Injury Expectations | Thursday Update | Week 10

Photo: Tim Heitman, USA Today Sports

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KEY THURSDAY MEDIA UPDATES

***After missing practice Thursday, Dez Bryant told reporters he would return to practice Friday and play this week. More specifically, he said, "The way I feel right now, I expect to go." Bryant has a bruised knee -- which isn't a weight-bearing injury like his 2016 injury -- and a high ankle sprain. Thursday's comments were in line with what Jason Garrett said on Monday. Still, Bryant hasn't practiced yet or tested his ankle under stress. He'll need to prove to the medical staff he's healthy enough to run routes without significant aggravation. If he practices on Friday and responds well through Sunday, there's a chance he can play without limitation. 

***Like Bryant, Julio Jones continues to rehab rather than practice this week. Jones was seen doing ladder drills and conditioning on Thursday. Dan Quinn told reporters Jones is expected to return to practice tomorrow, after which the team will make a determination on his likely availability. Expect Jones to be listed questionable on the team's game status report and we'll be watching the Sunday morning reports closely for details on his snap count if he's active.

***T.Y. Hilton was added to the injury report on Thursday with a groin injury. We've seen Hilton limited with midweek injuries in the past, practice on Friday, and see his usual workload on the weekend. However, Thursday soft tissue injuries warrant close attention. The Colts did not address Hilton's injury on Thursday. We'll hopefully know more after Friday's workout.

***Devonta Freeman fully practiced on Thursday. Dan Quinn provided no additional information but there's every reason to believe Freeman's issue is minor and unlikely to limit his snap count this week. Another full practice tomorrow and positive post-practice comments from either Freeman or Quinn would be even more reassuring.

***Jordan Reed and Charles Clay both practiced again on Thursday. Both are trending toward playing but neither is likely to be fully recovered this week.

EARLY WEEK PRACTICE PARTICIPATION REPORT AND EARLY EXPECTATIONS

The Wednesday and Thursday practice participation reports are our first chance to see which players each NFL team are limiting in practice after the previous week's games. Players limited in mid-week practice aren't necessarily in danger of missing that week's game. But they all need to be watched closely.

*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