KEY THURSDAY MEDIA UPDATES
***Mike Mularkey left the door slightly open on DeMarco Murray on Thursday, telling reporters Murray could practice tomorrow and play this weekend. Don't count on it. Aggravated hamstring strains are not quick recoveries, Murray hasn't practiced yet, and Derrick Henry is healthy and productive. Murray would be limited at best and at high risk of aggravation and longer-term absence. I think it's more likely Murray is ruled out on Friday than he is ready to take 15 or more touches on Sunday.
***Rob Gronkowski looks likely to play this week and without significant limitation. Jordan Reed is also trending toward playing though he may be limited and likely to miss a few snaps after an in-game hit. Jimmy Graham has not practiced yet and I don't sense much confidence from Pete Carroll. If Graham practices tomorrow and proves ready in pregame warmups, he may see high-leverage duty and have a chance to be productive. However, I think Graham is more doubtful than questionable. Tyler Eifert will likely be ruled out on Friday. He should be considered questionable next week, too.
***Sam Bradford looks better than last week but I haven't seen anything suggesting he'll be able to protect himself in the pocket yet. The Vikings will not risk further setback if Bradford cannot move better than he has this week. While it's a good sign his knee was able to tolerate consecutive practices, Bradford needs to do much more in practice on Friday to be considered likely to play.
***The Dolphins continue to preach optimism on Ajayi despite two missed practices. Listed with a knee concern last week, Ajayi had over 25 touches after fully practicing. It's likely the Dolphins recognize the importance of managing practice reps if Ajayi is going to continue seeing such high volume. If Ajayi returns to practice on Friday, you can expect him to play without limitation this weekend.
***Randall Cobb didn't return to practice Thursday after telling reporters how sore his shoulder/chest were on Wednesday. He'll be a game-time decision at best. Jordy Nelson practiced fully again and should be able to play without limitation.
***There's a long list of players in the concussion protocol not practicing. Kwon Alexander isn't practicing with a hamstring strain. And multiple offensive linemen have an uncertain status. Friday practice participation and media interviews are critical this week. And the Sunday morning TweetStorm from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport will be a downpour of information.
EARLY WEEK PRACTICE PARTICIPATION REPORT AND EARLY EXPECTATIONS
The Wednesday and Thursday practice participation reports are our first chance to see which players each NFL team are limiting in practice after the previous week's games. Players limited in mid-week practice aren't necessarily in danger of missing that week's game. But they all need to be watched closely.
*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
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Quarterbacks
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| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| Sam Bradford | Min | Knee | Limited | Limited | Game-time Decision | ||
| Cam Newton | Car | Shoulder/Ankle | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Andrew Luck | Ind | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Blake Bortles | Jac | Wrist | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Ben Roethlisberger | Pit | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
Running Backs
|
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| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| LeSean McCoy | Buf | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Melvin Gordon | LAC | Knee | Not Listed | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Jay Ajayi | Mia | Knee | DNP | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Jordan Howard | Chi | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| DeMarco Murray | Ten | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Game-time Decision | ||
| Rob Kelley | Was | Rib | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jonathan Stewart | Car | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Frank Gore | Ind | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Terrance West | Bal | Calf | DNP | DNP | Limited if Plays | ||
| Rex Burkhead | NE | Ribs | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Matt Forte | NYJ | Knee | Full | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Chris Thompson | Was | Back | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Marlon Mack | Ind | Shoulder | Limited | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Jamaal Charles | Den | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Alfred Blue | Hou | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Dwayne Washington | Det | Quadriceps | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| DeAndre Washington | Oak | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
Wide Receivers
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| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| Odell Beckham | NYG | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Jordy Nelson | GB | Quadriceps | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Doug Baldwin | Sea | Not Injury Related | DNP | Not Listed | Expected to Play | ||
| Amari Cooper | Oak | Knee | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Demaryius Thomas | Den | Hamstring | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Randall Cobb | GB | Chest | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Danny Amendola | NE | Concussion/Knee | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Chris Hogan | NE | Knee | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jarvis Landry | Mia | Knee | DNP | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| DeVante Parker | Mia | Ankle | Limited | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Kelvin Benjamin | Car | Knee | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| *J.J. Nelson* | Ari | Hamstring | MNF | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| *John Brown* | Ari | Quadriceps | MNF | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Robby Anderson | NYJ | Knee | DNP | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Paul Richardson Jr | Sea | Finger | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Corey Davis | Ten | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Josh Doctson | Was | Hamstring | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Allen Hurns | Jac | Shoulder | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Kendall Wright | Chi | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Mike Williams | LAC | Back | Limited | Limited | Inactive | ||
| Bennie Fowler | Den | Concussion | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| John Ross | Cin | Knee | Limited | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Sammie Coates Jr | Cle | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Kenny Britt | Cle | Knee | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Kamar Aiken | Ind | Hip | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Will Fuller | Hou | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Inactive | ||
| Phillip Dorsett | NE | Knee | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
Tight Ends
|
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| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| Rob Gronkowski | NE | Groin | DNP | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jimmy Graham | Sea | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Jordan Reed | Was | Rib/Sternum | DNP | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Tyler Eifert | Cin | Back | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Charles Clay | Buf | Knee | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Evan Engram | NYG | Concussion | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Zach Miller | Chi | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Jared Cook | Oak | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jesse James | Pit | Ankle | DNP | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Ryan Griffin | Hou | Concussion | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Maxx Williams | Bal | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Jeff Heuerman | Den | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| *Jermaine Gresham* | Ari | Ribs | MNF | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
Offensive Line
|
|||||||
| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| *D.J. Humphries* | Ari | Knee | MNF | DNP | Inactive | ||
| *Mike Iupati* | Ari | Triceps | MNF | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Ryan Schraeder | Atl | Concussion | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Cordy Glenn | Buf | Ankle/Foot | DNP | Limited | Game-time Decision | ||
| Ryan Kalil | Car | Neck | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Tom Compton | Chi | Hip | DNP | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Josh Sitton | Chi | Ribs | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Kyle Long | Chi | Ankle | Limited | Full | Likely to Play | ||
| Trey Hopkins | Cin | Knee | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Jake Fisher | Cin | Illness | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Cedric Ogbuehi | Cin | Illness | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Joe Thomas | Cle | Knee | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Kevin Zeitler | Cle | Thumb | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Garrett Bolles | Den | Lower leg | DNP | Limited | Inactive | ||
| Travis Swanson | Det | Ankle/Knee | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| David Bahktiari | GB | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Jason Spriggs | GB | Hamstring | DNP | IR | IR | ||
| Bryan Bulaga | GB | Ankle | Full | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jahri Evans | GB | Groin | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Jeff Allen | Hou | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Xavier Su'a-Filo | Hou | Knee | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Chris Clark | Hou | Wrist | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Ryan Kelly | Ind | Foot | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Jack Mewhort | Ind | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Brandon Linder | Jac | Knee | DNP | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Mitch Morse | KC | Foot | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Spencer Pulley | LAC | Knee | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Joe Barksdale | LAC | Foot | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Kenny Wiggins | LAC | Ankle | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Mike Pouncey | Mia | Hip | Limited | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Pat Elflein | Min | Ankle | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Marcus Cannon | NE | Ankle/Concussion | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Terron Armstead | NO | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Zach Strief | NO | Knee | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Bobby Hart | NYG | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Brian Winters | NYJ | Abdomen | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Kelvin Beachum | NYJ | Knee | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| James Carpenter | NYJ | Shoulder | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Marcus Gilbert | Pit | Hamstring / Illness | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Maurkice Pouncey | Pit | Illness | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Luke Joeckel | Sea | Knee | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Morgan Moses | Was | Ankle/Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Spencer Long | Was | Knee | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
Edge Players
|
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| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| J.J. Watt | Hou | Finger | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Von Miller | Den | Knee | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Justin Houston | KC | Illness | Not Listed | DNP | Likely to Play | ||
| Vic Beasley Jr | Atl | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Dee Ford | KC | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Brandon Graham | Phi | Triceps | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Bud Dupree | Pit | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| T.J. Watt | Pit | Groin | Limited | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Myles Garrett | Cle | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Ezekiel Ansah | Det | Knee | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Courtney Upshaw | Atl | Ankle/Knee | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Za'Darius Smith | Bal | Knee/Ankle | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Michael Johnson | Cin | Illness/Stinger | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Nick Perry | GB | Hand | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Lorenzo Alexander | Buf | Not Injury Related | DNP | Not Listed | Expected to Play | ||
| Shaq Lawson | Buf | Foot | DNP | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Charles Johnson | Car | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Julius Peppers | Car | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
Defensive Line
|
|||||||
| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| Leonard Williams | NYJ | Wrist | Full | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Stephon Tuitt | Pit | Biceps | Limited | Full | Likely to Play | ||
| Geno Atkins | Cin | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Michael Bennett | Sea | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Mike Daniels | GB | Hip | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Gerald McCoy | TB | Ankle | DNP | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Marcell Dareus | Buf | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Muhammad Wilkerson | NYJ | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | Likely to Play | ||
| Akiem Hicks | Chi | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Brandon Williams | Bal | Foot | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Malik Jackson | Jac | Groin | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Jordan Phillips | Mia | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Steve McLendon | NYJ | Hamstring | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
|
Linebackers
|
|||||||
| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| Kwon Alexander | TB | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Bobby Wagner | Sea | Thigh | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Jamie Collins | Cle | Concussion | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| B.J. Goodson | NYG | Shin | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Anthony Barr | Min | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Mason Foster | Was | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| *Deone Bucannon* | Ari | Ankle | MNF | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jarrad Davis | Det | Concussion | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Dont'a Hightower | NE | Knee | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Nick Kwiatkoski | Chi | Pectoral | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| *Karlos Dansby* | Ari | Hip | MNF | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Jake Ryan | GB | Hamstring/Concussion | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Anthony Walker | Ind | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Antonio Morrison | Ind | Elbow | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Rey Maualuga | Mia | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Thomas Davis | Car | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
Defensive Backs
|
|||||||
| Player | Team | Injury | Practice Participation | Game Status | FBGs Expects | ||
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |||||
| Vontae Davis | Ind | Groin | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Jalen Ramsey | Jac | Ankle | Limited | DNP | Expected to Play | ||
| Jason Verrett | LAC | Knee | DNP | DNP | Likely Inactive | ||
| Richard Sherman | Sea | Thigh | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Xavier Rhodes | Min | Hip | Full | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Josh Norman | Was | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| *Orlando Scandrick* | Dal | Hand | MNF | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Kevin Johnson | Hou | Knee | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Ronald Darby | Phi | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Tavon Wilson | Det | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Bradley Roby | Den | Ankle | DNP | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Davon House | GB | Quadriceps | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Darius Butler | Ind | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Aqib Talib | Den | Not Injury Related | DNP | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Darian Stewart | Den | Groin | Limited | Full | Expected to Play | ||
| Johnathan Joseph | Hou | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
| Stephon Gilmore | NE | Groin | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Eric Rowe | NE | Groin | Limited | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Marshon Lattimore | NO | Concussion | DNP | DNP | Unlikely to Play | ||
| Sterling Moore | NO | Chest | DNP | Limited | Awaiting Information | ||
| Janoris Jenkins | NYG | Ankle | DNP | DNP | Game-time Decision | ||
| Rodney McLeod | Phi | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Corey Graham | Phi | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Awaiting Information | ||
| Prince Amukamara | Chi | Ankle | Limited | Full | Likely to Play | ||
| Johnathan Cyprien | Ten | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | Inactive | ||
| Brent Grimes | TB | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Likely to Play | ||
| Sean Smith | Oak | Neck | Full | Limited | Expected to Play | ||
Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.