Understanding the NFL's Injury Report
(per Dr. Bramel - Footballguys OG)
"The injury report released by the NFL is [made up of] two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players practiced and their participation level. 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 and my expectations of their likelihood of playing."
If you are reading this article on Saturday, make sure to come back on Sunday morning as more updates trickle in within the next 24 hours.
Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players
Gameday Decision
- QB Kyler Murray
- WR Quentin Johnston
- WR Zay Flowers
- RB Alvin Kamara
- WR Jauan Jennings
- QB Mac Jones
- TE Dalton Kincaid
- TE Colston Loveland
Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)
- WR Darnell Mooney
- WR Terry McLaurin
Trending Probable (Expected to Play)
- WR Ja'Marr Chase
- WR Deebo Samuel Sr.
- WR Jalen Coker
Ruled Out
- QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring)
- TE Brock Bowers (knee)
- WR Chris Godwin (ankle/fibula)
- WR Mike Evans (hamstring)
- RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder)
- QB Brock Purdy (toe)
- WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
- WR CeeDee Lamb (high ankle sprain)
- RB Chuba Hubbard (calf)
- RB Miles Sanders (knee/ankle - likely season-ending)
- WR Calvin Austin III (shoulder)
- WR KaVontae Turpin (foot)
* Key: Player, Team | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation
Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games
QB Kyler Murray, Arizona | Foot| Questionable | Projecting Active
Kyler Murray missed most of Arizona’s practices this week but was able to return in a limited capacity on Friday. While his limited participation might suggest he’s on the wrong side of questionable, it’s more likely the Cardinals were simply managing his workload.
Murray, who sustained a foot injury last Sunday, was able to play through it despite being clearly limited. His availability this week will likely come down to pain tolerance.
It’s difficult to quantify how much this foot injury will limit Murray, but it’s worth noting that he logged a season-low in both rushing attempts and rushing yards last week against Tennessee. If active, a lower-body injury like this could cap his rushing floor and potentially reduce his fantasy ceiling.
Update: The Cardinals active Kaden Slovis, which was the first hint Murray was going to miss. Reports out of Arizona has started to emerge that Murray will sit in Week 6.
WR Quentin Johnston, LA Chargers | Hamstring | Questionable | Projecting Active
Quentin Johnston was limited in practice all week due to a hamstring injury, but I believe he has a strong chance to play in Week 6. Since 2017, over 70% of wide receivers who were limited in their team’s final practice with a hamstring strain ultimately suited up on game day. Among the ~30% who did not, roughly 90% had already missed time with the injury, indicating they were recovering from a more significant strain. Johnston’s situation appears more consistent with mild tightness rather than a true strain, which further supports his chances of being active this week.
The Chargers have a favorable matchup this week at Miami, but the game script could work against Quentin Johnston if Los Angeles builds an early lead. Historical data shows that wide receivers returning from hamstring injuries often experience a moderate dip in snap share and route participation, which can limit their fantasy output. As a result, Johnston profiles as more of a boom-bust option in Week 6, with his production likely tied to game flow and big-play opportunities.
Update: Despite being practicing this week, Johnston is trending towards being inactive.