Photo: Imagn Images

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

Aaron Rodgers | Knee | questionable | expected to Play

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

Rodgers was still struggling with his footwork at times last week but again improved as the game progressed. There was speculation some of Rodgers' rusty play and poor timing was due to lack of practice and team drills. It's hard to know whether that's accurate but Rodgers increased his practice participation with the team this week. We may still be some weeks from seeing Rodgers in full form but expect continued improvement this week.

Marcus mariota | elbow | Not Listed | expected to play

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

The Titans were hoping to give Mariota a second week of rest but were forced into playing him after Blaine Gabbert's concussion. Mariota wasn't fully healthy but effective enough. The team didn't hesitate in naming Mariota the starter early this week and he was able to fully practice without difficulty. He is likely still not fully recovered but there have been no published concerns about Mariota's grip strength. Expect to see Mariota's arm sleeve padded well again this week.

Others of note: Andrew Luck (groin), Russell Wilson (hamstring), Ryan Tannehill (shoulder), and Case Keenum (knee) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report and will play without limitation. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

alvin kamara | knee | not listed | expected to play

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

Kamara is not listed on the game status report and will play. He suggested he was rested more than usual this week after a 67 snap, 16 carry, 15 catch overtime effort in Week 3. Details on Kamara's knee condition are not known but every indication is his limited practices this week were more maintenance than concern. Expect Kamara to see a full workload.

Leonard Fournette | hamstring | questionable | expected to play

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

Fournette has missed two games with a hamstring strain. Last week, the Jaguars remained cautious with Fournette despite a full week of limited practices and rested him an extra week -- as they did as Fournette recovered from an ankle sprain last season. Fournette returned to a full practice on Friday and told reporters he's been able to run and cut with no issues. But he also acknowledged that returning from a hamstring strain is "tricky" and didn't yet know whether he'd be available this week.

His hamstring must have responded well to Friday's workout. Fournette has since tweeted he's happy to be back and strongly hinted he'd be active Sunday. Last season, the Jaguars did not limit Fournette's workload on his return. It's possible they may be more cautious with the return from a hamstring strain than last year's ankle sprain, but an active Fournette should see close to his usual workload.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight that Fournette is expected to play. There are no reports of a snap count or restrictions on his workload. I'll update with additional reports but 15+ touches looks likely for Fournette.

Jay Ajayi | back | not listed | expected to play

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

Corey Clement | quadricep | questionable | inactive

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

Ajayi revealed that his back injury is a fractured bone along his spine. While it sounds scary, it isn't a career- or season-threatening injury. This is similar -- if not the same -- as the fractures suffered by Tony Romo and Derek Carr and Cam Newton in recent years. It's a painful injury often accompanied by difficult to manage muscle spasms, but not a structural issue. Pain control is the primary worry with Ajayi but he's been able to practice fully with padding this week and will play. Another direct hit to the area injured could cause some missed snaps but Ajayi should be able to handle whatever the Eagles have game planned for him today. Doug Pederson told reporters Ajayi was "good to go" during his Friday press conference.

Clement's situation may be more fluid through the weekend. Added to the injury report with a quad injury on Thursday, there have been no reports about his availability. His return to a limited Friday practice is reassuring and no news after practice is generally good news in these situations. Tentatively expect Clement active in a rotational role.

Sunday Update: Clement is inactive.

Chris Carson | hip | questionable | game-time decision

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

Earlier in the week, there was little information on Carson's status. On Friday, Pete Carroll told reporters Carson "feels like he can play" but also hedged by saying the team would "take it all the way to game time." Carson sounds more probable than questionable but watch pregame workouts to be certain he's playing. The Seahawks may choose to limit Carson's workload if he's not effective early.

matt breida | knee | questionable | likely to play

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

alfred morris | knee | questionable | Likely to Play

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

Breida returned to a full practice on Thursday but is not fully comfortable after hyperextending his knee last week. Breida was cleared to talk to reporters on Friday -- usually a good sign -- but did not sound optimistic. He acknowledged he wasn't fully healthy and suggested the team may rest him with the longer season in mind if he wasn't feeling better on Sunday. Do not be surprised if Breida is inactive.

The Niners added Morris to the injury report on Thursday with a knee condition. There are no actionable reports in the local media. With Breida talking to reporters and pessimistic, I would lean toward Morris playing. I'll update with more through the weekend.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported overnight that both Breida and Morris are expected to play. He also specifically noted "Breida was further along physically at the end of the week than Morris." That's not surprising, as Breida fully practiced Thursday while Morris was added to the injury report. But it is a good sign that Breida's cautious remarks were followed by him feeling much better through the weekend. Watch for more pregame news but Brieda's status is more reassuring now.

lesean mccoy | rib | questionable | expected to play

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

McCoy is officially questionable but has repeatedly told reporters he will play this week. McCoy frequently plays effectively through painful injuries. He can be expected to see close to his usual workload.

marlon mack | hamstring | questionable | game-time decision

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

Mack looked to be trending positively after consecutive limited practices. But the Colts promoted Jeremy McNichols to the active roster after Friday's practice. With Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins healthy, there would seem to be no need for a fourth running back. The Colts may be planning to give Mack one more week of reconditioning. It's also notable Mack's practice report does not include the foot injury he suffered in Week 2. That's an indication his limiting factor has been the hamstring strain, suggesting an aggravation. Those commonly require longer recoveries. He's to the doubtful side of questionable.

Others of note: Giovani Bernard (thigh), Marshawn Lynch (shoulder), and T.J. Yeldon (ankle) have fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Devonta Freeman (knee), Joe Mixon (knee), Darren Sproles (hamstring), and C.J. Prosise (abdomen) are listed doubtful and unlikely to play or have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Julio Jones | calf | Not Listed | Expected to play

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

Jones was not limited and managed 54 snaps in the Falcons' overtime game last week. His practice participation increased this week and culminated in a full Friday practice. He's not listed on the game status report and healthy enough for another full workload this week.

deandre hopkins | thumb / ankle / hamstring | questionable | expected to play

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

Hopkins adds another ailment to his list of injuries each week but continues to play despite limited practices. That's expected to be the case this week. Hopefully, the injuries are all minor. If not, compensatory injuries and a cascade toward a more significant soft-tissue injury could be in his future.

keenan allen | knee / tooth | questionable | Likely to play

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

The missed practice on Thursday has made Allen's healthy and availability a tougher read. The Chargers are not shy about limiting veterans early in the week but usually quickly advance their practice participation through Friday. It's likely that was the plan with Allen before a tooth problem resulted in another DNP on Thursday. Allen returned to a limited Friday workout and Anthony Lynn told reporters he was "comfortable Keenan is going to be available." Watch for any overnight surprises but expect Allen to be ready to run his usual number of routes.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport have sources expecting Allen to play. There are still no details on Allen's injury. It's reasonable to worry about a somewhat lower snap count for Allen but his ceiling expectation remains possible.

a.j. green | pelvis | not listed | expected to play

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

Green returned to practice this week after feeling too much stiffness and soreness to finish last week's game. Described as a bruise of his pelvis, Green fully practiced on both Thursday and Friday. More importantly, Green and Marvin Lewis were confident in Green's ability to play without limitation. There's only a small risk of aggravation during the game and Green should be expected to see his usual workload.

Doug Baldwin | knee | questionable | expected to play

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

Baldwin reportedly looked "fantastic" in his return to practice this week and Pete Carroll -- in typical fashion -- was "excited to tell you Baldwin is going to play in this game," during a Friday press conference. That confirms the two important hurdles for Baldwin's return -- a stable joint on examination and no limiting pain or looseness when cutting -- have been cleared. With the Seahawks' receiving group struggling to get open, Baldwin will likely be heavily involved in this week's game plan.

larry fitzgerald | hamstring | questionable | Likely to play

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

Fitzgerald did not practice Wednesday but returned to drills and most team sessions by the end of the week. Fitzgerald routinely plays through soft-tissue strains and all indications are he plans to do so again this week. Offensive line woes and the unknowns around the debut of Josh Rosen may limit his production.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported Fitzgerald is "nowhere near 100% and probably shouldn't have played last week." Still, Schefter's sources say Fitzgerald will play this week.

Golden Tate | hip | questionable | active

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

The Lions added Tate to the injury report with a hip injury on Friday. No information was provided about the severity of his injury. I'll update with any specifics through the weekend.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reporting this morning that Tate will play.

Alshon Jeffery | Illness / shoulder | questionable | active

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

Jeffery was on track to return this week after getting cleared for contact and looking strong in a full Wednesday practice. A viral illness kept him out of both Thursday and Friday practice and his status is now unknown. Doug Pederson told reporters Jeffery would play if recovered. But the team felt compelled to active a practice squad receiver on Friday. Whether that's concern over Jeffery's availability (and a hedge on Jordan Matthews' hamstring injury) or to address possible special-teams concerns after shuffling the safety depth chart due to injuries isn't clear.

The Eagles leave for Nashville late Saturday afternoon. If Jeffery is on the flight, it's a good indication he has improved enough to play.

Sunday Update: There were no specific reports about Jeffery's travel yesterday. However, the team would have ruled him out on their injury report if he wasn't on the team flight. Adam Schefter confirmed that Jeffery's status is dependent on his recovery from the viral infection and he remains a game-time decision.

Sunday Update: Multiple reports now that Jeffery will play today. The shoulder will not be an issue but it's hard to know how much the viral infection took out of him this week. It's possible the Eagles will limit Jeffery's playing time if he's not feeling full strength.

Sunday Update: Jeffery is active.

randall cobb | hamstring | questionable | inactive

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

Cobb was unable to return to practice on Friday after straining a hamstring on Thursday. Mike McCarthy did not sound optimistic on Friday, telling reporters the injury was "unfortunate" and the team would "see how it goes." While listed questionable, there's nothing promising about Cobb's status. Expect him to be inactive.

Sunday Update: Cobb is inactive.

Josh Gordon | hamstring | questionable | game-time decision

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

The Patriots remain non-committal about their plans with Gordon. Observers felt the team was hopeful Gordon would be able to play last week but there were hints this week the team remains concerned about the hamstring injury. It's impossible to read into the cliches we're hearing from Bill Belichick and Tom Brady this week. While it's possible he'll be active this week, it's unlikely Gordon is ready for every possible offensive package. His route tree may be high leverage and open the possibility of a huge day on a small number of receptions but the floor expectation is low -- and much more likely. I'll update with notes through the weekend.

Sunday Update: Gordon is active.

Others of note: JuJu Smith-Schuster (abdomen), Jarvis Landry (knee), Quincy Enunwa (back), Robby Anderson (nose), Will Fuller (hamstring), Marquise Goodwin (quadricep), and Ted Ginn Jr (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Anthony Miller (shoulder) has been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Rob Gronkowski | Ankle | questionable | expected to play

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

Gronkowski missed practice time last week with an ankle injury but played all 48 snaps against Detroit and led the team in targets and receptions. He did not miss any practices this week. Though listed questionable, his injury should not limit his workload.

Charles clay | shoulder / hip | questionable | game-time decision

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

Clay often plays through injury but is a game-time decision this week. Sean McDermott hinted the team was concerned enough about his availability that they chose to rest him Thursday to "give him the best possible chance" to play. He's likely to the probable side of questionable, but watch for additional information before inactives are reported on Sunday.

hayden hurst | foot | questionable | game-time decision

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

John Harbaugh told reporters he was impressed with Hurst's week of practice but his tight end's availability was still a medical decision. Despite the limited practices this week, that does not sound promising. A Week 5 return is more likely.

Others of note: Jimmy Graham (knee), Eric Ebron (shoulder / knee), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (core muscle), Tyler Eifert (back), Tyler Kroft (finger), and Jermaine Gresham (Achilles) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Evan Engram (knee) and Jack Doyle (hip) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

PRACTICE PARTICIPATION, GAME STATUS REPORT, AND PLAYING EXPECTATIONS

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