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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
^ = playing on Tuesday 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.

COVID notes: The Patriots have another confirmed player positive and are in the process of further testing. While the NFL continues to evaluate options, the Broncos - Patriots game is currently considered likely to be played.

The Denver - New England game has been canceled.

Game-time Decision

• TE Jared Cook
• WR A.J. Brown
• WR Mike Williams
• QB Drew Lock -- game canceled

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• WR Julio Jones - INACTIVE
• RB Carlos Hyde

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• QB Lamar Jackson
• WR Michael Thomas - OUT per Adam Schefter
• TE Mark Andrews
• RB Joe Mixon
• WR Deebo Samuel
• RB Raheem Mostert
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• RB Phillip Lindsay
• WR Henry Ruggs
• WR Laviska Shenault
• RB Zack Moss
• RB Cam Akers

Added to Active Roster From Injured Reserve

• RB LeVeon Bell
• TE David Njoku

Ruled Out

• WR DeSean Jackson
• WR Alshon Jeffery
• TE Noah Fant
• QB Sam Darnold

QUARTERBACK

Lamar Jackson | Knee / Illness | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Jackson missed practice with what's described as a "sore knee" and planned to return to workouts on Thursday before suffering a stomach illness. Neither was believed to be significant and Jackson returned to a full Friday practice.

John Harbaugh expressed no concern on Friday and is "confident [Jackson] will play well."

There were no video indications of a serious knee injury and Jackson was moving well on limited video of Friday's session. Expect the Ravens to have the entire playbook available for Jackson this week.

Cam Newton | COVID - reserve -- GAME CANCELED (COVID)

Newton remains on the COVID list and is not on the active roster. Newton can be added back to the active roster within 24 hours of game time. It's believed Newton is not symptomatic but he must still have two negative COVID tests 24 hours apart before it's possible he's cleared to return.

The Patriots now play Monday night, lengthening the window for Newton. Bill Belichick told reporters Newton would not practice on Saturday. It's highly unlikely Newton plays Monday night but the Patriots don't have to officially make a decision until Sunday.

Jimmy Garoppolo | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Garoppolo fully practiced on Friday and was announced as the team's starting quarterback. The Niners chose caution with Garoppolo, asking him to prove he was recovered well enough to completely protect himself inside and outside the pocket before returning him to play. After a week of more optimistic limited practices, Friday's full practice confirmed he was ready to return. Expect little, if any, limitation due to the ankle. It's possible Garoppolo may need a few pass attempts to readjust to the speed of the game.

*Drew Lock | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time Decision -- GAME CANCELED (COVID)

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

The Broncos continue to evaluate Lock, who has missed two games with a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. Throwing in individual drills for two consecutive days is a positive sign Lock has not experienced any additional pain or fatigue in the shoulder after throwing. That does not mean he's returned to full strength and is ready to be cleared for contact.

Vic Fangio told reporters Lock is "not 100% healed" but is "pretty darn close."

I remain skeptical the Broncos will clear their franchise quarterback to return from a throwing shoulder injury until fully healed. Denver now plays on Monday night this week, giving the team an extra day to prepare, but I don't believe that works in Lock's favor due to the late-night travel to return from New England Monday night and relatively quicker turnaround he'll face the following week.

Expect Lock to rest one more week, then be considered probable for Week 6.

Saturday Update: After another limited practice on Saturday, Vic Fangio told reporters, "It's still up in the air as to who will play on Monday night."

Others of note: Josh Allen (shoulder) has practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play. Sam Darnold (shoulder) 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.

RUNNING BACK

Joe Mixon | Shin | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

For the second consecutive week, Mixon started the week healthy before being added to the practice report with an injury. Last week, a chest injury threatened to keep him inactive before a huge statistical performance. This week, it's a Thursday shin injury that has him questionable.

The shin injury doesn't appear to be a major concern. Mixon was described as moving through Friday's drills with little difficulty and multiple local reporters expect him to be available and capable of his usual workload.

Raheem Mostert | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Kyle Shanahan was not optimistic about Mostert returning earlier in the week. But Mostert looked good during a week of limited practice and is now considered a game-time decision. Shanahan told reporters Mostert would be given a chance for Sunday if he finished Friday's practice healthy.

The positive practice trend is countered by the care the Niners have taken in returning key offensive players this year. Jimmy Garoppolo wasn't cleared until he was fully recovered from a high ankle sprain. George Kittle was close to returning but given an extra week to recover. Expect San Francisco to take the same approach with Mostert with a capable depth chart to rely on behind him.

I'll update through the weekend if Mostert trends toward playing. If Mostert is active, expect a more limited role than usual.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter tweeted Mostert "should be good to play, per source."

Carlos Hyde | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Hyde was not cleared for contact after limited practices last week. His practice line looks similar this week and Pete Carroll was not optimistic about Hyde all week. On Friday, Carroll implied Hyde could play but the team may choose to rest him through the bye next week. That suggests the decision to make Hyde inactive has already been made despite the team listing him questionable.

^Zack Moss | Toe | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The Bills have provided no details about Moss' injury or recovery timetable. Last week, Moss had a full week of limited practice, was briefly described as trending upward, but was inactive. The practice line looks similar so far this week but is a tougher read with the Buffalo game time moved back to Tuesday as the NFL continues to manage the COVID outbreak in Tennessee.

It's not clear whether the Bills will practice on Saturday or Sunday or when the final game status report will be released. For now, continue to consider Moss as doubtful. Should he play, his pre-injury committee role is possible but 12-15 touches would be unlikely ceiling expectation.

Saturday Update: The Bills practiced and submitted a game status report on Saturday. Moss fully practiced for the first time since his Week 2 injury. He's listed questionable but looks to be trending toward playing Tuesday.

Others of note: Josh Jacobs (hip), Kareem Hunt (groin), Kenyan Drake (chest), Phillip Lindsay (foot), Cam Akers (ribs), and Jalen Richard (ankle) 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. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

*Michael Thomas | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

The Saints play on Monday night this week and have a bye in Week 6. Both factors make Thomas' Week 5 availability a difficult read.

Despite early optimism for Thomas' return and a number of recent limited practices, the tone from most writers -- national and local -- suggests the Saints are more likely to rest Thomas through the bye week and ensure he's fully recovered than return him to play this week if there's any question about the strength of his ankle.

Sean Payton has refused to comment on Thomas' condition since the injury occurred. Should that continue through Saturday's press conference, it's clear evidence Thomas will sit one more week. If the Saints list Thomas questionable and Payton discusses Thomas' availability at all, the chances of Thomas playing Monday night increase.

I'll update after Saturday's workout and game status report.

Saturday Update: Thomas was listed questionable by the Saints after Saturday's workout and the tone of the New Orleans' beat writers is changing. ESPN's Mike Triplett tweeted, "It looks like there is a good chance...Thomas will play since he has practiced for two weeks and got upgraded to questionable." I don't expect the Saints to address Thomas' condition. Hopefully, Adam Schefter adds another positive note on Thomas among his Saturday evening injury reports.

If Thomas is cleared to play, expect him to be close to full strength with a good chance of seeing his usual targets and effectiveness.

Sunday Update: There were overnight notes from Schefter but he did retweet Triplett's speculation that Thomas has a good chance to play. That stamp of approval is enough to push Thomas into the probable category. Have a hedge in place in case the Saints elect to be cautious on Monday night.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter tweeted Thomas will be out Monday night.

Julio Jones | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Prior to Friday's practice, Dan Quinn told reporters Jones would run on the side and test the strength of his hamstring. Quinn implied if Jones would be ruled out if the test didn't go well. The Falcons list Jones questionable on the game status report, suggesting Jones has a chance to play.

I think Jones is well to the doubtful side of questionable.

Jones missed Week 3 after aggravating his hamstring strain. He's repeatedly said his hamstring was preventing him to play at full strength and he didn't have full confidence in his health. After briefly trying to return last week, Jones managed only 15 snaps before leaving. He did not practice at all this week, did not discuss his condition with the media, and the team didn't clear him to do any running until Friday.

I see little chance the Falcons risk further aggravation and an even longer term absence this week. If Jones is active, he's at extremely high risk of limited effectiveness or being forced out early.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero report the Falcons plan to work Jones out pregame before making a determination on his status. Although Jones is capable of playing through limiting injuries, he's not been effective when less than full strength and has missed one game and been significantly limited in two others. If he plays, he's at high risk of reduced snaps, targets, and production.

Sunday Update: Jones is inactive.

^A.J. Brown | Knee | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The Titans have been working remotely for nearly two weeks. It's possible Brown is doing full-speed individual workouts and close to returning. It's also possible the team has been unable to rehab Brown as otherwise expected and does not have enough information to know whether he's ready to return. The Tuesday game time further complicates his projected availability.

There may be a detailed report on Brown by Sunday morning. But it's likely we'll see little information on Brown until Monday or later. Consider him doubtful until the team returns to the facility and he proves he's healthy enough to play.

Saturday Update: The Titans were cleared to return to team facilities on Saturday and held a brief practice. Brown was a full participant. The team says Brown will be evaluated through Sunday to see how he responded to practice but he's clearly trending toward playing.

Deebo Samuel | Illness | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Samuel had fever and fatigue on Thursday. While he tested negative for COVID, protocol is that symptomatic players and staff work remotely until cleared by multiple COVID tests. While Samuel wasn't cleared in time to practice on Friday, Shanahan told reporters Samuel reported no symptoms and expected his Friday test to be negative.

Expect Samuel to be cleared to return and play on Sunday.

Sunday Update: Samuel's COVID testing was negative and his symptoms have resolved. He was cleared to return to team facilities on Saturday and is expected to play.

^John Brown | Calf | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Saturday Update: Brown was listed questionable by the Bills after a limited Saturday practice. The team website changed Brown's injury designation to knee after listing him with a calf injury last week and earlier this week. Other writers shared a document that continued to show Brown's injury as a calf condition.

I suspect the knee listing is an error and Brown is continued to work in individual drills only with his minor calf strain. A questionable tag can be tough to read for a Buffalo player but Brown can be considered likely to play. Watch for a concerning overnight note from Adam Schefter.

Marquise Brown | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Ravens routinely list players who miss any practice time during the week as questionable. Brown fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. He's one of twelve players listed questionable by Baltimore. All are expected to be available. Brown should see his usual snap count and usage.

*Mike Williams | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The Chargers remain one of the least-reported teams in the league and Anthony Lynn rarely discusses injury specifics in his press conferences. Unfortunately, that leaves the injury report as our only guide in many cases. With the Chargers playing Monday night, the team won't hold it's final press conference until mid-day Saturday.

For now, I lean toward Williams being doubtful to play. The hamstring injury in Week 3 was significant enough to prevent Williams from returning to the game and kept him from practicing or playing in Week 4. The limited Friday practice shows the team has begun Williams' reconditioning process. That -- and the team's decision not to use injured reserve -- reassures that Williams has a 1-3 week strain rather than a higher-grade injury. But it doesn't mean Williams is on track for a full Saturday practice and return this week.

I'll update after Saturday's practice and press conference.

Saturday Update: Williams was limited in practice again on Saturday. Anthony Lynn told reporters he doesn't want "injured players on the field" but Williams will play if he's ready.

Henry Ruggs | Knee / Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Raiders often list players questionable when there's little doubt they are healthy enough to play. That looks to be the case with Ruggs, who fully practiced on Thursday and Friday and is now three weeks removed from a hamstring strain. All local writers expect Ruggs to play this week.

Others of note: Calvin Ridley (thigh/knee), Tyreek Hill (heel), Mecole Hardman (hamstring), Terry McLaurin (thigh), Adam Thielen (shoulder), Diontae Johnson (toe), JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), Laviska Shenault (hamstring), Odell Beckham (toe), Jarvis Landry (hip), DeVante Parker (ankle), Laviska Shenault (hamstring), and Jamison Crowder (hamstring) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. DeSean Jackson (hamstring), Alshon Jeffery (foot), Bryan Edwards (foot, ankle), and Breshad Perriman (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

Mark Andrews | Thigh | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Ravens routinely rest key players with minor injuries. The team also uses the questionable tag liberally. This week, Baltimore has twelve players listed questionable. All are expected to play, including Andrews. The lack of a full practice suggests Andrews required treatment for the thigh injury during the week but he was describing as moving well on Friday. All indications are he'll be available for his usual workload.

*Jared Cook | Groin | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Cook has returned to limited practices as he reconditions from a Week 3 groin strain. As noted in the Michael Thomas discussion above, the Saints are not discussing player injuries this year and have established a baseline of caution for player returns this year. With a Week 6 bye looming, it's more likely Cook rests to fully recover than play unless the Saints believe he's ready to fully contribute Monday night.

I'll update after Saturday's practice reports.

Jordan Akins | Ankle / Concussion | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Akins was not cleared for contact by the team on Friday and must pass further cognitive testing before he can be sent to the independent neurologist for clearance. The overall practice trend looks reassuring but we may not know whether Akins is cleared until inactives are released by the team.

Others of note: Darren Waller (knee), Will Dissly (Achilles), and Tyler Eifert (neck) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Noah Fant (ankle) 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: Tuesday night players with carat practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.