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

• WR Deebo Samuel (lean probable)
• RB Tony Pollard (lean doubtful)
• RB J.D. McKissic (lean doubtful)
• WR Brandin Cooks (lean probable)

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• TE T.J. Hockenson

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Joe Mixon
• WR Mike Williams
• RB Saquon Barkley
• WR Tee Higgins
• WR Sterling Shepard
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR Curtis Samuel
• TE Zach Ertz
• RB Melvin Gordon
• QB Mike Glennon

Expected to return from injured reserve / PUP

• RB Chase Edmonds (Monday decision)
• WR Julio Jones
• TE Hayden Hurst

Ruled Out

• RB Elijah Mitchell
• WR Elijah Moore
• RB DAndre Swift
• QB Daniel Jones
• RB Travis Homer
• WR Randall Cobb
• RB Tevin Coleman
• TE Harrison Bryant

Remains on injured reserve / PUP

COVID-reserve | Expected to remain inactive

• WR Keenan Allen
• RB Darrell Henderson
• RB Jamaal Williams
• RB David Johnson
• RB Mark Ingram
• RB Ty Montgomery
• TE David Njoku
• RB Jalen Richard
• RB Mike Boone
• QB Jordan Love

QUARTERBACK

Joe Burrow | Finger | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Burrow quickly recovered from the pain and discomfort he felt while throwing during the second half last week. He returned to a full Friday practice and was throwing without the aid of tape or a glove. He should not have any significant throwing limitations on Sunday.

Mike Glennon | Concussion | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Glennon was cleared by an independent neurologist after Friday’s practice and is expected to start.

Others of note: Aaron Rodgers (toe), Taysom Hill (foot), Justin Fields (ribs), Baker Mayfield (foot, shoulder), Jared Goff (illness), Teddy Bridgewater (tibia), and Zach Wilson (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Daniel Jones (neck) has declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Joe Mixon | Illness | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Mixon did not practice with illness all week. Zac Taylor told reporters Mixon tested negative for COVID throughout the week and was expected to be available.

Local reporters noted Mixon was outside at practice on Friday, suggesting he could have practiced if the team felt it was necessary. Doug Kyed, a Pro Football Focus reporter based in Cincinnati, reported Mixon’s illness was “a slight bug” but he has “since recovered.”

Conditioning can be an issue for players returning from a multiple-day illness. It appears Mixon was already improving on Friday, giving him as much as 72 hours to rehydrate and recover for Sunday’s game.

He’s likely to see a full workload.

Alvin Kamara | Knee | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Kamara said he was “as close as I could have been to putting on a helmet” last Thursday. Interestingly, both Sean Payton and Kamara said it was a hamstring concern that kept him inactive last week – although the team didn’t list a hamstring condition on the injury report this week or last week.

Kamara told reporters the hamstring strain was minor but the team elected to remain cautious and not set him back. A full week of practice suggests the hamstring injury is not a concern.

With the knee sprain now a full month behind him, Kamara should be capable of his pre-injury workload immediately. With Mark Ingram and Ty Montgomery both out with COVID, Kamara could see 20+ touches in his return.

Chase Edmonds | Ankle | Designated to return

The Cardinals haven’t addressed Edmonds’ status since designating him to return earlier in the week.

Arizona has shown caution with critical offensive talents returning from injury. Both Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins were held out with the final weeks of the regular season and playoffs in mind. It’s unlikely Edmonds would be cleared to return to drills after a high ankle sprain unless they felt he had a chance to play.

The team does not have to move Edmonds to the active roster until Monday, but Kliff Kingsbury will be asked about Edmonds’ availability after Saturday’s practice.

Expect Edmonds to be active. With James Conner playing well, Edmonds may not immediately see his pre-injury workload. However, 10-12+ touches are possible immediately.

Sunday update: Kingsbury said Edmonds would be a pre-game decision on Monday. Edmonds did work into individual drills all week but did not participate in live reps according to local reports. It's possible Edmonds will be active and see enough snaps to be productive but his status is too questionable to trust in lineups unless you have a strong Monday hedge.

Saquon Barkley | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

The Giants list Barkley questionable but there’s no concern about his Week 14 availability.

Barkley looked improved at times last week but he recognizes the ankle injury continues to limit his big-play ability. Barkley called the ankle condition “nagging” and is hoping to find more confidence in future weeks. Expect 15-20+ touches this week.

The injury isn’t the only limiting factor for Barkley. The Giants travel to the West Coast to face the Chargers, are again without starting quarterback Daniel Jones, and the wide receiver depth chart continues to be challenged by injury.

*Darrell Henderson | Quadricep | COVID-reserve

Practice Participation: Thurs - Limited | Fri - Limited

The Rams sounded optimistic about Henderson’s status until late last week. After continued missed practice time, Henderson was active but did not play a single snap in Week 13.

Henderson has participated in some individual drills this week but has primarily been in rehab. Sean McVay usually tells reporters when there’s no concern with an important player. He did so last week with Henderson before pulling back on Friday. He’s not listed Henderson among those limited in practice but expected to play.

McVay also told reporters he appreciates “steadiness” in his running backs and local reporters continue to suggest the coaching staff is struggling to game plan a rushing attack with Henderson’s injury history.

Sony Michel does not have a history of consistent health – but is currently healthy and coming off a highly-productive week in which he played 66 of 68 snaps.

Unless the Rams sound much more optimistic after Saturday’s workout, expect Henderson to be inactive or limited to fewer than 10 touches with Michel taking the majority of the snaps again this week.

Saturday update: Henderson did not practice due to illness and was later placed on COVID-reserve. He will not play.

Tony Pollard | Foot | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Pollard suffered a plantar fascia injury on his long touchdown run last Thursday. Some reports suggest Pollard tore the plantar fascia, others suggest the injury is a smaller, partial tear. The distinction is important – often, a partial tear causes more problems during the healing process – but not critical for analyzing Pollard’s chances of playing this week.

Pollard says the lack of practice and rest helped him but acknowledges he’s a Sunday decision. The Cowboys are likely trying to manage with injections to assist healing and may try to get Pollard through the game with injections and an orthotic.

It’s unlikely Dallas will be able to manage Pollard’s pain effectively enough for him to see his usual workload. With Ezekiel Elliott off the injury report, it won’t be surprising to see Pollard rest an additional week.

Expect limited touches if Pollard is active. It’s also possible he’s active but held out as an emergency option to play only if Elliott is unable to continue.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Pollard is "fighting" to play today. Rapoport's sources say Pollard "does have a chance to play but there isn't a lot of optimism for it."

Sunday update: Jay Glazer and others are reporting Pollard's pregame workout was brief and not reassuring. Expect him to be inactive.

Jeff Wilson | Knee | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Wilson played only two snaps last week after what Kyle Shanahan described as a periodic “flare” in his surgically-repaired knee.

Shanahan said Wilson commonly needs a “couple days” to recover from these issues. Reassuringly, Wilson was able to return to full practices on Thursday and Friday. With Elijah Mitchell out with a concussion and an unclear knee condition, beat writers expect Wilson to start.

In Week 11, with Mitchell out with a finger injury and JaMycal Hasty still recovering from an aggravated ankle injury, Wilson handled nearly 60% of the 49ers’ offensive snaps. Though active, Hasty played just one snap last week.

The Niners did not list Wilson on the final game status report and do not appear to have a high concern for an in-game aggravation. Predicting Shanahan’s backfield usage is difficult but Wilson looks likely to get the first series. If he’s comfortable and effective, expect him to get 12+ touches with a high ceiling. It’s also possible his knee is still not ready for full-speed game action.

I’ll update with any overnight news and context.

Melvin Gordon | Hip | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Gordon returned to a full week of limited practices after missing last week’s game with a hip condition. Gordon was cleared to speak with the media and expects to play. Vic Fangio told reporters he “believed” Gordon would play.

Mike Boone tested positive for COVID on Friday and was moved to the COVID-reserve list. It does not appear that Gordon or Javonte Williams will be considered close contacts, suggesting they’re vaccinated. If neither test positive on Saturday, expect Gordon to be active in a supporting role behind Williams this week.

J.D. McKissic | Concussion | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

McKissic was in pads and participating in drills through on Thursday and Friday. Washington listed him questionable but it’s not yet clear whether McKissic will see the independent neurologist for clearance.

He’s trending positively but monitor his status through the weekend for confirmation. Expect him to return to his supporting role immediately if cleared.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports McKissic will not play. That suggests he was not sent for clearance or did not receive clearance for full contact yet. If that hasn't happened by Saturday night, it's not happening on Sunday morning. Expect McKissic to be inactive.

Sunday update: Ed Werder is reporting McKissic will not play.

Others of note: Austin Ekeler (ankle), Elijah Mitchell (concussion, knee), Ezekiel Elliott (knee), James Robinson (heel, knee), David Montgomery (shoulder, groin, glute), Josh Jacobs (ankle), Alex Collins (abdomen), David Johnson (illness, thigh), Jeremy McNichols (concussion), and Jermar Jefferson (illness) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. DAndre Swift (shoulder), Tevin Coleman (concussion), and Travis Homer (calf, 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.

WIDE RECEIVER

*Cooper Kupp | Toe | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Kupp was limited with a toe injury on Thursday but fully practiced on Friday. Sean McVay said the Rams were not worried about Kupp’s toe injury.

I’ll update after Saturday’s practice report. Expect Kupp to be available for his usual targets on Monday night.

Sunday update: Kupp practiced on Saturday, is not listed on the injury report, and should play without limitations.

Deebo Samuel | Groin | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

The Niners list Samuel questionable and he reportedly has a chance to play.

Samuel’s groin injury was reportedly low grade and his initial return timetable was 1-2 weeks. Samuel told reporters this strain was progressing as a similar injury did in 2019 when he returned after missing just one game. He also admitted he did not yet feel fully recovered but was “continuing to get better every day.”

With only a single limited practice in the two weeks since the injury, it’s unlikely Samuel is full strength or in condition to return. He remains on the doubtful side of questionable and would unlikely see a full workload if active.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reported overnight Samuel "will play" while Ian Rapoport tweeted Samuel "really does have a good shot to play."

Mike Williams | COVID-reserve

Williams is an unvaccinated close contact of Keenan Allen and subject to a five-day isolation period. Thus far, he remains without symptoms and has reportedly continued to test negative. If that holds through Saturday – his fifth and final day of isolation – he will be cleared to play.

Sunday update: Williams was activated on Saturday and will play.

Tee Higgins | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Higgins returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. Video of the injury last week did not suggest a high ankle sprain and Higgins seemed more comfortable as the second half progressed last week.

Zac Taylor told reporters Higgins will play. There is a small risk of an in-game aggravation but Higgins should be good for a full workload.

Elijah Moore | Quadricep | Questionable > Injured reserve

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

Moore did not practice this week with a quad injury.

Local reporters said Moore would test his injury on Thursday and Friday but was never cleared to participate in drills. The Jets sometimes list players questionable after not practicing but it’s very unlikely those players are cleared to play on Sunday.

Saturday update: The Jets will place Moore on injured reserve. He will not be eligible to return until Week 17.

Julio Jones | Hamstring | Activated from injured reserve

Jones was designated to return early this week, participated in all practices, and looks likely to return. The Titans need offensive playmakers with Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown on injured reserve. Jones should see targets immediately.

Saturday update: Jones was returned to the active roster and will play.

Sterling Shepard | Quadricep | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Kenny Golladay | Ribs | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Shepard and Golladay both returned to limited practices by the end of the week. Shepard was reportedly close to returning last week and participated in drills during all three practices this week. He should be ready for 5-7+ targets immediately.

Golladay could not play through his rib injury last week but was back at practice Thursday and Friday. Local reporters expect him to play.

Both players are at risk of aggravation with Golladay the riskier option of the two.

Curtis Samuel | Groin | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Washington continues to limit Samuel’s practice reps as they protect his recovery from core muscle surgery. Until the team clears him for full practices, do not expect more than 20-25 snaps and a small number of touches.

Brandin Cooks | Back | Questionable | Likely to play

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

The Texans added Cooks to the injury report on Friday with a back injury that limited his practice. Local writers did not speculate on whether Cooks would play. It’s likely Cooks is more probable than doubtful but back conditions can flare easily. Watch the inactives list for confirmation he’s playing.

LilJordan Humphrey | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Humphrey injured a hamstring on Thursday and did not return to practice on Friday. He's unlikely to play.

Others of note: Davante Adams (hamstring), DK Metcalf (foot), Jarvis Landry (knee), Allen Robinson (hamstring), and Nico Collins (thigh) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Kadarius Toney (quad, oblique), Marquise Goodwin (foot, ribs), and Randall Cobb (core muscle) 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 | Shoulder | Not listed | Expected to play

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

The Cardinals limited Ertz’s practice reps on Thursday and Friday with a shoulder injury but there are no local indicators Ertz is in danger of missing Monday night’s game.

I’ll update after Saturday’s injury report.

Sunday update: Ertz fully practiced Saturday and will play.

Ryan Griffin | Knee / Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Griffin returned to play after injuring his ankle last week and was fully practicing on Friday. He is expected to play.

Hayden Hurst | Ankle | Activated from injured reserve

Hurst was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and will play.

Others of note: Ricky Seals-Jones (hip) fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play. Darren Waller (back, knee), T.J. Hockenson (hand), and Harrison Bryant (ankle) 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.