Understanding the NFL's Injury Report
(per Dr. Bramel - Footballguys OG)
"The injury report released by the NFL is [made up of] two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players practiced and their participation level. 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 and my expectations of their likelihood of playing."
If you are reading this article on Saturday, make sure to come back on Sunday morning as more updates trickle in within the next 24 hours.
Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players
Gameday Decision
Trending Probable (Expected to Play)
- WR Tee Higgins
- RB Austin Ekeler
- WR Tyreek Hill
Trending Doubtful (Not Expected to Play)
- TE Chig Okonkwo
- TE Cade Otton
- WR Chris Olave
- RB Alvin Kamara
- QB Kenny Pickett
- QB Tua Tagovailoa
- QB Brock Purdy
Ruled Out
- WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist)
- QB Jalen Hurts (concussion)
- RB Isiah Pacheco (ribs)
- Tyjae Spears (concussion)
- QB Derek Carr (hand)
- RB Kendre Miller (concussion)
- WR Joshua Palmer (foot)
- RB Gus Edwards (ankle)
- K Matt Prater (knee)
* Key: Player, Team | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation
Saturday Games
RB Chase Brown, Cincinnati | Ankle | Questionable | Projecting Inactive
Although initial reports out of Cincinnati were that Chase Brown's ankle injury was minor, he appears to be trending in the wrong direction and is unlikely to play this Saturday. If you read this week's Footballguys Injury Roundup, I predicted this could be the case. Brown's ankle injury looked like a high ankle sprain. Most NFL RBs miss at least one game with this type of injury.
WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Active
Tee Higgins continues to deal with the same nagging ankle injury that presumably left him as Questionable prior to Week 17's game. Higgins started and managed to score three times. Although I cannot guarantee the same fantasy performance, I expect Higgins to be active on Saturday.
Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games
TE Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee | Abdomen | Questionable | Likely Inactive
Chig Okonkwo was a late addition to the Titans' Injury Report this week, popping up on Thursday with an abdomen injury. Although we do not know the specifics of Okonkwo's injury, he did not practice at all on Friday. He appears unlikely to play on Sunday.
TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay | Knee | Doubtful | Likely Inactive
Cade Otton has not played since Week 15 due to his knee injury, and it appears that trend will continue this week. The Buccaneers have Otton listed as "Doubtful" which all but guarantees he will not play.
WR Chris Olave, New Orleans | Concussion | Questionable | Likely Out
Chris Olave has been cleared to play but with the Saints not having anything to play for in Week 18, he projects to be inactive.
RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans | Groin | Questionable | Likely Out
Much like Chris Olave (above), I would expect the Saints to hold out Kamara as well. New Orleans will prepare for the 2025/2026 season.
RB Austin Ekeler, Washington | Concussion | Questionable | Likely Active
Washington designated Austin Ekeler to return this week following his IR stint due to a concussion. Ekeler practiced in full this week and should be ready to play this Sunday.
QB Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia | Ribs | Questionable | Likely Inactive
Kenny Pickett started in Week 17 but had to be removed due to a rib injury. Pickett does not appear to have fully recovered just yet and is on track to miss Week 18. The Eagles have already ruled Jalen Hurts out, and reports out of Philadelphia point to Tanner McKee getting his first NFL start.
WR Christian Watson, Green Bay | Knee | Questioable | Projecting Inactive
I currently have Christian Watson slotted to miss another week as he recovers from his knee injury. Watson was able to practice on Friday. That was his only practice of the week, and the Packers listed him as "limited" (LP). Watson's injury history and expected return times point to him missing Week 18. Fantasy managers should prepare for such.
Sunday 4:25 PM EST Games
WR Tyreek Hill, Miami | Wrist | Questionable | Projecting Active
With Miami's season on the line, I would expect Tyreek Hill to be active on Sunday. Hill has battled multiple injuries this year and popped up on many injury reports but has proven himself durable and someone who plays through injury.
WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami | Knee | Questionable | Likely Active
Like his teammate Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle also projects to return in Week 18. Given his injury and Tua Tagovailoa's unlikely game status, Waddle would be a player I would avoid if possible.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami | Hip | Doubtful | Likely Inactive
Tua Tagovailoa is slated to miss another week as he recovers from his hip injury. Tagovailoa is "Doubtful" and the statistics favor him sitting in Week 18.
TE George Kittle, San Francisco | Hamstring | Questionable | 50/50
George Kittle was limited most of this week due to a hamstring injury. It's possible that Kittle could play Sunday, but with the 49ers eliminated from playoff contention, they could opt to hold their star TE out. Kittle is likely a true game-time decision.
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco | Elbow | Questionable | Likely Inactive
There was concern from the 49ers camp when Brock Purdy injured his surgically repaired elbow last week, however the injury does appear to be minor. San Francisco has reported that Purdy has a nerve injury. Although this sounds serious, ulnar nerve irritation can be minor. The good news is, I would not expect this to limit Purdy next season, but he is likely out in Week 18.
WR Michael Wilson, Arizona | Hamstring | Questionable | Projecting Inactive
Michael Wilson was added to the injury report Friday with a hamstring injury, suggesting a new injury for the second-year WR. Wilson has a history of hamstring issues, so it would not be surprising to see him sit out Week 18.
