Photo: USA Today Sports

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

• WR Michael Thomas
• TE George Kittle
• WR Chris Godwin
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR A.J. Brown
• RB Phillip Lindsay
• WR Jamison Crowder
• TE Jack Doyle

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Duke Johnson Jr

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• TE Gerald Everett

Game-time Decisions

• WR Courtland Sutton (lean probable)
• WR DeVante Parker (lean doubtful)
• WR Henry Ruggs
• WR Golden Tate

QUARTERBACK

There are no quarterback injuries of concern this week.

Others of note: Tyrod Taylor (ribs) 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 | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Sanders returns to play this week.

Close to playing last week after a mid-grade hamstring strain suffered during the preseason, the Eagles chose caution rather than risk aggravating the injury and held Sanders out. Sanders said he could have played last week and felt good but understood the team's decision. After a full week of practice and no designation on the injury status report, he will return.

Last week, Doug Pederson told reporters Sanders would have a limited role if he played. Pederson did not speculate this week. When Sanders was asked about his role on Friday, he told reporters he was ready to take on a full workload and hoped his touches and snaps would not be limited.

During a four-game stretch late last season after establishing himself as the Eagles' primary back, Sanders had 22, 19, 25, and 25 touches. That high workload is unlikely this week. 15-18 touches is likely the sweet spot for a Sanders' projection, although a 22+ touch ceiling is within the possible range of outcomes. Getting Lane Johnson back on the offensive line will help the effectiveness of Philadelphia's running game.

James Conner | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Conner left Sunday night's game early in the first half with an ankle injury. There were no obvious injury events on video and the team didn't report the injury until well into the second half. Conner was ineffective early behind a struggling Pittsburgh offensive line and there has been speculation about whether Conner's frustration had as much to do with his absence as his injury.

After missing practice Wednesday -- not the concern it once was in Pittsburgh -- Conner fully practiced the rest of the week and is not listed on the game status report.

While Conner appears to have a very mild ankle injury, his snap count and effectiveness remain in doubt. Benny Snell played well in Conner's absence and the Pittsburgh offensive line is dealing with multiple injuries. Expect Conner to get the bulk of the Steelers' rushing workload but temper expectations until he and the rush offense returns to form.

Duke Johnson Jr | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Johnson is reportedly "trending in the right direction" after last Thursday's low grade high ankle sprain. The Texans have not addressed his condition directly and Johnson has not spoken with the media. Consider him a game-time decision.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Johnson is "unlikely to play."

Others of note: Josh Jacobs (ankle), Darrel Williams (hamstring), and Kalen Ballage (hamstring) 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. Phillip Lindsay (toe), Justin Jackson (quad), and Darrynton Evans (hamstring) 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

*Michael Thomas | Ankle | Declared Out | Inactive

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

Here's what we know on Thomas heading into Saturday's practice:

• Video replays suggested a relatively low-grade high ankle sprain
• Recovery is difficult to project until stiffness/swelling develops over following 24-48 hours
• Tuesday's reports suggested Thomas was more likely to return in 3-4 weeks than 7-10 days
• Sean Payton refused to discuss Thomas' condition and Thomas has not been available to the media
• Jared Cook told reporters "it's unfortunate" Thomas would not be playing this week

Despite the totality of the above trend, there were some indications that Thomas felt better than expected in rehab work on Thursday and Adam Schefter reported the team saw "a glimmer of hope" Thomas could play on Monday night.

It's possible Thomas is listed questionable and termed a game-time decision after Saturday's practice. Unfortunately, the early week trend suggests Thomas has a multiple-week injury. High ankle sprains are difficult to tape and brace and prone to aggravation. I expect the Saints to choose caution this week and continue to rehab Thomas with a short week to follow after Monday night's game. The coaching staff will certainly recall Alvin Kamara struggle to return to form after an injury that included a high-ankle sprain last year.

I'll update after Saturday's practice with any weekend reporting.

Saturday Update: Thomas did not practice Saturday and was declared out

Chris Godwin | Concussion | Doubtful >> Declared Out | Likely Inactive

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

Mike Evans | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Godwin reported concussion symptoms on Wednesday after a suspicious hit late in last week's game and managed only a limited Friday practice. That limited practice spurred conversation that Godwin could play this week.

I'll be shocked if Godwin is active.

Many NFL players have returned to play the week following a concussion after progressing smoothly through the return to play protocol. That's not what happened here. Godwin was still symptomatic on Wednesday, 72 hours after his likely injury event. The exercise portion of the return to play protocol involves multiple stages, including light and strenuous exercise, position-specific football-related activity, then clearance for contact.

The protocol is generally a five-stage process. Players are usually observed for 24 hours after each stage to make sure there are no recurrent symptoms before advancing. Under close observation by a NFL medical staff, teams sometimes advance players through the light and strenuous exercise stages within a single day. But that's much less likely to happen when a player still has symptoms days after his injury.

Godwin's limited practice was likely part of his early-stage return -- light rehab work in pads, i.e. get your heart rate up with some more strenuous exercise. That's a great sign for his Week 3 availability. But there's little chance he's cleared for contact by Sunday.

Evans played over 90% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps last week, showed no signs of an in-game setback, and returned to a full practice on Friday. He's nearly out of the window of risk for aggravation and all indications are he's ready for another full workload this week.

Saturday Update: The Buccaneers have ruled Godwin out.

Courtland Sutton | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Sutton continues to battle an AC sprain suffered late last week in practice. His limited practice tells us the Broncos want him in condition and preparing as if he may play, but gives little indication about his ultimate availability for gameday.

The hurdle for Sutton remains clearance for contact. That's dependent on how much pain and stiffness limit his range of motion, ability to perform the duties of his position, and protect himself with contact. Vic Fangio told reporters Sutton remains "50-50" and a game-time decision. Fangio said Sutton is progressing with each passing day but the team won't commit to him playing.

I lean slightly to the probable side of questionable but Sutton is clearly not yet fully recovered. If they clear him for contact, expect him to see close to his usual workload but an in-game aggravation is possible.

I'll update with weekend reports as needed.

Sunday Update: Sutton will work out pregame to test his fitness. Ian Rapoport reports Sutton "has a good chance to play."

DeVante Parker | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Parker aggravated a hamstring strain early in last week's game and did not return. Surprisingly, he's returned to a full week of limited practices and observers reported he participated in drills at full speed on Friday.

Brian Flores called Parker a game-time decision and told reporters Parker wants to play.

Parker is at high risk of another in-game setback. The Dolphins play on Thursday night in Week 3. The quick turnaround may push Miami to hold Parker out if there's any concern.

*Henry Ruggs | Knee | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Ruggs returned to play after suffering a low-grade MCL sprain last week. It's not unusual for players to feel much worse the day after an injury when swelling and stiffness are more evident and the adrenaline of gameday is gone.

Ruggs hasn't practiced this week but has the benefit of an extra full day to rehab and recover for a home Monday night game. The Raiders have not discussed Ruggs at all this week. Saturday's practice will be informative. For now, I consider Ruggs a game-time decision at best. If he plays, decreased usage and in-game aggravation are well within possibility.

Julian Edelman | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

NKeal Harry | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Edelman and Harry are back on the injury report this week with known injuries. Though listed questionable, both are expected to play. Edelman managed only 58% of the team's offensive snaps last week and continues to deal with chronic knee pain. He still led the team in targets.

Brandin Cooks | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Cooks was limited in practice after playing through a quad strain on Thursday night in Week 1. He is expected to play and should be in a better spot to contribute this week.

Golden Tate | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Despite positive news trends late last week, Tate was inactive on Monday night. After another week of limited practice, Tate appears closer to returning but remains a game-time decision.

Michael Pittman | Toe | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Pittman injured his toe during Thursday's practice and did not work on Friday. The Colts list him questionable, with Frank Reich telling reporters Pittman would be monitored through the weekend. Zach Pascal returned to a full practice on Friday after missing practice with an ankle injury earlier in the week. The Friday DNP and Pascal's availability likely push Pittman into the doubtful category.

Others of note: Julio Jones (hamstring), Amari Cooper (foot), JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), Diontae Johnson (toe), John Brown (foot), Mike Williams (shoulder), Preston Williams (knee), Corey Davis (hamstring), Zach Pascal (ankle), Olabisi Johnson (knee), and Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Kenny Golladay (hamstring), A.J. Brown (knee), Alshon Jeffery (foot), and Jamison Crowder (hamstring) 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 | Back | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Rams list Everett questionable but Sean McVay has said he expects Everett to play all week long. Barring a setback after Friday's full practice, Everett is likely to be active.

Others of note: Will Dissly (Achilles) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. George Kittle (knee), and Jack Doyle (knee/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.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

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