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:
This week is a rough read. Some players not listed on the injury report will not play or will see their workload limited. Some injured players who would ordinarily see full workloads will either not play or see their workload limited. Some players may be limited earlier in the game than expected. Here's a look at the current playoff picture. We know some teams are planning to rest starters (Pittsburgh and Dallas). Others are less sure reads. Others (Miami, New England) seem likely to play their starters for a significant number of snaps. This week, it'll be critical to watch the pregame inactives and Twitter for up-to-date information (and guesses) on who's more likely to play than others.
I have more game-time decisions this week than any previous week this season. I'll make a call on what I think happens in each blurb but I'm not confident in many of these predictions.
QUARTERBACK
TOM BRADY | THIGH | QUESTIONABLE | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
The Patriots are planning to play their starters this week to ensure they stay ahead of Oakland for the top overall seed in the AFC. Brady returned to his usual practice load on both Thursday and Friday and spoke to the media on Friday with a clear expectation he'll play. If the Patriots get a lead on the road in Miami, however, Brady may not play all four quarters.
Others of note: Aaron Rodgers (calf), Andrew Luck (shoulder), Cam Newton (shoulder), Matthew Stafford (finger/hand), Carson Palmer, Blake Bortles (wrist/shoulder), Tom Savage (knee), and Robert Griffin III III (concussion) all fully practiced this week and will play. Ben Roethlisberger and Tyrod Taylor (groin) are not listed on the injury report but will not play. Trevor Siemian (foot) may play only a series or two despite a full week of practice. Ryan Tannehill (knee) has been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on Monday.
RUNNING BACK
LESEAN MCCOY | Illness | NOT LISTED | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Not Listed
After McCoy missed practice with an illness on Wednesday, there seemed to be a consensus of opinion in the local media that he'd sit this week. McCoy has since returned to practice and was not listed on the participation report on Thursday or Friday and is not listed on the game status report. There's still some question about his availability and workload but I expect him to dress and see his usual workload early in the game. After that, all bets are off.
Jay Ajayi | Shoulder | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
Ajayi said all week he'd play and the Dolphins reportedly do not intend to rest starters. Still, this is another fluid situations. Miami plays next week and Ajayi will be the focal point of their offense with Ryan Tannehill almost certainly out. Shoulder injuries can be tough to overcome and are easily aggravated. While Miami could move from the 6 seed to 5 seed this week, there's relatively little to play for here. If the game remains close and Ajayi feels good, he'll likely continue. If the game script or Ajayi's shoulder suggests otherwise, his workload may be reduced as the game progresses.
Spencer Ware | Rib | Questionable | Game-time Decision
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
The Chiefs can earn a first round bye with a win and an Oakland loss in Denver. Andy Reid has called Ware a game-time decision after a week of limited practice. I think Ware will try to play -- he may be motivated by a bonus if he reaches 1000 yards rushing -- but Reid's game-time decision comment suggests Ware isn't fully healthy. We should hear more during the Sunday AM national media tweet dump. For now, consider Ware questionable and at risk of aggravation and limitation if active.
Jonathan Stewart | Foot | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full
I think Stewart plays this week. Even though he's listed with a foot injury instead his usual "not injury related" tag, he returned to a full practice and the Panthers moved other injured players to injured reserve to free up roster space. Stewart may not see a full workload, but he looks likely to start.
Bilal Powell | Knee | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited
Powell barely practiced this week and Todd Bowles called Powell's status "up in the air" and there are local media reports that he will "try to play." Matt Forte has been declared out and as of Saturday morning the Jets had not added depth at running back yet. That leaves the door open for Powell to play. However, I'd lean more toward doubtful for now and would expect Powell to be limited if he does dress.
Rob Kelley | Knee | Questionable | Game-time Decision
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Kelley's status remains undecided but Washington is hopeful he'll play. Kelley was able to return to last week's game after his injury. While that isn't enough to expect him to be effective this week, his availability after the injury and full week of limited practice means the team's medical staff has approached this week as if he'll play. We'll know more on Sunday.
Chris Ivory | Hamstring | Questionable | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
I think Ivory will play this week. However, there have been weeks where Ivory practiced and looked likely to play only to be declared inactive. We'll see what Ivory and the Jaguars decide on game day.
Jeremy Hill | Knee | Questionable | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited
Hill's Friday practice participation and questionable listing was a surprise. The Bengals do not activate players who aren't practicing during the week and there has been clear caution with many other players over the past two weeks. I still think Hill sits this week. The Bengals added Tre Carson off the practice squad on Friday.
Others of note: Thomas Rawls (shoulder), Frank Gore have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and should see their usual workloads. Melvin Gordon (hip/knee), Lamar Miller (ankle), Adrian Peterson (knee/groin), Matt Forte (knee), Theo Riddick (wrist), and James Starks (concussion) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations in Monday's column.
WIDE RECEIVER
JULIO JONES | TOE | NOT LISTED | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
Jones said he was intentionally cautious last week despite a full Friday practice. His practice participation looks the same this week. I expect Jones to play a little more this week. Taylor Gabriel is down and the Falcons can clinch a first round bye and get Jones, Gabriel, Austin Hooper and others needed rest with a win. However, all involved recognize that it's critical to avoid an aggravation. Consider Jones series-to-series but I think there's a chance he sees more than the 39 snaps and seven targets he did last week.
Sammy Watkins | Foot | Questionable | Active
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Like LeSean McCoy, there's an undercurrent of concern that Watkins will rest or be limited this weekend after a ceiling performance last week in which he played an unexpected 84 snaps and converted a higher percentage of his targets than he had since returning in Week 12. Watkins did so with Tyrod Taylor, who will not be active this week, and likely has less to gain by playing this week. There was nothing of note in the local media about Watkins availability or workload. I'm leaning toward Watkins playing this week but I think it's doubtful that he sees anything close to 80 snaps again.
Michael Crabtree | Finger | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Amari Cooper | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
If the Patriots lose, the Raiders will do everything they can to find a win in the afternoon and clinich home field throughout the playoffs. If not, they'll still be looking for a win to ensure a first round bye to give their talent an extra week of rest. Neither reciever has been fully healthy but both look likely to see their usual workload with new quarterback Matt McGloin.
Randall Cobb | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP
The Packers have remained hopeful they'll have Cobb available all week. The plan, reportedly, was to limit his practice reps significantly in the hopes he'd be able to give them something this weekend. While there's a slim chance Cobb will be on the active roster, it's hard to see the Packers' plan resulting in a pre-injury workload and targets. I'm expecting Cobb to be inactive and closer to returning next week should Green Bay win a playoff spot.
Jordan Matthews | Ankle | Questionable | Inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
Earlier in the week, local reporters expected the Eagles to manage Matthews reps but didn't see reason to believe he'd miss this week's game. By the end of the week, the tone had changed slightly. Matthews is probably closer to a game-time decision and may be limited if active.
Saturday Afternoon Update: Adam Caplan reported this afternoon that Matthews is more to the doubtful side of questionable.
Others of note: Alshon Jeffery (illness), DeSean Jackson (jaw), Terrelle Pryor (finger), Sammie Coates Jr (hamstring), and Marqise Lee (hamstring) are expected to play. A.J. Green (hamstring), Donte Moncrief (shoulder), Stefon Diggs (hip), Taylor Gabriel (foot), Kenny Britt (shoulder), Malcolm Mitchell (knee), and Robby Anderson (hamstring), have been or are expected to be declared out. I'll update return to play expectations in Monday's column.
Robby Anderson is active.
TIGHT END
JORDAN REED | SHOULDER | QUESTIONABLE | Likely to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Reed says he's feeling better after taking another week off than he has since his AC sprain occurred. He told reporters that he is "able to take some contact on it and do some things in the run game." It's hard to know whether he's truly able to take contact from unexpected angles or if Washington is trying to give the impression that Reed will play on as many running downs as passing downs. Jay Gruden has been more optimistic this week, too, noting "more confidence" in Reed's practice reps.
We're in one of two places here -- either Reed is ready to play for the first time since the injury or we're hearing the same things we heard three weeks ago before he managed only ten snaps. I'm still concerned we're closer to the latter situation. There's no question Reed remains at high risk of another aggravation and limited effort.
Martellus Bennett | Ankle | Questionable | Limited if Active
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
I expect Bennett to play this week but the Patriots would likely love to limit his snap count and workload and give him multiple weeks to recover before their opening playoff game. Bennett will likely be one of the first players limited if the Patriots get out to a large lead.
Quarterbacks
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Aaron Rodgers | Calf | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Tom Brady | Thigh | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Andrew Luck | Shoulder | Not Listed | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Cam Newton | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable | Active |
Ben Roethlisberger | Not Injury Related | DNP | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Inactive |
Matthew Stafford | Finger / Hand | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Carson Palmer | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Ryan Tannehill | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Tyrod Taylor | Groin | Full | DNP | Full | Not Listed | Inactive |
Trevor Siemian | Foot | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play / Backup |
Blake Bortles | Wrist / Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Tom Savage | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Robert Griffin III III | Concussion | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Derek Carr | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Running Backs
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
LeSean McCoy | Illness | DNP | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Active |
Jay Ajayi | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable | Active |
Melvin Gordon | Hip / Knee | Limited | Limited | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Lamar Miller | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Adrian Peterson | Knee / Groin | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Spencer Ware | Rib | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
Matt Forte | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Bilal Powell | Knee | DNP | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Thomas Rawls | Shoulder | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Frank Gore | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Jonathan Stewart | Foot | DNP | DNP | Full | Questionable | Active |
Theo Riddick | Wrist | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Rob Kelley | Knee | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
Chris Ivory | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
Jeremy Hill | Knee | DNP | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
Darren McFadden | Illness | Not Listed | Not Listed | Limited | Questionable | Likely to Play |
Christine Michael | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Jalen Richard | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
Dion Lewis | Illness | DNP | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Likely to Play |
Duke Johnson Jr | Ankle | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
James Starks | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
C.J. Prosise | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Wide Receivers
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Julio Jones | Toe | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Limited if Active |
A.J. Green | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Sammy Watkins | Foot | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Limited if Active |
Michael Crabtree | Finger | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Expected to Play |
Larry Fitzgerald | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Brandon Marshall | Hip / Shoulder | DNP | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
Amari Cooper | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Expected to Play |
Donte Moncrief | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
Randall Cobb | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Questionable | Limited if Active |
Alshon Jeffery | Illness | Not Listed | DNP | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Stefon Diggs | Hip | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Likely Inactive |
DeSean Jackson | Jaw | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
Jordan Matthews | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Limited | Questionable | Inactive |
Taylor Gabriel | Foot | DNP | Limited | Limited | Declared Out | Inactive |
Kenny Britt | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
Terrelle Pryor | Finger | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Robby Anderson | Hamsting | Limited | DNP | DNP | Questionable | Active |
Marqise Lee | Hip | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Malcolm Mitchell | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
John Brown | Illness | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Limited if Active |
Devin Funchess | Knee | DNP | DNP | IR | IR | Inactive |
Sammie Coates Jr | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Not Listed | Likely to Play |
Danny Amendola | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Tight Ends
|
||||||
Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | ||||
Jordan Reed | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Limited if Active |
Greg Olsen | Elbow | DNP | DNP | Full | Questionable | Active |
Jimmy Graham | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Likely to Play |
Charles Clay | Knee | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Active |
Martellus Bennett | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Limited if Active |
Ladarius Green | Concussion | Limited | Limited | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Will Tye | Illness | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Likely to Play |
C.J. Fiedorowicz | Thigh | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Active |
Austin Hooper | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
A.J. Derby | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
Tyler Kroft | Knee / Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful | Likely Inactive |
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.