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 Antonio Brown
• WR Mike Evans
• RB James Conner
• WR Marquise Brown
• RB Jordan Howard
• RB Alex Collins
• WR Rondale Moore
• WR Courtland Sutton

>>> See positional breakdowns for COVID+ tracking (critical players include Carson Wentz, Antonio Gibson, Darren Waller, Julio Jones, Elijah Moore, Jerry Jeudy, among many others)

Monday Decision

• RB Kareem Hunt

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• QB Lamar Jackson
• RB Cam Akers
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• WR Emmanuel Sanders
• QB Jared Goff
• WR Jamison Crowder

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Elijah Mitchell
• RB Damien Harris
• RB Melvin Gordon
• RB Javonte Williams
• WR Jakobi Meyers
• RB Mark Ingram

Activated to return from injured reserve / PUP

Ruled Out

• QB Justin Fields
• RB Miles Sanders
• RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
• QB Teddy Bridgewater
• WR Kadarius Toney
• WR Nelson Agholor
• WR TreQuan Smith

Remains on injured reserve / PUP / NFI

• RB Malcolm Brown
• RB Trey Sermon
• TE Dan Arnold (COVID-reserve)

QUARTERBACK

Lamar Jackson | Ankle | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

The Ravens refuse to declare Jackson out. John Harbaugh continues to say Jackson "has a chance" to play.

But it's clear Jackson is not close to returning. In his only appearance on the practice field since his Week 14 bone bruise, Jackson struggled to bear weight on his injured ankle. Tyler Huntley tried to explain Jackson's difficulty as cold related, but Jackson couldn't practice on Thursday or Friday.

He will be inactive.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport again tweeted "the Ravens may give it until before game time" before declaring Jackson out. Huntley remains the likely starter.

Justin Fields | Ankle | Questionable | Inactive

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

The Bears listed Fields questionable on their game status report but named Andy Dalton this week's starter. Expect Fields to be inactive. Nick Foles will be Dalton's backup.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Carson Wentz -- activated on Saturday and will play
• Kirk Cousins -- unvaccinated and ineligible to return until next week

Others of note: Aaron Rodgers (toe), Jalen Hurts (ankle), Joe Burrow (finger), Taysom Hill (finger), Derek Carr (ribs), Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Taylor Heinicke (knee), Drew Lock (ankle), and Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral, shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb), Jared Goff (knee), and Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) 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.

RUNNING BACK

Elijah Mitchell | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Mitchell is expected to return after a full week of limited practice. Kyle Shanahan told reporters Mitchell had a strong practice and Thursday and felt well enough to continue drills on Friday.

It's not clear whether Mitchell is conditioned to return to his pre-injury workload. Shanahan said the Niners would "play Elijah as much as he can handle, so that's about watching him, watching how his legs work, communicating with him." Running back coach Bobby Turner is expected to monitor Mitchell's conditioning and use Jeff Wilson and others as needed.

Don't expect Mitchell to see 20+ touches but 12-15 is a reasonable expectation. If overnight reports better define Mitchell's knee injury as something unlikely to be aggravated, I'll have an even more optimistic take on Mitchell's upside.

Sunday update: Both Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter expect Mitchell to play. Neither provided an update on Mitchell's injury or fitness.

James Conner | Heel | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Conner made progress but remains a game-day decision. Those observing the media portion of Friday's practice reported Conner stretched but did not participate in drills.

With only a limited Friday practice, it's unlikely Conner is in condition to play a significant role. Given the caution Arizona has shown with injured players this season, it's much more likely Conner is inactive than in line for double-digit touches.

Cam Akers | Achilles | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Akers' return from a July Achilles tear continues to go well. Though he's on the active roster and practicing, the Rams are not ready to return Akers to game action yet.

Sean McVay said, "It's more likely that he won't," when asked if Akers would play on Sunday. Los Angeles will "continue to be smart with him" and "next week looks like a more realistic goal." Expect the Rams to lean heavily on Sony Michel again this week.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Shoulder | Questionable >> Declared out | Inactive

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

Edwards-Helaire is recovering from a shoulder contusion and was unable to practice all week. Andy Reid refused to rule Edwards-Helaire out Friday but didn't sound optimistic about his availability. The Chiefs plan to activate Jerick McKinnon from injured reserve if Edwards-Helaire is unable to play. Expect to see confirmation of the roster move Saturday afternoon.

Saturday update: The Chiefs downgraded Edwards-Helaire to out.

DAndre Swift | Shoulder | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Swift was cleared for contact early this week and fully practiced. Dan Campbell said Swift's return is a "sight for sore eyes."

Campbell told reporters the Lions do not plan to restrict Swift's touches. Running back coach Duce Staley said, "I guess I'm not that type of coach, I'm going full steam ahead. I'm not the one to try to put a governor on this or on that, to try to (ease) up a little it. Nah, that's not me. If he's out there, he's going to give us 100 percent and he knows that."

Despite a fully healthy running back depth chart for the first time in months, Swift could see 20+ touches immediately.

Damien Harris | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Harris looked healthy in his 31 snaps last week, handling 18 touches and scoring three times.

The Patriots will be full strength at running back again -- Brandon Bolden is no longer on the injury report and Rhamondre Stevenson is back from the COVID list. Harris' usage will be game-script dependent. The hamstring injury should not affect his production but he's unlikely to see more than 10-15 touches.

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 - Limited | Fri - Limited

The Broncos listed Gordon and Williams questionable but neither is in danger of missing snaps. Denver continues to rotate both backs evenly. Expect the same committee approach on Sunday.

Jordan Howard | Shoulder | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Howard's return to limited workouts on Thursday and Friday was a reassuring sign but he may not be cleared for contact yet.

Players either recover quickly from stingers or they need multiple weeks of rehab while the nerve injury heals. Howard has had a prolonged recovery from a stinger in the past and his Wednesday DNP is concerning. Nick Siranni told reporters Howard "has two more days to get better" during a Friday press conference and suggested the team wasn't ready to make a decision on Howard's status yet.

It's likely Howard is on the doubtful side of questionable.

Sunday update: The Eagles did not add a running back from the practice squad. Mike Garafolo expects Howard to play.

*Kareem Hunt | Ankle | Questionable | Monday decision

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

The Browns returned Hunt to practice on Friday. It's his first evaluation since a Week 14 high ankle sprain and last week's COVID absence.

Kevin Stefanski is "hopeful" Hunt will return on Monday night and beat writers reported Hunt was moving comfortably during Friday's drills. He's trending toward returning but Saturday's practice and press conference comments will better define Hunt's status.

Mark Ingram | Knee | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Limited practices for Ingram to end the week are more likely to be maintenance days than a concerning flare up of his chronic knee issues. Expect Ingram active in support of Alvin Kamara.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Ingram improved but "is unlikely to go today."

Alex Collins | Abdomen | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Collins has likely been dealing with a core abdomen strain for months. He was inactive last week after a COVID absence and ongoing limitations with his abdominal strain. The Friday DNP may not be concerning -- Seattle often allows players to sit through individual and team drills and then clears them to play on Sunday. In this case, Collins may be more doubtful than questionable. He's unlikely to see significant snaps and touches if active.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Antonio Gibson
• David Johnson
• Tevin Coleman

Others of note: Dalvin Cook (illness), Aaron Jones (knee), Ezekiel Elliott (knee), Tony Pollard (foot), Chase Edmonds (back), Saquon Barkley (ankle), Rashaad Penny (groin), Devin Singletary (ankle), and Josh Jacobs (ribs), have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Miles Sanders (hand) 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.

WIDE RECEIVER

Antonio Brown | Ankle | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Mike Evans | Hamstring | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Brown "tweaked his ankle a little" in practice but may still have a chance to play. His status is a difficult read.

Bruce Arians has been clear and straightforward in his injury discussions with reporters this season but he's out with COVID and assistant coach Harold Goodwin would only say Brown "has a chance to play" and the team wants to "do a good job of taking care of him." Brown's injury was significant and required extended rehab and recovery. Aggravation would likely require more than a couple days of rest and rehab.

However, the Bucs are without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans had just one evaluation on Friday after missing most of the week with COVID. There would be no reason to risk Brown in practice if the team knew the injury was minor.

I'll update with more information through the weekend. For now, lean to the doubtful side of questionable for both.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports the Bucs "initially had doubts Brown would play" but he is now expected to play after practicing on Saturday. Schefter also reports Evans could be active "in a limited capacity."

Marquise Brown | Illness | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Brown is not on the COVID list but that's a fluid situation. Brown will continue to test daily while symptomatic and his status may change at any time.

Emmanuel Sanders | Knee | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Consecutive DNPs to end the week are rarely a good sign, even for veteran players who have recently played through their injuries. Local writers are hinting Sanders may be on the doubtful side of questionable. Sanders did play 65 snaps last week after missing the week before with his knee injury. If he's active, he could see a similar workload.

Rondale Moore | Ankle | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Moore "progressed throughout the week" but remains questionable to play. Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Moore would be evaluated through the weekend.

Jakobi Meyers | Thigh | Questionable | Likely to play

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

It's difficult to gauge the availability of injured New England players during their first week on the practice report. Meyers played 75% of the snaps last week -- fewer than his usual -- but was cleared to talk to the media after the game. There are no hints from the local media about Meyers' status. Tentatively expect him to play but watch the inactive list for confirmation.

Courtland Sutton | Illness | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Sutton is not on the COVID list but will continue to test if symptomatic. Watch for changes in his roster status through the weekend.

Curtis Samuel | Hamstring | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Samuel continues to recover from his most recent soft-tissue injury. He was limited in practice last week and inactive.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Elijah Moore
• Julio Jones
• Jerry Jeudy
• Tim Patrick
• Kalif Raymond
• Josh Reynolds
• Darius Slayton
• Tajae Sharpe
• Danny Amendola
• Anthony Miller

Others of note: A.J. Brown (calf), DK Metcalf (foot), Darnell Mooney (ankle), and Jarvis Landry (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Jamison Crowder (calf), Kadarius Toney (shoulder), Nelson Agholor (concussion), and TreQuan Smith (chest) 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

Jack Doyle | Ankle / Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Doyle only played two snaps last week before leaving with an ankle injury. After not practicing Wednesday and Thursday, Doyle looked doubtful to play. But a full Friday practice is consistent with Doyle's usual practice plan -- regular maintenance of his chronic knee issues -- and has him trending likely to play.

Tyler Conklin | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Conklin increased practice participation through Friday and is likely to play.

Currently on COVID-reserve

• Darren Waller
• Jared Cook
• Dan Arnold
• Hayden Hurst
• Tyler Kroft

Others of note: Zach Ertz (hamstring), Foster Moreau (abdomen), Pat Freiermuth (concussion), Kyle Rudolph (ankle), and Adam Shaheen (knee) fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and is expected to play. James O'Shaughnessy (hip) 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.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

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