Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 4

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UNDERSTANDING THE NFL'S INJURY REPORT

The injury report released by the NFL is actually 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:

QUARTERBACK

Cam Newton | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thursday - Limited | Friday - Limited

Newton has struggled with accuracy downfield and been less mobile in the pocket than usual through the first month of the season. This week, Ron Rivera said Newton did more in practice than he did last week and felt he threw very well. This is also the first week this season the Panthers haven't listed Newton questionable. Whether the positive changes in practice and game status translates to a better game this week remains to be seen.

Others of note: Kirk Cousins, Ben Roethlisberger, Josh McCown (ribs), and Blake Bortles (wrist) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Andrew Luck (shoulder) and Sam Bradford (knee) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

MELVIN GORDON | KNEE | QUESTIONABLE | Expected to Play

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

The Chargers have described Gordon's knee injury as a bone bruise. He was able to play 33 snaps and run the ball 17 times last week, though it should be noted 15 of those carries came in the first half. Gordon's performance last week rules out a bruise to the weight-bearing, cartilage-covered surfaces of the joint. As we've seen with Sam Bradford, those bruises are difficult for a quarterback to practice with much less expect a running back to play through. It's also unlikely this injury has any direct relation to his previous microfracture surgery, where an orthopedist focused on missing surface cartilage around the joint.

It's reassuring to see Gordon return to a full Friday practice -- though the Chargers' Friday workout was little more than a glorified walk-through in shorts and shells. Anthony Lynn told reporters Gordon was feeling better, suggesting the team will be comfortable with Gordon running the ball this week. The Chargers have Gordon listed questionable for a reason. This is a painful injury to play through and Gordon's running back duties will put him at risk of aggravation. Gordon struggled to recover after halftime last week. While he may enter this week's game healthier than last week, any of these factors could conspire to limit Gordon's workload. 

Jay Ajayi | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Dolphins listed Ajayi questionable but he will play. It's not hard to tell a reassuring story on Ajayi this week. After minimal practice rest leading into Week 2, Ajayi had 30 touches and a strong performance. The following week, Ajayi barely practiced and struggled. Ajayi again returned to a full practice by midweek this week, which suggests he's healthier this week than last.

Of course, there's another story that could fit the facts thus far. You might argue Week 2 was the fluke week and wonder whether Ajayi can handle an extensive workload in future weeks. It's fair to wonder whether the long flight to England could affect Ajayi's preparation and health. I'm not sure I buy those concerns, however, as the cross-Atlantic flight isn't much longer than a West Coast trip from Miami.

In the end, I believe the truth is somewhere in the middle. I'm reassured by the full Thursday and Friday practice. While we don't know the precise condition of his knee, I think it's reasonable to expect Ajayi is healthier this week than last. But it's also clear the Dolphins plan to be more careful. Offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen told reporters this week they hoped to rest Ajayi more often on passing downs. Ajayi had just 35 targets and 27 receptions last season. Fewer passing down opportunities may not significantly affect his statistical bottom line. But it underlines the team's concern. I think Ajayi will be able to handle 20+ rushes this week if the game script allows. How he performs this week will help inform expectations for future weeks.

Carlos Hyde | Hip | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Hyde is officially listed with a hip injury on the game status report. But this isn't a hip pointer (contusion) or a hip flexor strain or a chronic issue around the joint. Hyde has a strain of the oblique muscle, which is a large muscle between the midline of the abdomen and the front and top of the pelvic bone. While it's not a soft tissue injury of the leg, it's still painful and limiting for a running back. Though he eventually found a way to run effectively, you could see Hyde struggle to return early in last Thursday's night game.

Kyle Shanahan told reporters Hyde was "definitely still hurting" after a week of consecutive limited practices and labeled his running back a game-time decision. I think Hyde will play this week, though he will be at continual risk of aggravation should he twist while fighting for extra yardage or be pulled down at an awkward angle. If that should happen early, it's possible Hyde will see a significantly reduced workload. If he avoids aggravation, he could see over 15 touches.

*Rob Kelley | Rib | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Kelley has continued to practice and video clips of him moving comfortably in individual drills look reassuring. But the primary issue with Kelley will be pain tolerance when hit by a tackler or when he's taken to the ground. That's not something Washington can -- or would want to -- test in practice. And it's clear the team has concern for aggravation of the rib cartilage injury and a longer-term absence since they chose to hold Kelley out of last week's game after a similar practice line.

Tentatively expected to play, I'm still listing Kelley as a game-time decision. Washington's bye follows this game. If the team has any concern Kelley hasn't healed enough to take a full workload, they could decide to keep him down this week -- or put him on the active roster and use him only if absolutely needed -- knowing they have two additional weeks of recovery time to follow. This is a tough call given the Monday night start. And it's a tough road matchup in Kansas City. If you see Kelley as your best option when healthy, make sure you have a hedge available just in case.

C.J. Prosise | Ankle | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

Prosise did some light running on Friday but was still listed as a DNP. Seattle generally rests critical members of their team early in the week then returns them to practice on Friday. Those players are generally not listed on the injury report. Prosise hasn't practiced, has barely run, is listed doubtful, and there were serious concerns about his availability earlier this week. It'll be very surprising if he's on the active game day roster this week.

Shane Vereen | Calf | Not Listed | Likely to Play

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

Orleans Darkwa | Back | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Vereen practiced very little this week but is not listed on the Giants' game status report. He's likely to play but may be at risk of aggravation. The Giants do not practice on Friday and estimate their players' availability. Darkwa was also projected to have done some practice work on Friday but is considered a game-time decision. Reports from beat writers this week suggest he's on the doubtful side of questionable.

Others of note: Le'Veon Bell, LeSean McCoy (wrist), Adrian Peterson (knee), Isaiah Crowell (shoulder), Jonathan Stewart, Frank Gore, Jamaal Charles, Duke Johnson Jr (shoulder), Gio Bernard (thigh), Samaje Perine (hand), and Jalen Richard (calf) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Matt Forte (toe), Marlon Mack (shoulder), and Dwayne Washington (quad) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Julio JOnes | Back | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

While it would have been most reassuring to see Jones manage a full Friday practice, he's not listed on the injury report. Jones has been positive all week, telling reporters his back feels great. His limited practice participation is very likely precautionary and he can be expected to see his usual workload.

Doug Baldwin | Groin | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The Seahawks have been refreshingly straightforward when discussing player injuries this year. Unfortunately, while there's still some optimism on Baldwin's availability this week, it's clear both Baldwin and the team aren't sure whether he'll be able to play. And Pete Carroll's comments -- "We've got to make sure all the way up to game time that he’s feeling good enough to carry out a full game plan and all that." -- suggest Seattle has no intention of using Baldwin as a decoy.  

Baldwin has consistently said he'd play all week and reports on his Monday MRI were reassuring. But all indications are Baldwin remains a game-time decision and will need to show he's capable of running at least some of the route tree effectively to be active this week. The Sunday night game makes for a tough fantasy decision. Hopefully, we get early morning clarity from Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport.

Michael Crabtree | Chest | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

Crabtree's status seemed to be trending positively midweek. But a somewhat surprising Friday DNP, the refusal of Jack Del Rio to address Crabtree's status, and the late Saturday evening downgrade to doubtful all strongly argue Crabtree will be inactive this week. Look for other options.

Willie Snead | Hamstring | Questionable | Limited if Active

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

It's been an odd week for Snead in his first week of practice coming off suspension. Sean Payton suggested the team would ease Snead back into the offensive game flow, saying "We'll sort through what we want to do in regards to this game and moving forward." Then Snead was listed on the Friday practice participation report as limited with a hamstring injury and is questionable on the game status report.

It's very possible Snead would have been listed on the injury report earlier in the week but the team had a roster exemption and didn't have to include him. There are also hints Snead may have been dealing with hamstring troubles late in the preseason. If accurate, it puts Payton's comments about Snead's usage into clearer context. And he should be considered a game-time decision with limited workload if active at best this week.

*Jamison Crowder | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Add Crowder to the triumvirate of Washington offensive players whose status is unclear heading into Monday night. Crowder was added to the practice report as limited on Friday and Jay Gruden said his status was "still up in the air" after a limited Saturday workout. Crowder's previous concern in 2017 was a hip injury, which he played through after downplaying the injury in a Friday media session. That's not been the case with this injury. Look for Sunday morning updates and have a hedge available if you plan to use Crowder Monday night.

John Brown | Quad | Questionable | Active but Limited

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

J.J. Nelson | Hamstring | Questionable | Active but Limited

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

We know what to expect from Brown this week. Bruce Arians told reporters Brown would be active but said, "He can't go out there and play 70 plays or he'll be right back where he was." Look for Brown to play 20-30 snaps with limited usage and hope he feels good when he wakes up Monday morning. 

Nelson's status "is just like last week" according to Arians. Still fighting through a limiting hamstring injury, Nelson managed 52 of 75 snaps last week but only three targets. Expect a similar workload this week unless Brown is feeling more comfortable than expected. Should that happen, Brown and Nelson could both see fewer than 40 snaps.

Will Fuller | Clavicle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Fuller has fully practiced and should be in good cardiovascular condition. Cleared for contact, Bill O'Brien has suggested Fuller will assume his previous role in the offense.

Kenny Golladay | Hamstring | Questionable | Unlikely to Play

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

Golladay's practice line has the look of a player who tested a soft tissue injury early in the week and recognized he would not be able to play. The Lions haven't ruled him out but it's unlikely he'll be active this week. Should Golladay make the gameday roster, it's unlikely he'll see a full complement of snaps.

Others of note: Sammy Watkins (concussion), Amari Cooper (knee), Kelvin Benjamin (knee), Martavis Bryant (illness), DeAndre Hopkins (knee), Danny Amendola (knee), Robby Anderson (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Corey Davis (hamstring), Curtis Samuel (back), John Ross (knee), and Mike Williams (back) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

*Jordan Reed | Rib / Sternum | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Like Rob Kelley, there are multiple video reports showing Reed moving comfortably and fluidly in individual drills. Like Kelley, Reed has yet to stress his injury with contact while blocking or being tackled. Like Kelley, Reed is more confident about his gameday status than last week, telling reporters he would play Monday night. Like Kelley, the ultimate decision will be in the hands of the Washington medical staff, with a bye week looming in Week 5 and the potential for an additional two weeks of healing time.

I think it's reasonable to assume Reed will be active Monday and see close to his usual workload. He'll be at high risk of aggravation, however, and those who plan to use him in fantasy lineups should watch for Sunday news.

Benjamin Watson | Calf | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The official Friday practice participation report lists Watson as a DNP. But ESPN's Jamison Hensley saw Watson run routes and reported he "looked fine." It's an odd juxtaposition. Thankfully, the game is an early afternoon start. If Watson is active, Hensley note is very reassuring.

Others of note: Jimmy Graham (ankle), Delanie Walker (hamstring), Jack Doyle (foot), Jesse James (shoulder), and Jermaine Gresham (ribs) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Tyler Eifert (back) and Maxx Williams (ankle) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday