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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

Please scroll down for full details, extensive updates, and the complete table of projected availability.

Game-time Decision

• RB Kenyan Drake
• TE Robert Tonyan Jr

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Matt Breida

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• QB Ben Roethlisberger
• RB Miles Sanders
• WR Jerry Jeudy
• TE T.J. Hockenson
• RB Damien Harris
• RB Mark Ingram
• WR NKeal Harry

COVID reserve

• WR Mecole Hardman

Activated from Injured Reserve

• RB Nick Chubb

Ruled Out

• RB Christian McCaffrey
• WR Kenny Golladay
• RB Joe Mixon
• RB Chris Carson
• RB Carlos Hyde
• WR Deebo Samuel
• RB David Montgomery
• RB Justin Jackson
• RB David Johnson
• WR Laviska Shenault
• RB Tevin Coleman
• TE Irv Smith
• TE Gardner Minshew

QUARTERBACK

Ben Roethlisberger | COVID list / Knee | Expected to Play

Roethlisberger was deemed a high-risk close contact COVID exposure early this week. Mike Tomlin implied Roethlisberger's daily COVID tests have all been negative and he has remained without symptoms. Tomlin expects Roethlisberger to be activated from the COVID list on Saturday.

Though unable to evaluate him in practice, the Steelers have remained optimistic Roethlisberger can play through last week's knee injuries. On Friday, Tomlin told reporters "the [knee injuries] weren't an issue at all anyway." Pittsburgh plans an "extended walkthrough" on Saturday to evaluate Roethlisberger's fitness and prepare him to play.

Saturday Update: Roethlisberger was activated from the COVID list this morning. There's no reason to doubt Tomlin's optimism about Roethlisberger's knees. Expect him to be active and play on Sunday.

Others of note: Josh Allen (shoulder), Drew Brees (shoulder), and Matthew Stafford (neck) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Gardner Minshew (thumb) has been ruled out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Nick Chubb | Knee | Designated to Return | Likely to Play

Chubb's recovery from a Week 4 MCL sprain has progressed as planned. Chubb told reporters this week he had little pain from his injury but needed time to regain stability in the knee joint. That's a common and important hurdle to be crossed in all MCL injuries, regardless of severity.

The Browns cleared Chubb to return to practice on Wednesday. After he responded well to individual workouts, Chubb chose to shed the brace and practiced again on Thursday and Friday without difficulty. Kevin Stefanski said Chubb "hit all benchmarks this week" and had no setbacks.

Stefanski wouldn't confirm Chubb would be moved to the active roster and play this week, saying the team's medical staff would make the final call. But that seems a formality now. Chubb is expected to play.

Cleveland's coaches and Chubb did not discuss his usage and role. The offense has not been as effective running the ball in Chubb's absence but Kareem Hunt remains a strong and capable option. Chubb's health and conditioning should be sufficient for him to see his pre-injury role and a full week of practice is reassuring. Expect a more even split with Hunt than what the team used in Week 2 and 3 -- but a 70-30 split in Chubb's favor is possible if he's productive early and the game script remains favorable.

Saturday Update: Chubb has officially been added to the active roster.

Miles Sanders | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Sanders returned to consecutive full practices at the end of the week and is expected to be fully recovered after a Week 6 knee sprain.

The Eagles continue to put the pieces of an injured offense back together. Sanders should return to his pre-injury role. The offensive line is slowly recovering from nagging injuries. In Week 8, the offense began to ease Dallas Goedert and Jalen Reagor back into play and the bye week will push their progress further. And Alshon Jeffery looks to return for the first time this season.

Expect Sanders to see his pre-injury usage immediately against the Giants. Pederson said he's comfortable giving Sanders as many touches as he can handle.

Chris Carson | Foot | Questionable | Inactive

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

Carlos Hyde | Hamstring | Questionable | Inactive

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

Carson did not practice all week but has been rehabbing and conditioning with the intent to return. Pete Carroll said the Seahawks were comfortable keeping Carson out of individual and team drills and hope he'll be able to recover in time to play. Seattle plans to put Carson through pre-game warmups before making a final decision. He's likely still to the doubtful side of questionable but his chances are better to play this week than last.

Earlier in the week, Carroll told reporters Carson was further ahead in his recovery than Hyde. However, Hyde was able to do some limited individual work on Friday and Carroll said Hyde "looked pretty good." Though the Seahawks list him questionable, Hyde has managed just a single limited workout since his Week 7 hamstring injury. It's unlikely he'll be cleared to play with so little reconditioning.

Sunday Update: The Seahawks have ruled Carson and Hyde out this week.

Kenyan Drake | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

After some initial concern that a Week 7 high ankle sprain may land him on injured reserve, Drake returned to a full week of limited practice coming out of the Cardinals' bye week.

Kliff Kingsbury told reporters the team would re-evaluate Drake on game day and make sure he "can do what he does best" before they clear him to play. That's not a rousing endorsement of Drake's ability to play. The Cardinals play a divisional game on the road against Seattle on Thursday night. Unless Drake is conditioned and at minimal risk of aggravation -- both seemingly unlikely at this point in his recovery -- it's likely the Cardinals will choose to give him more to rehab.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter is reporting Drake "has a good chance to play" as the Cardinals are hopeful he'll be healthy enough to play after a pregame warmup.

*David Montgomery | Concussion | Declared Out | Inactive

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

Montgomery was not cleared for individual drills on Friday -- nearly five days after last week's concussion. Though the Bears have a home Monday night game and have time to advance Montgomery through the exercise phases of the return to play protocol, it's concerning he's not yet been cleared for football-related activity.

Without a reassuring practice on Saturday, prepare for Montgomery to be inactive Monday night.

Saturday Update: Montgomery did not practice Saturday and was ruled out.

Damien Harris | Ankle / Chest | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The Patriots list more players questionable than any team in the league. Bill Belichick and his assistants rarely discuss player availability. But there are indicators that push players to one side of the questionable tag.

New England will not clear questionable-doubtful players to talk to the media. Last week, during Harris' first appearance on the injury report with an ankle injury, the Patriots allowed Harris to talk to the media throughout the week. He went on to play a season-high 28 snaps and post double-digit carries for the third consecutive week.

This week, after a chest injury suffered Monday night, Harris remained limited in practice. But the Patriots have again cleared Harris to speak in the locker room. Although he refused to directly address his availability, Harris repeatedly discussed the importance of staying ready and emphasizing the importance of being "available" to play. He looks likely to play.

Sunday Update: Harris is "hopeful to play" according to an Ian Rapoport tweet this morning.

Matt Breida | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Breida turned in a full week of individual drills this week but remains a game-time decision. Brian Flores didn't provide any guidance on Breida's chances during the week, saying the running back needed to "keep doing what he was doing" earlier in the week but would only say Breida would be listed questionable to play.

Sunday Update: Breida is not expected to play today according to overnight reports from both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.

Mark Ingram | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

After Wednesday's practice, local observers were impressed at how well Ingram moved through drills. The Thursday DNP looked concerning, possibly suggesting Ingram didn't respond as well to the increased work as hoped. But Gus Edwards strongly hinted Ingram would play in a Thursday media session and Ingram returned to a full Friday practice. The Thursday DNP now looks like a routine rest day.

The Ravens have multiple options in the backfield, making a reliable projection of Ingram's usage difficult. Expect a minor rotational role.

Others of note: Aaron Jones (calf), Mike Davis (toe), Darrell Henderson (quadriceps), Antonio Gibson (shoulder), DeeJay Dallas (arm/wrist), Travis Homer (knee), Troymaine Pope (neck), T.J. Yeldon (back), and Patrick Laird (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Christian McCaffrey (shoulder), Joe Mixon (foot), David Johnson (concussion), Tevin Coleman (knee), Justin Jackson (knee), and Devonta Freeman (ankle) have been ruled out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Jerry Jeudy | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Although his injury wasn't specifically defined, Jeudy is reportedly dealing with a bruise somewhere around or within his shoulder. Jeudy did not practice on Wednesday but was moving fluidly in Thursday individual drills and Vic Fangio said he was "pretty confident" Jeudy would play.

There may be some risk of aggravation during the game but Jeudy's range of motion looked strong enough on Friday to expect a full workload. The Broncos have significantly increased Jeudy's targets over the past two weeks -- 10 and 14 in the last two games -- as they rework their offense to get their playmakers more involved.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapaport tweeted Jeudy is expected to play.

*Allen Robinson | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Robinson has had limited practice reps in recent weeks due to knee soreness. He's likely to play this week and see his usual workload.

Alshon Jeffery | Calf | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Jeffery will make his season debut after suffering a calf strain at the end of his reconditioning process after a 2019 Achilles tear.

The Eagles plan limited packages and playing time for Jeffery in his first week. Doug Pederson told reporters it will take time for Jeffery to "get fully integrated into playing football" and said he didn't "want to crush Alshon physically...so we have to be smart with that."

Don't expect more than 2-3 targets for Jeffery.

NKeal Harry | Concussion | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

It's difficult to feel confident about Harry's availability but it seems unlikely he would participate in a full week of practice if the Patriots weren't preparing him to play. An overnight report will be helpful; otherwise, we won't know about Harry's status until pregame inactives are released.

Golden Tate | Knee | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Tate was inactive last week after expressing frustration with his usage. Though he left practice early on Thursday with a knee injury, observers felt the injury was mild and a return to practice on Friday also looks reassuring. Tate and Judge appear to have mended their strained relationship and both had positive statements on Friday. It's still unclear whether Tate will be active this week but he's expected to be healthy enough to contribute if active.

Others of note: Michael Thomas (ankle, hamstring), Chris Godwin (finger), Scott Miller (hip, groin), Adam Thielen (shoulder), Cooper Kupp (oblique), JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), Jarvis Landry (hip), D.J. Chark (illness), John Brown (knee), Sterling Shepard (shoulder, toe), and Tim Patrick (hamstring) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Kenny Golladay (toe), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), and Laviska Shenault (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

T.J. Hockenson | Toe | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Hockenson was on the injury report with a toe condition in Week 9. After a limited Wednesday workout, Hockenson fully practice on Thursday and Friday, was not listed on the injury report, played 61 snaps, was targeted 14 times, and had a huge 7-125-1 performance.

This week, Hockenson was not listed on the injury report on Wednesday before missing practice on Thursday, prompting concern for this week's availability.

Hockenson was able to return on Friday. Matt Patricia didn't specifically say Hockenson would play but his comments can be read as reassuring. Patricia said, "T.J. is a very tough kid. He pushes through a lot of stuff...We'll just kind of list him as we feel necessary and we'll see what [Friday] looks like and go from there."

Watch for overnight news on Hockenson but he looks to be on the probable side of questionable for now.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport is reporting Hockenson is expected to play.

Robert Tonyan Jr | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Tonyan has been on the injury report since Week 7 with an ankle injury but has not missed time and has continued to see his usual snap counts. But a limited Thursday workout followed by a missed Friday practice looks concerning for an aggravation. While the Packers' medical staff is conservative, they have allowed players to rest late in the week with known conditions at low risk of aggravation.

I'll update with any news before game time.

*Irv Smith | Groin | Declared Out | Inactive

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

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak told reporters he felt Smith was "trending in the right direction" despite two missed practices this week. Saturday's practice report will be informative.

Saturday Update: Smith was declared out.

*Cole Kmet | Groin | Questionable | Pending

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

Kmet has yet to practice this week and the team has not addressed his Week 10 availability. I'll update after Saturday's practice report.

Others of note: Darren Waller (back), Noah Fant (ankle), Austin Hooper (abdomen), Greg Olsen (foot), and Adam Shaheen (shoulder) 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: Tuesday night players with carat practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Fri