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

• RB David Montgomery (IR decision pending - MNF)

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• QB Kyler Murray
• WR DeAndre Hopkins
• RB James Robinson

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• QB Dak Prescott
• WR Deebo Samuel
• WR A.J. Brown
• WR CeeDee Lamb
• WR Amari Cooper
• RB Elijah Mitchell
• WR Robert Woods
• WR Cole Beasley
• WR Kenny Golladay
• QB Tua Tagovailoa
• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
• WR Rashod Bateman
• WR Sammy Watkins
• QB Sam Darnold

Expected to return from injured reserve / PUP

• RB Christian McCaffrey
• TE George Kittle
• RB Jeff Wilson
• WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• QB Tyrod Taylor

Ruled Out

• RB Saquon Barkley
• TE Dawson Knox
• RB Latavius Murray
• WR Sterling Shepard
• RB Damien Williams
• TE Eric Ebron

Remains on injured reserve / PUP

• WR Michael Gallup

COVID-reserve

• QB Aaron Rodgers
• WR A.J. Green
• TE Noah Fant

QUARTERBACK

Kyler Murray | Ankle | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Murray did not practice after injuring his ankle during the Thursday night game last week. The Cardinals seem willing to allow Murray to receive treatment up to pregame warmup but Murray's status sounds more doubtful than questionable.

Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Murray's ankle has made progress but would need to be able "to play at a high level in the pocket" to start this week. General manager Steve Keim said Murray could play but the Cardinals plan to "be smart" and "look at the bigger picture."

Video showed Murray's injury to be more than a mild low ankle sprain. Jay Glazer reported Murray was expected to need 1-3 weeks to recover. As Murray is considered a game-time decision after ten days with no practice, it's unlikely Murray is capable of fully protecting himself in the pocket. If he is active on Sunday afternoon, do not expect any designed runs and the possibility of long scrambles is very low.

The Cardinals travel to San Francisco on Saturday. It's possible Murray won't make the trip and be declared out well in advance of tomorrow's game. It's more likely Murray will travel and continue treatment through Sunday morning. Still, unless there's a very reassuring overnight report, prepare for Murray to be inactive.

Sunday update: Overnight reports are not optimistic on Murray. The usual "will work out in pregame warmups" tweets have been sent but Murray's status is being described as "an uphill battle" and "not a ton of optimism" he'll play.

Dak Prescott | Calf | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Prescott was medically cleared to play last week but the Cowboys chose to allow him another week to return to form. Prescott's Wednesday workout went well and he returned to full practices at the end of the week. The Cowboys do not expect any limitations for Prescott.

Vice President Stephen Jones said Prescott's calf was "healed and ready to go" and the team feels "100% better" about Prescott's status this week. There's a small risk of aggravation but expect Prescott to be capable of handling the full playbook this week.

Tua Tagovailoa | Ribs / Finger | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Tagovailoa is dealing with soreness and swelling of a finger on his throwing hand and was limited in practice. Brian Flores told reporters the finger injury affected Tagovailoa in practice through the week and the team is closely monitoring his status but expects him to play.

Sam Darnold | Concussion / Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to play

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

In his Friday press conference, Matt Rhule said Darnold could be active, active as P.J. Walker's backup, or inactive. Unfortunately, it's more difficult than usual to read Darnold's practice line. The shoulder injury and the concussion are both threatening his availability.

The limited status is likely more related to the shoulder injury. It's unlikely the Panthers would be discussing the possibility of Darnold playing unless they were comfortable with his progression through the concussion return to play protocol during the week. Teams routinely schedule the final clearance exam by the independent neurologist for after Friday's practice or Saturday morning. That's a hurdle Darnold is likely to clear.

The throwing shoulder injury is the more concerning injury, especially if the concussion protocol likely limited some of Darnold's rehab earlier in the week. Of the three options offered by Rhule, the least likely is Darnold as the opening snap starter. If he's not healthy enough to start, it makes little sense for the Panthers to have him active. Expect Darnold to be ruled out.

Saturday update: Darnold has cleared concussion protocol but remains questionable due to the shoulder injury.

Sunday update: Updates on Darnold yesterday mostly noted he had cleared concussion protocol. Adam Schefter's note was more direct as he tweeted the Panthers had "cleared Darnold to play." Overnight, Ian Rapoport reported a source said Darnold would "at minimum" be a backup "with hopes that he'll start and play the entire game."

Sunday update: Adam Schefter is reporting the Panthers now expect Darnold to start.

Tyrod Taylor | Hamstring | Activated from IR | Expected to play

Taylor was moved to the active roster on Saturday and will return as Houston's starting quarterback.

Others of note: Justin Herbert (hand), Matthew Stafford (back), Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral, hip, shoulder), and Taysom Hill (concussion) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Aaron Rodgers is on COVID-reserve and will be inactive. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Christian McCaffrey | Hamstring | Activated from IR | Expected to play

McCaffrey was designated to return this week and the Panthers remain "hopeful" he will play. Matt Rhule told reporters the Panthers would limit McCaffrey's playing time if he was active and the team still needed to see how McCaffrey felt during "more explosive work" on Saturday.

Those comments may sound reassuring but there are multiple holes in what the team is saying publicly.

McCaffrey has already experienced one setback in his recovery. What was originally termed a very low-grade hamstring strain has now required six weeks of rehab. The team and McCaffrey admitted they may have tried to return too quickly prior to the aggravation a month ago. It's difficult to understand why the team would clear McCaffrey for a limited workload less than a week after returning him to practice -- especially when they feel he needs an "explosive" Saturday workout to prove his game readiness.

If this is all coach-speak and McCaffrey is close to full health, the Saturday workout is meaningless and he may see 10-15 touches in his first week back. It's much more likely McCaffrey isn't yet fully conditioned and needs another week to recover. I'll have more on McCaffrey through the weekend.

Saturday update: McCaffrey was activated by Carolina on Saturday. The workouts at the end of the week must have gone well. Rhule has said McCaffrey will have a limited workload, so expect 10-15 touches. If he finishes the game healthy, he'll be cleared for a return to his full-time role next week.

Elijah Mitchell | Rib | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Jeff Wilson | Knee | Activated from IR | Likely to play

Mitchell returned to play last week after injuring his ribs but was not cleared for contact in practice this week. Beat writers felt Mitchell was moving well during individual drills on Thursday and Friday. There's little reason for Mitchell to take contact during the week and that's not always a sign a team plans to keep a player with a rib injury inactive.

The Niners' running back depth may affect their decision-making this week.

San Francisco opened the practice window for Jeff Wilson this week. Wilson, whose return from meniscus surgery in May has been eagerly anticipated, has rapidly improved over the past month and has a chance to play. Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wilson could be active if Mitchell was unable to go. That's unexpectedly specific and could be telling.

I think it's most likely Mitchell is active with JaMycal Hasty and Trey Sermon seeing more snaps than usual. Pushing Wilson to return after reports of an October setback and a late November return seems counter-productive to his recovery but Shanahan said Wilson looked "as good and ready as he could be." It's difficult to believe Wilson is ready for double-digit touches right away. Do not expect him to replace Mitchell and immediately assume a full workload.

I'll update as more details get reported through the weekend. If the Niners move Wilson to the active roster on Saturday, it's an ominous sign for Mitchell's availability.

Saturday update: Wilson was moved to the active roster on Saturday. Shanahan strongly implied that would happen only if Mitchell was not cleared to play.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport both reported overnight Mitchell is expected to play. Schefter tweeted the Niners are "uncertain how long he'll be able to go." It's difficult to know whether Mitchell will be the lead back and play as much as he's able or whether San Francisco will limit his carries to protect him throughout the game.

James Robinson | Heel | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

The Jaguars say Robinson is working through a bruised heel. The injury happened along the Seattle sideline and was not visible on any broadcast or All-22 view.

Urban Meyer told reporters Robinson was improving from one day to the next. Meyer implied Robinson's ability to play was based on pain tolerance and said Robinson was "as tough a guy as I've ever been around." While that sounds optimistic, Jacksonville is likely waiting to see how Robinson responds to Friday's workout before clearing him to play.

Reporters described Friday's practice as more of a walkthrough and it remains unclear whether Robinson leans probable or doubtful or whether Carlos Hyde could see more snaps if Robinson is active and cleared to play.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter is reporting "the Jaguars don't sound optimistic [Robinson] will play."

*Damien Williams | Knee | Declared out | inactive

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

*David Montgomery | Knee | Designated to return | Likely to play

Williams did not return to last week's game after just two touches and has yet to practice. Specifics on his knee injury are unknown but all indications through Friday's practice are he'll be inactive.

Matt Nagy was excited to have Montgomery back at practice early this week but stopped short of saying he was expected to play. The Bears do not have to report Montgomery's practice status and there are no local reports about his progress this week. Chicago has to move Montgomery to the active roster on Saturday to have him eligible to play.

Nagy said Montgomery would return as the team's primary back when healthy. If Montgomery is active, it's unlikely he'll see 15+ touches in his first week back. The Bears would likely allow his game conditioning to improve while continuing to rely on the strong start of rookie Khalil Herbert.

I'll update after Saturday's practice report and transactions. Even with Williams doubtful, the team's Week 10 bye may prompt them to give Montgomery more time to recondition.

Saturday update: Williams did not practice and was declared out. Nagy said Montgomery looked good in practice and has "a really good chance" to be activated. The Bears have until Monday afternoon to move Montgomery to the active roster but he's now trending toward playing in a limited role on Monday night.

Others of note: Austin Ekeler (hip), Chase Edmonds (shoulder), and Carlos Hyde (calf) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Saquon Barkley (ankle), Latavius Murray (ankle), Tevin Coleman (hamstring), and Justin Jackson (quadricep) 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

Deebo Samuel | Calf | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Samuel played through what Kyle Shanahan described as a calf contusion last week and had another week of elite production with six catches for 171 yards on nine targets.

Unfortunately, Shanahan said Samuel felt worse this week than last week. Last week, Samuel was able to return to a full Friday practice and was taken off the team's injury report. This week, Samuel said he was feeling better each day but chose to continue rehab instead of fully practicing.

Samuel is likely more probable than questionable but he may see fewer snaps and targets than usual as the team tries to ensure he's available when needed late in the game.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports the Niners believe Samuel will play but have concerns about his ability to finish the game. Expect fewer snaps and targets and the possibility he sits early if he struggles.

A.J. Brown | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Brown was added to the injury report Friday. There are no indications this is a new injury and it's reasonable to assume the Titans are managing reps and prioritizing treatment when needed for Brown, who had arthroscopic cleanup surgery on both knees in the offseason.

Brown talked to the media on Friday and addressed the team's addition of Adrian Peterson and how the offense might change in Derrick Henry's absence. It's unlikely Tennessee would have made Brown available if concerned about Brown's status.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport reports Brown "should be fine" today.

CeeDee Lamb | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Amari Cooper | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Michael Gallup | Calf | Remains on injured reserve

Lamb and Cooper were limited in practice but both are expected to play with minimal limitation.

Midweek injuries are difficult to analyze. Generally, teams aren't going at full speed and severe ankle injuries are uncommon. Defenders aren't tackling aggressively, if at all, and it's rare for a player to be in a body position that risks a high ankle injury. Mike McCarthy never seemed concerned about Lamb's injury, describing the injury as a "rolled ankle." Lamb returned to practice on Friday as expected.

While it would have been more reassuring to see Cooper off the practice report coming out of the bye, he's expected to be available for a full snap count.

McCarthy said Gallup looked good on Friday but his status remains unknown. If the Cowboys move Gallup to the active roster on Saturday, he should be available for rotational duty.

Saturday update: The Cowboys did not activate Gallup. He remains on injured reserve.

DeAndre Hopkins | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Hopkins rarely misses games. And he's played and been effective and productive on gameday after not practicing in previous weeks. But this week feels different.

Hopkins did not practice leading into last Thursday's game. That wasn't unexpected after a hamstring injury in Week 7 limited him in the second half. Hopkins aggravated his injury during the game Thursday night and had to sneak himself back on the field in the second half against his team's wishes.

Arizona acknowledged Hopkins' toughness during the week, referencing his history of playing through injury. But Kliff Kingsbury set an expectation early this week that this aggravation would be difficult for Hopkins to overcome. Kingsbury said he "wasn't sure [Hopkins] will be able to go this week or not." The Cardinals didn't address Hopkins' status any further during the week and Kingsbury said he was a game-time decision on Friday.

Prepare for Hopkins to be inactive. If Hopkins plays, he's at high risk of limited snaps during high-leverage situations and is unlikely to see more than 3-5 targets.

Sunday update: Hopkins remains unlikely to play. Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport report little optimism Hopkins will go.

Robert Woods | Foot | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Woods managed only a limited Friday practice but is expected to play.

Sean McVay told reporters Woods was "feeling better" and "making good progress" through the week. The team chose to be careful with Woods rather than stress the injury during individual drills. McVay said he expected Woods to play.

Last week, Woods played 58 of 67 snaps -- essentially a 100% week as the starters were all rested during the nine snaps of the final fourth-quarter series -- and was productive. Expect him to be available for a full route tree and target expectation.

Cole Beasley | Ribs | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Beasley did not practice until Friday when he returned to the field in a non-contact jersey. Sean McDermott expects him to play against Jacksonville. There are no indications of a limited workload, though it's possible the Bills could rest Beasley if he's in pain and a big lead allows them to rest veterans with injury.

Kenny Golladay | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

The Giants will continue to evaluate Golladay through the weekend but he's considered likely to play after back-to-back individual sessions to end the week.

Donovan Peoples-Jones | Groin | Questionable | Likely to play

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

There are no local reports on Peoples-Jones, who missed last week's game with a groin injury. On Thursday, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt hinted the Browns were targeting this week for Peoples-Jones' return. Van Pelt was "hopeful" Peoples-Jones would be ready to play.

Sunday update: Per Ian Rapoport, Peoples-Jones is "expected to take [Odell Beckham's] place as starter" today.

Rashod Bateman | Groin | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Sammy Watkins | Thigh | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Bateman did not practice on Friday with a "groin" designation. John Harbaugh described Bateman's condition as "nothing serious" and said Bateman "has a real good chance for Sunday." It's worrisome to see the groin designation so soon after his return to play from a preseason core abdominal muscle repair. Harbaugh's comments are reassuring but watch Bateman's status and play carefully this week.

Watkins has a chance to play after returning to limited practices on Thursday and Friday but remains questionable.

The Ravens play on Thursday night next week. That's a bigger issue for Watkins than Bateman but could play into Baltimore's decision-making for both receivers.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport notes Watkins is considered a "game-time decision with a good shot to go."

Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Hamstring | Activated from IR | Expected to play

Valdes-Scantling returned to practice this week. The Packers haven't discussed his status but will have to declare their intentions on Saturday. If Valdes-Scantling is added to the active roster, he will likely see a rotational role immediately.

Saturday update: Valdes-Scantling was activated on Saturday and will play.

*Darnell Mooney | Groin | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Mooney had been off the practice report for the first time in weeks but was again listed as limited on Friday. If Mooney practices Saturday, he'll likely be listed questionable but play. If he's a DNP on Saturday, there's more concern.

Saturday update: Mooney was limited on Saturday and is likely to play.

Others of note: Tyreek Hill (ankle), Julio Jones (hamstring), Jarvis Landry (knee), Kadarius Toney (thumb), Russell Gage (groin), Jalen Reagor (ankle), Chris Conley (calf), and Terrace Marshall (concussion) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. A.J. Green is on COVID-reserve and will be inactive. Sterling Shepard (quad) 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.

TIGHT END

George Kittle | Calf | Activated from IR | Expected to play

Kyle Shanahan confirmed Kittle would be activated and return against Arizona. When asked whether Kittle would be limited in his first week back, Shanahan scoffed and said he "hadn't heard of people managing a tight end...they play every play usually."

While playing through the calf injury during the first four weeks of the season, Kittle was on the field for 95%, 100%, 100%, and 92% of San Francisco's offensive snaps. All indications are Kittle looked comfortable in practice after a reportedly low-grade calf strain. He should be immediately ready for a full workload and high target count.

Saturday update: Kittle was moved to the active roster as expected and will play.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reported Kittle will be on a snap count today and expected to play "roughly half the game." Expect a slight decrease in his target count but Kittle can be productive in high-leverage situations.

Albert Okwuegbunam | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Okwuegbunam was limited with a knee injury this week but there are no reported concerns about his availability. His status is critical with Noah Fant on the COVID-reserve list and unlikely to clear protocol in time to play. If Okwuegbunam was unlikely to play, it's likely the local media would be discussing alternatives.

*Eric Ebron | Hamstring | Declared out | Inactive

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

Ebron returned to practice on Friday but his status remains unclear. I'll update after the Steelers' Saturday practice and game status report is released.

Saturday update: Ebron did not practice and was ruled out.

Jonnu Smith | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Smith was limited in practice last week, listed questionable, but was active for 49 snaps. His workload should be similar this week.

Others of note: Travis Kelce (neck), David Njoku (neck), and Brevin Jordan (ankle) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Noah Fant is on COVID-reserve and will be inactive. Dawson Knox (hand) and Blake Jarwin (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.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

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