Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 2

Jene Bramel's Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 2 Jene Bramel Published 09/17/2022

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

Here's the latest on key injured players 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

Monday Decision

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

Ruled Out

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Michael Pittman | Quadricep | Questionable | Declared out

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

Pittman played 90 of 92 snaps in Week 1 and did not appear limited. Frank Reich told reporters Pittman "felt something he didn't feel after the game" during practice on Wednesday and didn't return to practice the rest of the week.

The Thursday and Friday DNPs may not be as worrisome as they look at first glance. Beat writers believe Pittman was held out of Thursday practice for precautionary reasons. The Colts held a walkthrough on Friday rather than their usual padded practice. And Reich told reporters on Friday he wasn't concerned about the long-term severity of Pittman's condition.

Still, it's never good to see a player unable to practice after a mid-week soft tissue injury.

For now, there's at least some reason for optimism. But it's too soon to project Pittman's likely workload or risk of in-game aggravation. Expect the situation to remain unclear until Saturday night reports from national writers begin rolling in.

Sunday update: Pittman was declared out by Indianapolis.

J.K. Dobbins | Knee | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Dobbins refused to tell reporters whether he would play. But all indications are he'll return this week.

Last week, Dobbins wasn't cleared to speak to the media and Lamar Jackson hinted Dobbins would need an extra week or two to be game ready. This week, Dobbins described his knee injuries in detail -- something players don't do until they believe the injury is behind them and they've been cleared to play.

Most tellingly, reporters noted Dobbins' smiled while coyly telling them, "We'll see" when asked if he would play. That's a stark contrast to Dobbins' defensive statements whenever questioned about his recovery over the last two months.

Though Dobbins is likely to play, his snap count and rushing expectation remain unclear. It's unlikely the Ravens, who have shown caution throughout Dobbins' recovery, will immediately allow him 40+ snaps and 15+ touches. Expect Kenyan Drake to see a significant number of touches again this week. Expect 8-12 touches for Dobbins and a higher workload in Week 3 if his return goes smoothly on Sunday.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight Dobbins is "no sure thing" to play after fully practicing this week. The Ravens continue to push caution in Dobbins' return. If active, expect a limited rotational role at best.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter is reporting the Ravens "do not plan to play" Dobbins today.

Leonard Fournette | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

The Buccaneers routinely rest veterans during the week. Fournette did not appear limited last week and participated in drills through Friday's workout. No beat writer has expressed concern for Fournette's availability or fitness. It's safe to expect a full workload on Sunday.

Sunday update: All weekend reports have Fournette expected to play. While still within the window of possible aggravation, Fournette should see a full workload today.

DAndre Swift | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Swift did not participate in practice until Friday after "rolling his ankle" during last week's game.

The Lions' coaching staff and Swift told reporters the injury was minor and wouldn't keep him from playing this week. Swift had a 2:1 advantage in snaps over Jamaal Williams in Week 1 despite Williams' 12 touches and two scores. Early in the week, the coaching staff suggested Swift's workload could increase. While that may not happen with Swift's limited practice time, hinting at an increased workload would be unlikely if the team was worried about Swift's availability.

Barring a concerning Saturday/Sunday report, 15+ touches is a reasonable expectation.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport -- citing Tom Pelissero -- tweeted Swift is expected to play but "the team may have to be selective about his usage." It's hard to know how concerning Rapoport's note is. Consider Swift to have a lower floor than usual, but double-digit touches remain a reasonable projection.

Mike Evans | Calf | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Russell Gage | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Julio Jones | Knee | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

All three Tampa Bay wide receivers returned to Friday's workout and are preparing to play in Week 2.

Evans spoke to the media all week and routinely plays well despite soft tissue discomfort. An aggravation of the calf strain is always possible, but Evans should be safe to trust for a sizable workload.

Gage and Jones are slightly less trustworthy but can be expected to play. Gage continues to miss practice time with a hamstring strain that's limited him for weeks. He played just 42% of last week's snaps despite Chris Godwin leaving early with a hamstring strain.

Jones has seemingly been on the injury report weekly for years in Atlanta, Tennessee, and now Tampa Bay. Knee soreness is not new for Jones, and his return to Friday practice suggests he'll continue in a situational role.

Sunday update: Per Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, Jones is a game-time decision after "banging his knee" during last week's game. Tampa Bay will decide after pregame workouts. Avoid Jones unless you have no other options with 5+ target upside available.

Sunday update: Multiple reporters now believe Jones will be inactive.

George Kittle | Groin | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Kittle managed only a limited Friday workout, his first practice time since last Monday's groin strain.

John Lynch told reporters Kittle is a player the team will "wait right up until game time" to decide whether to make active and the Niners continue to "hold out hope [Kittle] is ready." Kyle Shanahan said Kittle "looked awesome" in limited Friday work and was healthier than he was last week and considered a game-time decision.

Kittle has been active in the past with minimal practice, and San Francisco could use him in a situational role if he's cleared to play.

Local writer Eric Branch tweeted Friday night that Kittle is "unlikely to play" against Seattle. The Niners seem unlikely to push Kittle to return and risk aggravation -- particularly if there's the usual amount of rain in the forecast in Seattle.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport says Kittle is "pushing to go" despite what was believed to be a three-week recovery timetable. All other weekend reports are clear that Kittle will be inactive. If Kittle is on the gameday roster, expect limited high-leverage opportunity only.

Alvin Kamara | Rib | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Mark Ingram | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

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

New Orleans has a strong group of Saints' beat writers. None of them believe Kamara will play on Sunday.

The practice participation line suggests the Saints allowed Kamara to test his fitness in drills on Wednesday. His inability to return to practice by the end of the week likely means Kamara isn't recovered enough to play. Rib injuries are particularly difficult for running backs to play through. Pain management (injections and kevlar padding) cannot fully protect a running back from in-game setbacks.

There's a slim chance the Saints saw enough from Kamara to shut him down in practice and rest him for a situational role. More likely, Ingram -- who's considered probable to play -- will be the lead back. Most close to the team expect Latavius Murray to be promoted from the practice squad to support Ingram.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Kamara's status will be "determined this morning" and "it'll be tough, but there's a chance." Adam Schefter and others expect Kamara to be inactive.

Tee Higgins | Concussion | Questionable | Likely to play

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

There was concern Higgins suffered a setback in his concussion recovery after not practicing on Thursday. Sadly, Higgins missed practice for the funeral of his father. His return to a full workout on Friday puts him on track to play.

Higgins needs to be examined by an independent neurologist before he can exit the return-to-play protocol. Expect him to be cleared to play.

Najee Harris | Foot | Not Listed | Expected to play

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

Harris was folded backward over an already sore foot last week and did not return in a divisional matchup in overtime. Speculation about an aggravation of a preseason Lisfranc sprain suggested Harris might be unable to go this week.

Reports became progressively more optimistic during the week. Harris returned to full practices, and the Steelers did not list him on their game status report. He told reporters he was "good for Sunday" but said he might rotate with Jaylen Warren more than he did in Week 1.

Although Harris is expected to start, the possibility of another in-game aggravation, the likelihood that Warren sees more of the team's workload, and ongoing concerns about Pittsburgh's offensive line play will all limit Harris' upside.

*Gabe Davis | Ankle | Questionable | Monday decision

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

Sunday update: Davis was added to the injury report on Saturday with an ankle injury. It was not discussed with the media and no local/national writers have provided context on the injury through Sunday morning.

With a wide range of possible diagnoses and no clear report suggesting Davis to be doubtful, it's possible Davis has a minor condition and will play his usual number of snaps Monday night. However, it's very risky to have him in your lineup without a solid hedge.

I'll update with any news prior to the release of Sunday morning inactive lists, but don't expect actionable news until Monday morning -- and possibly not until Buffalo reports their inactives on Monday night.

Sunday update: Mike Garofolo is reporting Davis sprained his ankle in a non-contact situation and may be more doubtful than questionable. Davis' status is still unknown but absolutely must have a Monday night hedge to keep him in lineups.

Allen Lazard | Ankle | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Lazard returned to a full week of limited practice and was able to participate in team drills. He also spoke to the media and said he remained "day to day" but wouldn't commit to returning this week. Beat writer reports lean optimistic.

Unfortunately, without more specifics on his diagnosis or a clear indication he's cleared to return, it's difficult to project Lazard for a full workload in his first week back. If Lazard is active, the lack of rapport Aaron Rodgers has with the team's other receiving options could put Lazard in position for a strong statistical game even if his snap count is limited.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports Lazard will play through his sprained ankle.

Footballguys injury coverage will return Monday with a review of the most important Week 1 injuries.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
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