Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 7

Photo: USA Today Sports

UNDERSTANDING THE NFL'S INJURY REPORT

The injury report released by the NFL is actually 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:

QUARTERBACK

Jameis Winston | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

In order to play, Winston had to prove a full and free throwing motion. After rest and treatment through Thursday, Winston did exactly that during Friday's practice. While the end of the week practice isn't extensive, Winston threw well -- including a playful 40-yard line drive at an assembled group of filming observers -- and has been cleared to start. Dirk Koetter confirmed after practice, saying Winston "threw the ball well...He will be out there." Winston's injury was a low-grade AC sprain and could be aggravated during the game. Expect the Buccaneers to protect Winston as much as possible and for Winston to try to limit hits directly to the shoulder. While there's no guarantee he'll avoid in-game issues, he should be able to finish the game without significant accuracy issues or other limitations.

MARCUS MARIOTA | HAMSTRING | Not Listed | Expected TO PLAY

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

The Titans game planned to keep Mariota in the pocket on Monday night and Mariota executed the plan, even sliding with no defenders around rather than accelerating after breaking the pocket on one play. Mike Mularkey told reporters Mariota was "much further ahead" after practicing fully this week. It's likely the Titans will continue to limit any play calling that will ask Mariota to run but I don't believe he'll be instructed to slide rather than scramble downfield this week. If Mariota feels comfortable in warmups, I also think the Titans will open their playbook and include more rollouts this week.

Others of note: Cam Newton (shoulder), Andy Dalton (ankle), Trevor Siemian (shoulder), and Blake Bortles (wrist) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Sam Bradford (knee) and Andrew Luck (shoulder) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Leonard Fournette | Ankle | Questionable | inactive

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

There is good data to help project Fournette's availability. Unfortunately, the data do not lead to a clear conclusion -- yet.

We know Fournette has had chronic issues with his feet and ankles. They were an issue in college, they limited him in the preseason, and the Jaguars have frequently limited his practice this season. Fournette's mechanism was clearly a low ankle sprain but it was a fairly violent mechanism. The Jaguars did not clear Fournette to practice this week. And we didn't hear from Fournette on Friday, which is often a concerning sign for that week's availability.

We also know Fournette has continued to see a huge workload despite the limitations through the first six weeks. He was cleared to return to the game last Sunday. Fournette told reporters he would play on Thursday. The Jaguars clearly don't have a concern about Fournette playing after limited practices. And Doug Marrone would not rule Fournette out in his Friday press conference, hinting he was waiting for the medical staff decision before deciding whether to trust Fournette in the weekly game plan.

Fournette was cleared to run on Thursday. The plan -- which is the usual progression of clearing a player with an ankle injury to return to play -- was to evaluate how well Fournette cut on his injured ankle on Friday, see how his injury responded to increased activity on Saturday, then make a call on clearance. There was no report of how Fournette looked or felt on Friday. I expect we'll hear more on Saturday afternoon. I'll be shocked if Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport do not have an update by early Sunday morning. And the game is an early afternoon start. So, we'll know where Fournette stands before game time.

I'd be more comfortable projecting Fournette to play -- and without limitation -- if he was cleared for a limited practice or we hear his Friday evaluation went well. I still think that's the most likely outcome but it's a situation to monitor closely.

If Fournette is active, the other critical piece of information to follow is T.J. Yeldon's status. The Jaguars have been content to roll with Fournette and Chris Ivory this year. Yeldon has been a healthy scratch for weeks. If Fournette is active and Yeldon inactive, it's a strong sign the Jaguars are comfortable with the usual game plan. If Fournette and Yeldon are both active, it should be seen as evidence the Jaguars are nervous about Fournette finishing the game.

***Sunday AM Update: Both Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter reporting the Jaguars are not optimistic Fournette will play but are planning to allow him to go through pregame warmups before making a final decision.

***Fournette will be inactive today.

Melvin Gordon | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Gordon is listed questionable with a shoulder injury. Anthony Lynn told reporters Gordon was "just a little banged up...and sore" on Thursday. Despite multiple updates on other critical offensive players -- Joe Barksdale and Keenan Allen -- on Friday, Lynn didn't provide any new information on Gordon. I think that's an indication the Chargers aren't concerned about Gordon's availability and expect him to be cleared to see his usual workload. That would be consistent with what we've seen in earlier weeks when Gordon was limited in practice with nagging soreness in his knee but saw no reduction in his snap count. There's a slim chance the return of Branden Oliver cuts into Gordon's passing down duty but it's not enough to bet against 20+ touches for Gordon. 

DeMarco Murray | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play | Limited if Active

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

There are multiple reasons for Murray to rest this week. He's been dealing with this hamstring strain for two months. Continually at risk of aggravation, he's tweaked the strain twice already and somehow avoided a prolonged absence. The Titans have a bye next week, which would allow for much-needed healing time and reconditioning with risking an in-game setback. And unlike many teams, Tennessee has another back on the roster who is as dangerous as their injured star.

But Murray hates to miss games. After aggravating this strain in Week 2, he barely practiced but played and ran for over 100 yards on 14 carries -- including a rumbling 70-yard touchdown. After last week's early game aggravation and missing time to ice the injury on the sideline, Murray again returned to contribute in the second half.

Murray told reporters Friday, "These are the kind of things you usually don't play on." But he also said he may play and "worry about the aftermath after it's done, no matter what the repercussions may be," after a limited practice on Friday and says he'll go through pre-game warmups before deciding on his status. Mike Mularkey said this week's process was very similar to what they planned in Week 3 when Murray played. After suggesting the Titans would promote a running back to the active roster for depth if Murray couldn't go, there were no Saturday transactions. That would seemingly be still more data to suggest Murray is going to suit up.

Were it not for Murray's past history, I'd be certain Murray would be inactive this week and take the bye week to continue his recovery. But I was wrong in Week 3 and it looks like the Titans have other ideas for Week 7, too. If Murray does play, it's extremely unlikely he'll see more than 15 touches. He'll be at risk of an early setback and would be sensitive to game script. Do not expect a repeat of Week 3 if he's active.

***Sunday AM Update: Multiple reports have Murray playing today. That's consistent with the Titans' previous plans with Murray and their Saturday decision not to elevate a running back from the practice squad as depth. There's clear risk involved in this decision and it will likely take multiple factors (early effectiveness, injury to Henry, favorable game script) for Murray to see anything close to 15 touches.

*Rob Kelley | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Kelley is listed questionable but expected to play. There are indications Washington plans to continue a rotation of running backs despite the continued improvement in Kelley's health. Expect his workload to reflect his early game effectiveness and game script.

Bilal Powell | Calf | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

It looked like Powell would miss another week after not practicing on Wednesday. The Jets cleared Powell for a full Thursday practice and he responded to the increased activity well enough for another full practice on Friday. He was not listed on the game status report and will play. Don't expect Powell to see a significant majority of the Jets' backfield workload, however. Matt Forte is also healthy and no longer missing practice. And Elijah McGuire will likely see time, too.

Andre Ellington | Quad | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Ellington reportedly suffered a quad injury and had swelling on the plane home last week. That's more consistent with a contusion than a strain. Bruce Arians told reporters he expected Ellington to play but the practice line is concerning. If the Cardinals knew there was swelling early in the week and cleared Ellington for practice on Wednesday, the DNP on Thursday and Friday looks worrisome. Hopefully, Arians was already aware of a positive response to treatment and the Cardinals exercised caution in practice. I'll watch for more news through the weekend.

***Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter reporting overnight Ellington is not expected to play.

C.J. Prosise | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The practice participation line on Prosise looks reassuring with consecutive full practices on Thursday and Friday. However, Pete Carroll would not confirm Prosise would be available this week and the Seahawks routinely allow players to miss practice without listing them on the game status report at the end of the week. Prosise has been inactive after limited practices in the past. I'm leaning toward Prosise playing and working in a limited role but it should not be surprising if the Seahawks choose to rest him one more week.

Others of note: Jay Ajayi (knee), Ty Montgomery (ribs), Matt Forte (toe/knee), Jerick McKinnon (ankle), Jonathan Stewart (ankle), Wendell Smallwood (knee), Branden Oliver (hamstring), and Rex Burkhead (rib) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Terrance West (calf) and Paul Perkins (ribs) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Keenan Allen | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Allen injured his shoulder after falling to the ground on Thursday. Anthony Lynn told reporters Allen was sore on Friday and was not cleared to practice. Lynn also said Allen wants to play this week and was considered day-to-day. The Chargers are home against Denver this week, which keeps us from using travel clearance as a data point. Hopefully, we'll have a Sunday morning report to assist with a projection. For now, a game-time decision is all we have to go on.

***Sunday AM Update: Per Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the Chargers will work Allen out before game time but expect him to play.

Kelvin Benjamin | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

I speculated Benjamin was visiting the team physician to have a fluid collection drained on Thursday. It was reported on Friday he was dealing with "a bursa sac issue" and was able to return to a full practice. The report is reassuring news. A muscle contusion, bone bruise, or other forms of less-specific swelling around the knee might be more difficult to play through. Draining fluid from a bursa sac and additional treatment should have Benjamin ready for a full workload this week. He's expected to play.

***Sunday AM Update: Per Adam Schefter, Benjamin will play today.

Demaryius Thomas | Calf | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Thomas was reportedly leg-whipped during last week's game and spent most of the second half hobbling in and out of routes. After a missed Wednesday practice, Thomas was able to practice on both Thursday and Friday. He was not listed on the injury report and will play. Thomas has a history of playing through painful leg issues in the past and should have a good chance to see his usual snap count.

DeVante Parker | Ankle | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

The Dolphins listed Parker as doubtful on the game status report. While he's not been officially ruled out, he's not practiced or spoken to the media in two weeks. Specifics on his ankle injury have yet to be reported. We may not know more until after he returns to practice and is preparing to play. That's an issue for future weeks -- expect Parker to be inactive on Sunday.

Marqise Lee | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Lee played through a rib injury recently but has struggled to practice after last week's knee injury. There was little actionable information in the practice reports from local observers this week. On Saturday, the Jaguars promoted a practice squad receiver to the active roster. With no other receivers on the injury report, it's likely a sign of concern for Lee. Lean toward him missing this week's game.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Lee is expected to play.

Sterling Shepard | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Shepard was optimistic throughout the week he'd be able to return to action. After a week of limited practice, there are still indications the Giants would like to see him cut comfortably in pregame workouts before committing to him on the active roster. I think Shepard is closer to probable than doubtful, and I'll update with any early Sunday morning news nuggets.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Shepard is expected to play.

Jordan Matthews | Thumb | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Bills remain tight-lipped on Matthews' availability. Earlier this week, Sean McDermott hinted that Matthews wasn't doing enough in practice to be activated. Most beat writers and observers were impressed with Matthews' speed and hands in practice, however. After a full Friday practice, it's likely Matthews is considered ready to return. I lean toward Matthews playing and seeing a sizable workload but it's not yet a certainty.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Matthews is expected to play.

Willie Snead | Hamstring | Questionable | inactive

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

Snead remained limited in practice all week despite returning to play last week. There have been no indications of an aggravation. It's likely that Snead's limited workload -- 21 of 71 snaps -- last week had more to do with the Saints' stated plan to ease Snead back into the offensive game plan slowly than any injury issues. But it's clearly a concern to see Snead's continued limited practice duty.

***Willie Snead will be inactive today per Dianna Russini.

Jeremy Maclin | Shoulder | Questionable | inactive

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

Mike Wallace | Back | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Ravens' offense is a mess. Joe Flacco likely still isn't right after offseason disc troubles. The offensive line is missing multiple key pieces and Danny Woodhead remains on injured reserve. Terrance West, Breshad Perriman, and Maxx Williams have already been declared out. Benjamin Watson joins Maclin and Wallace as continued question marks this week.

With Perriman out, you'd think the Ravens would have to make at least one roster move if Maclin or Wallace were doubtful to go. Those roster moves didn't happen on Saturday, so it seems likely both Maclin and Wallace will play. Maclin was a late game-time scratch last week after limited practices and is probably more limited than Wallace, who said his back was sore after a hit last week. Even if Maclin and Wallace are active, the limitations of the Baltimore offense will likely keep the statistical upside for both down.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted that both Maclin and Wallace are expected to play today.

Pregame warmups did not go well for Maclin. He will be inactive today.

Mohamed Sanu | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Dan Quinn told reporters Sanu looked explosive in his return to practice and would have no limitations this week. Expect a significant workload in his first game back.

Michael Floyd | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

A limited Friday practice gives Floyd a chance to play, especially with Stefon Diggs already ruled out. Floyd is limited, however, and shouldn't be counted on for a full workload.

Others of note:  Chris Hogan (ribs), and Robby Anderson (knee) and have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Stefon Diggs (groin), Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), Breshad Perriman (concussion), and Markus Wheaton (groin) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Delanie Walker | Calf | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Walker's practice line looks concerning. Mike Mularkey told reporters Walker had soreness in his upper calf on Thursday and the team chose treatment over practice on Friday. The tone of Mularkey's comments didn't sound worrisome but I expect Walker to have to prove himself ready in pregame warmups to make the active roster.

***Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter is reporting Walker will play.

Benjamin Watson | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

There's an argument the Ravens have no healthy pass catchers on the roster other than Javorius Allen right now. Watson has played through a calf strain despite not practicing often over the past month. The knee injury is new, however, and no specifics are known. Given Watson's recent history of playing without practice and the return to a Friday limited practice, I tentatively expect him to play.

Others of note: George Kittle (chest) and Marcedes Lewis (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Charles Clay (knee) and Maxx Williams (ankle) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.