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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 High Impact 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:

Ruled Out on Saturday

• RB Miles Sanders (hamstring)

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• WR Mike Evans (hamstring - limited role if active)
• RB David Montgomery (groin)
• WR Mike Williams (shoulder)
• WR Jalen Reagor (shoulder)
• RB Tevin Coleman (sickle cell trait / air quality concern)
• WR Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring)

Game-time Decisions

• WR Courtland Sutton (shoulder) ***MNF***

QUARTERBACK

There are no quarterback injuries of concern this week.

Others of note: Tyrod Taylor (calf) fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Miles Sanders | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play (Limited Role) | DECLARED OUT

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

Knowledgeable local observers were consistent in expecting Sanders to be available in Week 1. However, Doug Pederson was surprisingly forthright in his Wednesday press conference about Sanders. Pederson is often vague in his media sessions but told reporters the Eagles would exercise caution with Sanders and discussed the possibility of a limited role this week. Despite the optimism from team insiders, Pederson's comments must be considered strongly here.

Sanders did practice this week but was limited. Boston Scott -- next in line for work should Sanders see a reduced role -- told reporters he was ready for a larger workload. Unfortunately, Pederson was back to his usual dissembling ways on Friday, telling reporters Sanders "has an opportunity to play" if Friday's practice went well.

This week's three consecutive limited practices suggest the Eagles plan to have Sanders active. But we're nearly a month into limited work for Sanders. Pederson gave no indication Sanders would be trusted with a full workload, and Scott didn't shy away from telling reporters he was ready for a bigger role.

Don't expect 20+ touches from Sanders this week. Should the game script break favorably and Sanders proves in condition and healthy during the early series of the game, he could reach 15-20 touches. But it is more reasonable to project a 12-15 touch game. Consider him an RB2 with upside.

Saturday Update (1130AM ET): Adam Schefter tweets that Sanders will not travel to Washington with the team and has been declared out. Schefter reports Sanders is "progressing well but the team wants to make sure he's good for the long haul."

More on Sanders' chances at playing next week in Monday's article.

David Montgomery | Groin | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Initial reports projected a 3-4 week recovery timetable for Montgomery. Groin injuries can be tricky to project without specific knowledge of the injury and recovery. Some are very difficult to rehab, others easier due to some redundancy in the muscles in the area.

Montgomery surprised reporters by gaining clearance for stretching and individual drills on Wednesday then going through a full Thursday practice. The increase in participation went well and the Bears allowed Montgomery to fully practice Friday.

A questionable tag does not mean much in Chicago. The Bears are one of a handful of teams who use the questionable tag as a proxy for probable. While it would be more reassuring if the team did not list him on the game status report, the full practices are the more important data point.

Like Miles Sanders, however, Montgomery is likely not yet in condition for a full workload. Expect Tarik Cohen to see more series and rush attempts than usual with Montgomery likely slotting into the 12-18 touch range.

Sunday Morning Update (745AM ET): According to Ian Rapoport, Montgomery "should receive his full workload." I remain skeptical about a 50 snap, 18+ touch game but Rapoport's note puts the ceiling expectation back in the possible range of outcomes.

Tevin Coleman | Not Injury Related | Not Listed | Likely to Play

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

Coleman did not practice on Friday due to the poor air quality from wildfires in the San Francisco area. Coleman and the Niners are correctly proceeding with caution due to his sickle cell trait and the risks of illness during periods of fatigue and stress.

No decision has been made yet. The Niners remain hopeful air quality will improve but the decision will be up to Coleman. More on his status through the weekend.

Saturday Update (300PM ET): Air quality projections for San Francisco are markedly improved today. If the improvement holds, Coleman is likely to play. It's a fluid situation, however, and updates throughout the weekend are likely.

Others of note: DAndre Swift (hip), Darrell Henderson (hamstring), Corey Clement (quad) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Ryquell Armstead remains on the COVID list and will not play. Justice Hill (thigh) and La'Mical Perine (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.

WIDE RECEIVER

Julio Jones | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

If you're new to Julio Jones and his injury reports, the decision-making is straightforward.

If Jones fully practices by the end of the week and/or is not listed on the game status report -- as is the case this week -- there is little concern for his usage or target count. If he's limited throughout the week and listed questionable, it's a somewhat harder read.

There are no local concerns on Jones this week and although there's always risk with hamstring injuries and wide receivers, Jones is a strong play in Week 1.

Mike Evans | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Ian Rapoport reported Evans was telling those "close to him" he would play this week after Wednesday's missed practice and then doubled-down on his midweek reporting by saying Evans was "still hopeful" he'd be able to play after Friday's workout.

Rapoport is generally trustworthy but he's the only one expressing optimism.

Evans managed only a limited Friday practice after a smooth training camp. That suggests a recent injury. The Buccaneers listed Evans doubtful after practice on Friday. That suggests his only conditioning test of the week did not go as well as hoped.

There's no mystery in Evans' doubtful tag. If he travels with the team to New Orleans there's an outside chance he'll go through warmups and be cleared. But we're likely already on Week 2 watch here.

Saturday Update (1130AM ET): Tampa Bay upgraded Evans to questionable this morning. It's a clearly positive development and evidence that yesterday's workout may have gone better than originally believed. It also means Evans will travel to New Orleans with the team. Consider him a game-time decision with a better chance of playing now. But this is not an indication he's ready for double-digit targets and effective play.

Sunday Morning Update (745AM ET): Overnight reports from Ian Rapoport (likely to play, may be on pitch count) and Adam Schefter (good chance to play, Bucs want to test pregame) suggest Evans will be active today. The lack of practice and initial doubtful tag remain concerning. It's difficult to project Evans for significant snaps and effective play when the team didn't think he'd play 48 hours ago.

Kenny Golladay | Hamstring | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

Danny Amendola | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Golladay injured his hamstring during Wednesday's practice, did not return to any drills through Friday, and is listed doubtful. He's likely to be inactive this week. More on his Week 2 availability in my Monday Injury Rounds article.

The Lions provide the local media with very little injury information. However, there's no indication Amendola is in danger of missing Week 1. The veteran participated in drills all week. I'll update through the weekend with any change in expectations.

*Courtland Sutton | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Sutton suffered an AC sprain of his shoulder in practice Thursday. Diagnosing an AC sprain is relatively straightforward both visually on examination and by plain x-ray. It's not unusual for teams to exercise caution and order MRI exams to more specifically define an injury but the need for an MRI raises concern for a higher-grade injury for Sutton.

Pain management, strength, and range of motion are all important hurdles for Sutton to clear. If he recovers quickly and is cleared for contact -- likely with added padding and pain management -- he will play Monday night. Repeated hits to the shoulder could lead to missed snaps but his upside would largely remain intact.

Have a hedge in place, however. Even a reassuring Saturday workout will not mean Sutton is certain to play.

Saturday Update (300PM ET): The Broncos did not clear Sutton to practice Saturday morning. When asked about Sutton's status, Vic Fangio told reporters Sutton would play "if he can do ten jumping jacks." It won't be that simple but the requirement remains clear: Sutton must prove he has the strength and range of motion to be effective and protect himself. He's a game-time decision Monday night.

Jarvis Landry | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Sunday Morning Update: Jarvis Landry is not listed on Cleveland's practice participation or game status report. He will play. However, he told reporters Thursday he's not sure how much the coaches have included him in the game plan. Landry said he's still working through recovery from hip surgery. That's not surprising. It can take 9-10 months to fully recover. Landry's return has been ahead of schedule at every signpost.

Landry was targeted 137 times last year while playing through injury but averaged only 7 targets over the final month of the season when the Browns began to limit his snaps. 5-8 targets is a reasonable expectation today. Landry is telling us he won't play every down but you can expect him to play 40-50 offensive snaps. Nearly all of them will be passing plays and routes run. There's enough chemistry with Baker Mayfield to trust Landry to see targets on his usual percentage.

*Diontae Johnson | Foot | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Johnson missed Thursday's practice with a foot injury -- described as a toe condition by one local writer -- but returned to practice on Friday and was deemed healthy and fit to play by JuJu Smith-Schuster. Barring an unexpected Saturday practice or interview note, Johnson should be ready for a full Monday night workload.

Saturday Update (300 PM ET): Johnson fully practiced Saturday, is not listed on the game status report, and will play.

Mike Williams | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Williams went through a full week of individual drills but it's not clear whether he's been cleared for contact. The questionable tag is a sign the Chargers are still debating his availability -- a good sign in this case -- but the team has not provided any information on his status.

Reports on his recovery have been variable over the past two weeks. Some notes suggest he's likely still a week away from playing, others suggest he's close to returning.

Hopefully, we'll see a reassuring note from Adam Schefter overnight on Saturday. I'll update with any news.

Sunday Morning Update (745AM ET): Adam Schefter reports Williams will not play today.

Sunday Morning Update (900AM ET): Ian Rapoport now reporting Williams is "likely to play" though not "100%" These conflicting reports and lack of clarity leave an extremely wide range of possible outcomes if Williams is active. He may be productive with padding and pain management but could also be forced to shut down after his first series.

Sunday Morning Update (930AM ET): Adam Schefter has reversed course and tweeted Williams will play today. It's still difficult to expect WR3+ target counts with a limiting injury and new quarterback but Williams is in play if you're stuck due to other receiver injuries this week.

Brandon Aiyuk | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The Niners have not ruled Aiyuk out of this week's game but Kyle Shanahan hinted the team was debating whether to activate a practice squad receiver on Friday. That's not reassuring but a good signpost for us to use this weekend. If the Niners stand pat with their current wide receiver depth chart, Aiyuk is likely active and will have a limited role. If they promote a receiver, you can project Aiyuk as inactive.

Saturday Update (745 AM ET): The Niners did not promote a receiver from the practice squad -- even after opening a spot by moving Deebo Samuel to injured reserve (more on that in Monday's article) -- which gives Aiyuk a strong chance of making the active roster on Sunday.

Jalen Reagor | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Reagor dislocated his shoulder, an injury accompanied by damage to the labrum. Athletes generally see improvement in pain, swelling, and stiffness within 1-2 weeks but there are short- and long-term risks of playing with labral tears. Players remain at risk of another shoulder dislocation until the labral tear is surgically repaired.

Reagor was cleared for contact this week and will play with a harness. His clearance is a good sign his strength and range of motion are football-ready. He should see whatever targets the Eagles have planned for him. Given the current state of the Philadelphia wide receiver depth chart, it's possible he sees 8-10 targets immediately. We could also see Carson Wentz and the Eagles' offense rely more heavily on their two talented tight ends and their running backs while working Reagor into the game plan.

*Golden Tate | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Joe Judge told reporters Tate was "moving well right now" and "coming along nice." I anticipate another limited to full practice and Saturday. While it's possible Tate is listed questionable, expect him to be available Monday night.

I'll update after Saturday's practice report.

*Corey Davis | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Davis fully practiced on Friday and is tracking to play on Monday night. I'll update with Saturday's practice report.

Saturday Update (300PM ET): Davis fully practiced on Saturday and is not listed on the games status report. He will play.

Others of note: Amari Cooper (hamstring), DeVante Parker (hamstring), Preston Williams (knee), Julian Edelman (knee), NKeal Harry (shoulder), Jamison Crowder (hamstring), Breshad Perriman (knee), Curtis Samuel (hamstring), Bryan Edwards (knee), and Nelson Agholor (groin) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Deebo Samuel (foot), Alshon Jeffery (foot), Gunner Olszewski (foot), and Denzel Mims (hamstrings) 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

There are no tight end injuries of concern this week.

Others of note: Mike Gesicki (glute), Ian Thomas (toe), Will Dissly (Achilles), and Foster Moreau (knee) fully 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.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

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

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

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