Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 7

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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

Joe Flacco | Shoulder | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full

The Ravens listed Flacco questionable, but the quarterback, his coach (Jim Harbaugh), and his BFF (Dennis Pitta) have been consistently saying he'll play. The full Friday practice is reassuring -- but it was also a test. Flacco had his practice reps limited due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Practice reports on Friday were positive. Flacco was said to look comfortable on short and intermediate throws. However, Flacco was apparently still not asked to throw deeper routes. It's not clear how severe the inflammation was and Flacco was in treatment rather than in the locker room talking to reporters after practice. I think Flacco will be active and effective but keep an eye on pregame reports for any signs of concerns from on-field observers.

Carson Palmer | Hamstring | QUESTIONABLE | EXPECTED TO PLAY

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Palmer didn't practice much this week but is expected to play. Bruce Arians said Palmer was "fine." The Cardinals minimized the injury from the moment Palmer left last week's blowout win in the fourth quarter and have rested veteran players often during the week. Palmer isn't a mobile quarterback and can likely manage this injury well. However, the Cardinals' offensive line has struggled and are facing a Seattle front that can bring pressure off the edge. Palmer was already missing receivers and dodging rushers before this injury. It won't surprise to see more inconsistency this week. At a minimum, the Cardinals may adjust their passing game plan with Palmer limited and John Brown likely out.

*Brock Osweiler | Foot | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited | Sat - Full

Osweiler is on the practice participation report with a foot injury. There's no concern around the team about his availability on Monday night. I'll update after Houston's final practice participation and game status reports are released.

Others of note: Andrew Luck (shoulder), Russell Wilson (ankle/knee), and Trevor Siemian (shoulder) are all expected to play without limitation. Ben Roethlisberger (knee) and Josh McCown (shoulder) have been ruled out. I wrote about Roethlisberger's condition on Wednesday and will have an updated return-to-play expectation in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

LeSean McCoy | Hamstring | QUESTIONABLE | Active / Limited

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

The Bills are officially calling McCoy a game-time decision this week. Reports on the severity of his injury and playing chances have been all over the place this week. When there's lack of clarity despite multiple reports, I like the list the totality of evidence to try to stay as objective as possible.

So...

• McCoy left practice on Wednesday with a hamstring strain. His teammates didn't see a specific injury, only noting he missed reps.
• There have been no specific reports about an imaging study (though it's highly likely McCoy had one).
• One local reporter was told McCoy had a mild-to-moderate hamstring injury late Wednesday.
• Reports through Thursday called McCoy "50-50," and "out at least this week." McCoy didn't practice Thursday
• The Bills allowed McCoy to practice on Friday. His reps were limited, though he was said to look good in individual drills.
• Video posted of McCoy's individual work showed drills in which no player was working at full speed.

McCoy was allowed to talk to the media after Friday practice and was peppered with questions for two minutes. He didn't look excited about taking questions and said what you'd expect -- he was limited, didn't take many reps, continuing treatment, will see how he feels through Sunday, knows it's a long season, trying to stay positive, believes it's an important game and he wants to be available, etc. Once reporters started asking questions about "pain vs tightness" and how similar the injury was to last season, McCoy ended the interview.

I think there's a better chance of McCoy playing now than I did earlier this week. If there was concern for a higher grade injury, he would not have been allowed to practice in any capacity on Friday. However, it's clear that the best case scenario is McCoy convincing his medical staff he's close enough on Sunday morning. If that happens, he's very likely to see less than his usual workload and will be at risk of aggravation on every snap he plays.

I expect McCoy to be inactive.

We'll undoubtedly get multiple updates on McCoy throughout the weekend and early Sunday morning as the Bills prepare for an early Sunday afternoon game. I'll update here with more.

Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter is reporting this morning that McCoy will play on a limited snap count (25-35 plays). If McCoy isn't healthy enough to play full time, it's surprising he'd play and risk aggravation. I'll update with more information through pregame warmups and inactives.

Sunday AM Update: Multiple on-field observers reporting McCoy looking good during warmups. There are no trainers nearby observing his workout, which suggests the team has already decided he'll play.

Sunday AM Update: McCoy is active. Schefter continues to report a probable limited snap count.

Jamaal Charles | Knee | Questionable | Active / Limited

Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Limited

Charles had swelling in his surgically-repaired knee this week and was limited in practice on Friday. Andy Reid didn't seem too concerned in his Friday press conference but the Chiefs have been very cautious with Charles this season. At best, we'll see Charles see the same limited workload he had last week -- 11 touches and targets vs 29 total touches and targets from Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West combined. But it's possible the Chiefs choose to shut Charles down for a week to limit the risk of a cascade injury or further aggravation.

Sunday AM Update: Reports on Saturday noted more swelling in Charles' knee than Reid let on. He's looking doubtful to play today.

Sunday AM Update: Charles is active. Adam Schefter reporting the Chiefs have installed a few packages for him but his playing time will depend on effectiveness.

Latavius Murray | Toe | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Murray returned to a full week of consecutive practices and Jack Del Rio told reporters Murray would be back this week. The Raiders now have multiple backs participating in their offense. Expect Murray to return as a small contributor to the committee only.

Arian Foster | Hamstring | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full

Foster practiced last week and was only a minor contributor in Miami's backfield with Jay Ajayi exploding for a huge day. Foster could see a higher workload as a passing down back this week after a full week of practice.

Dwayne Washington | Ankle | Questionable | Inactive

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Washington is expected to return this week. A full Friday practice would have been more reassuring for Washington's potential usage. Without specifics on his injury and no details on his likely playing time from Jim Caldwell, it's tough to know how much to expect from Washington this week.

Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted this morning that Washington is not expected to return today.

C.J. Prosise | Wrist | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full

Prosise was able to practice with a splint rather than a cast this week and is healthy enough to be active. Pete Carroll wouldn't commit to Prosise making the active roster or having a significant role in the passing offense.

DeAngelo Williams | Knee | Declared Out

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP

After two weeks of hinting around a knee injury but listing Williams as non-injury related on the participation report, the Steelers held him out of practice all week and declared him out. It's unknown whether this will be a long-term concern.

Others of note: Matt Forte (knee), Frank Gore (not injury related), and Rashad Jennings (thumb) are all expected to play without limitation this week. Doug Martin (hamstring), Carlos Hyde (shoulder), Thomas Rawls (fibula), and Theo Riddick (ankle) will be inactive. I'll update return-to-play expectations for all on Monday.

WIDE RECEIVER

Odell Beckham | Hip | Not Listed | Active / ? Limited

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited 

Though he finished last week's game without obvious limitation, it wasn't surprising to see Beckham limited in practice this week. Hip pointers are painful injuries and difficult to treat effectively. It's often a waiting game until the bruising heals enough that the nerve, muscles, and tendon in the area are no longer irritated and inflamed. Beckham was able to practice late in the week and is not listed on the injury report. The Giants will pad the injury and manage Beckham's pain enough that he's unlikely to be limited during the game unless he takes another hit to the same location.

Sunday AM Update: Beckham reportedly struggled through pregame warmups according to multiple observers. He's active but there are now questions about his effectiveness today.

*DeAndre Hopkins | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full | Sat - Full

Hopkins returned to a full practice on Friday and there are no indications he'll be limited this week. I'll update after Saturday's practice participation.

T.Y. Hilton | Hip | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full

Hilton is listed questionable but fully practiced on Friday and is expected to play. Hilton has been playing through the hip injury for weeks. While he's been seen limping on the field at times, his target counts and production have continued to be elite. He's likely to see his usual workload again this week.

*Emmanuel Sanders | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Thurs - Full | Fri - Full | Sat - Full

Sanders has been practicing all week, including two unofficial workouts on Monday and Tuesday. I anticipate a full Saturday practice and full workload on Monday night. I'll update with any unexpected reports this weekend.

Terrelle Pryor | Hamstring | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Pryor managed only a limited Friday practice this week. Hue Jackson said it was "safe to assume he's better" and "we'll see about him on Sunday." Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton told reporters he hasn't thought about not having him. Those comments aren't helpful. Consider Pryor a game-time decision and watch for early Sunday reports on his availability.

Sunday AM Update: Early reports today have Pryor likely to play, but the team will watch him through pregame warmups to be certain.

Sunday AM Update: Pryor is active. There were no pregame reports of concern.

Stefon Diggs | Groin | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full

Diggs has now had three weeks to recover from a nagging groin strain. The Vikings increased his practice participation through Friday. Though listed questionable, he's expected to play in what could be a tough matchup in Philadelphia. Prior to missing time, Diggs had been playing a full complement of snaps and playing effectively through this injury. Without knowing whether his last missed game was rest with a short week and bye to follow or due to a setback, it's tough to project Diggs' effectiveness this week. I think his absence was likely rest and rehab and would expect a normal workload this week.

Jordan Matthews | Knee | Not Listed | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full

Matthews is dealing with tendinitis that could be related to the bone bruise he suffered during the preseason. There's minimal concern from the team, who cleared Matthews to fully practice on Thursday and Friday and didn't list him on the game status report at all. His snap counts and targets have been down over the previous three weeks, however. Tendonitis is an overuse injury and rarely resolves while players remain active. Expect Matthews to see his usual workload this week but keep an eye on his production and progress.

*Will Fuller | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited | Sat - Full

Fuller should be closer to returning this week than last. However, he had three consecutive limited practices last week and was active but unable to play. He's tentatively expected to play on Monday night, but there have been no reports about whether he'll be limited. I'll update after Houston's weekend practice participation.

Sunday AM Update: Will Fuller was not listed on the game status report after a full Saturday practice. He will play.

Travis Benjamin | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Benjamin was limited again on Friday after a Thursday test. Local beat writers are in agreement and expect him to play. Watch for weekend reports of concern but Benjamin looks to be ready to see his usual workload.

John Brown | Hamstring | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP

Brown is unlikely to play this weekend with a hamstring injury. Though the presumptive diagnosis from the injury report is a hamstring strain, the team reported late this week that Brown has sickle cell trait and could be dealing with pain caused by poor blood flow. More on what Brown could be facing on Monday.

Allen Hurns | Shoulder | Not Listed | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full

Hurns sounded questionable to play early this week and the missed Thursday practice raised more concern. However, Hurns returned to a full Friday practice and was not listed on the game status report. Hurns has often played effectively through injury, including multiple weeks with a core abdominal strain last year that required offseason surgery. He's expected to see a full workload.

DeSean Jackson | Shoulder | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Washington has called Jackson's injury a sore shoulder. Jay Gruden said the team will re-evaluate after Jackson's limited Friday practice and decide if he has enough strength and range of motion to play. Jackson has played effectively through shoulder injuries in the past and is expected to start. I'll update with more this weekend when his status is clarified.

Robert Woods | Foot | Doubtful | Inactive

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP

Woods was in a walking boot most of the week and did not practice. He's very unlikely to play.

Torrey Smith | Back | Questionable | Likely to Play

Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Smith was added to the Niners' practice participation report on Thursday with a back injury. He returned to practice on Friday and is listed questionable. There are no local reports projecting his availability but he's likely closer to probable than doubtful.

Others of note: Julian Edelman (foot), Mohamed Sanu (groin), Jeremy Kerley (ankle), and Kamar Aiken (thigh) are all expected to play without limitation. Steve Smith (ankle), Phillip Dorsett (foot/ankle), Donte Moncrief (shoulder), and Corey Coleman (hand) have been declared out. More on their return-to-play expectations on Monday. Josh Doctson (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve on Thursday. I'll have more on the likelihood of his return this season in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Jordan Reed | Concussion | Declared Out

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - DNP | Fri - DNP

Reed was cleared for a limited practice on Wednesday, then shut down the rest of the week and not cleared. Jay Gruden would only say Reed wasn't cleared to play. Best case scenario here is that the specialist visit early in the week recommended a midweek increase in exercise and then further observation. Worst case scenario here is a recurrence in symptoms after Wednesday's workout. A recurrence in symptoms is unlikely since Reed was seen out on the sideline on Thursday. Most likely is that Washington has continued to be cautious due to Reed's history. It's also possible that Reed's recent admission he didn't self-report symptoms during a game is playing a part in added caution.

Tyler Eifert | Back / Ankle | Questionable | Active / Limited

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full

Eifert will return to play this weekend after a brief but notable setback with a back injury during the final stages of rehabbing from ankle surgery. Expect Eifert to be used in high leverage situations only, specifically around the red zone. It's also possible we'll see him play in key third down situations. I'd tentatively project 15-25 snaps, with the potential for slightly more if game flow dictates higher usage and Eifert feels good during the game.

Sunday AM Update: Morning reports are strongly trending toward Eifert being active today but on a limited workload.

Sunday AM Update: Eifert is active today.

Jimmy Graham | Hip / Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - DNP | Fri - Full

Graham was a surprise add to Seattle's practice report on Thursday with a hip injury. After a full Friday practice, Pete Carroll told reporters Graham was dealing with soreness. There doesn't appear to be any concern with Graham: The Seahawks did not list him on the game status report.

Julius Thomas | Ankle | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

There's been little information about Thomas' injury but Gus Bradley told reporters Thomas "should be good" to suit up this week. That's not enough for me to feel comfortable with Thomas. I'll list him as a game-time decision and update with more through the weekend.

Sunday AM Update: Thomas is active today.

Charles Clay | Knee | Questionable | Active

Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

Clay has had his practice reps managed all month long and this week was no exception. The Bills should have him available for his usual workload after two late week limited practices.

Others of note: Martellus Bennett (ankle) is "Patriots Questionable" but expected to play without limitation. Dwayne Allen (ankle), Eric Ebron (ankle/knee), and Jordan Cameron (concussion) have been declared out. I'll update return-to-play expectations for all in Monday's column.

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday

Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.