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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

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:

Fast Track News and Notes

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:

***Mark Andrews continues to be limited in practice but remains adamant he'll play.

***Amari Cooper was limited in practice this week but there are no indications he'll be significantly limited.

***Chris Godwin and Terry McLaurin are game-time decisions but both are trending toward playing.

***Matthew Stafford is expected to play through a back / hip condition.

***Devin Singletary is a game-time decision but could see a limited role.

QUARTERBACK

Matthew Stafford | Hip | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Stafford was a late add to the injury report on Friday. The Lions listed him questionable with a hip injury. However, ESPN's Dan Graziano is now reporting Stafford's limitation is a back condition that "flared up again this week." Local observers did not notice anything of concern with Stafford in practice during the week but a chronic back condition warrants close observation of the weekend news. Expect an optimistic report from Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport overnight.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Stafford's pain got worse as the week progressed and "this is the closest he's probably been to not playing" but Stafford plans to play today. Stafford routinely plays through limiting injuries with varying success. If Schefter's report proves accurate, it's possible Stafford suffers an in-game setback preventing him from finishing today.

Others of note: Patrick Mahomes II (ankle), Tom Brady (calf), Case Keenum (foot), and Josh Rosen (knee) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Drew Brees (thumb) and Cam Newton (foot) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

LeSean McCoy | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

McCoy missed practice on Wednesday but fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. That practice line is similar to last week when McCoy looked to be moving well until a late game aggravation. The full game stats show McCoy with 26 snaps (38%) to Darrel Williams' 37 snaps (54%), three targets to Williams' five, and 11 touches to Williams' 14. However, McCoy saw five redzone targets to Williams' two and McCoy saw a greater percentage of the workload in the first half before aggravating his injury.

Another aggravation is possible but McCoy frequently plays effectively through injury, was cleared to practice on Thursday, and is not listed on the game status report. He can again be expected to see a minimum of ten touches in the explosive Kansas City offense and could easily approach 15 touches if the game script cooperates.

Devin Singletary | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Singletary did not practice last week and was not cleared to practice on Wednesday this week, suggesting his hamstring strain was likely to be a multiple-week injury. The return to a limited Thursday practice was a surprise and a sign the Bills were looking to see how Singletary might respond to an increase in participation overnight. The Friday limited practice is a positive sign and Sean McDermott told reporters Singletary had a good day of practice. Still considered a game-time decision, Singletary remains in the high-risk window for aggravation. Buffalo likely wants every able-bodied player available for their home matchup against New England but it's hard to envision Singletary getting more than a handful of touches if active.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport believes Singletary will participate in pre-game warmup but "the likelihood is that it's another week until he plays."

Rex Burkhead | Foot | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

As the Patriots often do with their injured players, Burkhead was listed as limited on all three practice days and added to the game status report as questionable. As is often the case with injured New England players, the local media was unable to tease any actionable information from their sources through Friday.

For now, I'm leaning toward Burkhead being much closer to probable than doubtful. Burkhead, partly out of necessity due to the absence of James Develin, played a season-high 57 snaps -- 74% of New England's offensive snaps. He remained in the game late in the fourth quarter with the Patriots up 16 points. And there have been no national or local reports suggesting anything more than veteran maintenance this week.

The Patriots routinely shift their game plan based on player availability and opponent. But Burkhead's injury does not appear to be a major issue. I'll update with any overnight news.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports Burkhead is expected to play.

Rashaad Penny | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The Seahawks list Penny questionable. However, Pete Carroll was reassuring about Penny's status late last week, the team gradually returned Penny to a full practice this week, and Carroll told reporters Penny was among the questionable players who had a "real good chance to play" on Sunday. Penny played 26% and 33% of Seattle's offensive snaps in the first two weeks and Chris Carson's ball security issues have left the door open for others to increase their playing time. Last week, that opportunity went to C.J. Prosise (55%). If Penny is healthy, his workload may begin increasing soon.

Others of note: Carlos Hyde (shoulder), Royce Freeman (shoulder), and Ito Smith (concussion) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Saquon Barkley (ankle), Damien Williams (knee), and Justin Jackson (calf), and are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Amari Cooper | Ankle | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Cooper left Wednesday's practice after experiencing ankle soreness. An MRI later that day was reportedly reassuring and the Cowboys have consistently said Cooper would play this week. Limited practices Thursday and Friday were also reassuring and Dallas did not include Cooper on the game status report.

It's not uncommon for NFL teams to immediately pursue imaging studies on their players, even when's there's relatively little concern for a severe injury. It helps to define the injury, set up appropriate rehab and treatment plans, and establish a baseline for comparison if an injury is aggravated later.

Though he cannot always be trusted to provide accurate information, Jerry Jones told reporters Cooper should be able to push off and perform all the duties of his position without issue. Expect a reassuring update during Adam Schefter's overnight reporting. Cooper should see his usual targets.

T.Y. Hilton | Quad | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

The Colts left a glimmer of hope for Hilton, listing him doubtful rather than ruling him out on Friday. However, Hilton's aggravated quad strain prevented him from practicing all week. The missed practices are much more likely to be rehab over rest -- aggravated strains often require longer recovery periods.

Hilton was cleared to talk to reporters on Friday. When asked if he would play against Oakland, Hilton said, "You'll find out on Sunday." An injured player talking to the media is generally a positive sign and we've seen the Colts clear players to play on game day with very little practice time during the week, but I don't believe Hilton is close to playing.

Hilton also told reporters he was "ahead of schedule" and "doing better." But that shouldn't be taken as evidence he's playing this week. Hopefully, that's an indication Hilton made better progress than expected this week and he'll be back in action in Week 5 rather than sitting through the Colts' Week 6 bye.

Chris Godwin | Hip | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Godwin managed only a limited Friday practice this week. Local observers reported Godwin running light pass patterns and catching passes to the side and Bruce Arians told reporters he felt Godwin was "moving around okay" and that he was "going to be all right" before calling him a game-time decision.

There was no obvious indication of injury last Sunday. Godwin played 74 of a possible 77 snaps, consistent with the 90% snap percentage he's seen throughout the season. Without specifics on the injury, it's difficult to assess the risk of aggravation. Tampa Bay has severely limited the practice time of players with minor injury in past seasons but the sample size for Arians' approach this season is still too small to trust.

I'll update with any overnight reports but I believe Godwin is likely to play.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter tweeted Godwin is expected to play. Ian Rapoport adds "the plan is for him to tough it out and play."

Julian Edelman | Chest | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

There were no concerning reports early in the week after Edelman's rib cage injury prevented him from returning to last week's game. X-rays were reportedly negative and the Patriots cleared him to return to practice on Wednesday. Local reports on Friday had Edelman planning to travel with the team to Buffalo and there are no indications he'll be declared inactive.

Rib injuries are painful but often managed with injections and padding. Expect Edelman to be active and see close to his usual number of snaps.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reports Edelman will play but may have a limited snap count depending on "how he feels."

Calvin Ridley | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Falcons limited Ridley in practice this week while he continues to recover from a hip contusion. As with Julio Jones and others, a full Friday participation and no inclusion on the game status report usually tells us the Falcons plan to fully incorporate an injured player in their weekly game plan. Ridley's snap percentage was stable last week and he should see around 75% of the team's offensive snaps again this week. Expect Ridley to be much busier than last week's single target on 46 snaps.

Terry McLaurin | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

McLaurin left Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury. A late-week soft tissue injury is usually a serious concern for a wide receiver, particularly when their team chooses not to allow that player to practice on Friday. However, there's an emerging trend around the league to rehab players late in the week rather than expose them to football-related work during Friday walkthrough.

Washington beat writer JP Finlay tweeted McLaurin's hamstring injury was "described as a minor pull" and his missed Friday practice was "precautionary." The report is reassuring on the surface but "minor pull" does not equal no risk of aggravation. McLaurin's injury may be low grade and he may be more probable than questionable to play. However, there's some risk with McLaurin if he's active.

I'll update with overnight news if available.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport's overnight tweet supports the local Washington media report that McLaurin's hamstring injury is a "minor ailment." Rapoport describes McLaurin as a game-time decision but notes the team is "optimistic" he plays. Despite Rapoport's optimism, McLaurin is active for Week 4.

Albert Wilson | Hip / Calf | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Wilson is listed questionable but likely to return this week after aggravating a calf strain in Week 1. On Friday, Wilson told reporters he was "moving smooth and fast" and ready to return to play after not feeling quite ready to play last week. The full week of limited practice without a setback is good news for Wilson, who remains within the window where further aggravation is possible. Expect Wilson to play, though it's possible the Dolphins limit the number of routes he runs during his first game back.

Sunday Update: Armando Salguero is reporting Wilson is unlikely to play. Without any corroboration from the national media, this is a concerning report. I now expect Miami to hold Wilson out through their Week 5 bye week. And Wilson has been declared inactive for Week 4.

Rashard Higgins | Knee | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Higgins returned to practice on Wednesday but was not seen on Thursday or Friday. That's a very pessimistic sign for a player who's missed the previous two games, suggesting the team tested his fitness midweek and was not reassured by how Higgins' knee responded. Freddy Kitchens praised Damion Ratley's work in Higgins' absence. Expect Higgins to be inactive again this week.

Others of note: Odell Beckham (hip), Mike Williams (back), Chris Conley (knee), Emmanuel Sanders (quadricep), Travis Benjamin (hip) and have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Tyreek Hill (shoulder), A.J. Green (ankle), Michael Gallup (knee), Taylor Gabriel (concussion), Damiere Byrd (concussion), and Tre'Quan Smith (ankle) are doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Mark Andrews | Foot | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Ravens continue to aggressively rehab Andrews' foot injury. After a Week 2 Friday DNP, the Baltimore medical staff decreased Andrews' participation leading up to Week 3, and allowed Andrews to do even less this week.

John Harbaugh wouldn't discuss Andrews' injury on Friday saying, "I know everybody is dying to know what it is, but...I'm not going to share it with you. There's no reason to, sorry." Harbaugh confirmed Andrews was "planning on being out there" and Andrews himself told reporters he was playing and felt he was "well on my way" to being full strength on Sunday.

Though his reception count dropped from eight in the first two weeks to only three last week, Andrews maintained a comparable snap percentage (53%) and target count (7) in Week 3.

Barring a worrisome overnight report, expect Andrews to run his usual number of routes and see 5-8 targets again this week. He'll face a Cleveland defense on his home field that continues to fight injury at all defensive levels.

*Vance McDonald | Shoulder | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

The Steelers do not clear players to play if they've not been able to practice. Though Friday's practice, the trend on McDonald was clearly pessimistic after a shoulder injury that prevented him from returning last week. Fortunately, McDonald has the benefit of continuing to rehab through the weekend. Mike Tomlin told reporters he was "optimistic about [McDonald] being available...but maybe limited in some form or fashion" after Friday's practice.

Despite Tomlin's stated optimism, the Steelers added depth by trading for Nick Vannett midweek. There's a chance McDonald is listed as limited during Saturday's practice and questionable for Monday night's game. But prepare for him to be inactive or limited to very few personnel packages if Pittsburgh does keep him active.

Saturday Update: McDonald did not practice on Saturday. As noted above, Pittsburgh players who aren't cleared to practice during the week almost never play on game day. Expect McDonald to be inactive Monday night.

Delanie Walker | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Walker did not practice until Friday but there's no concern about his Sunday availability. Walker told reporters he appreciates the team giving him time to rest when he has a minor ailment. Walker said he will play this week and Mike Vrabel confirmed Walker was ready to go during a Friday press conference. Expect Walker to see his usual game day workload.

Trey Burton | Groin | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

It's not clear why the Bears chose to limit Burton in practice on Friday after full participation earlier in the week and a season-high 40 snaps in Week 3. Local writers believe Burton will play. Unfortunately, his matchup against Minnesota's back seven is not favorable and the Bears have yet to target Burton downfield or in the red zone.

Others of note: Greg Olsen (back) and Tyler Higbee (chest) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Hunter Henry (knee), Jordan Reed (concussion), and Tyler Kroft (foot/ankle) are listed doubtful or have been declared out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

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