UNDERSTANDING THE NFL'S INJURY REPORT
The injury report released by the NFL is 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).
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 player on the practice participation and game status report this week:
Fast Track NEWS AND NOTES
Scroll down for full details, extensive updates, and the full table of projected availability. Here are the most important notes for this week's games:
***Stefon Diggs is questionable and expected to play per Adam Schefter. His track record of playing through questionable designations is worrisome.
***Todd Gurley, Sony Michel, and Derrick Henry are not on the injury report and expected to play.
***There are many wide receivers recovering from injury -- including Julio Jones, Odell Beckham, Amari Cooper, and DK Metcalf -- expected to play without limitation.
***Jordan Reed has not be cleared to play and will be inactive.
QUARTERBACK
Cam Newton | foot | Not Listed | expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Not Listed
Newton was immobilized in a walking boot after spraining his foot in the third preseason game. The Panthers were adamant the sprain was minor and expected Newton to return to practice. That's exactly what's played out over the past two weeks as Newton as gradually and smoothly increased his practice participation. He was not listed on the practice participation report this week which confirms he was able to take every planned practice repetition and did not receive additional treatments during practice time. Further -- and most important for his statistical expectations -- Newton's mobility has been a non-issue in practice. Ron Rivera told reporters Newton would be able "to do the things he has normally done" in his Friday press conference. Newton hasn't been full strength in years. We may see Newton scrambling and rushing successfully and throwing the ball to all levels for the first time since 2017.
Nick Foles | Oblique | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
The Jaguars initially listed Foles with an oblique injury but amended the report to a less-specific abdominal condition later in the week. An oblique muscle strain could limit Foles' accuracy and downfield arm strength but the Jaguars don't appear concerned. Foles was listed as full participation and is not listed on the injury report. Barring an unexpected aggravation, the absence of tackle Cam Robinson will be a bigger limiting factor to the Jacksonville offense.
Others of note: Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.
RUNNING BACK
Todd Gurley | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Not Listed
After battling knee inflammation in his previously surgically-repaired knee during the second half of the 2018 season and seeing frustratingly limited workloads in the final weeks of the Rams' regular-season and playoff run, Gurley's offseason recovery was heavily scrutinized. The Rams elected to put Gurley on a "veteran plan" during training camp. While that correctly spurred lots of consternation about his projected 2019 workload, Gurley has sailed through training camp without new symptoms.
We're yet to get the reveal on how the Rams plan to split touches with a currently healthy Gurley and there will be a continued risk of recurrent inflammation in his knee. However, Gurley enters Week 1 in condition to see a sizable workload. The Rams have only three backs on the current 53-man roster and highly-touted rookie Darrell Henderson doesn't appear ready to see a C.J. Anderson level of touches yet. It won't be surprising to see Gurley sit every third series or take fewer snaps should the Rams get out to a multiple-touchdown lead. But I believe Gurley can reasonably be expected to see 18+ touches in Week 1.
Sony Michel | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Not Listed
Michel had a procedure to his balky knee for the second consecutive offseason. These cleanup procedures are intended to reduce the chances of inseason inflammation and limitation but they're also clear evidence Michel's knee will never be fully healthy. Like many running backs before, Michel has recovered well in the short term and is in good playing shape as Week 1 approaches. The Patriots limited Michel less and less and camp progressed, even clearing him to play briefly in the third preseason game. He was not listed on the practice participation report and should be in line for a full workload on Sunday night.
Derrick Henry | Calf | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Not Listed
Henry missed nearly all of the Titans' training camp workouts before gaining clearance for team workouts after the final preseason game. He's now fully practiced for two weeks and is through the highest risk period for aggravation for a muscle strain. Tennessee did not list him on the practice report this week. Henry is expected to see a full workload.
Others of note: Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.
WIDE RECEIVER
Julio Jones | Not injury related | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Not Listed
Following a somewhat fear-inducing Thursday press conference in which he suggested he was sore and might not play without a contract extension, Jones later reassured reporters he expected to be a full go in Week 1. Jones wasn't listed on the injury report with an injury on Thursday, wasn't listed at all on Friday, and agreed to a contract extension on Saturday afternoon. Jones was afforded the veteran practice plan throughout training camp as he managed foot soreness but his Week 1 availability is never in doubt. All evidence suggests he's ready for a full Week 1 workload.
Odell Beckham | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
Beckham took very few training camp reps while working through an unspecified hip condition. There didn't appear to be a significant concern as Week 1 approached and Beckham was not listed on the first practice participation report of the week. But Beckham told reporters he was struggling to run full speed and likened himself to an out-of-alignment high-performance vehicle. Beckham admitted there was no specific injury event and said there was no question about whether he'd play this week. The full Thursday and Friday practice is reassuring and the Browns did not list him on their game status report.
It's difficult to know whether Beckham was just being chatty with reporters or whether this is a condition that may limit him throughout the season. Bursitis or a variety of hip impingement syndromes are possibilities here. Both would cause pain and limited range of motion that may hinder Beckham's routes and result in limited practice time or game snaps. But there's no immediate indication of that level of injury. For now, expect Beckham to play a full number of snaps and play effectively. There may be times where Beckham looks out of sync with Baker Mayfield. Should there be worrisome signs or an unexpected limited number of snaps, I'll re-evaluate in Monday's Injury Rounds article.
Mike Evans | Illness | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - DNP
The Buccaneers had an outbreak of flu-like illness at the end of the week. Multiple players were symptomatic, including Evans. Though he missed Friday's practice, Evans is expected to play this week. Teams routinely send players with illness home before they can spread infection to others. Missed practice is rarely a concern and teams know how to keep players hydrated and limit symptoms on game day when necessary. I'll update through the weekend if Evans looks likely to be limited.
Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Evans will play today.
Amari Cooper | Foot | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
Like many other veterans, Cooper chose to rest and rehab a potentially-limiting condition rather than risk aggravation. Though it was variably reported as a heel bruise and muscle strain, Cooper is most likely dealing with plantar fasciitis, a painful and sometimes slow to heal -- no pun intended -- condition of the sole of the foot. Cooper has repeatedly said he's played through similar and more painful conditions in past seasons and doesn't expect to be limited. There will be a risk of aggravation but Cooper fully practiced this week and is not included on the Cowboys' game status report. He's expected to play a full complement of snaps on Sunday.
Stefon Diggs | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - DNP | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Diggs was a surprise DNP on Wednesday. After holding an extended media session and being observed at individual drills, Diggs was listed as not participating. There was no report of an in-practice injury and those are commonly listed as limited practice on the participation report. There has been no actionable reporting from the local media and the Vikings commonly use the questionable tag as a proxy for probable. However, the track record for Diggs playing through soft tissue injury after limited practice is not reassuring. I'm expecting Diggs to play but without a reassuring weekend report from the team or Adam Schefter, a limited workload or underwhelming performance is possible.
Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Diggs is "expected to play" today. There have been no reports on whether he'll be limited.
Sunday Update: There were no updates from the local media overnight. Most have expected Diggs to be available all week, citing his availability during individual route-running drills. When asked Friday about Diggs' playing status, Mike Zimmer would only offer "I don't know. We'll see." I wouldn't put a ceiling projection out of reach for Diggs this week but the lack of detail on his injury and his history of inconsistent play with soft tissue injuries leave him with a lower floor than usual today.
Robby Anderson | Calf | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Anderson continues to deal with a calf strain. While limited in practice all week, Adam Gase and every local beat writer have consistently said they expect Anderson to play. There's not enough information to reliably grade Anderson's injury or project a relative risk of aggravation. With rare exception, Anderson has played effectively through injuries in past seasons. An optimistic tweet from Adam Schefter overnight would help reassure here.
Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight that Anderson will play today.
DK Metcalf | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Full | Thurs - Full | Fri - Full
Metcalf has quickly recovered from knee surgery less than three weeks ago. After a full week of practice, the Seahawks did not include Metcalf on the game status report. Ordinarily, it would be reasonable to question how many snaps Metcalf would see. But the Seattle depth chart at receiver is shallow. All signs suggest Metcalf will be on the field often and he could see 5+ targets despite the late training camp surgery.
Keke Coutee | Ankle | Questionable | game-time decision - Likely inactive
Practice Participation: Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited | Sat - Limited
Coutee managed a full week of limited practices as he recovers from a preseason high ankle sprain. Bill O'Brien told reporters Coutee was "touch-and-go" after Friday's practice and the team would wait until the pre-game workout to determine whether Coutee would play. However, O'Brien also allowed that "it was a long season" and Coutee had a "pretty significant injury." That strongly implies Coutee will get more time to recover and limit the risk of re-injury. With a depth chart that now includes Kenny Stills alongside full strength DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, there would seem to be little reason to push the limits of Coutee's recovery. Should Coutee be on the active roster, expect a limited number of packages and snaps.
Albert Wilson | Hip / Calf | Questionable | Likely to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Wilson was limited on the injury report early in the week -- not unexpectedly -- as the team continues to manage his recovery from last season's hip injury. On Friday, Wilson was still listed as limited but the Dolphins added a calf designation. It's possible the listing is minor and precautionary, but this warrants closer observation through the early weekend. As of Saturday afternoon, there was no indication Wilson would not be able to go.
Marquise Brown | Foot | Questionable | Expected to Play
Practice Participation: Wed - Not Listed | Thurs - Full | Fri - DNP
Brown's practice participation line is odd, even for a player making a quick return from Lisfranc surgery. The Friday DNP raised concern for a setback in Brown's preparation to play or evidence the Ravens had decided he just wasn't ready to play yet. After practice, however, John Harbaugh told reporters Brown had not suffered a setback and would play this week. It's still possible the Ravens choose not to put Brown on the active roster. More likely, the team has a limited number of personnel packages prepared for Brown as they ease him into their planned usage pattern.
Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport is reporting Brown will play today and likely start.
Demaryius Thomas | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
Thomas was effective in the final preseason game but still showed signs of limitation after last season's Achilles injury. Now questionable with a hamstring strain, it's unclear whether Thomas will be active this week. He's likely to the doubtful side of questionable.
Others of note: Alshon Jeffery (biceps), Dante Pettis (groin), Paul Richardson Jr (quad), Devin Funchess (back), John Ross (hamstring) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.
TIGHT END
Jordan Reed | concussion | questionable > Declared Out | inactive
Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited
After his most recent concussion, Washington remained optimistic Reed would be cleared to play this week. However, Reed did not return to a full practice by the end of the week and multiple reports on Saturday suggest he's not been cleared for contact yet. Washington promoted a tight end from the practice squad, an almost-always ominous sign about the availability of a player considered to be a game-time decision. Local reporters believe Reed may still travel with the team and Washington hasn't officially ruled Reed out. But this is trending pessimistically. It's also notable that Reed has now required multiple weeks of rehab and observation for multiple concussions. His practice participation suggests he still desires to play. But -- and this is speculation only -- if the independent neurologist did not clear Reed to play this week, it's likely due to concern over ongoing symptoms and could put his future into question.
Saturday Update: Washington has ruled Reed out.
Others of note: Cameron Brate (calf) has practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play without limitation. Tyler Kroft (foot) is listed doubtful and will be inactive. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.
OFFENSIVE LINE NOTES
***Two critical Dallas linemen -- tackle Tyron Smith and guard Zack Martin -- have already seen degenerative conditions in their backs flare up during training camp. Rest and rehab have been successful thus far. Neither is listed on the team's game status report and both will play.
***The Jaguars are missing two tackles this week. Cam Robinson suffered a right knee injury in practice last week -- his 2018 ACL tear was to his left knee -- and the team has yet to report an MRI finding. Backup Cedric Ogbuehi has also been declared out with a hamstring strain.
***Local writers believe the Lions will have center Frank Ragnow available after an ankle sprain during camp.
***The Bengals will be without tackle Cordy Glenn, who continues to rehab after a concussion early in training camp.
***Carolina will have guard Trai Turner, who left Thursday's practice with a groin strain, but tackle Greg Little is out with a concussion.
***Seattle guard Mike Iupati and Tennessee guard Kevin Pamphile are game-time decisions. Iupati is closer to playing than Pamphile.
Defensive Player Notes
***The Lions are likely to be without linebacker Jarrad Davis. He's back to individual work after a mid-grade high-ankle sprain but not yet ready for full contact.
***Seattle edge Ezekiel Ansah isn't fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery and is a game-time decision.
***Devin White was added to the injury report on Saturday with illness but will play.
***The Chargers will be without linebacker Jatavis Brown. Teammate Denzel Perryman is likely to play but may not see every-down snaps.
PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS
*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.
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Quarterbacks
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Team
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Injury
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Practice Participation
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Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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|||||
| Nick Foles | Jac | Oblique | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Colt McCoy | Was | Fibula | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Nate Sudfeld | Phi | Wrist | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Blaine Gabbert | TB | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
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Running Backs
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Team
|
Injury
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Practice Participation
|
Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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|||||
| Jordan Wilkins | Ind | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Full | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
| Trayveon Williams | Cin | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
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Wide Receivers
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Team
|
Injury
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Practice Participation
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Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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|||||
| Julio Jones | Atl | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | Limited | Not Listed | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Odell Beckham | Cle | Hip | Not Listed | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Mike Evans | TB | Illness | Not Listed | Not Listed | DNP | Questionable | Expected to Play |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | Foot | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Stefon Diggs | Min | Hamstring | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Likely to Play |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| John Ross | Cin | Hamstring | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Alshon Jeffery | Phi | Biceps | Not Listed | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Robby Anderson | NYJ | Calf | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Expected to Play |
| Dante Pettis | SF | Groin | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Jalen Hurd | SF | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Trent Taylor | SF | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| DK Metcalf | Sea | Knee | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Jaron Brown | Sea | Toe | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| David Moore | Sea | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| *Keke Coutee | Hou | Ankle | *Limited | *Limited | *Limited | Questionable | Likely Inactive |
| Albert Wilson | Mia | Hip / Calf | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
| Paul Richardson Jr | Was | Quad | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Marquise Brown | Bal | Foot | Not Listed | Full | DNP | Questionable | Expected to Play |
| Devin Funchess | Ind | Back | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Marqise Lee | Jac | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Likely to Play |
| Demaryius Thomas | NE | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
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Tight Ends
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Team
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Injury
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Practice Participation
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Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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|||||
| Jordan Reed | Was | Concussion | Limited | Limited | Limited | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Cameron Brate | TB | Calf | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Tyler Kroft | Buf | Foot | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful | Inactive |
| Matt LaCosse | NE | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Likely Inactive |
| Blake Jarwin | Dal | Foot | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Tyler Conklin | Min | Ribs | Not Listed | Not Listed | Limited | Questionable | Expected to Play |
| Josh Oliver | Jac | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
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Offensive Tackles
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Team
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Injury
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Practice Participation
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Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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Wednesday
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Thursday
|
Friday
|
|||||
| Tyron Smith | Dal | Back | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Brian O'Neill | Min | Elbow | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Cam Robinson | Jac | Knee | Full | Limited | DNP | Doubtful | Inactive |
| Cedric Ogbuehi | Jac | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Duane Brown | Sea | Knee | DNP | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| George Fant | Sea | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Jack Conklin | Ten | Knee | DNP | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Marcus Gilbert | Ari | Knee | Not Listed | Limited | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Cordy Glenn | Cin | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Greg Little | Car | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Mike Remmers | NYG | Illness / Back | DNP | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Brandon Shell | NYJ | Knee | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| *Tytus Howard | Hou | Finger | *Full | *Full | *Full | Questionable | Expected to Play |
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Offensive Guards
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Team
|
Injury
|
Practice Participation
|
Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
|||||
| Zack Martin | Dal | Back | Limited | Limited | Limited | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Trai Turner | Car | Groin | Not Listed | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| *Gabe Jackson | Oak | Knee | *DNP | *DNP | *DNP | Declared Out | Inactive |
| Brandon Brooks | Phi | Achilles | Limited | Limited | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Mike Iupati | Sea | Foot | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable | Game-time Decision |
| Kevin Pamphile | Ten | Knee | Not Listed | DNP | DNP | Questionable | Likely Inactive |
| Kelechi Osemele | NYJ | Chest | Full | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| Brian Winters | NYJ | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
| *Zach Fulton | Hou | Toe | *Limited | *Full | *Full | Not Listed | Expected to Play |
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Centers
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Team
|
Injury
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Practice Participation
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Game
Status |
FBGs
Expects |
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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| Frank Ragnow | Det | Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
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