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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

*Aaron Rodgers | Knee | Not listed | expected to Play

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

Rodgers showed he had returned to near full strength in Week 4, moving well in and out of the pocket with improving accuracy from a variety of platforms. Last week, Rodgers was pulled down and again stressed the inside of his left knee. He struggled at times during the first half before taking full advantage of a Lions' secondary playing softer with a multiple-score lead. Rodgers didn't practice early this week but his aggravation shouldn't set him back significantly. Expect Rodgers to limit his scrambling some and we may not see the agility he had in Week 4. He has a bye in Week 7 to continue rehab and recovery.

Deshaun Watson | Chest | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Texans limited Watson's practice after he took multiple shots to his chest last Sunday night. Watson looked progressively more uncomfortable during the game and medical personnel were worried enough to repeatedly check his breath sounds on the sideline. Watson told reporters he felt great during the week. Bill O'Brien said Watson's mobility was improving during the week. Backup quarterback Brandon Weeden felt Watson was throwing the ball better as the week progressed. There's no concern Watson will be inactive but he'll likely wear more protection below his shoulder pads. And you may see him less likely to take off and challenge linebackers on running plays outside the pocket.

Ryan Tannehill | Shoulder | Questionable | INACTIVE

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

Tannehill has been on and off the injury report over the past three weeks with a shoulder condition. Tannehill and the Dolphins have not discussed the injury but his accuracy and velocity have been off at times. In past weeks, Tannehill was not limited in practice and has never been listed on the end-of-week game status report. This Friday's limited practice and questionable listing was not expected by team observers but there doesn't appear to be a concern the team will have to turn to Brock Osweiler. That's reasonable -- it would be odd for a late-week setback or decision to sit Tannehill. Expect Tannehill to play but watch his play carefully. Hopefully, there's no significant injury or compensatory inflammation related to Tannehill's ACL recovery.

Sunday Update: There are unconfirmed reports of an AC sprain and ongoing knee soreness with Tannehill as well as growing concern he will not be healthy enough to play today. Watch pregame reports carefully but I've downgraded Tannehill to a game-time decision.

Sunday Update: Reports continue to trend poorly for Tannehill. Adam Schefter now reporting a source tells him Tannehill's status is "up in the air right now." It's hard to see anything changing between now and game time. Prepare for Tannehill to be inactive.

Sunday Update: Tannehill is inactive.

Others of note: Russell Wilson (hamstring) and Case Keenum (knee) have 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

DAlvin Cook | Hamstring | Questionable | INactive

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

A full Thursday practice looked reassuring for Cook, who continues to rehab an early season hamstring strain. However, though the Vikings list Cook questionable, his Friday limited practice and post-practice comments do not inspire optimism for return.

Cook told reporters:

"Going out there 80 percent, 70 percent, I'm not going to be able to help my team like that. At this point, it's just me getting 100 percent so I can be out there and be who I am so I can be explosive."

"It's day to day with it. Still trying to get it where I need to be at."

"In practice, I really don't try to test it out as much because it's more of a rest thing with these hamstrings. When it's time, I...try to see where I'm at and evaluate myself."

None of those comments sound like a confident running back ready to return to the field. The only reassuring thing Cook told reporters:

"I feel way better than I've felt."

It's surprising to see Cook so frank with reporters. Mike Zimmer is straight-forward with reporters about many things -- but usually vague with injuries. The Vikings have said they'd like Cook to be fully recovered, especially with a recent ACL injury also in the background. Cook repeatedly said he wasn't fully recovered on Friday. I'll be surprised if he's on the active roster and shocked if he effectively handles anything close to a pre-injury workload.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported overnight Cook may play on a 20-25 snap count. It's another indication Cook isn't fully healthy. Do not expect more than a handful of touches today.

Sunday Update: Cook's hamstring did not respond well in pregame warmups. This isn't surprising. Cook said he wasn't ready in multiple different ways this week. He's inactive this week. Thankfully, he won't be at risk of an aggravation while on a snap count.

Sony Michel | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Patriots limited Michel's practice reps this week. There were no signs of injury last week and Michel played late into the fourth quarter in a three-touchdown victory. None of the plugged in local writers are expressing any concern with Michel's availability. I'll update with any weekend reports, but expect Michel to play. And while seeing a player with chronic knee concerns on the injury report is never reassuring, there's an argument that the Patriots are telling us Michel is important enough to their offense that they're choosing to limit his practice reps as they do for other important offensive pieces. Projecting Michel's workload against Kansas City is a difficult endeavor. Game script and the continued ways in which the Patriots successfully deploy James White are likely bigger factors than Michel's injury status.

*Matt Breida | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

San Francisco hasn't released their Saturday practice participation or game status report yet. And while I'll respectfully note the reports from the Niners' strong beat writer contingent that Breida's MRI was negative and he did not sustain a high ankle sprain, I have to strongly question them. Breida's injury was a classic high ankle sprain mechanism and it's highly unlikely there was no injury noted on MRI. I've never heard an ankle injury described as a mid-ankle sprain by a medical staff member. I think it's much more likely that Breida has a mid-grade high-ankle sprain and will require an extra week or two to recover than that we see him return to a full Saturday practice and play on Monday night.

Isaiah Crowell | Ankle | Questionable | likely to play

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

Crowell was significantly -- and unexpectedly -- limited in practice this week. Crowell saw his usual 15-20 touches last week, carried the ball into the fourth quarter, and ended his day with a 36-yard run in which he cut aggressively on both ankles and was not tackled awkwardly. On Wednesday, Todd Bowles said Crowell's ankle was "sore" and there seemed little reason for concern. After a Thursday DNP, Crowell was back on the practice field Friday but Bowles said his running back was a "little better" but would be "a Sunday decision." I'd lean toward Crowell being more probable than questionable, though it's possible he'll have a limited workload due to the limited practices.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported overnight Crowell is expected to play.

Adrian Peterson | Ankle / Shoulder / Knee | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Chris Thompson | Rib / Knee | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Peterson took a direct hit and hyperextended his knee early Monday night then later dislocated his shoulder. He had a large wrap on his knee early in the week but was moving better later in the week. An early week MRI and specialist visit was reassuring enough to convince Peterson he could play through the instability associated with his shoulder injury. Although neither injury appears to be a multiple-week situation, Peterson is reportedly a game-time decision. Both injuries are also at risk of aggravation on any play. While he's played through limiting injuries effectively in the past, it's difficult to expect a full and effective workload from Peterson this week.

Other than Jay Gruden calling Thompson a game-time decision, there's been no useful details reported on him this week. This is likely a "no news is good news" situation but I'll update with any weekend notes on his status.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported overnight that Thompson is not expected to play.

Others of note: Ezekiel Elliott (knee), Marshawn Lynch (hip), Lamar Miller (chest), and Marlon Mack (hamstring) have fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Leonard Fournette (hamstring) and Giovani Bernard (knee), have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Cooper Kupp | Concussion | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Brandin Cooks | Concussion | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Both Cooks and Kupp successfully progressed through the return-to-play protocol in practice this week. They had not had an independent exam yet but Sean McVay told reporters Friday he anticipated they'd both be cleared to play. The Rams did not list them on the game status report, which suggests the clearance did happen. Watch for any signs of concern during pregame warmups but Kupp and Cooks should play and see their usual snap counts.

*Randall Cobb | Hamstring | QuestionaBle | Game-time Decision

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

*Geronimo Allison | Hamstring | Questionable | GAme-time Decision

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

Neither Cobb nor Mike McCarthy would commit to Cobb's Monday night status on Friday. Cobb told reporters his recovery was a "daily process" and he would see how he felt on Sunday. McCarthy said both Cobb and Allison would be evaluated through warmups on Monday night before a decision on their status would be made.

I'll update after Saturday practice reports are released but I think both are more probable than the questionable tag they'll likely receive.

Josh Gordon | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Chris Hogan | Thigh | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Gordon has played 18 snaps in each of the past two games. He continues to work on assimilating the Patriots' playbook and building chemistry with Tom Brady. While still limited by the team in practice, his hamstring issues seem to be mostly behind him. It's not clear whether New England is ready to give him a larger target share, however.

A Thursday DNP was an unexpected hiccup for Hogan, who again played over 90% of New England's offensive snaps last week. Jeff Howe reported Hogan's Thursday absence was rest and treatment related and says a source told him Hogan was "expected to be cleared" to play Sunday night. The return to a Friday practice would support that report.

*Marquise Goodwin | Hamstring / Quadricep | Not listed | expected to Play

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

Goodwin did not have enough time to recover for last week's game but has returned to full practices this week. Goodwin has been optimistic with reporters all week and is set to return. He is not yet outside the window for an aggravation but what's likely to be a full practice is a great sign his recovery has progressed well. I'll update after San Francisco releases their Saturday practice report.

John Ross | Groin | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Ross was limited in practice all week. It's a prerequisite for Bengals' injured players to practice to play -- but a full week of practice does not guarantee a spot on the active roster. Ross has frequently disappointed the Bengals' coaches and others have emerged around him. Long time beat writer Geoff Hobson doesn't speculate idly and he wrote that Ross was "headed to his second straight inactive" despite a limited Friday practice.

Jamison Crowder | Knee | Questionable | likely inactive

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

Paul Richardson Jr | Shoulder / Knee | Questionable | game-time Decision

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

Josh Doctson | Heel | Questionable | game-time decision

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

Jay Gruden didn't do us any favors in his Friday press conference. He said all of his offensive skill position players were considered game-time decisions.

Crowder did not practice all week. Gruden told reporters he needed to see Crowder run. It's not uncommon for banged-up players to be limited on a short week after a Monday night game but Gruden's suggestion that Crowder hasn't been able to run much this week is a terrible sign for his availability.

Richardson has been limited in practice due to a shoulder injury all season but continued to play. His 42 snaps on Monday night were a season low, however, and he's now dealing with knee soreness, too.

Doctson is back on the injury report with heel soreness after Achilles issues limited his playing time for much of last season. He didn't play on Monday night and was limited in practice all week.

I'd tentatively handicap the likelihood of effective play as Richardson >> Crowder > Doctson. It won't surprise if the latter two are inactive.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported overnight Crowder is not expected to play.

DeVante Parker | Quadricep | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

On Wednesday, Parker was "not really sure" whether he'd be able to return this week. His full Friday practice looks promising but Parker has yet to prove he can stay on the field or become a trustworthy offensive option.

Others of note: DeAndre Hopkins (foot), Doug Baldwin (knee), Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring), Will Fuller (hamstring), Keke Coutee (hamstring), Anthony Miller (shoulder), Mohamed Sanu (hip), Sammy Watkins (hamstring), Cole Beasley (ankle), and Courtland Sutton (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. T.Y. Hilton (hamstring), Rashard Higgins (knee), and Dante Pettis (knee) have 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

Ten days ago, Gronkowski was felt to be struggling into last Thursday night's game with an ankle sprain. 63 plays and six catches later, Gronkowski was productive despite looking less explosive than usual. With an extra few days to recover leading into this week's home matchup against a Kansas City linebacker and safety group that's replacement level at best, Gronkowski is primed for another productive day.

Eric Ebron | Shin / Quad / Ankle / Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

When discussing Ebron's long list of injuries on our live Thursday night podcast, I joked that medical folks often say that the number of complaints is inversely proportional to the severity of illness. In other words, those with a long list of unconnected worries usually don't have a life-threatening situation. So, I was hopeful that Ebron's four separate conditions was a sign he was dealing with aches and pains rather than an injury that would keep him out this week.

The full Friday practice was reassuring for Ebron. But, with Jack Doyle still out with a hip injury, the Colts hedged on Friday and promoted a tight end from their practice squad. I expect Ebron to play without much limitation but the practice squad move will have me watching closely for weekend news.

*George Kittle | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The Niners have yet to publish their game status report but Kittle was frequently limited in practice before playing well last year. After playing an effective season-high 89% of the San Francisco offensive snaps last week without evidence of a serious knee injury, I expect Kittle to be ready for another heavy workload on Monday night.

Greg Olsen | Foot | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Olsen is going to play five weeks after breaking a bone in his foot that's already been repaired once. While Olsen was able to quickly shed his immobilizing boot and return to running then football-related activity, his bone has not fully healed and will require surgery to revise and replace his surgical screw fixation from last year. This after Olsen was re-injured on a relatively innocuous play in Week 1. To be absolutely crystal clear -- I'm not rooting against Greg Olsen or suggesting he or his surgical team are putting him in harm's way. But the risks are known here. Every play -- in fact, every step -- will put Olsen at risk of another aggravation. We may see Olsen play multiple effective games in coming weeks. Or he may suffer a setback during his first series on Sunday.

Ron Rivera told reporters Olsen would have been listed probable if that designation still existed. What's less clear is whether the Panthers will limit Olsen's snap count. Earlier in the week, Rivera said Olsen would not be held back if he was moving well in practice. Having cleared that hurdle, we'll see if the Panthers actually allow Olsen to play 60-70 offensive snaps knowing the risks involved. Despite Rivera's mid-week comments, I'd heavily bet on the under. Expect high-leverage passing down snaps and red zone duty for Olsen this week only.

O.J. Howard | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Howard was expected to miss time after a Week 4 MCL sprain against Chicago. His progress through the bye week was better than expected, however, and a return to practice mid-week before his full Friday practice may have him ready to return this week. The Buccaneers haven't commented on his status other than to list him as questionable. I'm tentatively expecting him to play in a limited role but will continue to watch for weekend updates.

Nick Vannett | Back | Questionable | inactive

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

Vannett didn't practice on Friday but Pete Carroll told reporters his tight end would start against the Raiders in Oakland.

Sunday Update: Vannett is inactive today.

Others of note: Jimmy Graham (knee), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (core muscle), Vernon Davis (hamstring), Ryan Griffin (toe), and Jermaine Gresham (Achilles) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Jack Doyle (hip) and Tyler Kroft (foot) 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.