UNDERSTANDING THE NFL'S INJURY REPORT
The injury report released by the NFL is actually two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players were able to practice and how much. It also includes players who rested or missed practice for non-injury related reasons. The second is the Game Status Report, which gives the probability a player will play, i.e. Questionable, Doubtful, Out. The Practice Participation Report is released every day of the week (Monday through Saturday). The Game Status Report is released with the Friday participation report (Wednesday for Thursday games, Saturday for Monday games).
The NFL has made the practice participation report more complicated this season. Teams are no longer allowed to declare players "probable" to play. The current designations are Questionable (Uncertain to Play), Doubtful (Unlikely to Play), and Out. In our Monday Injury Rounds column, we'll often review how these changes are impacting the injury reports.
In this feature, I'll include the Game Status Listing, my expectation of their likelihood to play, and the player's practice participation throughout the week.
Here's the Key:
PLAYER | INJURY | GAME STATUS LISTING | FOOTBALLGUYS EXPECTATION
Practice Participation Listing by Day
* = playing on Monday night
I'll also include a table at the bottom of the article for easy reference.
Here's the latest on every relevant injured offensive player on the practice participation and game status report this week:
QUARTERBACK
Jameis Winston | KNEE | Not Listed | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
Winston had difficulty flexing and extending his knee for a few minutes after an awkward tackle last Thursday. But every sign since has been reassuring. He was adamant he was fine immediately after the game and Dirk Koetter said Winston would have returned to a closer game. Winston practiced fully all week and isn't listed on the game status report. The knee injury isn't likely to limit him much on Sunday.
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Knee | Questionable | Active / not starting
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
The Jets divided the quarterback reps in practice this week. Whether that was to limit Fitzpatrick's reps for rehab and treatment purposes or to truly prepare Bryce Petty to play if needed is difficult to determine, but I think it's likely Fitzpatrick will start. Although we've seen multiple quarterbacks play through MCL sprains, Fitzpatrick is on the mobile side of the quarterback curve. That won't be the case this week. The Jets will game plan to keep Fitzpatrick in the pocket -- and hopefully upright. Expect fewer scrambles than usual and the accuracy issues he's fought all season are likely to remain an issue this week. And there's no guarantee Fitzpatrick will finish the game.
Sunday AM Update: Local reports and a tweet from Ian Rapoport suggest Jets' players believe the team may choose to start Bryce Petty today. Officially, the Jets are still saying Fitzpatrick will be evaluated in warmups, with a decision to be just before game time.
Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter now confirming the local report from Chris Moore last night: Bryce Petty will start for the Jets today.
Sunday AM Update: Fitzpatrick is active but not starting.
Others of note: Ben Roethlisberger (knee), Russell Wilson (knee), Carson Palmer (not injury related), Trevor Siemian (shoulder), Alex Smith (head, ear) are not listed on the game status report and expected to play. Tony Romo (back) fully practiced this week but is likely to be inactive.
RUNNING BACK
Demarco Murray | Toe | Not Listed | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
Murray increased his practice participation through the week and is not listed on the game status report. He's played effectively through the toe injury twice now and can be expected to see his usual workload this week. I was asked this week about the likelihood of aggravation and missed snaps and it's a difficult question to answer definitively. Toe injuries are tricky, especially for running backs, so aggravations are always possible. But I'm reassured by Murray's previous two games and production and the practice participation is also a good sign. I think there's a low chance of aggravation.
Spencer Ware | Concussion | Not Listed | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
Ware was cleared to return to practice early this week and his full week of practice means there was no recurrence in symptoms. Ware is not listed on the game status report and should see his usual workload.
Lamar Miller | Shoulder | Not Listed | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
Miller is not listed on the game status report and returned to a full practice on Friday. The Texans have been managing Miller's snaps a bit more over the past month and Alfred Blue looks to be ready to play despite a rib injury. Expect Miller to see his usual workload and he should have a chance to get 20+ touches if the game script and his shoulder cooperates.
Doug Martin | Hamstring | Questionable | Active / limited
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
Martin returned to a full practice on Friday after limited individual work early in the week. It's Martin's first football-related activity in nearly eight weeks. I expect Martin to be active and evaluated on a series-by-series basis. It's unlikely he'll see a full workload unless he's very effective early. I think the team would like to keep him under 15 touches.
Todd Gurley | Thigh | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full
Gurley did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Often, running backs with that line look like game-time decisions on Friday. However, the Rams don't do much in practice on Thursday. Friday is the key practice participation note. Gurley fully practiced Friday and local observers are showing little concern about his availability. Expect Gurley to see his usual workload -- whatever the Rams decide that will be this week.
Christine Michael | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Limited
Michael was added to the Seahawks' practice report as limited on Friday with a hamstring injury. Pete Carroll talks to the media before practice on Fridays so there's no information on the severity of Michael's strain or the likelihood he'll play. However, there's a clear undercurrent of concern in the local media and many are openly wondering if C.J. Prosise was in line for more carries this week anyway. We may get more information on Sunday morning, but prepare for Michael to be limited if active.
Sunday AM Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport have sources telling them Michael is likely to play. Rapoport says the team believes the hamstring injury is not serious.
Carlos Hyde | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time Decision
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Chip Kelly told reporters early this week that the team wouldn't decide on Hyde's status until Saturday. After wearing a non-contact jersey again for most of the week, Hyde said he felt good after working with a blocking sled on Friday. While Hyde may be closer to playing this week than last, he remains a game-time decision. The Niners have been careful with this injury so far. If Hyde is active, I think it's a sign they feel he ready to see close to his usual workload. For now, however, I lean more doubtful than probable.
Sunday AM Update: Hyde's Saturday evaluation must have been reassuring after his blocking sled work on Friday. Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter have been told Hyde is likely to play. Rapoport has a source telling him DuJuan Harris will continue to have a significant role in the offense.
James Starks | Knee | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
On Thursday, local observers tweeted that Starks had taken part in a padded practice and was looking in line to start and have a significant role. But he was officially listed as limited on both Thursday and Friday and Mike McCarthy would only say that Starks had a better chance to play than Jared Cook this week. Cook is listed doubtful and is very unlikely to be active -- so that's not exactly a ringing endorsement for Starks. I expect Starks to be active. Like Doug Martin, it's likely Starks will be evaluated on a play-by-play and series-by-series basis. If he's looking good and playing effectively, he could get 15+ touches.
Derrick Henry | Calf | Not Listed | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full
The Titans told reporters on Thursday that Henry would return to practice on Friday. After little optimism early in the week and two DNPs, that looked like coachspeak. But Henry fully practiced on Friday and isn't listed on the team's game status report. It's very likely Henry will be active and play in his usual supporting role this week. Calf strains are easily aggravated, however, and the Titans may not use Henry much unless DeMarco Murray has an unexpected setback.
Others of note: Matt Forte (knee), Jonathan Stewart (not injury related), Devontae Booker (shoulder), Jerick McKinnon (ankle), and Ronnie Hillman (heel) are not listed on the game status report and expected to play. Tevin Coleman (hamstring), Thomas Rawls (fibula), Jacquizz Rodgers (foot), and DeAngelo Williams (knee) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations in Monday's column.
WIDE RECEIVER
Mike Evans | Concussion | Not Listed | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
Evans fully practiced all week without setbacks and has been cleared for contact. He's not listed on the game status report and should see his usual workload.
Randall Cobb | Hamstring | Not Listed | active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Cobb was able to play in critical late game situations last week and had no setbacks. He practiced every day this week and Mike McCarthy told reporters on Friday that Cobb would return to a full time role.
Jarvis Landry | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited
The Dolphins added Landry to the practice report on Thursday. Local observers noted that Landry's missed practice on Thursday after something "didn't feel right" in the shoulder. Back to a limited Friday practice, those same beat writers are expecting Landry to play. Specifics of Landry's injury are unknown but it's likely he'll see his usual workload this week. I'll be watching for Sunday morning updates here.
Tyrell Williams | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
In past weeks, Williams' practice line has been DNP-Limited-Full. While the limited Friday work this week raises a flag, the Chargers are more likely managing Williams even more carefully this week with Travis Benjamin likely out and Hunter Henry's status still under consideration. I expect Williams to be active and effective.
Travis Benjamin | Knee | Doubtful | Likely Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP
Benjamin left last week's game early after experiencing knee soreness. Recovery from PCL sprains is tricky. It's not known whether Benjamin aggravated his injury or finally decided he wasn't effective enough to risk aggravation last week. Regardless, Benjamin didn't practice last week, is listed doubtful, and the Chargers have a bye in Week 11. It's clear the team has decided to rest Benjamin through next week and re-evaluate his status prior to their Week 12 game.
Will Fuller | Knee | Questionable | INactive
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
The Texans and Fuller have not discussed his knee injury. We've seen Fuller limited all week and play effectively. We've seen Fuller limited all week and ineffective. We've seen Fuller limited all week and not participate despite being on the active roster. It's unclear which of those outcomes is most likely this week. Local writers are expecting Fuller to play, but I'm hoping for clarity from Ian Rapoport or Adam Schefter on Sunday morning.
Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweets the Texans "are not optimistic" that Fuller will go today.
DeSean Jackson | Shoulder | Doubtful | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP
There were rumors Jackson was not going to play on Thursday and Jay Gruden was not optimistic in his post-practice comments. Another DNP on Friday and the doubtful tag likely seals Jackson's Week 10 fate. I expect we'll hear Jackson has been ruled out well in advance of the announcement of Sunday inactives.
Eddie Royal | Toe | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Royal was limited in practice all week and has a good chance to return this week. He's been active and effective despite missing a full week of practice. There's more concern with a toe injury that's already kept him out of multiple games but I think Royal is more probable than questionable.
Chris Hogan | Back | Questionable | Game-time Decision
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - DNP
Hogan's back "flared up" before Friday's practice. Local writers described his condition as painful and in need of frequent treatment through the weekend. There's hope Hogan will be able to play but not much optimism on Friday. The Patriots won't update his condition but beat writers often crack the code on the weekend. I expect we'll have an indication of how Hogan responded to treatment by Sunday morning.
Victor Cruz | Ankle | Pending | Likely Inactive
Practice Participation: Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP | Sat - Pending
The Giants won't report Saturday practice participation until later in the day but all reports suggest Cruz will miss this week's game. It's possible we'll see a limited Saturday practice and Cruz termed a game-time decision but I expect another DNP and Cruz to be declared out.
Others of note: Dez Bryant (knee), Larry Fitzgerald (ankle), Brandon Marshall (foot), John Brown (hamstring), and Sammie Coates Jr (hand) are not listed on the game status report and expected to play. Julian Edelman (foot) is listed questionable but expected to play. Jeremy Maclin (groin) has been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations in Monday's column.
TIGHT END
Hunter henry | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
The Chargers regularly activate players they've listed as questionable and Henry responded well enough to early week individual drills to be cleared to fully practice on Friday. The Chargers likely listed him questionable on Friday with the plan to re-evaluate on Saturday and see how Henry's knee felt after the increased Friday work. I expect Henry to play but his workload may be slightly limited -- especially with Antonio Gates feeling good enough to fully practice on Friday and be removed from the Chargers' game status report.
Martellus Bennett | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Bennett finally got a week off to rest the high ankle sprain he's been playing through since early in the season. Hopefully, he's less hobbled coming out of the Patriots' bye.
Others of Note: Jimmy Graham (knee), Delanie Walker (groin), Antonio Gates (knee) are not listed on the injury report and expected to play. Jared Cook (ankle) and Jacob Tamme (shoulder) will be inactive.
*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Quarterbacks
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Ben Roethlisberger | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Russell Wilson | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Jameis Winston | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Carson Palmer | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Trevor Siemian | Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Alex Smith | Head / Ear | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Knee | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active / Not Starting |
Nick Foles | Elbow | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tony Romo | Back | Full | Full | Full | Questionable | Likely Inactive |
Running Backs
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
DeMarco Murray | Toe | DNP | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Spencer Ware | Concussion | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Lamar Miller | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Matt Forte | Knee | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Doug Martin | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable | Active - Limited |
Todd Gurley | Thigh | DNP | DNP | Full | Questionable | Active |
Jonathan Stewart | Not Injury Related | DNP | DNP | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Christine Michael | Hamstring | Not Listed | Not Listed | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
Carlos Hyde | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
Tevin Coleman | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Thomas Rawls | Fibula | Limited | Limited | Full | Declared Out | Inactive |
James Starks | Knee | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Devontae Booker | Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Jerick McKinnon | Ankle | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Ronnie Hillman | Heel | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Jacquizz Rodgers | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Alfred Blue | Ribs | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Derrick Henry | Calf | DNP | DNP | Full | Not Listed | Active |
DeAngelo Williams | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Wide Receivers
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Mike Evans | Concussion | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Dez Bryant | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Questionable | Expected to Play |
Larry Fitzgerald | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Brandon Marshall | Foot | Full | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Randall Cobb | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Not Listed | Active |
Jarvis Landry | Shoulder | Not Listed | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Likely to Play |
Julian Edelman | Foot | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Expected to Play |
Tyrell Williams | Knee | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Expected to Play |
Jeremy Maclin | Groin | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
John Brown | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Travis Benjamin | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Likely Inactive |
Will Fuller | Knee | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
DeSean Jackson | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
Eddie Royal | Toe | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Sammie Coates Jr | Finger | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Chris Hogan | Back | Not Listed | Not Listed | DNP | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
*Victor Cruz | Ankle | *DNP | *DNP | *DNP | Questionable | Likely Inactive |
Torrey Smith | Back | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Likely Active |
Allen Hurns | Concussion | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Darrius Heyward-Bey | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Russell Shepard | Hip | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Chris Conley | Quad | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tight Ends
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Jimmy Graham | Knee | DNP | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Delanie Walker | Groin | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Antonio Gates | Knee | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Hunter Henry | Knee | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable | Likely to Play |
Martellus Bennett | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Likely to Play |
Jared Cook | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful | Inactive |
Brent Celek | Rib | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Jacob Tamme | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Trey Burton | Hamstring | Not Listed | Not Listed | Full | Questionable | Active |
Dion Sims | Concussion | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.