Injury Expectations | Wednesday Update | Week 12

Photo: USA Today Sports

KEY WEDNESDAY MEDIA UPDATES

***Devonta Freeman was not at practice Wednesday. While last week was too soon to be certain Freeman would miss multiple weeks, this missed practice is concerning. Dan Quinn would not confirm which stage Freeman had reached in the return-to-play protocol, he hasn't progressed enough to be cleared for individual drills. Given Freeman's slow progression so far, it's highly unlikely the team will accelerate his return over the next 48 hours. Freeman has reportedly said he feels well enough to play but the Falcons are proceeding with deliberate caution here.

***Tom Brady did not practice Wednesday and is listed with an Achilles injury. There is no reported concern and Brady is expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Expect him to be limited the remainder of the week and play on Sunday.

***According to Mike Tomlin, JuJu Smith-Schuster has a "small" hamstring issue. Low-grade hamstring strains are still concerning -- assuming that's what Tomlin is hinting -- and Smith-Schuster did not practice on Wednesday. Smith-Schuster told reporters his availability this week depends on Tomlin. That doesn't sound positive and the Steelers rarely clear players to play if they haven't practiced. Thursday's practice report is critical.

***Ty Montgomery confirmed he re-injured his ribs two weeks ago despite wearing additional protection. He has yet to return to practice and it's clear the Green Bay medical staff will not clear him to return until he's at less risk of aggravation. It's not clear when Montgomery will be back but a return this week is doubtful at best.

***Kelvin Benjamin is unlikely to play this week. After a reassuring imaging study earlier this week, Benjamin has a chance to return this season but Sean McDermott would only say, "We'll see," when asked about Benjamin's Week 12 availability. It's not clear whether Jordan Matthews has made enough progress to return.

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

Sterling Shepard | Migraine | Questionable

Shepard was limited in practice on Monday but did not feel well enough to practice on Tuesday or Wednesday after his symptoms worsened with exercise. Ben McAdoo did not sound positive after Wednesday's walkthrough. Shepard remained in the training room for treatment and observation. The Giants apparently feel there's a chance Shepard can recover in time to play Thursday night as they allowed him to travel to Washington with the team. Shepard looks to be on the doubtful side of questionable, however. If Shepard is cleared to play, it's possible the exertion and hydration changes could cause a recurrence of symptoms.

Jordan Reed | Hamstring | Declared Out

Reed didn't practice this week after acknowledging continued pain last week. There's an outside chance he can return next week.

Samaje Perine | Finger | Questionable

Washington has listed Perine questionable but he's expected to play and see the majority of snaps with Chris Thompson out for the season. Ball security and receiving may be concerns but it's unlikely Perine's snaps will be limited much.

***Tyron Smith is tentatively expected to play after a week of limited practice and continued progress. However, the Cowboys will absolutely think twice about activating their best offensive linemen if he has any tightness or discomfort during warmups.

***The Washington offensive line will be without T.J. Clemmings, Shaun Lauvao, and Spencer Long. All are now on injured reserve. It's a tough turn-around to the Thursday night game for Trent Williams, Brandon Scherff, Ty Nsekhe, and Morgan Moses. All are listed questionable. Williams did not practice this week but all four linemen are expected to be available.

***Everson Griffen is fully practicing after returning last week and should be back to a full complement of snaps. Brian Robison is expected to play after missing last week's game with a late week back spasm.

***Sean Lee remains out for Dallas. Anthony Hitchens is questionable with a groin injured but expected to play.

***The Giants will be without D.J. Fluker and Justin Pugh on the offensive line and B.J. Goodson and Calvin Munson at linebacker. Olivier Vernon is back on the injury report with a shoulder injury. He and Jason Pierre-Paul are both likely to play through their injuries.

***Washington did not provide updates on Zach Brown. He's questionable with an Achilles injury but has played through every questionable tag so far this year.

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.

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

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