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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

DEshaun Watson | Chest | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Watson fully participated in practice this week and will play. Though able to play last week, Watson and the Houston offense were limited. Watson previously averaged over five rushing attempts and 40 yards per game. Last week, he managed just two rushes for two yards. The passing offense was also limited, with Watson throwing only 25 times for 177 yards. It's unclear whether Watson tried to play through more than a chest bruise. Regardless, his comments this week suggest he avoided any aggravations and should be nearer his usual output. The Texans clearly need to protect him better. NextGenStats has Watson ranked as the fourth most pressured quarterback overall and he's taken the most sacks and most quarterback hits in the league. His inability to avoid hits on runs downfield also plays a role. Expect Watson to have better numbers this week but he will continue to be at risk of injury with his playing style.

Others of note: Carson Wentz (back), Andy Dalton (back), Jameis Winston (hip), and Sam Darnold (elbow) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report and will play without limitation. Ryan Tannehill (shoulder) and Josh Allen (elbow) have been declared out. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

melvin gordon | Hamstring | Questionable | inactive

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

Gordon was added to the injury report after a limited Friday practice. His hamstring condition doesn't appear to be any concern, however, as the Chargers did not list him on their game status report and there are not local reports on the injury. I'll update with any weekend notes but expect Gordon to see his usual workload in London.

Saturday Update: So much for the "no concern" assumption. Gordon went from not being listed on the game status report after Friday's practice to questionable on Saturday afternoon. That's evidence whatever Gordon felt on Friday remained an issue when he came into team facilities today -- and possibly more stiff or sore. Adam Schefter quoted a source saying Gordon "will most likely be a game-time decision." It's possible the status change is precautionary, but the Chargers wouldn't amend the report unless there's was a legitimate chance Gordon won't play. Prepare for Gordon to be inactive on Sunday.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reports Gordon's hamstring tightened up during the long flight and the Chargers aren't optimistic about his feeling strong enough pregame to play. Rapoport believes the Chargers will err on the side of caution if there's any concern during pregame warmups.

Sunday Update: Gordon is inactive.

Sony Michel | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Michel has joined the ranks of key Patriots who have their practice participation managed to keep them healthy for Sunday. Since his most recent three week run on the injury report started, Michel has had 18 and 24 rushes in the games to follow and has been contributing late into the fourth quarter in both games. Expect the same this week.

Isaiah Crowell | Foot | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Crowell played through very limited practice last week with what was then listed as an ankle injury. This week, Crowell is on the injury report with a foot condition. It's not clear whether Crowell is dealing with the same injury, an aggravation of the same injury, or a combination of soreness. His workload last week wasn't much different than his pre-injury workload -- 29 snaps, 13 rushes, two targets -- but his lateral movement may not have been as explosive as previous weeks. Expect Crowell to see the same 25-30 snap, 10-15 touch workload but the matchup against Minnesota and his health are likely to limit his ceiling once again.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight Crowell is expected to play. There was no update on his condition or likely workload.

Adrian Peterson | Shoulder / Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Chris Thompson | Rib / Knee | Questionable | likely inactive

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

Peterson remained limited two weeks after a violent knee hyperextension and shoulder dislocation. He made reporters cringe with his description of how he reduced his own shoulder dislocation then told them he felt better this week than last. Both injuries remain prone to aggravation despite a shoulder harness and knee brace. Last week, Peterson played 37 snaps and had 17 rushes. A similar workload is likely this week.

On Wednesday, Thompson spoke with reporters. He told them he wasn't close to playing last week. When asked if he could play if the game was Wednesday, he paused and said he'd try. It wasn't a confident answer. He did follow up by saying he expected improvement through the week and was hopeful to play. He's not readdressed his status since. Washington has listed him questionable, giving him a better chance to play this week. But the lack of confidence on Wednesday -- nine days after his last game -- is telling. Without a reassuring weekend tweet from Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport, Thompson's status should be considered game-time decision at best.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported overnight that Thompson will likely not play today. Prepare for him to be inactive.

Others of note: T.J. Yeldon (foot / ankle), Kerryon Johnson (ankle), Matt Breida (ankle), Lamar Miller (chest), and Marlon Mack (hamstring) have fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Leonard Fournette (hamstring), Dalvin Cook (hamstring), Theo Riddick (knee), Darren Sproles (hamstring), Robert Turbin (shoulder), and Giovani Bernard (knee), have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

deandre hopkins | foot | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Will fuller | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Keke Coutee | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Texans continue to limit their top three receivers in practice. Though the passing offense has sputtered recently with DeShaun Watson battling injury, the receivers are as healthy as they've been all season. The Thursday DNP for Hopkins raised an eyebrow but his return to practice on Friday reassured and the Texans didn't include him on the game status report. Hopkins has played effectively with foot soreness in past games. Fuller is no longer listed with a hamstring, which is presumably a sign the team believes he's outside the high risk window for aggravation, i.e. he was not specifically getting hamstring treatment this week. Coutee's practice line is no different than it has been for the past three weeks. He's been healthy enough to play 75% of the snaps after his near-100% effort in Week 4.

All three players should see their usual workload this week. Expect Watson's health to play a bigger role in their expectation than each receiver's own injury questions.

T.Y. Hilton | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Frank Reich didn't sound positive about Hilton's recovery over the past two weeks and it seemed likely Hilton may be another week or two away. But Hilton was able to fully practice on Wednesday, stressing his hamstring strain early in the week to see how it would respond to football-related activity. It responded well enough that Hilton didn't feel the need to do much during individual drills on Thursday -- a rare case when a player tells us a mid-week practice downgrade is not a concern. After a full Friday practice, Reich was much more encouraged, saying Hilton had a "good chance" to play.

After Reich's comments, the Colts chose not to list Hilton on their game status report. Barring a pregame setback, he will play. Practice observers noted Hilton showing good acceleration and change of direction on individual drills. Hilton is still at risk of aggravation but a full week of practice and no indication the Colts feel a need to test his health during pregame warmups are signs they expect him to play a big role this week.

*Calvin Ridley | ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

*Mohamed Sanu | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Ridley's injury looked suspicious for a high ankle sprain. The Falcons reported a bone bruise early in the week and Ridley was able to practice on Friday. He did not run at speed, however, and ran underneath routes only. While hopeful to play on Monday night, Ridley wouldn't commit to his availability. It's still not clear what's ailing Sanu and he was only able to participate in the team's walkthrough and rehab work. He's looking unlikely to play again this week.

I'll update after the Falcons release their Saturday practice and game status report.

Saturday Update: Surprisingly, both Ridley and Sanu were not included on the Atlanta final game status report after limited Saturday practices. Ridley told reporters he feels like his "normal self" and practice video showed him moving well on a variety of routes in individual drills.

Julian Edelman | Heel | questionable | expected to Play

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

Josh gordon | hamstring | questionable | expected to play

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

Add Edelman and Gordon to the list of Patriots who see limited practice time but are fully expected to play. Gordon played 63 snaps last week, saw nine targets, and looks to be fully assimilated into the New England offense now.

Allen Robinson | groin | questionable | Game-time decision

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

A Thursday DNP with a soft tissue injury is not the weekly death knell it once was but it's still a worrisome data point. Robinson didn't discuss his groin strain this week but Matt Nagy said his wide receiver had "felt it a little bit" last week but Nagy went on to describe the injury as "nothing too crazy" and suggested the limited practice was "caution." Robinson's snap percentage was down only slightly last week. There's reason for optimism here but watch for any weekend notes of concern.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported Robinson is expected to play today. Ian Rapoport reports the Bears will watch Robinson during pregame warmups but expect him to be able to play.

pierre garcon | shoulder / knee | questionable | expected to Play

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

Garcon was able to play his usual number of snaps Monday night through injury and returned to limited practices by week's end. He's expected to play.

Paul richardson | knee / shoulder | doubtful | Likely inactive

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

Richardson's shoulder had previously been a bigger concern but he needed a second opinion this week for a knee injury he suffered last week against Carolina. Unable to practice this week and listed doubtful, Richardson will not play this week. Hopefully, he'll be able to return after a one-week absence.

Others of note: Marquise Goodwin (hamstring / quadricep), Robby Anderson (hamstring), Cole Beasley (ankle), and Josh Reynolds (hand) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Cooper Kupp (knee), Quincy Enunwa (ankle), Terrelle Pryor (groin), Jamison Crowder (knee), Ryan Grant (ankle), Rashard Higgins (knee), and Dante Pettis (knee) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Rob Gronkowski | Ankle / BACK | questionable | likely inactive

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

Gronkowski continues to play a full complement of snaps despite a limiting ankle injury. He's winning with a combination of strength and body control but he's clearly not moving at full strength. His target counts are solid but not to his usual standards. The Patriots continue to limit his practice time, but feel good enough about his health to ask him to block as usual. Expect more of the same this week. A ceiling expectation is still possible despite the slight drop in opportunity.

Saturday Update: Gronkowski did not travel to Chicago with the team on Saturday and his injury status was amended to include a back condition. All reports suggest he hasn't been ruled out yet. However, it's hard to see Gronkowski fly separately less than 24 hours after being unable to get on a flight -- especially with a significant past history of back issues. Hopefully, this is just an unexpected back spasm and a short-term situation, but his status for next week could be in doubt, too.

Sunday Update: Not surprisingly, Gronkowski has been downgraded to doubtful and there's no indication he'll be traveling today. Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight that Gronkowski's back "locked up" and "the belief is he did not suffer an long-term injury." Adam Schefter report concurs, noting the Patriots are "playing it safe by resting him" and expect to have him back for next week's Monday night game in Buffalo. The week off could help his ankle recovery, too. Hopefully, we'll see a much healthier Gronkowski next week.

*Evan Engram | knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

*Rhett Ellison | foot | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Both Engram and Ellison are expected to play Monday night. Engram has been optimistic all week and adamant he'll play. There were strong hints he would have played last week if the Giants did not play the early Thursday game. After what I presume will officially be a full week of practice when the Giants post their Saturday practice report later today, Engram will be in line to return to his pre-injury role. He told reporters, "There are no limitations." His matchup could not be much better -- the Falcons are missing their best coverage linebackers and safeties.

Ellison is also expected to return in a reserve role.

Greg Olsen | Foot | not listed | expected to play

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

The Panthers were telling the truth when they said they had no plans to limit Olsen's playing time last week. Olsen played 59 of 60 snaps and was targeted seven times. It was a very reassuring first effort and the limited practices are planned and not evidence of aggravation. The risk remains but Olsen will continue to tempt fate -- hopefully successfully until the offseason -- with a full workload this week.

Erik Swoope | knee | questionable | Likely to Play

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

Swoope was limited this week but there doesn't appear to be any local concern about his availability. As of Saturday morning, the Colts had not added any roster players. They're likely currently at four healthy wide receivers, three healthy running backs, and two healthy tight ends. There are arguably other roster needs. If the Colts add a tight end, Swoope becomes a major question mark. Expect him to play.

Others of note: George Kittle (knee), David Njoku (knee), and C.J. Uzomah (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Jack Doyle (hip), Tyler Kroft (foot), and Ryan Griffin (illness) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

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