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Injury Expectations | Wednesday Update | Week 4

Jene Bramel's Injury Expectations | Wednesday Update | Week 4
By Jene Bramel, September 27, 2017

Injury Expectations | Wednesday Update | Week 4
Photo: USA Today Sports

KEY WEDNESDAY MEDIA UPDATES

***Melvin Gordon did not practice Wednesday and the team plans to limit his reps this week as he recovers from soreness from a bone bruise suffered before Week 3. The injury limited him in the second half last week but Gordon was said to be trying to return to the game. He told reporters earlier this week his knee injury was not significant. I'll watch his practice participation and media comments through the week but he is currently expected to play.

***Doug Baldwin will also be limited in practice this week. The Seahawks commonly rest injured veterans during the week so it may prove difficult to gauge how injured Baldwin may be. But the wide receiver has been optimistic since his Sunday injury and reports on his MRI all suggest a low-grade injury.

***Julio Jones is limted with a back injury considered to be minor. Jones is usually an easy read. If he returns to a full Friday practice, he's a full go. If not, it will spark a debate on how limited he may be this week. For now, there's little concern around the team.

***Carlos Hyde returned to play effectively last week after first showing frustration about his hip injury. He'll have over a week of recovery time and has already proven able to participate in some practice drills this week. He's anticipated to play.

***The first practice participation report on Jordan Reed won't come until Thursday as Washington prepares for this week's Monday night game. Practice participation will be important but the tone of Reed's media comments will be the critical data point. Last week, Reed was able take part in some practice reps but was never optimistic about his pain control or prospects to play. We should get a good idea of his Week 4 status after Thursday's practice.

***Michael Crabtree took a hard hit to his chest Monday night but was cleared to travel with the Raiders that night. Although he did relatively little, he was dressed for practice on Wednesday. I think he's likely to play.

***The Panthers allowed Kelvin Benjamin to take a few light positional reps on Wednesday but still listed him as a DNP. Reports on his MRI earlier this week were reassuring, with no indication of a structural injury. Benjamin seems to be trending positively but he's not yet guaranteed to be active.

***C.J. Prosise suffered an ankle injury last week that will reportedly keep him inactive at least this week.

***As discussed in our Sunday pregame show and the Monday injury rounds article, the Wednesday practice report would define what Sam Bradford was told by Dr. James Andrews. Either the Vikings would continue to allow Bradford to rehab while practicing and monitor his status carefully or Bradford would be shut down until he's able to practice with the intent of returning to play. We now know it's the second option. Bradford did not practice today and I don't expect him to practice this week.

***Andrew Luck was not cleared to practice this week. That almost certainly rules out a Week 6 return as speculated by Ian Rapoport last weekend. Expect Luck to need a minimum of three total weeks of light positional work and team drills in anticipation of clearance for live game action. It looks like the home game in Week 7 may be the earliest target now.

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

Here are the key offensive players listed on the practice participation or game status report for Thursday Night Football:

Randall Cobb | Chest | Not lIsted

Ty Montgomery | Wrist | Not Listed

It now appears the Packers were targeting the Week 4 game for Randall Cobb's return, knowing he'd have ten days after his injury and ten days after this Thursday night game to recover from his painful shoulder injury. Cobb fully practiced by midweek and is not on the game status report. He told reporters he was optimistic he would return but the practice participation makes his return a near certainty. He may be at risk of an in-game aggravation but looks ready to take his usual number of snaps. Ty Montgomery is also off the injury report after a near 100% share of his team's offensive snaps last week.

Bryan Bulaga | Ankle | Doubtful

David Bakhtiari | Hamstring | Doubtful

The news isn't nearly as promising on the Green Bay offensive line. Bryan Bulaga is doubtful after struggling through 67% of the Packers' snaps last week. David Bakhtiari is also at least a week away from returning. The continued absence of both tackles will put stress on all facets of the Green Bay offense.

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

Quarterbacks
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Andrew Luck Ind Shoulder DNP       Inactive
Sam Bradford Min Knee DNP       Inactive
Cam Newton Car Shoulder Limited       Expected to Play
Josh McCown NYJ Ribs Full       Expected to Play
Blake Bortles Jac Wrist Full       Expected to Play
Ben Roethlisberger Pit Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Running Backs
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
LeVeon Bell Pit Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
LeSean McCoy Buf Wrist Full       Expected to Play
Jay Ajayi Mia Knee DNP       Expected to Play
Melvin Gordon LAC Knee DNP       Likely to Play
Carlos Hyde SF Hip Limited       Likely to Play
Rob Kelley Was Rib         Likely to Play
Isaiah Crowell Cle Shoulder Limited       Likely to Play
Jamaal Charles Den Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Matt Forte NYJ Knee / Toe DNP       Likely Inactive
C.J. Prosise Sea Ankle DNP       Likely Inactive
Duke Johnson Jr Cle Shoulder Limited       Likely to Play
Gio Bernard Cin Thigh Limited       Likely to Play
Marlon Mack Ind Shoulder DNP       Likely Inactive
Rex Burkhead NE Ribs DNP       Likely Inactive
Jalen Richard Oak Calf Limited       Awaiting Information
Dwayne Washington Det Quadricep DNP       Likely Inactive
Orleans Darkwa NYG Back DNP       Awaiting Information
Shane Vereen NYG Calf DNP       Awaiting Information
Alfred Blue Hou Ankle Full       Likely to Play
Kyle Juszczyk SF Concussion Limited       Awaiting Information
Wide Receivers
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Julio Jones Atl Back Limited       Expected to Play
Doug Baldwin Sea Groin DNP       Likely to Play
Michael Crabtree Oak Chest Limited       Likely to Play
Sammy Watkins LAR Concussion Limited       Awaiting Information
Amari Cooper Oak Knee Limited       Expected to Play
Kelvin Benjamin Car Knee DNP       Awaiting Information
Martavis Bryant Pit Illness DNP       Likely to Play
DeAndre Hopkins Hou Knee Limited       Expected to Play
Danny Amendola NE Knee Limited       Expected to Play
John Brown Ari Quadricep Limited       Likely Inactive
J.J. Nelson Ari Hamstring Limited       Likely to Play
Robby Anderson NYJ Ankle Full       Expected to Play
Will Fuller Hou Clavicle Full       Likely to Play
Curtis Samuel Car Back Limited       Expected to Play
Phillip Dorsett NE Knee Limited       Expected to Play
John Ross Cin Knee DNP       Likely Inactive
Brandon LaFell Cin Knee Limited       Awaiting Information
Kenny Britt Cle Knee DNP       Likely to Play
Sammie Coates Jr Cle Hamstring DNP       Likely Inactive
Kenny Golladay Det Hamstring Limited       Likely to Play
Kenny Stills Mia Hand Limited       Awaiting Information
Corey Davis Ten Hamstring DNP       Inactive
Tavon Austin LAR Concussion Limited       Awaiting Information
Mike Williams LAC Back Limited       Awaiting Information
Tight Ends
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Jordan Reed Was Chest         Awaiting Information
Jimmy Graham Sea Ankle DNP       Likely to Play
Tyler Eifert Cin Back DNP       Inactive
Delanie Walker Ten Hamstring DNP       Awaiting Information
Jack Doyle Ind Foot Limited       Awaiting Information
Jesse James Pit Shoulder Limited       Likely to Play
Benjamin Watson Bal Calf DNP       Awaiting Information
Maxx Williams Bal Ankle DNP       Awaiting Information
Jermaine Gresham Ari Ribs Limited       Likely to Play
Offensive Line
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Alex Boone Ari Chest DNP       Awaiting Information
D.J. Humphries Ari Knee Limited       Awaiting Information
Mike Iupati Ari Tricep Limited       Likely to Play
John Wetzel Ari Biceps Limited       Awaiting Information
Ryan Schraeder Atl Concussion DNP       Likely Inactive
Cordy Glenn Buf Foot / Ankle DNP       Likely Inactive
Ryan Kalil Car Neck DNP       Likely Inactive
Trey Hopkins Cin Knee Limited       Likely Inactive
Joe Thomas Cle Knee DNP       Expected to Play
Kevin Zeitler Cle Thumb Full       Expected to Play
T.J. Lang Det Fibula DNP       Awaiting Information
Travis Swanson Det Ankle Limited       Awaiting Information
Xavier Su'a-Filo Hou Knee Limited       Likely to Play
Jeff Allen Hou Ankle Full       FALSE
Ryan Kelly Ind Foot Limited       Awaiting Information
Brandon Linder Jac Knee Limited       Expected to Play
Cam Robinson Jac Shoulder Full       Expected to Play
Joe Barksdale LAC Foot Limited       Awaiting Information
John Sullivan LAR Hip DNP       Awaiting Information
Andrew Whitworth LAR Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Mike Pouncey Mia Hip Full       Expected to Play
Marcus Cannon NE Ankle / Concussion Limited       Awaiting Information
Terron Armstead NO Shoulder DNP       Inactive
Zach Strief NO Knee Limited       Awaiting Information
Bobby Hart NYG Ankle DNP       Likely Inactive
Brian Winters NYJ Abdomen Limited       Awaiting Information
Kelvin Beachum NYJ Knee Full       Expected to Play
James Carpenter NYJ Shoulder Full       Expected to Play
Jason Kelce Phi Knee Limited       Likely to Play
Ramon Foster Pit Thumb DNP       Awaiting Information
Marcus Gilbert Pit Hamstring Full       Expected to Play
Luke Joeckel Sea Knee DNP       Likely to Play
Joe Staley SF Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
J.R. Sweezy TB Back Limited       Likely to Play
Edge Players
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Chandler Jones Ari Chest Limited       Likely to Play
Vic Beasley Jr Atl Hamstring DNP       Inactive
Julius Peppers Car Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Carlos Dunlap Cin Neck Limited       Likely to Play
Myles Garrett Cle Ankle DNP       Likely Inactive
Ezekiel Ansah Det Knee DNP       Expected to Play
Anthony Zettel Det Knee Limited       Awaiting Information
Olivier Vernon NYG Ankle DNP       Awaiting Information
Bud Dupree Pit Shoulder Limited       Likely to Play
T.J. Watt Pit Groin Full       Expected to Play
Frank Clark Sea Hamstring Limited       Likely to Play
Noah Spence TB Shoulder Full       Expected to Play
Defensive Line
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Brandon Williams Bal Foot DNP       Likely Inactive
Kyle Williams Buf Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Marcell Dareus Buf Ankle Limited       Awaiting Information
Star Lotulelei Car Shoulder DNP       Awaiting Information
Malik Jackson Jac Groin DNP       Awaiting Information
Muhammad Wilkerson NYJ Shoulder DNP       Likely to Play
Leonard Williams NYJ Wrist Limited       Expected to Play
Fletcher Cox Phi Calf DNP       Likely Inactive
Stephon Tuitt Pit Biceps Full       Likely to Play
Gerald McCoy TB Ankle Limited       Expected to Play
Linebackers
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deone Bucannon Ari Ankle Full       Expected to Play
Lorenzo Alexander Buf Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Thomas Davis Car Rib DNP       Awaiting Information
Jamie Collins Cle Concussion DNP       Awaiting Information
Sean Lee Dal Hamstring DNP       Awaiting Information
Anthony Hitchens Dal Knee Limited       Awaiting Information
Jarrad Davis Det Concussion Limited       Likely to Play
Anthony Walker Ind Hamstring DNP       Likely Inactive
Myles Jack Jac Ankle Limited       Awaiting Information
Hayes Pullard LAC Knee Limited       Awaiting Information
Kiko Alonso Mia Shoulder Limited       Likely to Play
Rey Maualuga Mia Hamstring Limited       Awaiting Information
Donta Hightower NE Knee Limited       Likely to Play
Jonathan Casillas NYG Ankle / Wrist DNP       Awaiting Information
B.J. Goodson NYG Shin Limited       Awaiting Information
Jordan Hicks Phi Ankle Full       Expected to Play
Reuben Foster SF Ankle DNP       Inactive
Kwon Alexander TB Hamstring DNP       Likely Inactive
Lavonte David TB Ankle DNP       Inactive
Mason Foster Was Shoulder          
Defensive Backs
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Shawn Williams Cin Knee DNP       Awaiting Information
George Iloka Cin Hamstring Limited       Likely to Play
Bradley Roby Den Ankle DNP       Awaiting Information
Aqib Talib Den Not Injury Related DNP       Expected to Play
Glover Quin Det Knee Limited       Likely to Play
Tavon Wilson Det Shoulder Limited       Awaiting Information
Kevin Johnson Hou Knee DNP       Inactive
Vontae Davis Ind Groin Full       Expected to Play
Jalen Ramsey Jac Ankle DNP       Expected to Play
Kayvon Webster LAR Hamstring Full       Expected to Play
Lamarcus Joyner LAR Hamstring DNP       Awaiting Information
Eric Rowe NE Groin Limited       Awaiting Information
Stephon Gilmore NE Groin Limited       Expected to Play
Sterling Moore NO Chest Limited       Awaiting Information
Marshon Lattimore NO Concussion Full       Expected to Play
Janoris Jenkins NYG Ankle Full       Expected to Play
Ronald Darby Phi Ankle DNP       Inactive
Rodney McLeod Phi Hamstring Full       Expected to Play
Sean Davis Pit Ankle DNP       Awaiting Information
Michael Mitchell Pit Hamstring DNP       Awaiting Information
Earl Thomas Sea Knee DNP       Awaiting Information
Richard Sherman Sea Achilles DNP       Likely to Play
Eric Reid SF Knee DNP       Inactive
Jaquiski Tartt SF Concussion Limited       Awaiting Information
T.J. Ward TB Hip DNP       Awaiting Information
Brent Grimes TB Shoulder Full       Expected to Play
Johnathan Cyprien Ten Hamstring DNP       Inactive

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

Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.

Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
Tags Injuries Kwon Alexander Danny Amendola Robbie Chosen Tavon Austin Le'Veon Bell Blake Bortles John Brown Martavis Bryant Rex Burkhead Frank Clark Randall Cobb Jamie Collins Sr Amari Cooper Fletcher Cox Ronald Darby Corey Davis Jarrad Davis Lavonte David Sean Davis Phillip Dorsett Jack Doyle Carlos Dunlap Bud Dupree Will Fuller V Myles Garrett Stephon Gilmore Kenny Golladay B.J. Goodson Melvin Gordon III Jimmy Graham Jordan Hicks Dont'a Hightower Anthony Hitchens DeAndre Hopkins Carlos Hyde Malik Jackson Myles Jack Jesse James Janoris Jenkins Duke Johnson Jr Chandler Jones Julio Jones Lamarcus Joyner Kyle Juszczyk Marshon Lattimore Star Lotulelei Marlon Mack Gerald McCoy Rodney McLeod Jr. Ty Montgomery II Cam Newton Jalen Ramsey Jalen Richard Bradley Roby Ben Roethlisberger John Ross Eric Rowe Curtis Samuel Richard Sherman Noah Spence Kenny Stills Jaquiski Tartt Joe Thomas Anthony Walker Jr. Dwayne Washington Sammy Watkins T.J. Watt Brandon Williams Leonard Williams Maxx Williams Mike Williams Shawn Williams Tavon Wilson

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