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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 High Impact News and Notes

Scroll down for full details, extensive updates, and the complete table of projected availability.

General notes on COVID and the NFL

Late last week, Atlanta cornerback A.J. Terrell tested positive for COVID. Follow up reports stated the NFL did not identify any close contacts. Additional testing of Atlanta players and staff were negative through Sunday morning and the NFL allowed the Falcons to play. Thankfully, no further positive tests in Atlanta have been reported.

On Monday, the NFL reported a position coach in Tennessee tested positive for COVID. The team was cleared to travel to Minnesota and play. Over the following six days, a total of 16 players and staff tested positive. This week's Tennessee-Pittsburgh game was canceled. Next week's Tennessee-Buffalo game may not be played depending on how the Titans' outbreak evolves through the weekend and early next week.

Saturday morning, news broke that Cam Newton tested positive late Friday night. No other Patriots' players tested positive on Saturday morning. The Chiefs reported a positive test for Jordan Ta'amu shortly afterward. Currently, reports indicate the league is targeting Tuesday night for the New England - Kansas City game.

The league's decision on the New England - Kansas City game reflects a notable shift in its clearance of asymptomatic players and staff to participate.

Both Atlanta and Tennessee were cleared to play last week after confirmed positive tests within 48 hours of game time. While we aren't privy to the details of the contact-tracing programs, the strikingly different outcomes for those teams this week underscore the frustrating nature of SARS-CoV-2: Persons may be exposed, infected, and contagious before testing positive. Close contacts may test positive multiple days after exposure.

It's possible the Patriots and Chiefs have a single isolated infection and further testing is negative. But the Tennessee developments this week show that's not guaranteed and precautions must be taken to limit the risk of future exposure and infection. Targeting Tuesday suggests the NFL has adjusted its policy to require 72 hours of negative testing after last possible exposure -- possibly a minimum of three consecutive negative PCR tests 24 hours apart.

Don't expect New England to travel to Kansas City until Tuesday morning's test results are known. And no final decision on the game will be made until Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Tennessee outbreak highlighted the possibility of a positive test days after exposure. The NFL would be prudent to show extra caution this week.

Sunday Update: Another round of tests in New England were negative Saturday night. There are now multiple reports that further negative testing on Sunday could prompt the NFL to allow the Patriots to travel to Kansas City and play Monday night.

While I continue to fervently hope we see no additional cases reported and all currently affected recover quickly and fully, the additional positive tests in Tennessee this morning -- six days after the last possible exposure within the team facility -- raise questions about how many days of negative tests may be necessary to clear close contacts.

Additional reports overnight note that Falcons' contact tracing showed few, if any, close contacts after last week's positive test while the Titans may have broken protocol in multiple ways. If that proves accurate, we'll hopefully find that Tennessee is the outlier and both New England and Kansas City will not have outbreaks through the weekend.

Game-time Decision

• WR Davante Adams
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Calvin Ridley
• RB Sony Michel
• RB Zack Moss

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Carlos Hyde - INACTIVE

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• WR DeAndre Hopkins - ACTIVE
• RB Joe Mixon - ACTIVE
• RB Chris Carson - ACTIVE
• WR Terry McLaurin - ACTIVE
• WR Christian Kirk - ACTIVE
• WR Deebo Samuel
• RB Kareem Hunt - ACTIVE

Ruled Out

• WR Michael Thomas
• WR Chris Godwin
• TE Jared Cook
• QB Cam Newton
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• RB Raheem Mostert
• RB Leonard Fournette
• RB Cam Akers
• WR DeSean Jackson
• TE Jordan Reed

QUARTERBACK

Cam Newton | COVID-19 list

The Patriots placed Cam Newton on the COVID list on Saturday. It's not yet known whether he has a symptomatic infection. Much more on Newton's condition as reports surface in the coming hours and days. Hopefully, his case is mild and he makes a full and quick recovery.

Others of note: Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and Tyrod Taylor (ribs/chest) 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

Chris Carson | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Carlos Hyde | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Carson recovered well after last week's twisted knee. Reportedly a minor sprain earlier in the week, Carson returned to a full practice on Friday. He's listed questionable and -- although Pete Carroll told reporters Carson would be re-evaluated through the weekend -- is likely to play. Carson's workload could be limited but I suspect the Seahawks wouldn't have cleared him for a full practice if they were worried about his durability this weekend.

Hyde is expected to play. Carroll said Hyde "banged his shoulder" and the team limited the chances of contact this week but otherwise Hyde would have been a full practice participant.

Sunday Update: Per Adam Schefter, Carson is expected to play while Hyde is considered a pre-game decision. Ian Rapoport does not expect Hyde to play.

Joe Mixon | Chest | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Bengals added Mixon to their game status report on Saturday, listing him questionable with a chest injury. No additional information was provided.

Mixon did not appear to be injured last week and fully practiced all week. That argues against a significant chest wall injury. Teams generally list illness if that's the primary concern. There are no reports of an off-field incident or injury.

One local beat reporter tweeted, "The belief is Joe Mixon will play," without any accompanying context. For now, assume Mixon is likely to play. But the Bengals would not have added Mixon to the report unless they felt he needed an evaluation before game time. I'll update with more news overnight.

Sunday Update: Multiple reports tweeted Mixon is expected to play with what's described as a very minor injury.

Sony Michel | Quad | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Damien Harris | Finger | IR - practicing | Likely to Play

It can be difficult to read the Patriots' practice report. Nearly every Patriots' player is listed limited throughout the week, then questionable on Friday's game status report. Sometimes local writers publish actionable details, but it's rare.

Such is the case with Michel this week. After the standard three days of limited practice and questionable tag on Friday, it's not clear whether Michel is under a maintenance plan or in danger of missing this week's game. It may be notable that Michel was originally scheduled to speak with media midweek then chose not to meet. Prepare for Michel to be inactive unless we see a reassuring tweet from Adam Schefter prior to game time.

The Patriots started the three-week practice clock on Harris' return from injured reserve this week. Multiple reports suggest he's ready to play after a preseason broken pinky finger and surgery. The Patriots need to move him to the active roster by Saturday afternoon for confirmation.

Sunday Update: The Patriots' beat reporters have learned how to glean and communicate information about injured players in ways to inform readers but not anger the New England decision-makers. This morning, Mike Reiss of ESPN -- a strong source of information -- wrote "Michel was scheduled to speak with reporters Thursday, but it never happened, which usually isn't a good sign." Have contingencies in place and prepare for Michel to be inactive on Monday or Tuesday.

Kareem Hunt | Groin | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Hunt had consecutive limited practices to end the week and has a chance to play. The Browns did not provide much context on Hunt's injury. Offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski told reporters Hunt "looked pretty good" and was "working through" his injury. That's not exactly a vote of confidence for Hunt. Video posted of Hunt's individual drills on Friday didn't reveal much either. Hunt didn't look uncomfortable accelerating but he wasn't running full speed.

I'll update with any news through the weekend.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Hunt is expected to play.

Zack Moss | Toe | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Sean McDermott told reporters Moss was "trending in the right direction" but the team wanted to see how he responded to a full week of practice. A full practice would have been more reassuring that Moss is ready to return to his previous role.

Others of note: Josh Jacobs (hip/knee), Miles Sanders (glute), David Montgomery (wrist), Jerick McKinnon (ribs), Duke Johnson Jr (ankle), and Nyheim Hines (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Ryquell Armstead remains on the COVID list and will not play. Raheem Mostert (knee), Leonard Fournette (ankle), and Cam Akers (ribs) 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

*Davante Adams | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Adams told reporters his hamstring strain was low-grade and that he agreed with the team's decision to not clear him to play last week. Adams said he needs to feel like he "felt before the injury" to return and plans to continue to be "as smart as possible" with his recovery.

Adams participated in reduced-speed individual drills on Thursday and Friday as he continues to assess his progress. Two things seem certain: Adams and the relatively conservative Green Bay medical staff are unlikely to clear him to return until he's full strength. And, therefore, when Adams is active, it's reasonable to expect a full workload.

If Adams does not fully practice on Saturday or there's not a clear statement he'll play, prepare for him to miss another week and rest through Green Bay's Week 5 bye.

Saturday Update: Adams finished preparation with another limited practice. Matt LaFleur told reporters the team will take the decision "right up to [kickoff] and make a decision." The extra day may work in Adams favor here but it's concerning the team hasn't declared him fit to play. Adams has said he would not return until full strength. Injuries and COVID-19 postponements have made navigating the wide receiver position difficult this week. If Adams plays, he's likely to approach double-digit targets. But you may not know his status until late Monday afternoon.

*Julio Jones | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Jones spoke to reporters on Friday and provided an honest and detailed assessment of his current status.

Jones said, "I feel good...I've been running well at practice...I don't know. I'm not 100% or anything, but I feel good." When Jones was asked about his return, he sounded frustrated about the uncertainty of how his injury would respond at speed and discussed the importance of "building up the confidence and getting the strength and everything back."

Jones routinely plays through nagging soft-tissue injuries but understands the risk. "They can be lengthy if you don't take care of yourself and do what you need to do."

I'm expecting another limited practice on Saturday and a questionable designation. It's clear Jones is not yet full strength. If he plays on Monday night, it's very difficult to project him for double-digit and productive targets.

Saturday Update: Jones was limited and is listed questionable as anticipated. Dan Quinn said Jones was "definitely trending up" after the morning walkthrough. If he plays it won't be at full strength.

*Calvin Ridley | Ankle/Calf | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Ridley did not practice on Thursday with an ankle injury and looked limited at times in video of Friday's individual drills. The Falcons added a calf designation to the injury report after Friday's workout.

Ridley played 93% of last week's offensive snaps and did not appear limited during a third consecutive game of double-digit targets. The ankle injury may not be a significant limitation but the new calf designation must be tracked carefully through the weekend.

Saturday's practice participation will be key.

Saturday Update: Ridley was limited and listed questionable. The Falcons have yet to discuss Ridley's specific condition. Dan Quinn told reporters Ridley -- like Julio Jones -- was trending upward.

*Russell Gage | Concussion | Not Listed | Likely to Play

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

Gage returned to a full Friday practice, the final step before the team assesses his readiness for an independent neurologist check and likely clearance to play. If he completes another full practice on Saturday, he'll likely be a full go this week.

DeAndre Hopkins | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Hopkins has yet to practice with an ankle injury this week after playing 94% of his team's offensive snaps last week. Kliff Kingsbury would only say Hopkins was dealing with "some sort of ankle issue" but told reporters the team wouldn't "rolll [Hopkins] out there if he's not feeling like he can play at his best."

Hopkins has a history of playing through injury, usually effectively, and has been successful even without practice reps in past seasons. General manager Steve Keim hinted the Cardinals would leave the decision to Hopkins saying "he knows his body better than anybody" and "the fact is, he doesn't miss football games."

Expect an overnight report from Adam Schefter and others clarifying Hopkins' status.

Sunday Update: Hopkins remains a pre-game decision per Adam Schefter, who expects him to play if there are no setbacks during warmups. Ian Rapoport later tweeted Hopkins is "pushing to play" but "the plan is to workout pregame" to be sure. Expect Hopkins to play with some limitation.

Christian Kirk | Groin | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Kirk was limited this week with a groin injury. The team considers him a game-time decision.

Terry McLaurin | Thigh | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

McLaurin's practice line is generally the scariest possible line for a skill-position player -- a Thursday soft-tissue injury preventing Friday practice.

Local observers reported McLaurin riding an exercise bike early in Friday's session then moving off to a side field to do some light conditioning and rehab with athletic trainers. Ron Rivera did not address McLaurin's condition in his press conference.

The questionable tag likely means Washington is uncertain but hopeful that McLaurin's injury improves through the weekend and he's capable of running routes on Sunday. Unfortunately, there's not yet enough information to have a strong lean toward probable and productive or doubtful.

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

Julian Edelman | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

After a briefly alarming 58% snap count in Week 1, Edelman has rebounded nicely to see more snaps over the past two weeks. The Patriots will continue to limit his snaps in practice but his chronic knee soreness doesn't look likely to limit his snaps.

After Cam Newton's Saturday COVID diagnosis, the Patriots won't play until Tuesday at the earliest.

Deebo Samuel | Foot | IR - practicing | Expected to Play

The Niners will move Samuel to the active roster on Saturday.

Samuel traveled to join the team for practice last week and has now finished two weeks of regular workouts without soreness. Kyle Shanahan said Samuel "will be out there but it won't be his usual role, that's for sure."

Expect a limited snap count and a chance at 6-8 targets. Should Samuel tolerate full-speed routes during the first half, we could see the Niners give him more playing time as the game progresses. More likely, Samuel will return to a higher workload in Week 5.

Others of note: Tyreek Hill (heel), Will Fuller (hamstring), D.J. Chark (chest/back), Laviska Shenault (hamstring), Odell Beckham (back), Jarvis Landry (hip), John Brown (calf), and Curtis Samuel (elbow) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Michael Thomas (ankle), DeSean Jackson (hamstring), Alshon Jeffery (foot), J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (calf), Henry Ruggs (knee, hamstring), Bryan Edwards (foot, ankle), Mike Williams (hamstring), Allen Lazard (core muscle), Michael Pittman (calf), and Steven Sims Jr (toe) 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

George Kittle | Knee | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Kittle was likely very close to playing last week but the Niners wanted him full strength and were happy to avoid risking an aggravated injury (or worse) on the field they suffered a rash of injuries on the previous week.

Expect Kittle to immediately return to his pre-injury workload.

Trey Burton | Calf | IR - practicing | Expected to Play

Burton convinced the team he was recovered enough to play a limited role this week and will be activated from injured reserve on Saturday.

Others of note: Darren Waller (knee), Will Dissly (Achilles), and Dawson Knox (concussion) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Jared Cook (groin) and Jordan Reed (knee) 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.

Practice Participation, Game Status Report, and Playing Expectations

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