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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
^ = playing on Tuesday 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 High Impact News and Notes

Please scroll down for full details, extensive updates, and the complete table of projected availability.

Awaiting Information | Game-time Decision

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• WR Jamison Crowder
• WR Brandin Cooks
• TE Austin Hooper (MNF)
• TE Kyle Rudolph

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Josh Jacobs
• RB Ezekiel Elliott
• WR DeAndre Hopkins
• WR Mike Evans
• RB DAndre Swift
• RB Kenyan Drake
• QB Daniel Jones
• WR Tee Higgins
• RB Frank Gore
• TE Irv Smith

COVID reserve (Expected to be Inactive)

• RB David Johnson
• WR D.J. Moore
• RB Myles Gaskin
• RB Matt Breida

Activated from Injured Reserve

• RB Justin Jackson

Ruled Out

• RB Christian McCaffrey
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Kenny Golladay
• RB Antonio Gibson
• RB Salvon Ahmed

QUARTERBACK

Daniel Jones | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Jones returned to practice this week after missing a game with a hamstring injury. Video of his practice reps showed him moving better than he was in his last game but it's clear he's not fully recovered. Expect him to be functional in the pocket, though it's likely he'll struggle with staying in rhythm if forced to evade rushers. Do not expect him to be cleared to scramble as often. There will be a risk of aggravation but expect Jones to complete the game.

Matthew Stafford | Thumb | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Lions routinely list players questionable even when expected to play. Stafford has played through a thumb sprain for multiple weeks and will again this week. The Lions offense remains without Kenny Golladay and will have DAndre Swift in a limited role at best.

Others of note: Josh Allen (knee, ankle), Tua Tagovailoa (thumb), Philip Rivers (toe), Drew Lock (back), and Brandon Allen (chest) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Josh Jacobs | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

After a missed Wednesday practice, Vic Tafur of The Athetic confidently wrote that the Raiders expected Jacobs to play. Consecutive limited practices on Thursday and Friday supported Tafur's report. Jon Gruden would not confirm Jacobs would play, saying Las Vegas planned to re-evaluate Jacobs' status in a Saturday walkthrough.

Jacobs has played through painful injuries effectively in the past but even low-grade high ankle sprains are difficult recoveries. Limited practice and continued evaluation through the weekend to be sure he's responded well to individual drills suggest Jacobs isn't full strength. Rarely, running backs return successfully to pre-injury workloads. More often, their play suffers and aggravations and tweaks limit workloads until they return to full practices.

I'll update with notes throughout the weekend.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight that Jacobs is expected to play. Rapoport said Jacobs is "nearly at full strength."

Ezekiel Elliott | Calf | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Elliott's calf injury is a bruise rather than a strain. That's a critical distinction for a running back. Calf strains limit explosiveness and often require rest. Contusions, while painful, are less limiting. Elliott told reporters he understands the injury will "be sore during the game" but "doesn't think it should limit me much at all."

Expect Elliott to play and see his usual workload.

Kenyan Drake | Hip | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Drake was added to Thursday's injury report with a hip condition but was able to participate on Friday. Kliff Kingsbury expects Drake to play and it's likely the missed practice reps were more maintenance than a new and concerning injury. Expect him to see his usual workload.

DAndre Swift | Illness | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The timeline of Swift's missed practice and games with what the Lions listed as concussion and illness has been confusing.

On Friday, Darrell Bevell clarified that Swift reported headaches three weeks ago and the team chose to be cautious and return him through the concussion protocol. That helps explain why he was listed as limited with a concussion on Wednesday last week and then changed to an illness designation the following day. Bevell suggested the Lions -- as well as the independent neurologist who reportedly cleared him last Wednesday -- believe Swift's symptoms are migraine.

It can be difficult to determine whether a player's headaches are related to trauma or not -- migraine symptoms can occur in either scenario.

Detroit chose to remain cautious last week and wanted Swift to return to a full week of practice. That's happened this week and Swift is expected to return. Bevell has said the Lions will not commit to a full workload for Swift in his first week back. Expect 10-12 touches and a return to higher usage next week.

Frank Gore | Concussion | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The missed Thursday practice would ordinarily mean a player recovering from concussion has little chance to be cleared to play. In Gore's case, the Thursday DNP came with a "not injury related" distinction and local writers wrote they expected Gore to play. A full padded practice on Friday likely means the Jets planned to send Gore to the independent neurologist for clearance.

Expect Gore to be active Sunday.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• David Johnson - Likely inactive (high-risk contact)
• Myles Gaskin - Inactive (COVID+)
• Matt Breida - Inactive (COVID+)

Others of note: James Robinson (knee), Chris Carson (foot), Carlos Hyde (toe), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), Myles Gaskin (knee), Todd Gurley (knee), Phillip Lindsay (knee), Latavius Murray (knee), Kerryon Johnson (knee), Devontae Booker (back), and Duke Johnson Jr (illness) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Christian McCaffrey (shoulder, thigh), Antonio Gibson (toe), Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), Alexander Mattison (illness), and Travis Homer (wrist, knee) have been ruled out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

DeAndre Hopkins | Neck / Back | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Hopkins was added to the injury report on Thursday with multiple maladies but fully practiced Friday, routinely plays through injury, and Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Hopkins would play. The health of Kyler Murray's shoulder is a bigger concern than the neck and back conditions Hopkins is listed with this week.

Mike Evans | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Evans was limited by hamstring soreness on Wednesday and was held out Thursday for treatment before returning fully on Friday. Bruce Arians said Evans "just had a scare" and returned to "practice well" on Friday. Evans is not listed on the injury report and should be effective in his usual snaps and targets.

Brandin Cooks | Foot / Neck | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Keke Coutee | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Texans listed Cooks and Coutee questionable after limited practices this week but both are expected to play. Houston routinely lists players who miss practice as questionable. It's often more team preference than a sign of injury concern.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport is reporting Cooks is not expected to play today.

Jamison Crowder | Calf | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Crowder left practice with a calf strain on Thursday. The Jets reportedly were hopeful he'd be able to test his fitness on Friday but Crowder was unable to go. Though New York lists him questionable, it's unlikely Crowder will play. Similar practice lines with soft-tissue injuries earlier this season have kept Crowder down on game day.

Tee Higgins | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Higgins managed a full week of limited practices without any reported setbacks after a late-game hamstring strain last week. Local reporters were optimistic about Higgins' availability this week and Cincinnati players who practice generally play. It's not clear whether Higgins is ready for a full workload and he remains within the window of possible aggravation.

Equanimeous St. Brown | Knee / Concussion | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The full Friday practice suggests the Packers are comfortable clearing St. Brown to play.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• D.J. Moore - Inactive

Others of note: Tyreek Hill (illness), Michael Thomas (ankle), Terry McLaurin (ankle), A.J. Brown (hip), Deebo Samuel (foot), Chase Claypool (illness), Tyler Lockett (knee), Allen Robinson (knee), Jarvis Landry (hip), Jerry Jeudy (ankle), Allen Lazard (core), Nelson Agholor (ankle), Laviska Shenault (thumb), Alshon Jeffery (calf), and Breshad Perriman (shoulder) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Julio Jones (hamstring), and Kenny Golladay (hip) 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

Jonnu Smith | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Smith told reporters his knee injury "was a minor issue" and is "feeling great" and ready to play this week. Smith said the week off allowed him to return at near full strength this week. Expect him to return to his pre-injury usage.

*Austin Hooper | Neck | Questionable | Likely Inactive

Practice Participation: Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - DNP | Sat - DNP

Kevin Stefanski told reporters the team wasn't sure when Hooper suffered the neck injury during practice and the Browns aren't yet certain whether Hooper will play Monday night. Consecutive DNPs on Friday and Saturday suggest he's to the doubtful side of questionable.

Irv Smith | Back | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Smith returned to limited practice by the end of the week. Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said Smith is trending toward returning. Kyle Rudolph is doubtful after missing practice all week with a foot injury. Smith could see a significant workload immediately.

Ian Thomas | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Thomas practiced fully on Friday but was listed questionable with a knee condition. Expect him to be available.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• None

Others of note: Hayden Hurst (ankle), Jacob Hollister (knee, neck), Marcedes Lewis (knee), and Adam Shaheen (foot) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Kyle Rudolph (foot) and Jace Sternberger (concussion) 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.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

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