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 Tony Pollard
• WR Sterling Shepard
• TE Harrison Bryant (Monday)

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• QB Lamar Jackson
• WR Adam Thielen (Monday)
• RB J.D. McKissic (Tuesday)
• WR Emmanuel Sanders

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Leonard Fournette
• RB James Conner
• QB Jalen Hurts
• WR Marquise Brown
• WR Terry McLaurin (Tuesday)
• RB Melvin Gordon
• RB Javonte Williams
• WR D.J. Moore
• TE Zach Ertz
• TE Foster Moreau (Monday)

Activated to return from injured reserve / PUP

• RB Chase Edmonds
• RB Michael Carter
• TE Adam Trautman
• TE Tyler Kroft

Ruled Out

• RB Elijah Mitchell
• TE Darren Waller
• RB DAndre Swift
• QB Daniel Jones
• RB Carlos Hyde

Remains on injured reserve / PUP

• RB Malcolm Brown
• QB Sam Darnold

COVID-reserve updates

The NFL -- like the rest of the country -- is in the midst of the latest COVID wave. In an attempt to maintain competitive balance in a rapidly changing environment, the league adjusted protocols this week. Testing will continue but the league will allow vaccinated players to return to facilities and play in games if they do not have symptoms and more precise testing shows they're unlikely to be contagious.

In brief, this has two key implications.

>> Large numbers of players -- though hopefully fewer than before -- will test positive and be added to the COVID list each day.

>> It will be difficult to predict the length of time a vaccinated player spends on the COVID list.

I will continue to track QB-RB-WR-TE on the COVID list. While I will do my best, this list will not be comprehensive and may be outdated at any given moment. Tucker Bagley at Sharp Football has been working hard to keep a comprehensive past and current list of players affected by COVID listed by team. You can find that here. Your league management site should also continue to have updated designations.

Stay flexible with your rosters. And best wishes for good health to you and your family this holiday season.

Saturday update: The NFL announced major changes to testing protocols today. Vaccinated individuals will not be tested unless they have symptoms of illness or are a high-risk close contact. The NFL will also perform targeted spot testing of vaccinated players once weekly to minimize risk of asymptomatic spread.

Expect this to dramatically decrease the number of positive tests moving forward.

QUARTERBACK

Note: * denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Note: ^ denotes Tuesday players who practice Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Lamar Jackson | Ankle | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Multiple early week reports noted Jackson's injury is not a high ankle sprain. But that doesn't mean he has a simple ankle injury. Jackson did not practice this week.

The Ravens list Jackson questionable but he's unlikely to play. The team did not allow him any football-related drills this week. Jackson is capable of succeeding from the pocket but his rushing ability is a critical part of what he brings to the offense. Expect the Ravens to keep him inactive this week rather than risk an aggravation that would put Jackson in jeopardy of missing additional weeks or remaining limited into the NFL playoffs.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports Jackson has a bone bruise in his ankle. Schefter tweeted "Jackson was moving around better in practice this weekend, raising some hopes -- however unlikely -- he could make it back." It's still unlikely Jackson plays this afternoon.

^Jalen Hurts | Ankle | Pending | Likely to play

Practice Participation: Fri - Full | Sat - Full | Sun - Pending

The Eagles game has been moved to Tuesday due to COVID-related issues with Washington. Those extra days of rehab, recovery, and re-evaluation may allow Hurts to return as the starter.

Hurts was splitting first-team reps with Gardner Minshew on Wednesday and Thursday. The Eagles have said a fully healthy Hurts is their starter -- so there's no reason to give Minshew starting reps unless Hurts' availability was in doubt. On Friday, Hurts was able to fully practice.

Reports are the Eagles were planning to list him questionable on their game status report. With an additional two days of practice time, Hurts now looks likely to start unless he responds poorly to Friday's workout.

Sam Darnold | Shoulder | Designated to return | Inactive

The Panthers are allowing Darnold to return to limited drills but he's yet to be cleared for contact. There's no chance of that clearance coming in Week 15 and it's still unclear if we'll see Darnold return this season.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Taylor Heinicke - WAS
• Kyle Allen - WAS
• Baker Mayfield - CLE
• Case Keenum - CLE
• Andy Dalton - CHI

Others of note: Josh Allen (foot), Aaron Rodgers (toe), Joe Burrow (finger), Justin Fields (hand), Taysom Hill (foot), and Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral, shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Daniel Jones (neck) 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.

RUNNING BACK

Note: * denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Note: ^ denotes Tuesday players who practice Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Leonard Fournette | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

On Wednesday, Bruce Arians described Fournette as "sore" after his third consecutive week taking 80+% of the team's offensive reps and 50+ snaps and 20+ touches in each game.

Arians did not seem concerned about Fournette's availability on Monday but the running back's long history of ankle issues and another missed practice on Thursday sparked more concern. Arians told reporters on Friday that Fournette fully practiced -- he was actually listed limited -- and would play.

Already in line for more passing-down work with Giovani Bernard on injured reserve with knee and hip injuries, it's likely we'll see Ronald Jones II also take a few more early-down snaps this week. Still, it's reasonable to expect Fournette to see 15+ productive touches.

Chase Edmonds | Ankle | Activated from injured reserve | Expected to play

James Conner | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

The Cardinals did not clear Kyler Murray or DeAndre Hopkins to return from injury until they proved healthy enough to fully perform and outside the risk of aggravation. The team did the same for Edmonds last week, after designating him to return and allowing him a full week of individual drills.

Edmonds has not had a setback and should return this week. Both Murray and Hopkins were fully returned to the offensive game plan on their return. Kliff Kingsbury told reporters if Edmonds feels good during pregame on Sunday, "he'll be rolling." Edmonds' baseline projection pre-injury would have been in the 10-15 touch range. The low end of that range would be a reasonable expectation. However, Conner's status is also in some doubt.

Conner left Monday night's game with an ankle injury that was bothersome enough to require an MRI and kept him from practicing on Friday on a short week. Kingsbury told reporters he "felt good" about Conner playing. The team has listed him questionable. If active, it's likely Conner will see fewer snaps than usual but could be capable of continuing as the team's goal-line back.

Watch for overnight updates on his condition.

Sunday update: Both Conner and Edmonds are expected to play. Edmonds was activated from injured reserve. It's likely the Cardinals will try to return to the usage both had prior to Edmonds' injury. Conner is likely to be more limited than Edmonds. Expect the touches to favor Edmonds, though Conner may be used heavily around the goal line.

Melvin Gordon | Thumb / Hip | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Javonte Williams | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Gordon looked fully recovered from the shoulder injury that limited him earlier in the season while returning to splitting carries with Williams last week. The thumb and hip conditions should not limit him this week.

Williams reportedly had swelling in his left knee after last week's game and saw fewer practice reps during the week. Vic Fangio said Friday's individual drills went well and Williams is not expected to be limited on Sunday.

Expect the usage split to lean in Gordon's favor at baseline this week but either back is capable of 15+ touches. Game script, minor aggravation of injury, and play-to-play effectiveness will all be factors that could affect how the touches are divided this week.

Tony Pollard | Knee | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Pollard told reporters his foot condition was improving each day and the back-to-back individual workouts are reassuring. Local reporters feel Pollard is trending positively but remains a gameday decision.

Last week, the Cowboys chose to elevate a running back from the practice squad before declaring Pollard out. That will again be a good signpost for Pollard's availability. If Pollard is active, he may not see as many series as he did pre-injury but his availability will impact Ezekiel Elliott's projection.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports Pollard is expected to play but "Dallas could have a slightly more cautious approach with him."

Sunday update: Tom Pelissero is reporting the Cowboys are hopeful to get "a couple dozen snaps" from Pollard today.

Michael Carter | Ankle | Activated from injured reserve | Expected to play

Carter is recovered from a midseason high ankle sprain. Robert Saleh told reporters Carter would be returned to the active roster and have a "significant role" immediately. The Jets also get Tevin Coleman back this week after he missed multiple weeks with a concussion.

It's been weeks since New York had Carter, Coleman, and Ty Johnson together on game day. 15+ touches are possible for Carter, but would be a ceiling expectation.

Malcolm Brown | Quad | Remains on injured reserve

Brown returned to practice this week. Earlier in the week, Brown was the only back of note on the active roster with Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, and Phillip Lindsay on the COVID list. Gaskin and Ahmed have been cleared to return and Brian Flores wasn't as certain about Brown's return on Friday. Flores said Brown did "some good things" in practice but the team may not need him. Don't expect a significant role if he's active.

Rex Burkhead | Hip / Quadricep | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Early-week reports were not optimistic but Burkhead returned to limited practice by the end of the week. David Culley said Burkhead "has some chance" of playing.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Alex Collins - SEA
• Kareem Hunt - CLE
• Jamaal Williams - DET
• Phillip Lindsay - MIA
• Alexander Mattison - MIN
• Mike Boone - DEN

Others of note: Dalvin Cook (shoulder), Aaron Jones (knee), Ezekiel Elliott (knee), Saquon Barkley (ankle), Miles Sanders (ankle), James Robinson (heel, knee), David Montgomery (illness), Khalil Herbert (illness), and Tevin Coleman (concussion) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Elijah Mitchell (concussion, knee), DAndre Swift (shoulder), Carlos Hyde (concussion), and J.D. McKissic (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

Note: * denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Note: ^ denotes Tuesday players who practice Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Marquise Brown | Illness | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Brown returned to practice on Friday after missing practice on Thursday with an illness. There are two Baltimore receivers currently on the COVID list so Brown's weekend status may change. He's currently expected to play without limitation, though the likely absence of Lamar Jackson will affect his upside.

D.J. Moore | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Aside from a Wednesday statement by Matt Rhule saying Moore was likely to play, there's been little local news on Moore's availability.

Moore told reporters he was taking rehab a day at a time earlier in the week and he was able to participate in receiver drills throughout the week. Moore played 89% of the team's offensive snaps last week and was effective. Players are at risk of aggravation within the first 7-10 days of a soft tissue strain but Moore's condition appears to be low grade.

^Terry McLaurin | Concussion | Pending | Likely to play

Practice Participation: Fri - Limited | Sat - Full | Sun - Pending

McLaurin was trending toward playing after returning to a limited Thursday practice. With the Washington game moved to Tuesday due to COVID issues, it's likely McLaurin will complete the concussion protocol this weekend and be cleared to play.

Sterling Shepard | Calf | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Shepard was added to Friday's practice report with a calf condition. The team did not update his status and listed him questionable. There are no local reports on his condition and it's unclear if this is a new and concerning injury or a proxy for a veteran rest day. It's unfortunately more likely a new injury.

I'll update with weekend news.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Back | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Valdes-Scantling was limited in practice all week but likely to play with a back condition.

Josh Reynolds | Thigh | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Reynolds was added to the injury report with a thigh condition on Thursday but returned to limited practice on Friday. There are no updates on his injury and he's listed questionable.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Jaylen Waddle - MIA
• Tyler Lockett - SEA
• Jarvis Landry - CLE
• Allen Robinson - CHI
• Kadarius Toney - NYG
• John Ross - NYG
• Sammy Watkins - BAL

Others of note: Tee Higgins (ankle), DK Metcalf (foot), Dee Eskridge (foot), Tim Patrick (hand), and Sammy Watkins (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Adam Thielen (ankle), Emmanuel Sanders (knee), Curtis Samuel (hamstring), and Marquise Goodwin (foot, ribs) 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

Note: * denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Note: ^ denotes Tuesday players who practice Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Zach Ertz | Hamstring | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Ertz was added to the injury report with a hamstring injury on Friday. There doesn't appear to be any local media concern about Ertz's availability and he commonly plays when listed questionable. Still, a late-week soft tissue injury is concerning.

*Foster Moreau | Abdomen | Pending | Expected to play

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

The Raiders have two extra days of practice and evaluation after their Sunday game with Cleveland was moved to Monday. Moreau doesn't appear to be in danger of missing this week's game after limited practice this week. I'll update after the Raiders release their game status report on Saturday.

*Harrison Bryant | Ankle | Questionable | Monday decision

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

Bryant is recovering from a high ankle sprain. He's returned to practice and Kevin Stefanski told reporters Bryant was making progress.

Unlikely to be fully recovered, Bryant is likely doubtful to play. But an extra two days of evaluation and the potential loss of multiple offensive players to COVID may press Bryant into action before he might otherwise have been needed.

Adam Trautman | Knee | Activated from injured reserve | Expected to play

Trautman returned to practice and looks to be trending toward playing after a midseason MCL sprain. The Saints will need to move Trautman to the active roster on Saturday.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Tyler Higbee - LAR
• Austin Hooper - CLE

Others of note: George Kittle (knee), Cole Kmet (illness), Kyle Rudolph (ankle), and Hayden Hurst (illness) fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play. Darren Waller (back, knee) is 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: * denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Note: ^ denotes Tuesday players who practice Saturday/Sunday/Monday