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
- TE Chig Okonkwo
- WR Elic Ayomanor
- TE Darren Waller
- WR Chris Olave
- RB Bam Knight
- TE Dalton Kincaid
- WR Darius Slayton
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson
- TE Hunter Henry
Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)
- NA
Trending Probable (Expected to Play)
Ruled Out
- WR Drake London (knee)
- RB Omarion Hampton (ankle)
- RB Alvin Kamara (knee)
- QB J.J. McCarthy (concussion)
- RB Trey Benson (knee)
- TE Michael Mayers (ankle)
- RB Emari Demercado (ankle)
* Key: Player, Team | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation
Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games
WR Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay | Shoulder (Non-Throwing) | Questionable | Projecting Active
Baker Mayfield got encouraging news earlier this week when it was confirmed he’s dealing with an AC joint sprain and did not re-injure his surgically repaired labrum from a few years ago. Mayfield practiced in full on Friday, and Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has indicated he expects him to play.
The positive here is that the injury is to Mayfield’s non-throwing shoulder. However, as we saw last week, there remains some risk of a setback or flare-up that could force him out early.
TE Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee | Foot | Questionable | Projecting Active
Chig Okonkwo sat out Thursday’s practice but was officially limited on Friday after opening the week the same way on Wednesday. While foot injuries for NFL tight ends can be concerning, Okonkwo followed a similar practice pattern in Week 12 and still suited up. Given the recent precedent, I expect him to play again this week.
WR Elic Ayomanor, Tennsssee | Hamstring | Questionable | Projecting Inactive
Elic Ayomanor missed Week 12 due to a hamstring injury, and while the rookie wideout returned to practice ahead of Week 13, he wasn’t able to do so without restrictions.
Given the practice trend, I would prepare for Ayomanor to sit this week, potentially setting up another Chimere Dike game.
