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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

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

Awaiting Information | Game-time Decision

• RB Cam Akers -- less than full strength, may try to play
• WR DeVante Parker

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Chase Edmonds
• WR Jakeem Grant

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Antonio Gibson
• WR Terry McLaurin
• RB LeVeon Bell -- limited playing time, if any
• QB Matthew Stafford
• QB Alex Smith
• RB Gus Edwards

COVID reserve (Expected to be Inactive)

• RB Alvin Kamara
• RB Latavius Murray
• WR Keenan Allen
• WR Cooper Kupp
• TE Hunter Henry
• WR Christian Kirk
• TE Eric Ebron
• QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
• RB LaMical Perine
• TE Tyler Kroft
• TE Harrison Bryant
• RB Jalen Richard

Ruled Out

• QB Jared Goff
  
  
• RB Christian McCaffrey
• RB Mike Davis
• RB James Robinson
• RB Miles Sanders
• RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
• RB Damien Harris
• RB Carlos Hyde
• RB Darrell Henderson (IR)
• RB Frank Gore (IR)
  
  
• WR Tyreek Hill
• WR Sammy Watkins
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Kenny Golladay
• WR Brandon Aiyuk
• WR Deebo Samuel
• WR D.J. Chark
• WR Cole Beasley
• WR DeSean Jackson
  
  
• TE Dallas Goedert
• TE Greg Olsen

QUARTERBACK

Matthew Stafford | Thumb / Rib / Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Stafford has been playing through a thumb sprain on his throwing hand and a rib cartilage injury requiring pain management injections. Last week, a violently turned ankle ended his day. Stafford forced his was back onto the practice field on Thursday, had no setback, and practiced again on Friday.

He's listed questionable but there would be no reason to allow him to practice if the team wasn't going to allow him to play. Expect him to be active.

Alex Smith | Calf | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Smith's surgically-altered calf muscle continues to improve. After ongoing tightness held him out of last week's game, Smith reportedly felt better throughout the week and was able to take most of the first-team reps in practice. Ron Rivera told reporters Smith was "moving really well" but wouldn't formally commit to him starting.

Washington clinches a playoff berth with a win. Given the chaos around their quarterback position over the past two weeks, expect Smith to go if he can protect himself in the pocket. If Rivera's comments are accurate, Smith has met that criteria and will play.

Sunday Update: Smith is expected to start.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Ryan Fitzpatrick (COVID+) -- Inactive

Others of note: Kyler Murray (leg), Daniel Jones (hamstring), and Philip Rivers (toe) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Ben Roethlisberger (no injury) and Jared Goff (thumb) have been ruled out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Antonio Gibson | Toe | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Early this week, Ron Rivera implied Gibson's missed practice time was intentional and precautionary. Gibson's inability to return to the practice field for any individual reps looks disconcerting but Washington has no incentive to risk a late-week setback with a must-win game to reach the playoffs on Sunday.

Expect Gibson to be active. He should be cleared to see a reasonable workload -- he had 13 touches on 21 snaps last week -- but expect the team to limit his usage in any game script that allows them to do so. J.D. McKissic will handle passing-down duties and expect Peyton Barber to handle the ball frequently if Washington gets out to a multiple-score lead.

Sunday Update: Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport expect Gibson to play today.

Cam Akers | Ankle | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

The Rams clinch a playoff berth with a win. It's unlikely Akers (high ankle sprain) is anywhere close to full strength -- he managed only a few individual reps on Friday -- but he and the Rams may push the limits of recovery.

Darrell Henderson is on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain last week. Malcolm Brown is playing through a shoulder sprain. If Akers responds well to Friday's workout, it's possible the team has him active in an emergency role. Do not expect 10+ touches unless Brown is unable to continue.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported Akers is "likely to try to play" and Ian Rapoport tweeted Akers' availability will be based on a pregame workout. Neither report is reassuring. Akers may be active but he is unlikely to see extended or effective snaps.

LeVeon Bell | Knee | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

The Chiefs have clinched the first-round bye and are planning to rest many of their starters. Kansas City has multiple capable options on the depth chart behind Bell, who has missed multiple practices in recent weeks with a knee injury.

When asked about Bell on Friday, Andy Reid said "We'll see." It's unlikely Bell will play. If he is active, 4-6 touches is arguably his ceiling projection.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport reports Bell is "expected to dress" but "if he plays it will be very little."

Gus Edwards | Back | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The questionable tag is generally no concern in Baltimore. Players receiving treatment of any kind often are listed questionable and see their usual workload. Although back injuries can be tricky as spasms can recur without warning, it's likely Edwards will suit up in a win-and-in situation for the Ravens.

Carlos Hyde | Illness | Questionable | Inactive

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

Hyde has had "flu-like" symptoms all week but tested negative for COVID. Hyde cannot be cleared to play unless his symptoms improve and he continues to test negative. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco on Saturday. We'll know his status soon.

Saturday Update: Hyde did not travel with the team and has been ruled out.

Chase Edmonds | Hip | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Edmonds has not practiced this week after leaving last week's game early. Local writers do not seem optimistic about Edmonds' status. He's likely doubtful but could be given a chance to play in a win-and-in game for Arizona.

Sunday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Edmonds remains a "game-time decision" but there is "optimism" he plays.

Duke Johnson Jr | Neck | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Johnson returned to practice this week but is unlikely to be cleared to play.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Alvin Kamara (COVID+) -- Inactive
• Latavius Murray (COVID close contact) -- Inactive
• LaMical Perine (COVID+) -- Inactive
• Jalen Richard (COVID) -- Likely Inactive

Others of note: Ronald Jones II (finger), Leonard Fournette (abdomen), Chris Carson (foot), Rashaad Penny (knee), Latavius Murray (quadricep), Alexander Mattison (concussion), Malcolm Brown (shoulder), Jamaal Williams (quadricep), and Ty Johnson (hip) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Christian McCaffrey (thigh), Mike Davis (ankle), James Robinson (ankle), Miles Sanders (knee), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (hip), and Damien Harris (ankle) have been ruled out and will not play. Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Terry McLaurin | Ankle | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

McLaurin has not practiced since suffering a high ankle sprain two weeks ago. Ron Rivera told reporters McLaurin was moving better in rehab on Thursday saying, "You guys didn’t get a chance to see it because we didn’t want you to see it, but he looked good. He moved around. It was a positive step."

Washington rarely clears players with injury to practice on indoor turf which prevented McLaurin from attempting individual drills after Friday's practice was moved inside due to rain. Add McLaurin to the long list of players who aren't healthy enough to play but may anyway in a win-and-in playoff situation.

Sunday Update: According to multiple local reports, McLaurin will try to play today at less than full strength.

DeVante Parker | Hamstring | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Jakeem Grant | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Parker has reportedly been moving well for two weeks but has yet to be cleared to play. Multiple writers observed Parker moving well again this week, suggesting he's close to returning. We likely won't know for certain until inactives are reported.

Grant returned to practice with the hope his high ankle sprain will respond well enough to contribute. Do not expect effective snaps or more than 2-3 targets if he's active.

Sunday Update: Miami added two wide receivers from the practice squad on Saturday and all eight receivers traveled with the team to Buffalo. Parker's status remains in doubt.

Larry Fitzgerald | Groin | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Fitzgerald did not practice this week but local writers expect him to try to play.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Keenan Allen (COVID+) -- Inactive
• Cooper Kupp (COVID+) -- Inactive
• Christian Kirk (COVID) -- Inactive

Others of note: DeAndre Hopkins (hip), A.J. Brown (ankle), Diontae Johnson (illness), Allen Robinson (hamstring), Tyler Boyd (concussion), Tee Higgins (hamstring), Jarvis Landry (hip), Sterling Shepard (rib), Robby Anderson (groin), Jalen Guyton (hamstring), Allen Lazard (core), and Keke Coutee (foot) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Tyreek Hill (hamstring), Sammy Watkins (calf), Julio Jones (hamstring), Kenny Golladay (hip), Brandon Aiyuk (ankle), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), D.J. Chark (shin), Collin Johnson (hamstring), DeSean Jackson (ankle), Cole Beasley (knee), and Golden Tate (calf) 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

Cole Kmet | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Kmet has been playing close to 100% of the Bears' offensive snaps for weeks despite missing practice time with various ailments. He is expected to play this week.

Greg Olsen | Foot | Questionable | Inactive

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

The Seahawks have clinched a playoff berth and plan to rest Olsen after his 12-snap return last week.

Currently on COVID-reserve:

• Hunter Henry (COVID+) -- Inactive
• Eric Ebron (COVID high-risk contact) -- Inactive
• Tyler Kroft (COVID+) -- Inactive
• Harrison Bryant (COVID+) -- Inactive

Others of note: Mike Gesicki (shoulder), Evan Engram (calf), Donald Parham (illness), Marcedes Lewis (knee), Dan Arnold (back), and Jack Doyle (quadricep) practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Dallas Goedert (calf), Richard Rodgers (ankle) has 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

* = playing on Monday night
% = playing on Friday night
^ = playing on Saturday