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.
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
Aaron Rodgers | Hamstring | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
TOM BRADY | KNEE | QUESTIONABLE | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Brady was limited last week. His knee was clearly bothering him on the rare cases he moved outside the pocket. His accuracy -- on all routes -- wasn't as sharp. However, there didn't appear to be any setbacks during the game and Brady took a few more reps on Thursday this week than last. He won't be fully recovered this week but will hopefully regain some confidence in his knee and improve on last week's questionable accuracy.
Others of note: Andrew Luck (concussion), Derek Carr (finger), Tyrod Taylor (groin), Blake Bortles (shoulder), and Ryan Fitzpatrick (knee) all returned to a full Friday practice and none are listed on their teams' game status report. Trevor Siemian (foot) and Jay Cutler (shoulder) has been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on Monday.
RUNNING BACK
Mark Ingram | Toe | QUESTIONABLE | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited
Ingram played well last week and there were no concerns voiced in post-game interviews, so it was a surprise to see Ingram's missed practices this week. Toe injuries are always worrisome for running backs and Ingram has dealt with two severe toe issues earlier in his career. Ingram was cleared to talk to the media on Friday and told reporters this injury isn't as significant. But he gave the usual game-time decision talking points -- "It felt good. It's just a little sore. I've got a couple more days to recover. We'll see."
I don't have a good Saturday read on Ingram. Ordinarily, I'd feel better about a return to limited Friday practice and his media availability. But toe injuries are easily aggravated, Tim Hightower has been playing well, and the Saints have three division games in the final four weeks of the season against the two teams above them in the standings. With Ingram likely to be limited if active, it's possible the Saints choose to be cautious instead. I'll update with any news this weekend.
Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter tweeted this morning that Ingram is expected to play.
Latavius Murray | Ankle | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Murray has been on the injury report for weeks with an ankle injury, been limited in practice, listed questionable, then on the active roster and playing effectively on game day. There were no new reports of concern this week and Murray can be expected to see his usual workload.
Theo Riddick | Ankle | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
The Lions continue to limit the reps of their key offensive playmakers during the week. Riddick has been effective through this ankle injury over the past 2-3 weeks and there were no local reports suggesting a setback last week. He should be ready to see his usual workload this week.
Others of note: Lamar Miller (ankle/ribs), Matt Forte (knee), Jonathan Stewart, Devontae Booker (shoulder), T.J. Yeldon (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and expected to see their usual workloads. Chris Ivory (hamstring), Ryan Mathews (knee), C.J. Prosise (shoulder) and DeAngelo Williams (knee) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations in Monday's column.
WIDE RECEIVER
*T.Y. Hilton | Back | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full | Sat - Full
A different injury has Hilton limited in practice this week but the full Friday practice means he's likely to follow the same line he has for months: Limited on most days with one full practice somewhere during the week, then cleared for his usual workload. Back injuries can include muscle spasm and recur at any time but the Colts would not have cleared Hilton for a full midweek practice if they were concerned about his recovery. Expect Hilton to play on Monday night unless he misses Saturday practice and there's a clear report of concern afterward.
Michael Crabtree | Ankle | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Crabtree was considered a game-time decision after a week of limited practice with his ankle injury. Not only did he play, but seemed to get stronger as the game progressed. There was no evidence of a setback and the full week of limited practice suggests Crabtree will play again this week.
*Brandon Marshall | Foot / Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP | Sat - Pending
The Jets have been limiting practice for Marshall at times this year. Usually, he's back to a full practice by the end of the week and playing on gameday. That's likely the case again this week, but Todd Bowles acknowledged some concern during Friday's press conference and Marshall is listed with a knee injury in addition to the usual foot notation. Watch Saturday's practice and media interviews closely. I'll have more throughout the weekend.
Tyrell Williams | Shoulder | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited
Williams looks like he's going to play. Discussing his injury with the media on both Thursday and Friday, Williams has said he's not in much pain and has adapted quickly to the harness he'll be wearing if he plays. Wide receivers have played through shoulder labrum tears in the past. However, the harness comment is notable. A common concern with certain types of labral tears is shoulder instability and the increased risk of dislocation. Though Williams is on track to play, the Chargers will be watching his strength and range of motion carefully this weekend. Williams has had one surgery to repair the same labrum already and is likely on the path for another. It's possible all involved may choose to rest and aggressively rehab for another week rather than risk playing this week.
Sammy Watkins | Foot | Questionable | Likely to Play / Limited
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
I wrote on Wednesday that Watkins and the Bills are now in "do the best you can for as long as you can until you can't do it anymore and then we'll shut it down mode." Though Watkins and Rex Ryan continue to be optimistic, offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn isn't pulling any punches. Lynn has said Watkins is still playing on an injured foot and his conditioning and effectiveness cannot be counted on. Adam Schefter corroborated Lynn's comments about the foot late last week and it's really no surprise. Watkins wasn't fully recovered 4-5 months after surgery and -- after ten weeks of additional rehab -- continued to have soreness after three limited practices and 25 game snaps last week.
For those looking for a silver lining here, Watkins still wants to play and was very effective at times last season playing through the stress fracture before offseason surgery and looked good briefly last week. However, there's been no reason for optimism since very early this season and it's difficult to see him getting more than 25-30 snaps again this week.
Julian Edelman | Foot | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
The Patriots rested their starters on Wednesday then returned to the usual limited practices and questionable listing. There's nothing new from those covering the team and Edelman is expected to see his usual workload this week.
Jeremy Maclin | Groin | Declared Out | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Maclin was back to a full week of limited practice. But I'm not convinced he returns to the active roster. The Chiefs are known to be conservative with acute injuries and commonly give players a week to continue recovering while practicing. Most notably, Kansas City has a huge divisional matchup with Oakland in Week 14 -- on Thursday. Rather than risk another aggravation on a quick turnaround, the Chiefs may prefer to give Maclin more time to recover and be assured he'll be available against the Raiders on a short week. If Maclin is active despite the looming short week, it would imply the team is very comfortable with his recovery and willing to use him extensively in the game plan.
Sunday AM Update: Maclin was ruled out on Saturday and will not play.
DeVante Parker | Back | Questionable | active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP
There was lots of optimism on Parker immediately after the game and earlier this week -- suggesting the back injury was primarily spasms after a hard fall. In retrospect, the report about Parker leaving the locker room in a back brace was likely more telling than I originally thought. Parker hasn't practiced at all this week and there were already reports on Wednesday that he was questionable at best. The Dolphins left the door open for Parker to play in their Friday media comments but I think he's closer to doubtful than probable. It won't be surprising to see a weekend report that Parker has a structural issue causing pain and spasm and needed the week to rehab. That would put next week in question, too.
Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter tweeted this morning that Parker is unlikely to play. Ian Rapoport tweeted that the Dolphins will allow Parker to run and test his readiness in pregame warmups before deciding.
Sunday AM Update: Multiple sources now reporting Parker felt good enough in warmups to play. Reading much into pregame warmups at less than full speed is risky, but it's unlikely Parker will be used as a decoy today. Parker may do well today but would best be considered series-to-series.
Jordan Matthews | Ankle | Questionable | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - DNP
Matthews returned to practice on Thursday but every reporter covering the team commented on how hobbled he looked in his few individual drills. Matthews didn't practice on Friday. That doesn't paint a reassuring picture for his availability and suggests he'll be limited if active. I'll update with through the weekend.
Sunday AM Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport tweeted this morning that Matthews is unlikely to play.
Marvin Jones | Thigh | Questionable | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Add Jones to the list of Lions who have their practice reps regularly limited by the medical staff. Jones has been on the injury report with many different ailments this season and been active on gameday. It's still not clear whether Jones' nagging injuries have played a role in his decline in play after the first two weeks of the season or if teams adjusted quickly to his game. It's likely both. Expect Jones to see his usual workload, though that's been an inconsistent factor to track.
Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted this morning that Jones is a "long-shot" to play today.
Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter now reporting that Jones looked better during practice on Friday and the Lions will see how he feels this morning before deciding on his availability.
John Brown | Illness | Questionable | Likely to Play / Limited
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Brown and the Cardinals are still working to rehab Brown's muscle condition and complications of sickle cell trait. After Brown's Wednesday DNP, I didn't think it was likely we'd see him this week. But two consecutive limited practices are reassuring, even if it likely means Brown returns to a limited gameday role at best.
Eddie Royal | Toe | Questionable | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP
Royal continues to try to play through a toe injury that cost him multiple weeks last month. However, he's still not practicing and has seen his snap counts drop precipitously each week -- 41 in Week 10, 25 in Week 11, and just 12 last week. He's being targeted rarely and on short routes only. At some point, you'd think he'd likely rest for at least another week rather than play through a painful and limiting condition.
Others of note: Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, Larry Fitzgerald, Emmanuel Sanders (thumb), Kelvin Benjamin (shoulder), DeSean Jackson (shoulder), Michael Floyd (hamstring), Will Fuller (knee) are not listed and expected to play. A.J. Green (hamstring), Tavon Austin (chest-doubtful), and Robert Woods (knee) have been or are likely to be declared out. I'll update return to play expectations in Monday's column.
TIGHT END
Martellus Bennett is the lone unknown at tight end this week. Bennett has aggravated his high ankle sprain often this year and will likely not return to full health until after the season ends. He's expected to play but will likely be limited.
Sunday AM Update: Charles Clay did not travel with the team to be with his wife for the birth of his child. The Bills have yet to update whether he'll make today's game.
*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Quarterbacks
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Aaron Rodgers | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
*Andrew Luck | Shoulder / Concussion | *Limited | *Full | *Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tom Brady | Knee | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Derek Carr | Finger | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Carson Palmer | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tyrod Taylor | Groin | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Blake Bortles | Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Alex Smith | Chest | Full | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Active |
Trevor Siemian | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
*Ryan Fitzpatrick | Knee | *Full | *Full | *Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Jay Cutler | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Running Backs
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Mark Ingram | Toe | DNP | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Lamar Miller | Ankle/Ribs | Limited | Limited | Limited | Not Listed | Active |
*Matt Forte | Knee | *Full | *Full | *Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Jonathan Stewart | Not Injury Related | DNP | DNP | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Latavius Murray | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Devontae Booker | Ankle | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Theo Riddick | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
C.J. Prosise | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
T.J. Yeldon | Ankle | DNP | Limited | Limited | Not Listed | Active |
Chris Ivory | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Ryan Mathews | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Jacquizz Rodgers | Foot | Full | Full | Full | Questionble | Expected to Play |
DeAngelo Williams | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Mike Gillislee | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Likely to Play |
Alfred Blue | Calf | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Tyler Ervin | Ribs | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Wide Receivers
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Antonio Brown | Not Injury Related | DNP | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Active |
A.J. Green | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Mike Evans | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
*T.Y. Hilton | Back | *DNP | *Full | *Full | Questionable | Expected to Play |
Larry Fitzgerald | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Michael Crabtree | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
*Brandon Marshall | Foot / Knee | *DNP | *DNP | *Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Emmanuel Sanders | Thumb | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tyrell Williams | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Julian Edelman | Foot | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Sammy Watkins | Foot | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active / Limited |
Jeremy Maclin | Groin | Limited | Limited | Limited | Declared Out | Inactive |
Kelvin Benjamin | Shoulder | DNP | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Jordan Matthews | Ankle | DNP | Limited | DNP | Questionable | Inactive |
Marvin Jones | Thigh | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
DeVante Parker | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Questionable | Active |
DeSean Jackson | Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Michael Floyd | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
John Brown | Illness | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
Eddie Royal | Toe | DNP | DNP | DNP | Questionable | Inactive |
Will Fuller | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tavon Austin | Chest | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
Torrey Smith | Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Robert Woods | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Brandon LaFell | Knee | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Chris Hogan | Back | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Allen Hurns | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Tight Ends
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Rob Gronkowski | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Jordan Reed | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Jimmy Graham | Knee | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Travis Kelce | Shoulder | Full | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Active |
Martellus Bennett | Ankle/Shoulder | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active / Limited |
Charles Clay | Knee | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
Julius Thomas | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
C.J. Fiedorowicz | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Active |
*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.