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 Joe Flacco
- TE Dalton Schultz
- WR Rashid Shaheed
- RB Alvin Kamara
- WR Cooper Kupp
- RB Emari Demercado
- QB Kyler Murray
Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)
- QB Brock Purdy
Trending Probable (Expected to Play)
- TE Brock Bowers
Ruled Out
- WR Travis Hunter (knee - placed on IR)
- WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
- RB D'Andre Swift (groin)
- WR Luther Burden III (concussion)
- RB Rhamondre Stevenson (toe)
- RB Isiah Pacheco (MCL sprain)
- WR Terry McLaurin (quadriceps)
- WR Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion)
- QB Carson Wentz (shoulder - placed on IR)
- WR Dontayvion Wicks (calf)
- RB Hassan Haskins (hamstring)
* Key: Player, Team | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation
Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games
QB Joe Flacco, Cincinnati | Shoulder | Questionable | Projecting Inactive
Joe Flacco was a late addition to the Bengals' injury report this week with an AC joint sprain. The veteran quarterback missed most of the week, logging only a limited session on Thursday.
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint helps stabilize the shoulder, so a sprain in this area can make overhead movements, such as throwing, a challenge. That's obviously less than ideal for an NFL quarterback. While Flacco has expressed optimism about playing this week, Cincinnati has kept him on the injury report, and the team elevated Sean Clifford from the practice squad, often a sign that a starter's availability is in doubt.
Even mild AC joint sprains can sideline quarterbacks for at least a short period. While it's possible Flacco feels well enough to play Sunday morning, there's reason to remain skeptical about his Week 9 status.
Update: Joe Flacco is active.
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco | Toe | Questionable | Likely Inactive (in backup role)
Brock Purdy continues to work his way back from a turf toe injury that has lingered for much of the season. While reports suggest he's nearing full health, the 49ers have already announced that Mac Jones will start in Week 9.
While it sounds like Purdy might actually be active, for fantasy football purposes, he is not someone who should be in lineups as he's expected to serve as San Francisco's "emergency quarterback." His ability to suit up this week, however, is a positive sign that he's trending toward a potential return in Week 10.
TE Dalton Schultz, Houston | Knee/Shoulder | Questionable | Projecting Active
Dalton Schultz has been managing both a knee and shoulder injury this week, but his return to full participation in Friday's practice suggests he's on track to play Sunday. Schultz missed Wednesday and Thursday before jumping back in for a full session to close the week.
Historically, the overwhelming majority of players I've tracked with knee or shoulder injuries who log a full practice on Friday go on to play that weekend. This a strong indication Schultz will be active in Week 9.
