to mix into drills Friday to put himself in a position to do so.

Jennings (ankle/rib) returned to practice Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

This marks Jennings' first on-field work since Week 4 prep as he tends to lingering ankle and rib injuries. GM John Lynch said earlier Thursday that Jennings may be limited at the 49ers' upcoming session and also return for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. The team's second Week 6 practice report will reveal Jennings' activity level Thursday, but he likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid a designation entering the weekend.

Purdy (toe) didn't practice Thursday but was seen doing some conditioning work while wearing cleats, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Purdy has missed three of the last four contests due to a turf toe injury, and his lack of practice reps so far this week seems to indicate he's trending toward another absence Sunday at Tampa Bay. Coach Kyle Shanahan told David Lombardi of SFStandard.com on Wednesday that Purdy is "progressing," and the 49ers haven't considered placing the quarterback on injured reserve, which would carry with it a minimum four-game absence. As a result, even if Mac Jones ends up getting the Week 6 start under center for the 49ers, Purdy remains a candidate to play until the team officially rules him out for game day.

Dean (knee) was activated from the reserve/PUP list Thursday.

Dean's activation makes him eligible to play Thursday night against the Giants, though he's still listed as questionable. A determination on his status will likely be made around 90 minutes prior to Thursday's 8:15 ET kickoff. He has yet to make his 2025 season debut after recording 128 tackles in a breakout 2024 regular season.