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.

Awaiting Information | Game-time Decision

• RB James Conner
• TE Mike Gesicki -- INACTIVE
• RB Salvon Ahmed -- ACTIVE
• RB Chase Edmonds
• RB Alexander Mattison

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Antonio Gibson
• QB Daniel Jones
• RB Duke Johnson Jr

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• QB Drew Brees
• RB Ezekiel Elliott -- INACTIVE
• QB Matthew Stafford
• WR DeVante Parker -- INACTIVE
• RB Melvin Gordon
• RB Phillip Lindsay
• WR Jamison Crowder
• RB James White
• TE Evan Engram

COVID reserve (Expected to be Inactive)

• RB Ronald Jones II
• RB Myles Gaskin

Activated from Injured Reserve

• QB Drew Brees (anticipated)

Ruled Out

• RB Christian McCaffrey
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Michael Thomas
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR Deebo Samuel
• QB Alex Smith
• RB Damien Harris
• TE Kyle Rudolph
• QB Brandon Allen

QUARTERBACK

Drew Brees | Ribs | Injured Reserve / Designated to Return >> Activated | Expected to Play

Brees injured eleven ribs and suffered a punctured lung in two separate games five weeks ago. He's now recovered enough to play. Under Sean Payton, the Saints have been a difficult team to read.

New Orleans coaches and players kept Brees' status quiet until the end of the week. Payton told reporters Brees needed to show he was fully healthy to be cleared to play suggesting that there were still pain management and range of motion questions to be answered. On Friday, it was revealed Brees had taken first-team practice reps all week -- a clear sign the team has expected him to play all along.

Brees hasn't been added to the active roster but that's a procedural formality. He will start this week. Even if Brees has recovered enough to be cleared, there are reasons to be concerned about his effectiveness and snap count.

Brees will be wearing protective equipment and the Saints will undoubtedly ensure the game plan and protection assignments limit his chance of taking an unexpected hit. While Brees is among the league's best at managing the pocket and avoiding sacks, any hit to his chest wall will be risky. The Saints are without Michael Thomas this week, reducing his underneath options. And it's likely New Orleans will use Taysom Hill in more situations than they may have before Brees' injury. Velocity, accuracy, and game processing speed may all be limiting factors in his first series back.

Saturday Update: Brees was moved to the active roster.

Daniel Jones | Hamstring | Questionable | Inactive

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

Jones was limited in the pocket during the second half last week, struggling through hamstring soreness that affected his mobility and an ankle sprain that further complicated his play.

The Giants remained hopeful Jones would recover in time to feel comfortable starting. A canceled Thursday practice made timely evaluation difficult. Though there were indications Jones looked okay in Friday's limited workout, early Saturday morning reports suggest the Giants are leaning toward starting Colt McCoy.

Watch for more information through the weekend but prepare for Jones to be a backup this weekend. If he plays, he's at risk of leaving early and will not be a running threat.

Saturday Update: Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport are both reporting McCoy will start. Jones is out this week.

Matthew Stafford | Rib / Thumb | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Stafford nearly always plays through pain. The Lions shut him down last season with fractures in his back but are rarely able to keep him off the field. Currently playing through a torn ligament in his throwing thumb, Stafford is working to convince the team he can play with a limiting rib cartilage injury.

After participating in a limited Friday practice when he was expected to rest, the Lions say Stafford will travel to Tennessee with the team. It's difficult to believe he'd be allowed to travel if he wasn't playing.

Expect Stafford to go through warmups after pain management planning but plan on him being available. Inaccuracy and in-game aggravation will be concerns.

Saturday Update: Ian Rapoport confirms Stafford is "preparing to play" and likely to start.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• None

Others of note: Josh Allen (knee, ankle), Tua Tagovailoa (thumb), Philip Rivers (toe), and Sam Darnold (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Alex Smith (calf) and Brandon Allen (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.

RUNNING BACK

Ezekiel Elliott | Calf | Questionable | Expected to Play -- INACTIVE

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

Although a contusion is generally less of a concern than a strain, it's clear Elliott is less than full strength.

After working to reassure reporters he would play through soreness last week, Elliott played 63% of Dallas' offensive snaps. That's where Elliott has been for the past two months. However, the usage distribution between Elliott and Tony Pollard changed. Last week, Elliott had 14 touches to Pollard's 13. Whether that was due to game script -- the Cowboys blew out the Bengals -- or evidence that Elliott is not healthy enough to be a full-time contributor is the primary question.

Elliott will play this week. But his Friday DNP and Mike McCarthy's comment that Elliott is "further away this week than he was last week" confirm Elliott is not full strength.

The limitations of the Dallas rushing offense (Andy Dalton inconsistency, offensive line injuries), presence of Pollard, and injury issues leave Elliott at risk of another game with fewer than 15 touches. He's tough to trust as more than a boom-bust RB2.

Sunday Update: Elliott is inactive.

Raheem Mostert | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The news on Mostert this week was confusing.

Early week reports noted Mostert was dealing with ongoing soreness in his ankle. The Niners were concerned enough to send him for imaging and he did not practice on Wednesday. Reassuringly, however, Mostert's MRI did not show an aggravation of his Week 6 high ankle injury and he was cleared to return to practice.

The full Friday practice suggests Mostert and the Niners were relieved by the MRI findings and his condition improved by the end of the week. He is not listed on the game status report and will play.

The Niners routinely split carries among their backs and Mostert and Jeff Wilson have divided carries in the past two weeks, regardless of their relative health. Expect that division of labor to continue this week.

*James Conner | Quad | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Conner returned to a limited practice on Friday. In Pittsburgh, that's generally a strong sign a player will be cleared to play on game day. A Saturday DNP would mean Conner did not respond well to the Friday workout and be in danger of missing Monday night's game. For now, the trend looks promising.

I'll update after Saturday's practice.

Saturday Update: The Steelers list Conner questionable after another limited practice. Pittsburgh did not discuss whether Conner was likely to play.

Antonio Gibson | Toe | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

Gibson returned to a limited Friday practice, his first workout in two weeks. Dealing with a painful turf toe injury, Gibson has been reportedly progressing well in rehab and Ron Rivera said Gibson "looked decent" on Friday.

While the improvement and limited practice argues Gibson could play next week, there's little chance Gibson is active this week.

Melvin Gordon | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Phillip Lindsay | Hip | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Early in the week, Vic Fangio told reporters he expected both Gordon and Lindsay to be available. While shoulder and hip conditions can be limiting injuries for running backs, the continued consecutive practices from both players suggest they'll be active this week.

Damien Harris | Ankle | Questionable | Inactive

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

James White | Foot | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

There's been very little news on Harris, who was added to the practice report on Thursday with an ankle condition, or White. That's usually a good sign in New England. The beat writers there are well versed in the Belichick Way and will usually subtly hint when the questionable tag is concerning. There's no indication either Harris or White is in danger of missing this week's game.

Saturday Update: The Patriots ruled Harris out this afternoon.

Salvon Ahmed | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Ahmed has missed multiple weeks with a shoulder injury. He's progressed well over the past two weeks and seems to have been cleared for contact on Friday. After wearing a red jersey for two weeks, Ahmed was in a normal practice jersey on Friday. He's trending toward playing.

If Ahmed is active, it's unclear how the Dolphins will approach their running back usage this week. Myles Gaskin will not clear COVID protocols before the game. Matt Breida is back from the COVID list. DeAndre Washington and Lynn Bowden and Patrick Laird all saw time in the backfield last week.

Sunday Update: Ahmed is active.

Alexander Mattison | Illness | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Mattison had an appendectomy two weeks ago and began the return and reconditioning process this week. The full Friday practice is notable but not necessarily a clear indication he's ready to play. If Mattison is active, he's unlikely to see many carries.

Duke Johnson Jr | Neck | Questionable | Inactive

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

Johnson did not practice on Friday, which Romeo Crennel previously said was necessary for Johnson to play. Expect him to be inactive.

Sunday Update: Johnson did not travel with the team and has been ruled out.

Chase Edmonds | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Edmonds struggled to recover from an injured ankle this week. The limited practice leaves open the possibility Edmonds will be active and play. But there's little chance for anything more than a reduced role. Expect Kenyan Drake to see a heavier workload on Sunday.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Edmonds "plans to play" today but wants to test his fitness in pregame warmups.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Ronald Jones II (COVID list) -- Still on list whether close contact or positive test, was already doubtful to play with finger injury
• Myles Gaskin (COVID+) -- Will not clear protocol by gameday, will be inactive

Others of note: James Robinson (knee), Chris Carson (foot), Carlos Hyde (toe), Adrian Peterson (forearm), and Peyton Barber (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Christian McCaffrey (thigh), Antonio Gibson (toe), 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

DeVante Parker | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play -- INACTIVE

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

A full week of limited practice and Parker's recent history of playing through hamstring soreness suggest he's on the probable side of questionable. In game aggravation and limitation are concerns. I'll update if overnight news pushes him toward doubtful status.

Sunday Update: Parker is expected to play through "a minor hamstring strain" according to Adam Schefter.

Sunday Update: Parker is inactive.

Jamison Crowder | Calf | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Unlikely previous weeks, Crowder was able to return to consecutive practices this week. He's trending toward playing.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Marquise Brown (COVID contact) -- Activated and will play
• Miles Boykin (COVID contact) -- Activated and will play

Others of note: Tyreek Hill (illness), DK Metcalf (ankle), A.J. Brown (ankle), Calvin Ridley (foot), Robert Woods (thigh), Jarvis Landry (hip), Brandin Cooks (neck), Jerry Jeudy (ankle), Allen Lazard (core), and Breshad Perriman (shoulder) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Julio Jones (hamstring) and Kenny Golladay (hip) 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

Evan Engram | Calf | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Engram was added to the injury report on Friday with a calf injury. The Giants did not address his condition with the media. No local reporters have speculated that Engram is in danger of missing the game. Expect him to be available but watch for overnight news and notes.

Mike Gesicki | Shoulder | Questionable | Inactive

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

Gesicki appeared to dislocate his shoulder last week. Generally, it takes a week or two for a player to recover enough strength, stability, and range of motion to play -- even with the support of a harness. Gesicki returned to practice on Thursday and Friday and is listed questionable.

The Friday practice is compelling. That could be read as Gesicki and the Dolphins feeling good about how Thursday's individual drills went. There's still a good chance Gesicki is conditioning rather than preparing to play and will be inactive this week. If he is cleared to play, expect limited snaps and the possibility of a small number of high leverage targets only.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Gesicki "improved enough during the week to have a real chance of playing."

Sunday Update: Gesicki is inactive.

Jimmy Graham | Hip | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Graham routinely gets veteran rest days during the week. The hip condition and midweek downgrade raise suspicion of a new concern but the consecutive limited practices are reassuring. The Bears use the questionable tag liberally and it's not reason for additional concern.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Graham "looked good in practice" and is expected to play.

Austin Hooper | Back | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

David Njoku | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Hooper has recovered well from a neck injury that kept him out last week. His tight end coach praised Hooper's week of practice. He is expected to return.

Njoku has dealt with knee soreness often in his career. While it's unusual to see the end of the week missed practice, Kevin Stefanski told reporters Njoku's absence was precautionary and the Browns are optimistic he'll play Sunday night.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• None

Others of note: Noah Fant (illness), Marcedes Lewis (knee), and Trey Burton (knee) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Kyle Rudolph (foot) and Jace Sternberger (concussion) 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

* = playing on Monday night
^ = playing on Saturday