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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

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:

Current Status on High Impact Injured Players

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:

Game-time Decision

• QB Dak Prescott (trending doubtful)
• RB Austin Ekeler (trending probable)
• TE Rob Gronkowski (trending probable)

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Alex Collins
• WR Sterling Shepard
• WR Kadarius Toney
• WR T.Y. Hilton
• TE Evan Engram
• WR Kendrick Bourne
• TE Jonnu Smith

Expected to return from injured reserve

• WR Jerry Jeudy
• TE Albert Okwuegbunam

Ruled Out

• WR Antonio Brown
• RB Saquon Barkley
• RB Miles Sanders
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Corey Davis
• TE Dawson Knox
• WR Curtis Samuel
• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
• QB Zach Wilson
• TE Eric Ebron
• RB Tevin Coleman
• RB Darrynton Evans (IR)
• RB Chris Evans
• QB Taysom Hill

COVID-reserve

• HC Matt Nagy

QUARTERBACK

Dak Prescott | Calf | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

The Cowboys -- primarily Jerry and Stephen Jones -- were publicly optimistic in the 7-10 days after Prescott's Week 6 calf strain. Unfortunately, the tone shifted as this week progressed. Though all involved kept their optimistic tone, there was considerably more hedging in their statements by the end of the week.

Mike McCarthy told reporters Prescott was sore after Thursday's rehab work and said that the decision to play Prescott impacted more than just Week 8. Jerry Jones said Prescott was "preparing to play" but backup quarterback Cooper Rush took every first-team rep during live team sessions this week. Prescott participated in walkthrough sessions only. Prescott himself said, "I don't want [the injury] to linger. I don't want this to be week after week..."

Dallas has yet to close the door on Prescott playing. Local reporters believe the Cowboys want to see how Prescott looks in a Saturday walkthrough session before the team leaves for Minnesota. The betting markets have already made their decision. The line on the Dallas-Minnesota game moved five points in the Vikings' favor by the end of the week, a massive swing that can only mean bookmakers strongly believe Prescott will not play.

Consider Prescott doubtful unless specifically reported otherwise on Saturday. I'll update later in the day.

Saturday update: Prescott reportedly had a PRP injection this week to calm inflammation and speed healing in the calf earlier in the week. He made the trip with the team to Minnesota but the team has yet to declare himself the starter. Reports indicate the Cowboys will evaluate him tomorrow morning and in pregame, giving him a chance to play.

Sunday update: Overnight reporting continues to argue the Cowboys are willing to wait until Prescott's pregame warmup to decide whether he will play. Ian Rapoport says Prescott and team are aligned in hoping Prescott can play "but if there is any doubt at all, the organization won't risk it." This feels like gamesmanship at this point -- if Prescott had PRP injections earlier in the week, it's unlikely he's recovered enough to play without risk of aggravation. Unfortunately, unless you're willing to roster and play Rush or have Kirk Cousins or Daniel Jones as a hedge (I'm assuming you're not worried about Prescott's status if you have Patrick Mahomes), it's best to not have Prescott in your lineup.

Baker Mayfield | Shoulder | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Mayfield is cleared for contact and will play. Soreness and range of motion have improved but the underlying condition remains. Despite a more extensive and protective harness, any contact to the shoulder at a stressful angle will risk another dislocation.

Others of note: Tua Tagovailoa (ribs), Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral, hip), Teddy Bridgewater (oblique), and Trey Lance (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Zach Wilson (knee) and Taysom Hill (concussion) have been declared out and will not play. Tyrod Taylor (hamstring) will remain on injured reserve. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Austin Ekeler | Hip | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Brandon Staley told reporters Ekeler did not have a specific injury event on Wednesday, saying Ekeler "just had a little bit of soreness in his hip." Staley further reassured the media by saying Ekeler felt much better on Thursday evening and Friday and the Chargers were "real hopeful [Ekeler] can play."

It seems the week-ending DNPs were more caution than concern. That's not unusual in Los Angeles, where Keenan Allen and Mike Williams -- and Ekeler himself -- have missed late-week practices and still played a full complement of snaps over the past two seasons. Watch for overnight clarification but expect Ekeler to play and likely see his usual workload.

Sunday update: ESPN is reporting Ekeler has confirmed to their sources he'll play today. And Twitter is sharing Ekeler's Instagram story in which he's put himself in his personal fantasy team's lineup. All indications are he's healthy enough to see 15-20+ touches.

*Saquon Barkley | Ankle | Declared out | Inactive

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

The Giants play Monday night and haven't had Saturday practice, media sessions, or released their game status report yet.

Barkley has not practiced in nearly three weeks and has gone inside for treatment rather than do on-field rehab again this week. It's highly unlikely he'll be cleared to play with no football-related conditioning. Expect him a Saturday DNP and the Giants to rule him out on the game status report. It's now possible the Giants will give him through their Week 10 bye to recover.

Saturday update: Barkley has been declared out.

DAndre Swift | Groin | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Jamaal Williams | Thigh | Questionable | Likely to play >> INACTIVE

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

Last week, Detroit suggested that players who weren't fully practicing would see a reduced snap count. It seemed odd the Lions would decrease the usage of Swift (and T.J. Hockenson), their most dynamic playmakers. And they didn't. Swift played 52 of 69 snaps, his typical ~75% usage, and touched the ball 22 times. Expect the same this week.

Williams was added to the injury report with a thigh injury. There doesn't seem to be local concern for his availability but watch for overnight news of concern.

Sunday update: Williams is inactive today.

Alex Collins | Groin | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Collins was very limited in practice through last week's Monday night game but had 17 touches to Rashaad Penny's six. Limited again with a day less to prepare for this week's game, Collins looks ready to play after returning to a limited Friday practice. It's possible the Seahawks give Penny more touches if he responded well to his first game action in weeks but Collins' floor should be in the 10-12 touch range.

Others of note: Nick Chubb (calf), Jonathan Taylor (ribs), Nyheim Hines (ribs), Antonio Gibson (shin), Alexander Mattison (shoulder), and Giovani Bernard (knee, chest) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Miles Sanders (ankle), Darrynton Evans (knee-IR), Tevin Coleman (hamstring), Chris Evans (hamstring), and Jordan Wilkins (illness) 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

Mike Williams | Knee | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Williams told reporters he struggled with tightness in his knee against Baltimore two weeks ago but his knee responded to rest through the bye week. Williams has experience in playing through the same knee condition and said his knee felt great through a full week of practice. He's not listed on the injury report and can be expected to return to his previous usage.

Deebo Samuel | Calf | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Samuel did not practice on Wednesday but Kyle Shanahan wasn't concerned about his availability in media interviews. That optimism was supported by a brisk return to a full Friday practice and Samuel not being listed on the game status report. There may be some small risk of an in-game aggravation but all indications are Samuel is expected to see his usual role in the offense.

Jerry Jeudy | Ankle | Activated | Expected to play

Jeudy was designated to return from injured reserve last Friday and looked likely to return earlier in the week.

However, the Broncos held Jeudy out of practice on Friday after he felt soreness during drills. Vic Fangio said Denver was taking "the conservative route and giving him a rest day and a full rehab day" rather than allowing him to practice. Fangio said the team was "still optimistic" Jeudy would play this week but wouldn't commit to the team putting him on the active roster.

Though Jeudy's status is more in doubt than expected, he's likely to play. If the Broncos activate him, he's unlikely to see a full complement of snaps. 4-6 targets would be an optimistic ceiling.

Saturday update: Jeudy will be activated and is expected to play. Our Cecil Lammey tells me Jeudy looked good in practice. The Broncos appear comfortable Jeudy's soreness is an expected part of his reconditioning. It's possible he may not be held back much this week.

*Sterling Shepard | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

*Kadarius Toney | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

Practice Participation: Thurs - DNP | Fri - Limited

Shepard participated in individual drills on Thursday and Friday and was moving without limitation. He may not be upgraded to a full practice on Saturday but is expected to be available and ready for a full workload on Monday night.

Local writers are impressed by Toney's rapid improvement and the consensus is he's on track to return this week. He's trending probable. Generally, it's best to expect limited usage in the first week back from an aggravated injury. But Toney's could see significant touches immediately.

Saturday update: Shepard and Toney were both listed questionable. Shepard is expected to play. Toney continues to trend favorably.

Odell Beckham | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Beckham is playing through injuries to both shoulders and likely needs surgery on at least one shoulder. He told reporters he has no plans to have surgery during the season and will continue to play. He's listed questionable but will be available.

Michael Gallup | Calf | Designated to return | Likely inactive

Gallup is making progress from an early-season calf injury but isn't ready to play. Stephen Jones said Gallup is unlikely to play this week but his return "is right around the corner."

T.Y. Hilton | Quadricep | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Hilton looked good in his return to drills on Thursday and was cleared for a full Friday workout. The Colts list him questionable but expect him to return against Tennessee. There's a risk of aggravation but veteran wide receivers are often able to adjust their play to limit risk.

Kendrick Bourne | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Bourne suffered a sprained AC joint last week and was limited in practice. He is expected to play.

DeVante Parker | Shoulder / Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Parker looks likely to return for the first time in weeks. Local reporters had been pessimistic on Parker's status for much of the past two weeks but the tone changed this week. Watch for overnight clarification but Parker looks likely to be active.

Others of note: DK Metcalf (foot), Terry McLaurin (hamstring), Adam Thielen (foot), Chase Claypool (hamstring), Jarvis Landry (knee), Allen Robinson (ankle), and DeVonta Smith (headache) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Antonio Brown (ankle), Kenny Golladay (knee), Julio Jones (hamstring), Corey Davis (hip), Curtis Samuel (groin), Dyami Brown (knee), Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin), and Terrace Marshall (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.

TIGHT END

Rob Gronkowski | Ribs | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Gronkowski was cleared to practice in pads this week, suggesting the medical staff is comfortable with him taking contact. Bruce Arians told reporters he was pleased with Gronkowski's practice. Tampa Bay listed him questionable on the game status report and there are no reports confirming he'll play but the trend is reassuring. The Buccaneers have a Week 9 bye and could give Gronkowski the additional recovery time. But it's unlikely they'd put him in pads during the week if that was the plan. Expect Gronkowski to be active.

Sunday update: Local beat writer Rick Stroud tweeted, "There is still some doubt whether [Gronkowski] will play." Stroud was told Gronkowski is "trying" but his status may not be known until after warmups. Practice in pads is not the same as NFL game speed and contact. The Bucs Week 9 bye may be factoring into this decision, too. Consider an early game option if you have no late afternoon or primetime game hedges.

*Evan Engram | Calf | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Engram was limited in practice last week and didn't look comfortable in drills. His snap count was down slightly but he was targeted as much as usual. The return of Sterling Shepard and Kadarius Toney will be a bigger factor in Engram's usage than his injury this week. Barring a surprise on the Saturday game status report, expect Engram to be active in his usual role on Monday night.

Jonnu Smith | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Smith traveled with the team to Los Angeles and is likely to be active.

Albert Okwuegbunam | Hamstring | Activated | Expected to play

The Broncos have been hopeful Okwuegbunam can return this week. We'll know after Saturday's transactions whether he's been added to the active roster or will remain on injured reserve another week.

Saturday update: Okwuegbunam was activated and will contribute this week.

Others of note: Travis Kelce (neck), T.J. Hockenson (knee, ankle), Ricky Seals-Jones (quadricep), and O.J. Howard(ankle) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Dawson Knox (hand) and Eric Ebron (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.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.