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 | Awaiting Information

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB DAndre Swift
• QB Daniel Jones
• RB Salvon Ahmed

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• QB Lamar Jackson
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Terry McLaurin
• WR Deebo Samuel
• RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
• RB Todd Gurley
• RB Myles Gaskin
• QB Matthew Stafford
• WR Jerry Jeudy
• RB David Johnson
• QB Tua Tagovailoa
• RB Carlos Hyde
• RB Phillip Lindsay
• QB Cam Newton
• RB Mark Ingram
• TE Zach Ertz

COVID reserve (Inactive)

• TE Mark Andrews
• RB James Conner
• RB Matt Breida
• WR Larry Fitzgerald
• WR Willie Snead
• RB A.J. Dillon

Activated from Injured Reserve

• RB David Johnson
• RB Myles Gaskin

Ruled Out

• RB Josh Jacobs
• WR Kenny Golladay
• TE Jonnu Smith
• RB Alexander Mattison

QUARTERBACK

Kyler Murray | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Murray is now more than two weeks from a sprain to his throwing shoulder. Last week was Murray's least productive game of the season, with no touchdowns and just 201 total yards, raising concern that he was significantly limited by his injury.

The shoulder did not appear to hinder him while throwing in the second half of his Week 11 game and the Cardinals were optimistic about his passing fitness leading into last week's game. Murray completed over 67% of his passes last week and didn't appear hindered. Whether Murray would be cleared to run with his usual abandon was a bigger question. Late this week, Murray said the Patriots' game plan was the reason he ran just five times for 31 yards, arguing that the New England defense forced him to hand the ball to his running backs.

Murray's full week of practice is reassuring the Cardinals will again put in a full game plan. His health is a minor concern. The matchup against the Rams may also prove difficult, however, with the physical Jalen Ramsey on DeAndre Hopkins. Divisional rival games are often lower scoring and Murray struggled at times against Los Angeles last season.

Lamar Jackson | COVID+ | Likely to Play

Jackson can be activated from the COVID list on Sunday. Confirmed COVID+, it's not known whether Jackson has a symptomatic illness or has fully recovered. There have been no national or local media notes suggesting Jackson will not be available for Tuesday night's game. He'll need medical clearance and his status may not be confirmed until Monday's roster moves. I'll update with any overnight news.

*Ben Roethlisberger | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Roethlisberger was given a dual designation all week long with a Not Injury Related note listed ahead of the knee condition. There were no reported concerns throughout the week and the knee condition didn't come up in Roethlisberger's Friday press session. I don't expect Roethlisberger to be limited Monday night but watch for additional details to develop overnight.

Matthew Stafford | Thumb | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Stafford remains limited by an injury to his throwing thumb but there are no indications he'll be unable to play. It's possible the Lions will have both DAndre Swift and Danny Amendola back this week but Stafford will not have Kenny Golladay back for at least another week.

Cam Newton | Abdomen | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Newton will play this week. He told reporters "It's football. I'm feeling as good as I should be feeling." Newton will continue to get his abdomen injury treated -- the Patriots and Newton have not revealed any injury specifics -- through the weekend. If Newton is dealing with a muscle injury, it's likely in the core abdomen (a.k.a. sports hernia) group of injuries and will likely linger through the rest of the season. Expect his accuracy to suffer, particularly on downfield passes.

Tua Tagovailoa | Thumb | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Like last week, Tagovailoa was limited in practice as he works to get used to a supportive wrap on his thumb and hope his grip strength returns. Like last week, there was early week optimism about Tagovailoa's status. Like last week, Brian Flores seemed much less certain about Tagovailoa's availability in his Friday press conference, openly questioning the injury's impact on Tagovailoa's accuracy and velocity.

The Dolphins are again saying they'll need to evaluate practice film before making a decision. It sounds official but likely a new form of coaching diversion. The Dolphins know exactly how Tagovailoa's thumb strength and comfort stands going into the weekend. Tagovailoa says he's feeling good and wants to play but continues to defer to the medical staff for the final decision.

It's possible Tagovailoa will be cleared to play but they've already stated a clear intention to protect their franchise quarterback until fully recovered. If that remains the standard, Flores' comments and practice participation suggest Tagovailoa will miss another week.

Saturday Update: Leigh Steinberg, Tagovailoa's agent, posted that he is flying to Miami to watch Tagovailoa play. While not confirmed, that's a strong indication the Dolphins may have cleared Tagovailoa to play.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted that Tagovailoa took "most of the first-team reps" in practice and expected to play.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Lamar Jackson (COVID+) -- Likely to Play

Others of note: Josh Allen (knee, ankle), Philip Rivers (toe), and Sam Darnold (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Daniel Jones (hamstring) is listed doubtful and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Dalvin Cook | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Cook returned for just five touches after a low-grade ankle sprain last weekend. He bristled at a reporter's suggestion he may be "wearing down" early this week, saying "I don't think you'd ask Derrick Henry or anybody else" that question. He returned to a full practice on Friday, is not listed on the game status report, and will play.

There have been hints from local media that the Vikings may choose to limit Cook's workload some this week if the game script cooperates against Jacksonville. Mike Zimmer told reporters Cook was "fine" after offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said Cook was "beat up" in an earlier interview.

On Wednesday, Zimmer said the team wants to "be smart about how we use him." It's possible we'll see more Alexander Mattison this week but don't expect a markedly decreased workload unless the Vikings have a multiple touchdown lead. Should that happen, it's likely Cook has already played a major role.

Saturday Update: Alexander Mattison has been ruled out after having surgery for appendicitis. Expect Cook to see his usual workload without Mattison to threaten for a larger role.

Josh Jacobs | Ankle | Declared Out | Inactive

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

Devontae Booker | Back | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Raiders tried to be optimistic on Jacobs' status after an early-week MRI was reported to show only a minor ankle injury. Video suggested that injury was a high-ankle sprain, a near-impossible recovery for a running back within seven days of injury regardless of its severity.

Booker had a back designation on the injury report but fully practiced and will be the lead back for Las Vegas.

DAndre Swift | Illness | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Swift's practice report has been an adventure this week.

Swift was listed as limited with a concussion on Wednesday, two weeks after noticing symptoms during a Thursday practice. On Wednesday, comments from teammate Adrian Peterson suggested Swift was still trying to recover and wasn't yet himself in practice.

On Thursday, multiple beat writers reported Swift had been cleared by the independent neurologist but had been sent home with an illness. He's yet to return to the team facility and remains questionable.

Though Darren Bevell said the team had stayed in touch with him, Swift has had very little practice over the past two weeks and would be available for a limited role only. Don't be surprised if the Lions choose to rest Swift this week and return him to a full week of practice before clearing him to play. If he is active, 10-12 touches would seem to be his ceiling.

Saturday Update: Swift has been downgraded to doubtful. The Lions will likely have him back next week.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Illness | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Andy Reid said Edwards-Helaire was fighting a stomach illness. The team "thinks we're going to get him back" for Sunday night's game.

Sunday Update: Edwards-Helaire was reportedly "feeling much better late Saturday" and Ian Rapoport said the team remains hopeful he can play tonight.

Carlos Hyde | Toe | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Toe injuries are always concerning for running backs. Hyde's Thursday DNP heightened concern but it is not unusual for Seattle players to rest on Thursday and play. That's likely to be the case with Hyde, who returned to a limited Friday practice and said to be "good to go" by Pete Carroll.

Chris Carson was already expected to see more work after the Seahawks successfully worked him back into the rotation last week. With a toe injury potentially limiting Hyde, expect the split to be at least 60-40 in Carson's favor this week.

Todd Gurley | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Gurley returned to a limited practice on Wednesday after taking a week off to recover from Week 11's "battle wounds" -- which seems very likely to be a flare of his arthritic knee condition. The Thursday DNP was a worrisome development but a tweet from D. Orlando Ledbetter implied it may just have been "his rest day." Gurley returned to individual drills on Friday and is questionable.

The Falcons did not address Gurley's condition and he did not speak with the media. If this is related to his arthritic knee, there's very little chance Gurley will be at his pre-flare strength in the coming weeks.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Gurley is expected to play barring a pre-game setback.

David Johnson | Concussion | Activated from Injured Reserve | Expected to Play

The Texans' decision to move Johnson to injured reserve after a concussion was curious and ominous. It was reassuring to see Johnson designated to return at his first opportunity and all reports have been positive this week.

Local reporters uniformly expect Johnson to be added to the active roster on Saturday. He should see his pre-concussion workload immediately.

Saturday Update: Johnson was activated and will play.

Phillip Lindsay | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Broncos were optimistic Lindsay would play early this week and he progressed to a full Friday practice. The questionable tag in Denver often translates to probable. That should be the case with Lindsay as Vic Fangio told reporters the Broncos expect him back.

Limited video of Lindsay's individual workouts posted to Twitter showed him moving well laterally. It's been difficult to project a heavy workload for Lindsay this season regardless of his health but 8-12 touches is a reasonable expectation

Myles Gaskin | Knee | Activated from Injured Reserve | Likely to Play

Gaskin has not yet been moved to the active roster but has participated in practice for two weeks. Local writers expect Gaskin to play this week. Brian Flores said the team would make a collaborative decision with the medical staff and front office on Saturday.

Salvon Ahmed is doubtful and unlikely to play. Matt Breida was added to the COVID list on Friday. After initially being listed with an illness, it's likely Breida is COVID+ and won't return for at least ten days. Backup DeAndre Washington is also doubtful with injury. If Gaskin is added to the active roster, he may see 20+ touches immediately.

Saturday Update: Gaskin was activated and will play.

Kalen Ballage | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Ballage returned to a full Friday practice and is likely to be available to play. Austin Ekeler had 14 carries and 11 catches on 16 targets in his Week 12 return and was not included on the injury report at all this week. It's not likely Ballage will see more than a handful of touches.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• James Conner (COVID+) - Inactive
• Matt Breida (COVID+) - Inactive
• A.J. Dillon (COVID+) - Inactive

Others of note: Alvin Kamara (foot), Dalvin Cook (ankle), Chris Carson (foot), Kareem Hunt (thigh), and Jordan Wilkins (ribs) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Josh Jacobs (ankle), Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), DeAndre Washington (hamstring), and Travis Homer (wrist, knee) 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

Julio Jones | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Jones and the Falcons have not been inclined to allow his chronic hamstring issues to fully recover this year and it appears unlikely they'll start now.

After struggling through a Week 11 aggravation and missing Week 12 -- his third missed game this season -- Jones returned to a limited practice on Friday and told reporters he was "healthy and ready to go."

When Jones talks to the media, he's guaranteed to play. It's difficult to project his targets or his likelihood of making through a game without a setback. Jones feels the week off was helpful. He said there "wasn't one route that limited" him on Friday and "I feel really good going into Sunday's game."

There's a wide range of outcomes for Jones this week but that level of confidence puts a ceiling WR1 expectation in play alongside the ongoing possibility of a 1-2 target struggle.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, and James Palmer are all reporting Jones will play today.

*Terry McLaurin | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Thurs - Not Listed | Fri - Limited | Sat - Full

McLaurin was given a veteran day of limited practice with an ankle injury last week, returned to a full Friday practice, and played his usual 90+% of the offensive snaps. Expect that pattern to be confirmed after Saturday's practice. The extra day of treatment prior to Monday night's game will also help.

I'll update after the game status report is posted.

Saturday Update: McLaurin was listed questionable but fully practiced Saturday. He is expected to play.

*Deebo Samuel | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Kyle Shanahan told reporters Samuel's Thursday missed practice was a planned rest day. There was no indication of aggravation during last week's game and Samuel returned to a full Friday practice. Unless there's a surprise on Saturday's injury report, expect Samuel to be available for a full workload Monday night.

Allen Robinson | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Robinson routinely has a veteran rest day during the week. The Bears commonly use the questionable tag on players they expect to play. There's no indication Robinson is at risk of missing time this week.

Jerry Jeudy | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Jeudy fully practiced on Friday and is expected to play. It's unlikely last week's 22-snap effort was evidence of a significant ankle condition. The Broncos had no incentive to risk Jeudy's health with Kendall Hinton unfamiliar with the playbook and unable to complete downfield plays with accuracy. With an NFL-caliber quarterback under center this week, Jeudy should return to his previous usage.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Larry Fitzgerald (COVID+) - Inactive
• Willie Snead (COVID+) - Inactive

Others of note: Calvin Ridley (foot, ankle), Allen Lazard (core), Michael Thomas (ankle), A.J. Brown (hip), Tyler Lockett (knee), Jarvis Landry (hip), Sterling Shepard (hip, toe), Darius Slayton (shoulder, foot), Nelson Agholor (ankle), D.J. Chark (ribs), Danny Amendola (hip), Adam Humphries (concussion), and Breshad Perriman (shoulder) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Kenny Golladay (hip) and Marquez Callaway (knee) 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

Zach Ertz | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Ertz is off the injury report and will return to play this week. Over six weeks have passed since Ertz last played and Doug Pederson told reporters the Eagles will "have to be smart" with his snap count.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Mark Andrews (COVID+) - Inactive

Others of note: Hayden Hurst (ankle), Jacob Hollister (knee, neck), Marcedes Lewis (knee), and Dan Arnold (knee) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Jonnu Smith (knee) and Irv Smith (back) 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.
^Note: Tuesday night players with carat practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.