Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 3

Jene Bramel's Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 3 Jene Bramel Published 09/24/2022

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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Justin Herbert | Ribs | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Herbert has a painful rib cartilage injury. He told reporters he felt good throwing during Thursday's practice and wouldn't decide on his status until before game time.

However, Herbert did not throw or practice on Friday and Chase Daniel took all the first-team reps. Brandon Staley told reporters Herbert's missed Friday workout was part of the plan. That seems unlikely. It's much more likely that Herbert's Thursday workout wasn't as reassuring as hoped.

Prior to Herbert's comments to the media on Friday, betting markets shifted aggressively toward the Jaguars. Previously a touchdown favorite, the line quickly moved four points toward the Jaguars during the Chargers' Friday practice. Both factors are worrisome indicators for Herbert's chances of playing.

A pain-killing injection between Herbert's ribs and kevlar padding may allow him enough relief to play. Herbert may choose not to have an injection -- the Chargers' team doctor is currently defending a malpractice suit after a complication with a similar injection to Tyrod Taylor in 2019.

Even with an injection, this injury will be difficult to manage throughout the game. All rotational movements will be affected and in-game aggravations are possible. Los Angeles declared starting center Corey Linsley out with a knee injury, which won't make the team any more comfortable allowing Herbert to play.

The Chargers haven't ruled Herbert out but the line movement in the betting market is a clear indication that sharp bettors believe Herbert will not play.

I'll update through the weekend.

Sunday update: Overnight reports from multiple national media members share the same tone: Herbert was considered doubtful to play on Friday but hasn't been ruled out yet. Adam Schefter reported Herbert wants to play despite growing skepticism and has yet to decide whether to take an injection on Sunday morning. Ian Rapoport tweeted Herbert was looking doubtful on Friday but is now pushing hard to go. Mike Garafolo is reporting Herbert doesn't want to miss a game and wants to play through the pain after "not feeling all the way there" on Saturday.

If Herbert chooses to play, any outcome is possible. A successful injection with a game plan to avoid hits in the pocket could keep Herbert comfortable enough to be productive. It's also possible Herbert does not get significant relief from the injection or suffers a hit that affects his throwing velocity/accuracy or knocks him out of the game.

Unfortunately, this game is a late afternoon start and we may not learn of Herbert's final decision until 300pm ET. The betting markets have not moved despite the somewhat more optimistic weekend reporting, suggesting Herbert remains doubtful to play. If you have Herbert in your lineup, you must have an afternoon hedge on your roster.

Sunday update: There are two interesting reports from Chris Mortensen this morning. The first notes that Herbert reportedly had a trial injection before Friday's practice with "mixed results." Even with a guided and accurate injection, complete and continued relief isn't assured. Muscle spasm and tissue bruising will play a role in Herbert's effectiveness. Secondly, Mortensen reports the Chargers are "encouraging Herbert to take the long view" with his recovery. It seems unlikely that Mortensen files these reports at 1000ET if Herbert is playing. Status is still to be determined but all indications are that Herbert remains doubtful.

Keenan Allen | Hamstring | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Allen was unable to play last Thursday night on a short week. He returned to drills on Wednesday and Thursday but missed practice on Friday and Brandon Staley told reporters Allen is "50-50" to play.

The Chargers did not clarify whether Allen suffered a setback during the week or the Friday DNP was a precautionary decision.

Local writers did not provide any context to their Friday reporting on Allen's missed practice. Consider Allen to the doubtful side of questionable. Weekend reporting from national media sources should provide some clarity by Sunday morning.

Sunday update: Unfortunately, there was no reporting on Allen overnight. The Friday DNP is the most concerning data point but it's not definitive. Don't use Allen unless you have a reasonable option to pivot to if Allen is inactive.

DAndre Swift | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Swift remains limited with an ankle sprain. After a 67% snap share in Week 1 and coaching comments suggesting Swift would see more of the workload moving forward, Swift played just 31 of 61 snaps in Week 2. He was effective but managed just seven touches.

Beat writers described him as "hobbled" during midweek workouts but believe the Lions will clear him to play.

Expect a rotational role again this week. 8-12 touches is a reasonable projection.

Alvin Kamara | Rib | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Kamara reportedly moved well in midweek practices and continued to take part in drills through Friday's workout. He's trending toward returning.

As noted in the Herbert discussion above, rib cartilage injuries can be managed with gameday injections and padding but will be at high risk of in-game setbacks and limitations.

If Kamara returns, he may have a limited rotational role, or the Saints may give him 12-15+ touches immediately if he's feeling comfortable. Sunday morning reports will provide more guidance. For now, expect fewer than 12 touches.

Sunday update: Kamara is expected to play.

J.K. Dobbins | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

There was optimism Dobbins would return in Week 2 after full practices and his own hopeful Friday comments to the press. Baltimore continued to stick to their plan to carefully rehab Dobbins' complicated multi-ligament knee injury and did not add him to the active roster.

Dobbins again fully practiced this week. But Harbaugh told reporters his running back was still "week-to-week" earlier in the week. On Friday, Harbaugh said the team would return Dobbins to action "soon" and "it's not going to be too long." That would suggest Dobbins may not be cleared to play this week.

If Dobbins is active, expect a rotational role with Kenyan Drake.

Sunday update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported Dobbins will return today. Schefter's source said, "It's time." Two weeks of full practice may have Dobbins very near game condition. Still, the Ravens are very likely to remain cautious with Dobbins' usage no matter how strong he looks in his first two series. Expect Dobbins to be on a snap count and see fewer than 10 touches.

Lamar Jackson | Elbow | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Jackson caused a brief social media stir after a limited Wednesday practice where he was seen throwing with a sleeve over his right elbow. Jackson returned to full practices and isn't listed on the game status report. The bruise should not limit the Ravens' game plan or Jackson this week.

Leonard Fournette | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Fournette was limited in practice last week but was never in danger of missing time in Week 2. He played 58 of the team's 67 offensive snaps (87%) and did not suffer any setbacks.

The Buccaneers are dealing with multiple injuries at wide receiver and have a relatively thin running back depth chart. The limited week of practice is common for Tampa Bay veterans who require treatment and it's expected for teams to show even more caution when dealing with injuries to other players in the offensive huddle.

Expect a full workload for Fournette.

Gabe Davis | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Davis was unable to play Monday night after a late-week ankle sprain. A full week of limited practice looks optimistic and Davis said he was "100%" optimistic he'd return this week.

Player optimism doesn't always ensure active game day status and a return to full production, however. And while video of practice drills and reps is often misleading, clips of Davis running routes on Friday showed a player at less than full strength. Davis had difficulty slowing down from top speed and he seemed to be in pain after the single route shown in the video.

Davis may be trending toward returning and it's possible to be productive with ankle limitations. At baseline, Davis has a variable target projection. His floor is even lower this week.

Sunday update: It wasn't a confidence-inspiring report but Adam Schefter tweeted Davis "has said he will play...and that remains the expectation.

George Kittle | Groin | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Kittle is ready to return to action after a groin strain while preparing to play in Week 1 prevented him from playing in the season's first two games.

Kyle Shanahan told reporters there would be no restrictions on Kittle' usage. He should immediately have 5-7+ target upside with strong red-zone opportunity.

James Conner | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Conner did not return to last week's close overtime game after a first-half low ankle sprain. The missed Wednesday practice is concerning but consecutive workouts to end the week are reassuring.

Kliff Kingsbury told reports Conner was a game-time decision and the team planned to work him out pregame before their final decision. If the Thursday workout went well enough to clear him to participate in drills on Friday, it's reasonable to assume Conner will be active.

Expect Conner and the Cardinals to reassess his status after the first series or two. Double-digit touches are possible but Conner does carry risk and downside if active.

Jerry Jeudy | Rib / Shoulder | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Jeudy said he sustained his chest injury when he fell on the ball last week. A specific diagnosis has yet to be reported but there's enough context to believe Jeudy's condition isn't severe enough to keep him out this week.

After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, Jeudy returned to drills on Friday and told reporters he expects to play and may not even need additional padding for comfort. The Broncos would not commit to Jeudy playing in their Friday press conference, suggesting the medical staff had the final say on clearance.

Beat writers believe Jeudy is on the probable side of questionable. Expect a positive Sunday morning report from the national media. Jeudy should be close to a full workload.

Sunday update: Jeudy is expected to play.

Jameis Winston | Back / Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Taysom Hill | Rib | Questionable | Awaiting information

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

Expect the Saints to limit Winston's practice time for another week or more while he continues to recover from multiple fractures in his lower back. The injuries are not dangerous to play through but pain and muscle spasm are ongoing risks that may limit Winston's production.

Winston is also dealing with an ankle sprain that isn't expected to limit him significantly. Taysom Hill is listed as a limited participant all week but beat writers did not see him doing much in drills. Andy Dalton would be Winston's replacement.

Julio Jones | Knee | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

The Tampa Bay offensive depth chart is wide open right now. Mike Evans is suspended this week. Chris Godwin did not practice and will miss more time with a hamstring strain. Three other wide receivers are fighting nagging injuries.

Jones "banged his knee" in Week 1 and was unable to play last week. He managed very few practice reps last week and local writers suggested Friday's practice was more stretching than participation in drills. Jones is likely closer to playing this week but still at risk of ineffective play.

Sunday update: Jones will test his knee in pregame but there was not much optimism in overnight reports. He remains doubtful and would likely be limited and at risk of missed snaps if active.

Josh Jacobs | Illness | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Jacobs has not been ruled out but did not practice with illness on Thursday and Friday and did not travel with the team to Tennessee on Friday evening.

The Raiders will release an updated injury report on Saturday.

Sunday update: Jacobs flew to Nashville to join the Raiders Saturday but remains questionable. There is no guarantee he's active.

Sunday update: Jacobs was cleared to play and will be active.

*Dalton Schultz | Knee | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Mike McCarthy told reporters Schultz was "progressing well" but beat writers noted Schultz has only been able to do light conditioning and position work on the side.

PCL injuries are tricky to project. Players sometimes notice too much movement in the knee joint, others struggle with stiffness as the swelling resolves. Schultz hasn't been ruled out on Monday night and the Cowboys will clear players sooner than some other teams. Schultz is more likely doubtful than questionable but Saturday's practice report will be an important data point.

Sunday update: The Cowboys list Schultz questionable after a light walkthrough. It's likely he'll need another week to recover and be inactive Monday night.

T.J. Hockenson | Hip | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Hockenson was limited in practice by a hip condition. There was no specific injury event last week and Hockenson did participate in 89% of Detroit's offensive snaps. There are no local concerns about Hockenson and he's likely to play. Although his production has been less than hoped, Hockenson was targeted seven times in each of the first two games. Similar usage is possible this week.

Russell Gage | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Gage played two-thirds of Tampa's offensive snaps last week and should be available. Gage did not practice on Friday but that's not necessarily a red flag. The Bucs routinely rest offensive starters in practice and their current receiver depth leaves no upside in risking Gage during a relatively meaningless Friday workout.

Corey Davis | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Robert Saleh told reporters Davis had a flare-up of a minor chronic knee condition on a wet practice field on Wednesday and got extra treatment on Thursday. Saleh expected Davis to fully practice on Friday. The limited designation raises a slight concern but there's no indication Davis will be inactive.

Dawson Knox | Foot | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Knox's snap share declined last week but he was able to return to consecutive workouts by the end of the week and is expected to play.

The Bills have a long list of players on the injury report. Those players unable to practice during the week have been declared out. Others are limited and questionable but expected to play.

Watch for any changes in status through the weekend.

*Michael Gallup | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Gallup is expected to be available for limited snaps in his return from a late 2022 ACL tear.

*Kadarius Toney | Hamstring | Doubtful | Likely inactive

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

The midweek downgrade with a soft-tissue condition is always worrisome. The Giants have an extra treatment day available and their Thursday workout is more walk through than physical preparation. While it's possible Toney will return to practice on Saturday and trend toward playing, it's more likely Toney will sit this week.

Sunday update: Toney did not practice Saturday and is doubtful to play.

Randall Cobb | Illness | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Cobb has yet to practice with an illness this week. That's not optimistic but it's still possible he can recover and be cleared to play.

Sunday update: Cobb is expected to play per Adam Schefter.

Christian Watson | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Watson did not return to practice after a limited Wednesday workout. That might not be as concerning for a trusted veteran but it's ominous for a rookie who hasn't earned Aaron Rodgers' confidence yet. Even with Sammy Watkins out with a hamstring strain, it's likely the Packers keep Watson inactive rather than risk a minimal-snap effort.

K.J. Hamler | Knee / Hip | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Hamler fully practiced Friday and should be active.

Hayden Hurst | Groin | Questionable | Sunday decision

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

Local writers expected Hurst to play after his return to a full practice on Thursday. Most walked back that expectation after Friday's limited workout. Long-time writer Geoff Hobson wrote, "looked to have a setback" in his post-practice Friday article. Those are ominous words.

Isaiah Likely | Groin | Questionable | Likely to play

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

The Ravens commonly list players questionable with minor injuries, and there's no local concern Likely's injury is severe. He should be available in a limited role again this week.

Footballguys injury coverage will return Monday with a review of the most important Week 3 injuries.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
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