Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 15

Jene Bramel's Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 15 Jene Bramel Published 12/14/2019

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 complete table of projected availability. Here are the most important notes for this week's games:

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

Game-time Decisions

QUARTERBACK

Jameis Winston | Thumb / Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

After Winston's full Friday practice, Bruce Arians told reporters Winston threw the ball well and is "good to go" on Sunday.

Winston's status looked to be in doubt earlier in the week despite being cleared to return in the second half of last week's game. Winston visited hand specialists, had additional imaging studies, and wasn't cleared to throw until Friday. Arians insisted Winston was likely to play throughout the week and his optimism was rewarded.

The Bucs aren't shy about adding a questionable tag to players they expect to be available and there's little risk of a downgrade prior to the game. Thumb injuries are difficult for quarterbacks but Winston's reassuring practice and throwing session means his grip strength is sufficient enough to return. Winston's decision-making and accuracy are frequent issues, however, and any aggravation to his throwing hand during the game will further exacerbate those concerns.

Others of note: Patrick Mahomes II (knee), Drew Brees (elbow), Tom Brady (elbow), Dak Prescott (hand), Ryan Fitzpatrick (shoulder), and Dwayne Haskins (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Matthew Stafford (hip / back) and Daniel Jones (ankle) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Derrick Henry | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Henry has been managing a hamstring strain for three weeks. The Titans have limited his practice reps in previous weeks before clearing him to return to drills late in the week in each of the past two weeks and Henry's in-game usage did not decrease.

However, after out-touching Dion Lewis 29 to 1 in Week 13 and 13 to 1 through the first half of last week's game, Henry looked limited in the third quarter and then did not return to play in the fourth quarter against Oakland. Henry reportedly wanted to return but did not look comfortable and the Titans remained cautious.

Henry has insisted he'll play all week long, praising the coaching and training staff for allowing him to rest during practice. Mike Vrabel didn't seem concerned about Henry's missed practices during a Friday press conference, telling reporters he "feels good" about Henry playing. Henry has been cleared to speak with the media every day this week, has been conditioning on a treadmill, and consistently said he plans to continue playing through the hamstring strain. When asked specifically about the 24-yard run in which he didn't seem capable of getting to full speed, Henry said, "I was just trying to be nice."

All indications are Henry will play and should not be significantly limited. However, it's likely the Titans will be careful with Henry's workload. A 20+ touch effort remains in the range of expectation -- the Titans can take the division lead with a win over the Texans -- but it would be surprising to see Henry get 90-95% of the running back touches.

I'll post an update after the overnight news reports.

Sunday Update: Tom Pelissero reported overnight that Henry's missed practices this week were "mostly a maintenance thing" and the Titans plan to continue Henry's heavy workload if possible. Specifically, Pelissero reports Tennessee will "be smart with him, but no pitch count planned."

Josh Jacobs | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Jacobs had a reassuring MRI on Monday and was cleared to return to practice. He's still having difficulty dressing but was able to do more in practice this week and plans to play on Sunday. Jon Gruden told reporters he thought the full week of limited practice was "a good sign." While Gruden refused to commit to Jacobs playing or speculate on whether his role may be limited, Gruden said "it does look pretty good" for Jacobs' availability.

Unless the Raiders choose continued caution with Jacobs -- a decision made less likely given his clearance to practice and to talk to the media -- it's reasonable to expect Oakland to give Jacobs a reasonable workload this week. If Jacobs is active, however, there's a greater likelihood he'll split more time than before.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Jacobs will play today.

Devonta Freeman | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Freeman's missed practice on Wednesday raised eyebrows and the lack of reporting from the local Atlanta media led to more doubt through Thursday's limited practice. Freeman was back to a full practice on Friday and is not listed on the game status report.

Without a specific injury to discuss, the full Friday practice is compelling enough to expect Freeman to see his usual workload and assume his risk of in-game aggravation is low.

Damien Williams | Rib / Illness | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Williams was cleared to return to individual drills this week as the Chiefs looked to evaluate whether he was healthy enough to return to the running back rotation. An illness forced him out of practice on Friday and will likely lead to another gameday inactive designation. Kansas City has three capable options on the depth chart, including Spencer Ware, who returned to a productive role in his first week back on the Chiefs' roster. The team has indicated Williams will not return to a meaningful role until he's fully healthy and there's no indication he's cleared that hurdle yet.

Sunday Update: Per Ian Rapoport, Williams is expected to be inactive today.

James Conner | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Steelers list Conner questionable to play but there are no indications he'll be inactive after a week of full practice. Conner acknowledged he can't be certain his shoulder will hold up until he experiences contact at game speed but his position coach believes Conner's mental fitness is good as he prepares to return.

Since Conner's injury, the Steelers have been more willing to spread the touches around the depth chart than in previous years. If Conner feels full strength in his first series, he could immediately return to a full workload. More likely, the Steelers will use Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels more often than they were before Conner's injury.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweets the Steelers plan for Conner to start but "split carries with Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell."

Jordan Howard | Shoulder | Questionable | Inactive

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

The Eagles continue to list Howard questionable. But he's still not cleared for contact and is closer to the injured reserve list than returning to play. If the Eagles fall out of playing contention, Howard's season will be over.

Saturday Update: The Eagles have downgraded Howard to out.

Bo Scarbrough | Rib | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

The Lions cleared Scarbrough for a limited Wednesday practice to evaluate his ability to play this week. He did not return to practice the rest of the week.

There are two ways to read Scarbrough's practice line. The optimistic argument is that the Lions saw what they needed to see, Scarbrough felt good on Thursday, and the team chose not to risk any aggravation through the rest of the week given an already thin depth chart. The pessimistic argument is that Scarbrough did not respond well to the first practice of the week and wasn't able to participate in any individual work with contact out of the question entirely.

Scarbrough continued to speak with the media through the week. That's generally optimistic. But the missed practices are difficult to ignore. Should the Lions activate a running back from the practice squad -- and Wes Hills is available to them -- it would shift Scarbrough to the doubtful category.

Sunday Update: The Lions did promote Hills to the active roster, suggesting Scarbrough is more doubtful than questionable. If Scarbrough is active and Hills is not, it's reasonable to believe the Lions trust Scarbrough to handle double-digit touches. That looks unlikely, however.

Sunday Update: Scarbrough is inactive.

Others of note: Dalvin Cook (chest), Patrick Laird (hip), Adrian Peterson (toe), Frank Gore (illness), Tony Pollard (ankle), and Jaylen Samuels (groin) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Rashaad Penny (knee) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Julio Jones | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Jones had eight targets in 58 snaps (81% of his team's snaps and his usual workload) last week, returned to a full practice on Friday, and is not listed on the game status report. That's generally an indication the team expects him to play without limitation.

Davante Adams | Toe | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Packers limited Adams in practice this week but did not include him on the game status report. His snap counts have been stable in the 75-85% range since returning from his toe injury five weeks ago. The downgrade to limited practices on Thursday and Friday and drop in targets last week (11-10-12-10-6 since his return) raise some concern about a minor aggravation last week. Unless there's a worrisome overnight update, the Packers aren't worried enough about Adams to list him questionable and have yet to decrease his snap count. It's reasonable to expect him to return to double-digit targets at Lambeau.

Julian Edelman | Knee / Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Mohamed Sanu | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Edelman is hurting. Already playing through a painful shoulder injury, Edelman limped through the second half of last week's game, missed Wednesday practice, and was not available to the media this week as he continued treatment after his limited practices.

There are no indications Edelman won't be traveling with the team to Cincinnati and local media believe he'll continue to play through the injury. However, the matchup against the hapless Bengals might give the Patriots a chance to rest Edelman more than in past weeks. I'll update with overnight news.

Sanu was back to his pre-injury 35-40 snaps last week. He's expected to play.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reports Edelman remains optimistic about playing but the Patriots will work him out this morning to be certain.

Adam Thielen | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Olabisi Johnson | Quadricep | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Thielen was not cleared for a full practice this week but is not listed on the game status report and will play. Theilen's media comments were much more positive than last week, when pain from scar tissue prompted another week of caution. The Vikings have said little about Thielen's role in the offense but the lack of an injury designation suggests they'll be comfortable with a pre-injury workload if Thielen feels fit in the first series of play.

Johnson was a midweek addition to the injury report with a quad injury. It's not clear whether his questionable listing is a sign of concern. Should Johnson be unable to play, Thielen's snap count and target expectation would be even more likely to approach pre-injury levels.

Tyler Lockett | Shin | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The after-effects of Lockett's shin injury have limited him more than expected in the past two weeks but there is now uniform optimism from teammates and coaches that Lockett is nearing his pre-injury fitness.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Lockett "looked really, really good...and fast" in practice and believes Lockett's "legs [are] bouncing back. Russell Wilson told reporters Lockett is "ready to roll...100%."

If those reports are accurate, it's reassuring news for Lockett. Though he's managed his usual snap count since returning from the shin contusion three weeks ago, he's been targeted just 11 times in three games.

*T.Y. Hilton | Calf | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Hilton has been adamant he wants to return to play this season and the Colts have afforded him the opportunity to rehab. After not practicing Saturday -- which Hilton told reporters was a scheduled off day for him -- Hilton said his availability was up to the doctors and coaches. He also said the team would not clear him to play "unless he's 100%."

Officially a game-time decision for Monday night, there's little reason to believe Hilton is 100% recovered. He did not practice for two weeks after a setback in Week 12 and did not return to a full practice this week. A scheduled off day at the end of a week of needed reconditioning doesn't pass muster either.

If Hilton is active, Reich has said the team will not limit his snaps. The evidence this week more strongly suggests Hilton will remain inactive and look to return in Week 16.

Will Fuller | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Officially questionable, Fuller said he was feeling good on Thursday. Local reporters believe he will play as long as his hamstring does not tighten up before game time. Fuller's fitness is a tough read, however, as he's been productive through the injury in past weeks then been inactive despite a similar participation line in other weeks.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reports Fuller is likely to play. Adam Schefter reports the same, noting if there are no pre-game concerns, Fuller is "likely to go."

DeVante Parker | Concussion | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Albert Wilson | Concussion | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Both Parker and Wilson returned to full practice on Friday. That's a sign the team has advanced them to the final stage of the exercise protocol in anticipation of the exam by an independent neurologist. It's not known how either player responded to Friday's practice or whether they've been independently cleared.

As of Saturday afternoon, there are no reports Parker or Wilson did not travel with the Dolphins to New York. They're both trending toward playing. I'll update with news overnight.

Sunday Update: Multiple local writers confirmed both Parker and Wilson were cleared independently and will play todya.

Nelson Agholor | Knee | Questionable | Inactive

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

The Eagles did not rule Agholor out with his chronic knee soreness on Friday. But it's unusual for Philadelphia players who didn't practice during the week to play on Sunday and Agholor has struggled to be effective with this injury. He'll likely be inactive.

Saturday Update: Agholor has been downgraded to out and will be inactive.

Others of note: Amari Cooper (knee), Odell Beckham (groin), Jarvis Landry (hip), Christian Kirk (ankle), Mike Williams (knee), John Ross (foot), Josh Gordon (ankle), Dede Westbrook (neck, shoulder), Allen Hurns (ankle, knee), and Golden Tate (foot) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Mike Evans (hamstring), D.J. Chark (hamstring), JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), Hunter Renfrow (ribs), Paul Richardson Jr (hamstring), and A.J. Green (ankle) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

*Jared Cook | Concussion | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Cook practiced fully on Saturday and is not listed on the game status report. He's been cleared to play by an independent neurologist and -- barring an unexpected recurrence of symptoms through the weekend and pregame warmup -- will play.

Noah Fant | Foot | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Fant suffered a painful foot contusion last week and could not finish the game. After negative x-rays and early week rest, Fant was cleared to return to practice. Vic Fangio told reporters Fant would "possibly...but hopefully not" be limited on game day. I'll update with any overnight news of note.

Sunday Update: Fant is also dealing with a hip condition that's not included on the injury report, per Ian Rapoport, but is "looking good" to play.

Jimmy Graham | Wrist | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Graham has routinely been rested during early-week practices this season but rarely been on the game status report as questionable. There are no indications from local reporters Graham won't play but watch for any surprising overnight or pregame news reports.

Others of note: Jacob Hollister (thigh), Kyle Rudolph (groin), and David Njoku (knee) have practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play without limitation. Evan Engram (foot), Gerald Everett (knee), Greg Olsen (concussion), Vance McDonald (concussion), Luke Willson (hamstring), and Rhett Ellison (concussion) are listed doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

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

Quarterbacks
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Patrick Mahomes II KC Hand Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*Drew Brees NO Elbow *Not Listed *Full *Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Tom Brady NE Elbow Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Dak Prescott Dal Hand / Hand Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Matthew Stafford Det Hip / Back DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Ryan Fitzpatrick Mia Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Jameis Winston TB Thumb / Knee Limited Limited Full Questionable Expected to Play
Daniel Jones NYG Ankle Limited Limited Limited Declared Out Inactive
Dwayne Haskins Was Ankle Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Running Backs
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Derrick Henry Ten Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Questionable Expected to Play
Dalvin Cook Min Chest Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Alexander Mattison Min Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Josh Jacobs Oak Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
Devonta Freeman Atl Knee DNP Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Damien Williams KC Rib / Illness Limited Limited DNP Questionable Likely Inactive
James Conner Pit Shoulder Full Full Full Questionable Expected to Play
Jaylen Samuels Pit Groin DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Adrian Peterson Was Toe Full DNP Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Frank Gore Buf Illness Not Listed DNP Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Jordan Howard Phi Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Inactive
Rashaad Penny Sea Knee Not Listed DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Bo Scarbrough Det Ribs Limited DNP DNP Questionable Awaiting Information
Patrick Laird Mia Hip Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Tony Pollard Dal Ankle Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Wide Receivers
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Davante Adams GB Toe Full Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Geronimo Allison GB Knee Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Mike Evans TB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Amari Cooper Dal Knee Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Julio Jones Atl Shoulder Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Julian Edelman NE Knee / Shoulder DNP Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Mohamed Sanu NE Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
NKeal Harry NE Hip Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Adam Thielen Min Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Olabisi Johnson Min Quadricep Not Listed Limited Limited Questionable Awaiting Information
Tyler Lockett Sea Shin Not Listed Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Josh Gordon Sea Ankle Not Listed Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
D.J. Chark Jac Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Dede Westbrook Jac Neck / Shoulder Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Odell Beckham Cle Groin Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Jarvis Landry Cle Hip Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*T.Y. Hilton Ind Calf *Limited *Limited *DNP Questionable Likely Inactive
JuJu Smith-Schuster Pit Knee Full Limited DNP Declared Out Inactive
Christian Kirk Ari Ankle Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Andy Isabella Ari Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Mike Williams LAC Knee Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Will Fuller Hou Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
DeVante Parker Mia Concussion Limited Limited Full Questionable Expected to Play
Albert Wilson Mia Concussion Limited Limited Full Questionable Expected to Play
Allen Hurns Mia Ankle / Knee DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Alshon Jeffery Phi Foot DNP IR IR IR Injured Reserve
Nelson Agholor Phi Knee DNP DNP DNP Questionable Inactive
A.J. Green Cin Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
John Ross Cin Foot Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Golden Tate NYG Foot Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Hunter Renfrow Oak Rib DNP Limited DNP Declared Out Inactive
Tim Patrick Den Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Paul Richardson Jr Was Hamstring
Photos provided by Imagn Images
Tags:
Injuries Davante Adams Mario Addison Nelson Agholor Geronimo Allison Budda Baker Jerome Baker Derek Barnett Cody Barton Odell Beckham Jr Vonn Bell A.J. Bouye Tom Brady Jayon Brown Calais Campbell D.J. Chark Jr Frank Clark Jadeveon Clowney James Conner Dalvin Cook Jared Cook Amari Cooper Ronald Darby Jarrad Davis Darqueze Dennard Pierre Desir Evan Engram Mike Evans Gerald Everett Noah Fant Ryan Fitzpatrick Dee Ford Devonta Freeman Will Fuller V Josh Gordon Adam Gotsis Jimmy Graham A.J. Green N'Keal Harry Ronnie Harrison Jr. Dwayne Haskins Jeff Heath Derrick Henry T.Y. Hilton Jacob Hollister Jordan Howard Sam Hubbard Mike Hughes Andy Isabella Adoree' Jackson Josh Jacobs Janoris Jenkins Byron Jones Daniel Jones D.J. Jones Julio Jones Cameron Jordan Linval Joseph Lamarcus Joyner Jayron Kearse Ryan Kerrigan Kevin King Christian Kirk A.J. Klein Patrick Laird Jarvis Landry Marquel Lee Tyler Lockett Patrick Mahomes II Blake Martinez Alexander Mattison Gerald McCoy Jason McCourty Jalen Mills Von Miller Kenny Moore II Fabian Moreau David Njoku Derrick Nnadi Josh Norman Alex Okafor DeVante Parker Tim Patrick Cordarrelle Patterson Rashaad Penny Adrian Peterson Dante Pettis Jason Pierre-Paul Tony Pollard Dak Prescott Hunter Renfrow Xavier Rhodes John Ross Kyle Rudolph Jaylen Samuels Mohamed Sanu Richard Sherman JuJu Smith-Schuster Benny Snell Jr. Matthew Stafford Jaquiski Tartt Adam Thielen Shaq Thompson Danny Trevathan Leighton Vander Esch DeMarcus Walker Denzel Ward Dede Westbrook Damien Williams Greedy Williams Mike Williams Quincy Williams Albert Wilson Jameis Winston Antwaun Woods
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