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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:

Sunday Decision

• RB Aaron Jones
• WR Marquise Brown
• RB Elijah Mitchell
• RB Cordarrelle Patterson
• WR Allen Lazard

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• WR Kadarius Toney
• WR Corey Davis

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Saquon Barkley
• WR Curtis Samuel
• RB Damien Harris
• RB Rhamondre Stevenson
• TE Hunter Henry
• TE Jonnu Smith
• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones

Expected to return from injured reserve / PUP

• RB Kareem Hunt -- activated Saturday
• TE Logan Thomas -- expected to be activated Monday

Ruled Out

• WR A.J. Brown
• WR Antonio Brown
• WR Sterling Shepard
• RB Michael Carter
• RB Rashaad Penny
• RB Travis Homer
• RB Jordan Howard
• TE Eric Ebron
• TE Ricky Seals-Jones
• RB JaMycal Hasty
• TE Kyle Rudolph

Remains on injured reserve / PUP

• RB Chris Carson

COVID-reserve | Inactive

• QB Joe Flacco
• QB Mike White
• WR Denzel Mims

QUARTERBACK

Lamar Jackson | Illness | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Jackson rebounded from last week's prolonged fever and stomach illness and fully practiced this week. It can take time to recover conditioning after these illnesses but Jackson told reporters he feels good and the Ravens did not include him on their game status report.

Aaron Rodgers | Toe | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Rodgers continues to play through a fractured toe. He did not appear significantly limited last week -- 385 yards, four touchdowns, and 21 yards rushing -- but complained of more pain after the game. Rodgers will play then hope for recovery during the Packers' bye week.

Others of note: Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral, shoulder) and Baker Mayfield (shoulder, foot) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Joe Flacco (COVID) and Mike White (COVID) are doubtful and unlikely to be active. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Aaron Jones | Knee | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Jones had a full week of limited drills and could play. The Packers list him questionable. However, there are multiple reasons Jones is unlikely to play.

The medical staff in Green Bay leans conservative and is more likely to recommend rest rather than return if a player isn't full strength. Matt LaFleur said, "You're...mindful of what you have in front of you. We never want to put somebody in a position where you could subject them to greater risk where they could be out of a longer period of time."

The Packers also have the luxury of A.J. Dillon, a back capable of running the entire playbook and handling 20+ touches.

Lean toward Jones being inactive and ready to go in Week 14. If he is active, he's likely able to see 10-15 touches.

Sunday update: Overnight reports from Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero suggest Jones remains a game-time decision. Schefter reports Jones "wants to play" but notes the bye week may come into play. If Jones is truly a game-time decision, his status won't be known until later this afternoon. The current best-case scenario remains a late decision to make Jones active and include him in 10-15 touches. There's still a number of factors for Jones to overcome to earn clearance to play.

Saquon Barkley | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Barkley admitted to reporters that his ankle injury continues to limit him. It's particularly evident when Barkley tries to change directions. He's lost footing multiple times since returning.

The Giants limited Barkley's playing time somewhat last week. He played 62% of the offensive snaps in Week 11, down from his pre-injury baseline of 80-90%, and had 12 of the team's 16 running back touches. Expect a similar 12-18 touch workload this week.

Elijah Mitchell | Rib / Finger | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Mitchell has yet to be cleared for contact but Kyle Shanahan told reporters the team believes they can protect Mitchell's surgically-repaired finger.

Local writers observed Mitchell doing more in drills than last week but there's no consensus on whether he's trending toward playing. Mitchell will need to prove he's comfortable with ball security, blocking, and receiving to be cleared to play. If Mitchell is active, he's likely to see the majority of San Francisco's running back touches.

I'll update with news throughout the weekend.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reported overnight Mitchell is expected to play.

Cordarrelle Patterson | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Patterson suffered a high ankle sprain two weeks ago. The Falcons likely knew Patterson was doubtful to play on the short turnaround to the Thursday night game in Week 10, so there was little upside in allowing him to practice as they did last week -- no matter how light the workouts were.

Two weeks of individual drills imply Patterson's injury is low grade. While that doesn't guarantee he's ready to return, it shows the Falcons believe Patterson is healthy enough to participate in drills rather than requiring further rehab.

Expect Patterson to play this week. An in-game aggravation remains possible but Patterson should be able to handle 10+ touches if active.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Patterson is "feeling much better this week" but the Falcons "will take it up to game time, making sure they are smart about" his return. Patterson remains on the probable side of questionable.

Damien Harris | Neck | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Rhamondre Stevenson | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

After sitting out Week 10 with a concussion, Harris is back on New England's injury report with a neck condition. The Patriots allowed Harris to speak to the media this week, something Bill Belichick doesn't allow unless a player is considered likely to play.

Stevenson's status is less clear. He was added to the Thursday practice report with a knee condition. Boston beat writers haven't indicated any concern but there's some chance Stevenson will be inactive or see a reduced workload.

As always, projecting workloads in the New England backfield is difficult. The Patriots played four backs in Week 11 -- and all four played between 17 and 26 snaps.

*Alex Collins | Rashaad Penny | Travis Homer - Awaiting Saturday reports

Seattle plays Monday night and likely won't post their Saturday practice report and final game status until late afternoon.

Collins is currently listed with an abdominal injury. He's been playing through a groin injury for weeks. That combination of conditions is concerning for a core abdominal muscle injury. Players often try to play through those but eventually require surgery. Two limited practices suggest Collins will be available to play.

Penny strained a hamstring last week and is yet to practice. Barring a Saturday surprise, he's likely to be inactive.

Homer was limited with a calf injury on Thursday and was unable to practice on Friday. Homer played only five snaps last week and his Friday absence likely means his first evaluation of the week did not go well. He'll likely also be inactive.

Saturday update: Collins fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and will play. Penny and Homer were declared out.

Kareem Hunt | Calf | Activated from injured reserve | Expected to play

On Wednesday, Hunt was hopeful but uncertain he'd be ready to play. By Friday, he'd reassured himself and the Browns he was healthy enough to play.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt all but confirmed Hunt would be activated on Saturday and return to his pre-injury role. Van Pelt said, "Adding him back in the mix as a third-down back and then spelling Nick [Chubb] and keeping both of those guys fresh is a big part of what we do well." Kevin Stefanski said Hunt is expected to play.

Hunt may not yet be ready for his pre-injury 25-40 snaps and 12-18 touches but expect him to return to a significant complementary role.

Saturday update: The Browns added Hunt to the active roster. He will play.

Others of note: Antonio Gibson (shin), James Robinson (heel, knee), Melvin Gordon (shoulder), and DOnta Foreman (triceps) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Michael Carter (ankle), Jordan Howard (knee), JaMycal Hasty (ankle), and Jeremy McNichols (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.

WIDE RECEIVER

Marquise Brown | Thigh | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Brown returned to a full week of limited practice. There is little speculation in the local media about Brown's status.

Last week, John Harbaugh said the Ravens were hopeful Brown could play after just one limited practice. Baltimore leans conservative during practice, allowing players to rehab rather than workout if needed. Many of their questionable players are cleared to play despite few practice reps.

I'll update through the weekend but tentatively expect Brown to be active.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports Brown is "likely to play...barring a pre-game setback."

Kadarius Toney | Quadricep | Doubtful | Likely inactive

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

Teams list players doubtful if there's any chance a Saturday evaluation could put them in line to play. It's much more likely a "doubtful" player will be downgraded to out.

Toney was only able to manage limited work on the rehab field this week -- with the already declared out Sterling Shepard -- and there are no reports the team feels he has a chance at a late-week upgrade. He will be inactive.

*Curtis Samuel | Groin | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Washington will release their final practice report on Saturday.

Samuel's status has been a difficult read in recent weeks. At varying times over the past ten days, reports had Samuel close to being declared out for the rest of the season, then listed questionable with a shot to play after just one practice in six weeks, then "looking good" in practice per Ron Rivera, then noticeably arriving late to practice on Friday.

Practice video showed Samuel changing directions and moving well, supporting Rivera's assertion. Expect another limited workout on Saturday and a questionable listing. Rivera suggested Washington would have Samuel on a snap count until he proved he was fully conditioned.

Corey Davis | Groin | Questionable > Doubtful | Likely inactive

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

A missed Thursday practice raised concern Davis may have aggravated a soft-tissue injury. Davis was able to return to drills on Friday and Robert Saleh told reporters Davis would be "good to go" on Sunday.

Saturday update: Davis was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday and is unlikely to play.

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

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

Peoples-Jones returned to drills on Thursday. More reassuringly, the Browns cleared him to practice again on Friday. Alex Van Pelt told reporters Peoples-Jones looked good on Friday and hoped to have him back on Sunday if there were no issues after Friday's practice. He's trending toward playing.

Allen Lazard | Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Lazard participated in drills all week but it's not yet clear whether he's been cleared for contact after a Week 10 shoulder sprain. Matt LaFleur told reporters the medical staff would evaluate all injured players after Friday's practice before making a recommendation on their status. Lazard has a good chance to play a rotational role.

Nico Collins | Hip | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Collins was added to the injury report with a hip condition on Thursday but returned to practice on Friday. Local reporters did not update his status on Friday. The Texans frequently list players questionable on Friday when they're expected to play. Consider Collins probable to go but check pregame inactives for confirmation.

Others of note: Davante Adams (shoulder), DK Metcalf (foot), Mike Evans (back), Chris Godwin (foot), Jarvis Landry (knee), and T.Y. Hilton (toe) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. A.J. Brown (chest), Antonio Brown (ankle), Sterling Shepard (quad), and Denzel Mims (COVID) 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

*Logan Thomas | Hamstring | Designated to return | Likely to play

Washington returned Thomas to practice for the first time since a Week 3 hamstring strain. Thomas felt soreness two weeks ago and needed continued rehab but has been more comfortable in workouts this week.

The team has until Monday afternoon to make roster decisions and has yet to release Saturday's practice notes. Expect Ron Rivera to tell reporters Thomas has a good chance to return on Monday night. Hopefully, Rivera officially confirms Thomas' status and provides some insight into Thomas' expected workload.

I'll update after Saturday's press conference.

Hunter Henry | Neck | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Jonnu Smith | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Both Henry and Smith played through injury last week and there are no indications the Patriots plan to deviate from their current rotation.

Others of note: Rob Gronkowski (back) fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play. Eric Ebron (knee), Ricky Seals-Jones (hip), Kyle Rudolph (ankle), and Adam Shaheen (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.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

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