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UNDERSTANDING THE NFL'S INJURY REPORT

The injury report released by the NFL is 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:

Fast Track News and Notes

Scroll down for full details, extensive updates, and the complete table of projected availability. Here are the most important notes for this week's games:

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• Derrick Henry
• Jordan Howard

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• Christian Kirk
• Julian Edelman (ACTIVE)
• D.J. Chark
• Dak Prescott
• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Gerald Everett (ACTIVE)
• Damien Williams

Game-time Decisions

• TBD

QUARTERBACK

Jameis Winston | Thumb / Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Winston played effectively through a thumb fracture last week and returned to a full practice on Friday this week. Though the Buccaneers list Winston questionable, he's expected to play.

Dak Prescott | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Prescott and his teammates were confident all week in Prescott's ability to recover and play through a sprained throwing shoulder. Though he was unable to practice fully at any point this week, the Cowboys left no doubt about Prescott's availability and chose not to list him on the game status report.

An injury to a quarterback's throwing shoulder is significant. However, Stephen Jones told a radio show host that the Cowboys offense would not be limited in any way this week. Jones said "We'll have the whole playbook open" after "conversations with [Cowboys'] trainers." That may prove true. But Prescott's teammates revealed that Prescott told them he intentionally avoided throwing on run-pass option plays after his injury last week.

Any aggravation of Prescott's injury would put his throwing accuracy and strength in question. Despite his toughness and the importance of the matchup in Philadelphia, Prescott is at risk of not finishing this week's game.

Others of note: Patrick Mahomes II (knee), Jared Goff (thumb), Ryan Fitzpatrick (shoulder), Daniel Jones (ankle), Gardner Minshew (shoulder), Sam Darnold (knee, thumb), and Dwayne Haskins (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Derrick Henry | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Henry's snap counts have dropped over the past two weeks. Previously, Henry often played 70-75% of Tennessee's offensive snaps. In the past two weeks, that percentage was down to 58-60% as he continues to work through a hamstring strain. Despite the drop in snap percentage, Henry has continued to see heavy usage. Over the past month, Henry has had 20, 29, 19, and 21 touches.

This week, Henry was cleared for a light Wednesday workout then returned to a full Friday practice after a Thursday rest day. This is significantly more than Henry has practiced in recent weeks. He continues to tell reporters his "leg would have to be off" for him to be inactive and the Titans have shown they'll continue to use him heavily as long as he's upright.

Henry's matchup, unfortunately, adds another layer of concern this week. The Titans play the Saints at home and the chances of a game script in which Tennessee falls behind early and begins using passing personnel packages including Dion Lewis is higher than recent weeks. Expect Henry's floor (12-15 touches) to remain relatively high and a strong ceiling (20+ touches) remains but the bell curve for his expectation shifts pessimistically this week.

Saturday Update: After the Texans AFC South clinching win on Saturday, the Titans downgraded Henry to questionable. This isn't due to an unexpected injury aggravation. Due to tiebreaker scenarios, the Titans game against New Orleans now means virtually nothing to their playoff chances. The Titans will need help (a Pittsburgh loss) but Week 17's matchup against Houston is now a must-win game. Resting Henry is a reasonable -- and easy -- decision. Consider Henry on the doubtful side of questionable.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported overnight that Henry is not expected to play.

Alexander Mattison | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Mattison returned to individual drills on Saturday, prompting the Vikings to list him questionable while they evaluate how he responded to his first workout in two weeks. Local writer Andrew Krammer wrote Mattison "didn't exactly have a spring in his step" during his reps. Two weeks after a high ankle sprain and likely limited in strength and conditioning, it's difficult to project Mattison for more than limited duty. More likely, he'll be inactive -- or active in case of emergency only -- until next week.

Sunday Update: The Rams' Saturday night loss clinched a Vikings' playoff berth. It's now likely Mattison will join Dalvin Cook on the inactive list and continue to rehab until fully recovered.

Damien Williams | Rib | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Williams finally progressed to a full practice this week after a late-week illness last week delayed his return. The Chiefs haven't discussed how they'll deploy a crowded and complicated running back depth chart but it's unlikely Williams will see more than 8-10 touches unless his first touches are productive and his conditioning is good.

^Carlos Hyde | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Hyde's missed practice on Wednesday was not injury related and the remainder of his limited week of practice was reportedly more maintenance than rehabilitation. He's expected to play Saturday.

Jordan Howard | Shoulder | Questionable | Inactive

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

Howard has still not been cleared for contact and will be inactive. Unlike last week, Philadelphia plays at home and may not declare him out until inactives are released 90 minutes before game time.

Bo Scarbrough | Ribs | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Kerryon Johnson | Activated off injured reserve

No practice participation line

Johnson is eligible to return to the active roster this week and has been practicing for three weeks after having arthroscopic knee surgery in Week 8. Johnson says he "feels good" but the Lions have yet to commit to activating him. Matt Patricia told reporters the team was still evaluating options after Friday's practice and Johnson said the decision was up to the team. Should Johnson be active, Patricia also hinted his usage could be limited.

It's not clear whether Scarbrough would be the back rotating with Johnson should the Lions activate their opening-week starter. Scarbrough was able to return to a full week of limited practice but remains questionable.

Saturday Update: Johnson was activated off injured reserve and will play Sunday.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reports "Johnson may not come out as the starter...but he's expected to get his full share of carries along with...Scarbrough" today. If accurate, the report means both Johnson and Scarbrough will play today.

Bilal Powell | Ankle | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

The Jets haven't discussed Powell's status this week. Their questionable tag is generally a tough read. Most players listed questionable play but the Jets have rested key contributors listed questionable during the season. Don't expect Powell to see heavy usage or a split rotation with Bell even if he's cleared to play.

Others of note: Joe Mixon (calf), Patrick Laird (hip), and Adrian Peterson (toe) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Dalvin Cook (chest) and Josh Jacobs (shoulder) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

^Julian Edelman | Knee / Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Edelman is dealing with patellar tendinitis and continues to be limited in practice. Last week, the Patriots limited his snaps for the first time this season and Edelman's stat line suffered, though the blowout win over Cincinnati may have played a role in their decision-making.

There's no question about Edelman's availability despite the questionable tag -- he will play. However, his snap count, target expectation, and effectiveness are in question. After videos showing Edelman moving gingerly early in the week, Ian Rapoport countered with a Friday report that Edelman is "probably less banged up" now than he was at this time last week.

Rapoport's report is favorable but Edelman's knee condition is chronic and at risk of an in-game flare. Last week's five targets remains within the range of expectation but it would appear a double-digit target count is also within the range of probability again this week.

D.J. Chark | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Two weeks after a high ankle sprain had him leaving the locker room immobilized and on a scooter, Chark returned to limited practices. Doug Marrone told reporters he expected Chark to play "unless there's some type of setback" and suggested he didn't miss much this week despite limited practices.

Chark's quick return is notable but not necessarily reassuring. It's unlikely he's fully recovered. Ineffective play at game speed and a risk of aggravation put a low snap and target count well within his range of expectation. And it's still possible the Jaguars elect to rest their young receiver until he's full strength.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight Chark is expected to play.

JuJu Smith-Schuster | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Smith-Schuster did not sound fully confident in his fitness on Friday, telling reporters he "doesn't feel 100 percent" but "I'm going to see what I can do." The Steelers showed confidence in his recovery after the late-week full practices, removing Smith-Schuster from the game status report and ensuring he'll be active.

After returning to practice early last week, Smith-Schuster felt more soreness than expected and was shut down. This week has clearly gone better but there are no indications Smith-Schuster is ready for 60 snaps and his usual target counts. Expect the Steelers to work him in gradually in a favorable home matchup against the Jets.

Christian Kirk | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Kirk limped off during the first half of last week's game but returned to have a productive second half. He's listed questionable and officially a game-time decision after limited practice this week. Earlier this season, the Cardinals were cautious with Kirk and didn't clear him to return from a high ankle sprain until fully recovered. It's not yet clear whether they'll use the same approach this week.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reported overnight Kirk is "expected to go." On television angles, Kirk's moment of injury is obscured. By coaches' film, there's concern for something more than a simple low ankle sprain. The film is not HD, but there are suggestions of a low-grade high ankle injury. It's again the right ankle he suffered a high ankle sprain earlier this season. The back-to-back limited practices after an effective second half last week are reassuring and the sprain was not a high torque injury.

There will be some risk of Kirk aggravating the injury or being limited today but he looks likely to play.

Will Fuller | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The Texans chose to rest an ailing Fuller in Week 14. After the week off, Fuller returned to his usual workload and had seven targets on 59 snaps in Week 15. There are no local concerns about Fuller's availability and he's again expected to play through a lingering hamstring strain.

Robby Anderson | Illness | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Flu-like illnesses are tough to predict. Anderson was cleared to return to the building, managed a limited Friday practice, and is likely to play. However, any recurrence could keep him out of this week's game.

Curtis Samuel | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Samuel injured his knee during practice this week and did not practice on Friday. Perry Fewell told reporters he expects Samuel to play but the Friday DNP is notable. It's also notable that other veterans who have played through injury -- most notably Shaq Thompson -- look to be getting the week off. I'll update with any overnight news.

Sunday Update: Samuel is expected to play per Ian Rapoport.

Others of note: DeAndre Hopkins (illness), Tyreek Hill (shoulder), Mecole Hardman (glute), Julio Jones (shoulder), Odell Beckham (groin), Jarvis Landry (hip), Mike Williams (knee), DeVante Parker (hip), Dede Westbrook (neck, shoulder), Allen Hurns (ankle, knee), and Hunter Renfrow (rib) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Chris Godwin (hamstring) and A.J. Green (ankle) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

^Gerald Everett | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Everett returned to practice on Tuesday, then returned full practices on Wednesday and Thursday after responding well to the limited Tuesday workout. Sean McVay would not commit to Everett playing on Wednesday, telling reporters the team was still evaluating his health and possible role in the offensive game plan. After the full Thursday practice, the Rams did not include Everett on the game status report. He will play.

It's not clear how the Rams will divide targets between Everett and Tyler Higbee, who exploded for 26 receptions on 33 targets and over 100 receiving yards in each of the three games Everett missed. Expect Everett to be eased back into the offense. Unfortunately, his presence will likely limit Higbee's upside.

Noah Fant | Shoulder / Illness | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Fant returned to play through a shoulder injury during last week's game. His practice time this week was primarily limited by illness and Vic Fangio expects him to play.

Others of note: Vance McDonald (concussion), Greg Olsen (concussion), Luke Willson (hamstring), Mike Gesicki (hip), Jimmy Graham (wrist, groin), and Ian Thomas (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Rhett Ellison (concussion) has been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.
^Note: Saturday players with carat practice Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.