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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

Here's the latest on key injured players on the practice participation and game status report this week:

Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players

Sunday Decision

• RB Saquon Barkley
• RB Leonard Fournette
• WR Amari Cooper

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• QB Lamar Jackson
• RB Ken Walker
• RB Damien Harris
• RB DeeJay Dallas

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• QB Trevor Lawrence
• WR DK Metcalf
• WR Diontae Johnson
• WR Zay Jones

Eligible to return from injured reserve

• QB Carson Wentz -- not activated
• RB J.K. Dobbins -- activated
• WR Quintez Cephus -- not activated
• WR James Washington -- activated
• TE Donald Parham -- not activated

Ruled Out

• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• WR Courtland Sutton
• WR Treylon Burks
• WR Nico Collins
• WR Brandin Cooks
• WR Rondale Moore
• WR Jakobi Meyers
• WR Kadarius Toney
• TE Hayden Hurst

Playing Sunday at 1:00 pm Eastern

Saquon Barkley | Neck | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Barkley was added to the injury report on Thursday with what the Giants describe as "soreness" in his neck.

There's no indication this is a new or concerning injury. While Brian Daboll said the team planned to wait and see how Barkley felt through the weekend, observers noted Barkley fully participating in drills without a no-contact jersey on Friday.

Expect Barkley to play and see his usual workload.

Sunday update: Despite optimism from local reporters and a reassuring Friday workout, Barkley is reportedly "50-50 to play" per Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. According to Rapoport, the Giants do not want "to risk further injury if he's not ready." That suggests there's a concern about Barkley protecting himself through contact -- something that did not appear to be a worry after he was cleared for Friday's limited practice. Watch the inactive list for the team's final determination.

Sunday update: Brian Daboll told Sal Paolantonio that Barkley will play.

Trevor Lawrence | Toe | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Lawrence was unable to practice until Friday with a toe injury. Doug Pederson told reporters the team wanted to see how Lawrence responded to Friday's workout before deciding on his status. Local reports believe the Friday practice was enough to reassure the team Lawrence can play on Sunday.

Limited video showed Lawrence to be moving reasonably well. The Jaguars may limit Lawrence's rushing opportunities, and some inaccuracy is possible with the injury to his left (lead) foot but expect Lawrence to play.

Amari Cooper | Hip | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Cooper was listed as a resting veteran on Wednesday but left practice on Thursday with a hip injury and was unable to practice on Friday.

Local writers briefly saw Cooper move through the locker room on Friday. When asked about his gameday status, Cooper said he "should be okay." Kevin Stefanski said the Browns planned to re-evaluate Cooper through the weekend. Beat reporters believe he's likely to play.

Watch for overnight reports for guidance on Cooper's injury and availability.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport both tweeted Cooper is expected to play.