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During the season, I will transcribe Jene Bramel's Thursday injury video conference and provide you with his thoughts on which players to trust or fade for the upcoming week's game. Click here to view Jene's Week 5 injury video conference.
QUARTERBACK
Cam Newton, CAR (concussion) - Cam has not practiced this week and he has not been seen around the team's facilities. He could be seen and cleared by the independent neurologist as late as Sunday due to the Monday night scheduled game. In order for him to have any chance of playing, he's going to have to see the practice field on Friday or Saturday. He's closer to doubtful rather than probable. Plan on seeing Derek Anderson on Monday.
Result: Fade
Trevor Siemian, DEN (shoulder) - Is looking like he might play after practicing on Thursday. There was some thought that Paxton Lynch would start in his place this week, but the Thursday practice is promising news that he will suit up and play on Sunday vs. Atlanta. It still may be a risk for Thursday lineups, but Sunday is looking more promising.
Result: Fade for Thursday lineups
Jay Cutler, CHI (thumb) - The thinking is that Jay Cutler is probably not going to play and since Brian Hoyer has perofrmed well in his absence, the Bears can afford to keep Cutler out until he is completely healthy. There is also chatter that John Fox and Chicago may lean towards Hoyer as the quarterback of choice even when Cutler is fully healed.
Result: Fade
RUNNING BACK
LeGarrette Blount, NE (hip) - The Patriots rarely provide any injury updates throughout the week, so it's hard to tell for sure what the story will be, but Blount has practiced in a limited basis all week and probably will play this week at Cleveland. He appears to be more probable than questionable.
Result: Trust
Matt Forte, NYJ (ribs/knee) - Matt Forte had x-rays on his ribs and he is dealing with a lingering knee issue, but the Jets are planning to manage his practice reps and get him ready to play on Sunday at Pittsburgh.
Result: Trust
Arian Foster, MIA (hamstring/groin) - Foster practiced on a limited basis on Thursday, but there's some uncertainty there. He's not a young, injury-free player anymore who can sit out of practice all week and be a force on Sunday. At least he hasn't shown that he can still do that. Exercise caution with Foster this week.
Result: Fade
Ryan Mathews, PHI (ankle) Fully participated in practice on Thursday, expect him to play.
Result: Trust
Latavius Murray, OAK (toe) - Expect Latavius Murray to sit out this week with what the team is calling a turf toe injury. These injuries can linger, especially for a running back who uses his feet to cut and move constantly. Look elsewhere and consider the lower priced DeAndre Washington who touched the ball 80% of the time he received a snap last week. He is expected to handle the majority of the team's carries.
Charles Sims, TB (knee) - The Bucs have a Monday night game at Carolina, so there's an extra day to get healthy, but the thought process here is that Sims will be doubtful. He has not practiced even in a limited basis all week and the team hasn't mentioned anything to suggest he'll be ready.
Result: Fade
Jeremy Hill, CIN (chest) - Hill has been limited with a chest injury, but he's looking like he'll be able to play this week at Dallas.
Result: Trust
Rashad Jennings, NYG (thumb) - The Giants are optimistic on Jennings recovery from a thumb injury, but we have yet to see him participate in a full practice. Until he does that, it's wise to stay away and look elsewhere for a roster option.
Result: Fade
Kenneth Dixon, BAL (knee) - The Ravens are planning on having Dixon active this week, but don't expect to see him rushed back into action. It's wise to stay away from him this week, especially with the coach speak of playing him in a limited capacity. Remember we saw the same with Jamaal Charles last week. Active, but a very reduced role.
Result: Fade
Dwayne Washington, DET (knee/ankle) - Although Washington wants to play and be active against the Eagles this week, it's looking like he may need another week to heal. He has not practiced this week. Monitor his situation on Friday for Sunday lineups, but it's a good plan to stay away for Thursday rosters.
Result: Fade
WIDE RECEIVER
Dez Bryant, WR - DAL (hairline fracture on knee, but also being called a bone bruise) - There's a lot of uncertainty regarding Bryant's knee and his ability to play. He's been seen active and even jumping on the sideline of last week's game. He claims he's OK to play, however there is a strong likelihood that doctors want him to continue to rehab the knee. He hasn't even been cleared to run yet, let alone practice. Stay away for this week and keep in mind the Cowboys bye is Week 7. Perhaps they exercise caution and keep him out until after the bye. As for this week, he looks awfully doubtful.
Result: Fade
Brandon Marshall (foot), Alshon Jeffery (knee), Demaryius Thomas (hip) - All three are expected to play even if they see a limited practice or two. Consider them a go for Thursday lineups.
Result: Trust
Marvin Jones, DET (foot/hamstring) - Jones was listed on the injury report last week with a hamstring injury, which he played through. This week he's on there again for a foot injury, which he has had problems (surgery) with in the past. He missed practice Wedneaday and had a limited practice on Thursday. This is a concern, especially if the Thursday practice yields difficulties on Friday. He's probably going to play and you should feel confident inserting him into your Thursday lineup, but there's that uncertain feeling that there could be an issue. Friday is the big indicator. If he's fine on Friday, pencil him in.
Result: Trust, but don't assume he's 100%
Stefon Diggs, MIN (groin strain) - Stefon Diggs has missed back to back practices on Wednesday and Thursday with a groin injury. Friday will be the indicator here. Look for him to be listed as questionable on the injury report tomorrow afternoon. He may play, but how effective he'll be is a concern.
Result: Fade
Eric Decker, NYJ (shoulder) - Decker is having difficulty with range of motion in his shoulder and team doctors have said they have not seen much improvement at all with him. It's still a possibility that he could be placed on IR, but for now the Jets are anxiously waiting, hoping he heals with rest. He is not expected to play this week. Next week is a possibility but it's unclear at this point.
Result: Fade
Eddie Royal, CHI (calf) - The oft-injured Eddie Royal has a golden opportunity in front of him, with the news of Kevin White (ankle) being placed on IR. He has not practiced on Wednesday or Thursday of this week, so the Friday practice is critical of his availability. Chicago needs him due to the injuries on the depth chart, but at the same time, they want to keep him healthy for the long haul.
Result: Fade
Quick updates: Donte Moncrief, Corey Coleman, Josh Doctson are out. Braxton Miller is expected to play, but snaps should be limited and the Texans have a tough matchup at Minnesota.
TIGHT END
Rob Gronkowski, NE (hamstring) - Rob Gronkowski is sounding more and more positive this week. He received more reps in the game last week and he's starting to get more comfortable, but there's still some question marks surrounding his effectiveness and if he can be a full go. Getting Tom Brady back may help his cause. It may not. The safe play is to wait until he has a good game before adding him to your roster.
Result: Fade
Tyler Eifert, CIN (back/ankle) - We will discuss more in detail on The Audible Thursday night about why he visited a specialist for a back injury and what that means for his outlook. He's not going to play this week.
Result: Fade
Zach Ertz, PHI (rib) - He's back to fully participating in practice and is expected to be a big part of the Eagles offense. No restrictions on him. He's safe to play in Thursday lineups
Result: Trust
Zach Miller, CHI (rib) - He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday, but that could just mean that the Bears want to keep him fresh as they deal with multiple injuries this week. Watch his Friday practice for weekend lineups
Result: Fade for Thursday lineups
Eric Ebron, DET (Ankle/knee) - Eric Ebron did not practice on Thursday and there doesn't seem like there's a lot of optimism for him to go this week.
Result: Fade
Antonio Gates, SD (Hamstring) - There's a chance that he plays but he's not someone to trust for Thursday lineups. Monitor his Friday practice status for the weekend.
Result: Fade for Thursday lineups
Kyle Rudolph, MIN (rib/clavicle) - He's probably dealing with an upper rib contusion here, otherwise we'd know more if clavicle is listed on the report. He missed practice this week due to his wife having a baby, but he should be OK to play this week and be effective.
Result: Trust
Other Tight Ends in summary: Jared Cook will not play this week, Clive Walford likely to play, Cameron Jordan, looks to be out.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com