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 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

• RB Damien Harris

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB James Robinson -- Inactive
• WR Keenan Allen
• WR Terry McLaurin
• QB Alex Smith -- Inactive
• RB Jamaal Williams

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• WR Tyreek Hill -- Active
• RB Ezekiel Elliott
• RB Antonio Gibson
• WR Allen Robinson -- Active
• WR DeVante Parker -- Inactive
• QB Daniel Jones -- Active
• QB Derek Carr -- Active
• TE Mike Gesicki -- Active

COVID reserve (Expected to be Inactive)

• RB Ronald Jones II
• TE Hunter Henry
• WR Jarvis Landry
• WR Rashard Higgins
• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
• WR KhaDarel Hodge

Activated from Injured Reserve

• TE George Kittle -- Official
• WR John Brown -- Expected (Probable)
• WR Julian Edelman -- Awaiting Information (Doubtful)
• WR DeSean Jackson -- Official
• RB LaMical Perine -- Official
• TE Greg Olsen -- Official

Ruled Out

• WR Julio Jones
• RB Cam Akers
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR Tyler Boyd
• RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
• RB Phillip Lindsay
• RB Duke Johnson Jr

QUARTERBACK

Daniel Jones | Hamstring / Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Jones has not been able to fully practice or complete a game in four weeks. Video of individual drills showed Jones moving well, adjusting his feet, and planting to throw without obvious limitation. Local writers expect Jones to return after another limited practice on Friday.

Expect the Giants to adjust the game plan and blocking scheme to protect Jones and discourage him from leaving the pocket.

Saturday Update: Multiple writers confirm Jones is expected to start.

^Derek Carr | Groin | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Carr was considered doubtful to play in Week 16 after last Thursday night's groin injury. Though Jon Gruden refused to confirm a starting quarterback, Carr is not listed on the game status report and will play.

^Matthew Stafford | Rib / Thumb | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Stafford continues to play through pain and did not look limited in his return from a rib cartilage injury last week. Expect Stafford to work through the injury with extra padding and pain management again this week.

Alex Smith | Calf | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Washington returned Smith to light practice on Friday. Ron Rivera said the team wanted to see how Smith's calf responded to the increased work and wouldn't confirm him as the starting quarterback. Though the trend is positive, it's possible Washington will choose to rest Smith until he's fully recovered. If Smith is active, he is at risk of leaving the game early.

Sunday Update: Smith did not respond as hoped after Friday's workout and "optimism is waning" about his ability to play. Expect him to be inactive.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• None

Others of note: Josh Allen (knee, ankle), Philip Rivers (toe), 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

James Robinson | Ankle | Questionable >> Declared Out | Likely Inactive

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

Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain last week. Doug Marrone sounded optimistic all week about Robinson's availability and there were expectations for Robinson to test his fitness on both Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately, Robinson did not participate in individual drills all week.

The Jaguars list him questionable and at least one beat writer expects Robinson to play despite not practicing.

I see little chance of Robinson playing. Rookie running backs with high ankle sprains who do not practice during the week on one-win teams are highly unlikely to dress. If Robinson is available, a decreased workload and high risk of aggravation are clear roadblocks to a statistically successful game.

Saturday Update: The Jaguars downgraded Robinson and declared him out.

Aaron Jones | Toe | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Jamaal Williams | Quadricep | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

The Packers limited Jones in practice this week. Multiple observers noted no change in Jones' gait during individual drills. It's likely Green Bay exercised more caution than usual knowing Williams had little chance to recover from a quad injury in time to play.

Jones should see nearly all of Green Bay's running back snaps with A.J. Dillon still working back into game shape after a month-long bout with COVID-19.

Ezekiel Elliott | Calf | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Elliott was an unexpected addition to the inactive list last Sunday after "a tug" in his calf on Saturday didn't respond well by game day. Elliott had a full week of limited practice and has been confident he'll play in media sessions this week.

If Elliott has recovered enough to play, it's unlikely he'll see 15+ touches unless the game script is extremely favorable. Tony Pollard has been more healthy and more productive recently.

Projecting the usage split will be difficult. In Week 14, Elliott (12 rushes, 3 targets) and Pollard (11 rushes, 2 targets) were nearly equal in touches. However, Elliott played 32 snaps to Pollard's 19 -- similar to previous splits -- and had a 7-4 edge in touches over Pollard in the first half.

Expect the split to be closer to even this week. Any deviation from a close game script or aggravation of Elliott's injury would shift the balance heavily in favor of Pollard.

Antonio Gibson | Toe | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Ron Rivera said Gibson is making continued progress and implied Gibson was moving better during individual drills this week. Local observers noted Gibson working with equipment staff between reps frequently earlier in the week. That's a sign the team is working hard to find a shoe orthotic that's comfortable and supportive enough for Gibson to play.

A Thursday report from Adam Schefter noting that Gibson was "going through individual drills for the second day in a row" and "has a chance" to play is also reassuring.

Both those reports, however, also underline the fact that Gibson is not yet fully recovered and will be at risk of aggravation or be less effective than usual if he plays. If Gibson is active, his pre-injury usage and favorable home matchup against a weak Carolina rush defense are compelling enough to hope he's healthy enough to get to 15 touches.

I'll update with any overnight news.

Sunday Update: Mike Garafolo reports Gibson will play and "should have a sizable workload."

*Damien Harris | Ankle | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

The Patriots play Monday night and have not discussed Harris' condition after he was a late addition to the injury report then inactive last week. Expect a limited Saturday workout, a questionable listing on the game status report, and no actionable information until sometime Monday afternoon.

Chase Edmonds | Ankle / Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Edmonds practiced very little last week and the consensus from local writers was that he was closer to doubtful than probable. But Edmonds looked comfortable during the game and split snaps with Kenyan Drake. Edmonds' practice line looks similar this week -- though he's now listed with both knee and ankle injuries -- and there's no indication he's not fit to see another sizable workload this week.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Ronald Jones II (COVID+) -- Inactive

Others of note: Josh Jacobs (knee), Chris Carson (foot), Carlos Hyde (toe), James Conner (quad), and Le'Veon Bell (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Christian McCaffrey (thigh), Cam Akers (ankle), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle), and Phillip Lindsay (hip) 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

Tyreek Hill | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Hill has been working through hamstring tightness and heel pain for weeks. While he has missed a handful of snaps for maintenance with athletic trainers on the sideline, the injuries have not limited his effectiveness.

Hill missed Wednesday's practice and was limited the rest of the week but Andy Reid has never expressed any doubt about Hill's game day availability. On Friday, Reid told reporters Hill was "ready to go."

Keenan Allen | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Anthony Lynn described Allen as a game-time decision on Friday. Unfortunately, there's not much else to go on this week.

In past seasons, Allen has played effectively through soft tissue injuries. Last week's 24 of 66 snap usage was somewhat unexpected after Allen himself provided a positive report after pregame warmups. Any argument that the short turnaround to a Thursday night game played a role in the decreased snap count is difficult to support after Allen was able to manage only a brief Friday individual workout this week.

I'll update after overnight injury updates are posted but it's difficult to trust Allen for his usual double-digit target count without a more optimistic note from Adam Schefter between now and Sunday morning.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports the Chargers do not expect Allen to play. Allen apparently talked the team into allowing him to play last Thursday and will push to do so again. A full and effective role is unlikely if he's active.

Allen Robinson | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Robinson is generally listed as limited with a knee condition when given practice reps off during the week. It's notable to see him designated with a hamstring injury. But Matt Nagy told reporters Robinson's absence was "precautionary" and the Bears routinely list any player receiving treatment during the week as questionable for game day. Watch for overnight reports of concern but there are no local indicators that Robinson will be inactive or limited this week.

^DeVante Parker | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Parker has been working through hamstring soreness for much of the season. After a similar practice line last week, Parker was inactive. Beat writers have hinted the Dolphins are preparing as if Parker will play this week. Miami did not promote any pass catchers from the practice squad on Friday and all indications are Parker traveled with the team to Las Vegas.

Expect Parker to be available on Saturday. He will be at some risk of aggravation but should see his usual target count.

*John Brown | Ankle | Designated to Return | Expected to Play

The Bills expect to have Brown back on Monday night. He was designated to return last week and should be moved to the active roster this weekend. Buffalo is unlikely to return Brown to a full snap count immediately as he continues to recondition for the playoffs.

*Julian Edelman | Knee | Designated to Return | Unlikely to Play

Edelman was reportedly close to returning last week. With the Patriots eliminated from playoff contention, there's less incentive for Edelman to risk another aggravation of his chronic knee condition. New England does not have to include Edelman on their injury report until he's back on the active roster but reporters did not see Edelman at practice on Thursday and the team did not practice Friday. It looks unlikely that Edelman will be activated this week.

Marquise Brown | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Brown has veteran rest days frequently and is most commonly listed with a knee condition. The Friday full practice is a sign he'll play. The Ravens use the questionable tag often on players expected to play.

^Larry Fitzgerald | Groin | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Fitzgerald generally plays through injury and this is Arizona's last home game of the season. Expect a limited role if he's active.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• WR Jarvis Landry (high risk contact) -- Inactive
• WR Rashard Higgins (high risk contact) -- Inactive
• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (high risk contact) -- Inactive
• WR KhaDarel Hodge (high risk contact) -- Inactive

Others of note: Stefon Diggs (foot), A.J. Brown (ankle), Jarvis Landry (hip), Allen Lazard (core), Jamison Crowder (calf, thigh), Denzel Mims (foot), Michael Gallup (hip), Jalen Reagor (ankle), and Keke Coutee (foot) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Julio Jones (hamstring), Terry McLaurin (ankle), Kenny Golladay (hip), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), Tyler Boyd (concussion), and Golden Tate (calf) 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

George Kittle | Foot | Activated | Expected to Play

Kittle's recovery from a fractured bone in his foot went precisely as he said it would.

Given an initial timetable of 6-8 weeks, Kittle told reporters he'd return on the optimistic side of the estimate and play again in the 2020 regular season. With the Niners out of playoff contention and multiple other offensive weapons headed to injured reserve, Kittle remained adamant he would play.

Cleared to practice last week, Kittle experienced no soreness or setback in his recovery and has been returned to the active roster. He says he's "ready to make someone's life difficult."

Projecting Kittle's usage will make fantasy writers' lives difficult -- in a good way. It's unlikely Kittle will immediately return to his pre-injury usage. However, while Kittle is a long shot to see his usual snap count, he will be on the field in the highest leverage situations and will be a primary option in passing progressions. Expect 4-6+ passing-down and red zone targets. If the Niners can move the ball with C.J. Beathard under center, Kittle should have a productive day.

^Mike Gesicki | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Gesicki was reportedly very close to returning last week -- just a few days after a shoulder dislocation. Another full week of limited practices without a reported setback means Miami will likely have Gesicki back in high-leverage duty this week.

Greg Olsen | Designated to Return | Expected to Play

Olsen is expected to be activated and play a limited role this week.

^Dan Arnold | Back | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Arnold was added to the injury report with a back condition after the Cardinals' final day of practice this week. There are no reports about his availability yet and back issues can go either way through pre game warmups. Watch the inactive lists for more on Arnold.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Hunter Henry (COVID+) -- Inactive

Others of note: Jonnu Smith (knee), Evan Engram (calf), Eric Ebron (back), Marcedes Lewis (knee), and Jack Doyle (quadricep) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Jace Sternberger (concussion) has 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

* = playing on Monday night
^ = playing on Saturday