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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:

Current Status on High Impact Injured Players

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:

Game-time Decision

• RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) -- trending doubtful
• WR DeAndre Hopkins (ribs) -- trending probable
• WR Tee Higgins (shoulder) -- trending doubtful
• QB Carson Wentz (ankle) -- trending probable
• WR Kenny Golladay (hip)

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Josh Jacobs (ankle)
• RB Elijah Mitchell (shoulder)
• RB Darrell Henderson (ribs)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• WR Amari Cooper (ribs)
• RB DAndre Swift (groin)
• WR Marquise Brown (ankle)
• RB Trey Sermon (concussion)
• TE Evan Engram (calf)
• TE Zach Ertz (activated from covid-reserve)

Ruled Out

• WR Diontae Johnson
• WR Antonio Brown (covid-reserve)
• QB Tua Tagovailoa
• QB Andy Dalton
• RB Tevin Coleman
• RB Rashaad Penny
• WR Dee Eskridge
• TE Anthony Firkser

QUARTERBACK

Carson Wentz | Ankles | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Wentz hopes to play through injuries to both ankles. Film review suggests a low-grade left high ankle sprain and a significant right ankle sprain that does not look like a high ankle injury. It's the right ankle that drew the most attention on the sideline after the injury.

Earlier in the week, Frank Reich told reporters it would be a "surprise" if Wentz could play. Wentz himself said the medical and training staff were "throwing the kitchen sink" at the injuries to prepare him to play. However, Wentz returned to a limited practice on Friday and Ian Rapoport reported the Colts are "gearing" Wentz up to play.

After Friday's practice, Reich said the full offensive playbook would not be available to the team with Wentz under center and the team would decide what was best for everyone as the weekend progressed. Either ankle could limit Wentz in the pocket, his mobility under pressure, and his throwing velocity and accuracy. Both ankles are at risk of aggravation.

Rapoport's Friday report assumes the Colts saw enough from Wentz to feel comfortable with him playing but the team absolutely needs to see how he responded to the limited Friday session. It currently appears Wentz is trending toward playing but ineffectiveness and re-injury are significant concerns if he's active.

Sunday update: Overnight reports are unanimous: Wentz will try to play today. His movement will be limited and he may not finish the game.

Others of note: Lamar Jackson (illness), Derek Carr (ankle), Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral), and Zach Wilson have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) and Andy Dalton (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.

RUNNING BACK

Dalvin Cook | Ankle | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Cook did not practice but there are indications he will try to play through a low-grade high ankle sprain.

High-ankle sprains are limiting injuries for running backs. Cook's foot wasn't planted when the injury occurred and did not have his own weight or the weight of his defender stressing the joint. Still, stiffness and swelling are difficult to overcome -- regardless of grade -- in 5-7 days. Cook was laboring after the injury last week and did not do any football activity this week.

However, on Wednesday, Mike Zimmer told reporters Cook would be cleared to play if possible. Cook himself was cleared to speak to the media on Wednesday. That rarely happens when a player is unlikely to play. And Cook told reporters he was "good." Then, on Friday, Zimmer told reporters Cook was "doing much better" and did more rehab work as the week progressed. Zimmer believes Cook can play without practicing.

The next 24 hours are critical for Cook. If he continues to show improvement and responds well to Friday's rehab session, he could be active and cleared to play. Without knowing more about Cook's injury grade and rehab progress, it's difficult to assess his expectations. It's possible Cook's injury is very low grade, the Vikings were extremely cautious, and he's capable of a full and effective workload. More likely, he's improving but still recovering, at risk of ineffective play, and aggravation.

I'll update throughout the weekend.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reports the Vikings became "less confident" as the week progressed and is considered unlikely to play. Ian Rapoport tweeted Cook would be "extremely limited" if active.

Saquon Barkley | Knee | Not listed | Expected to play

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

The Giants cleared Barkley for a full workload last Thursday night. After playing 48% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 1, Barkley saw 84% on Thursday (58 of 69 snaps). He had 13 carries (to Devontae Booker's two) and three targets in the passing game.

Barkley has shown moments of his pre-injury explosiveness, has not missed any practices since his return to play, and is no longer listed on the team's game day status report. He's likely to see 85+% of the Giants' offensive snaps again this week. Expect him to gain strength and stamina as the season progresses. If the New York offensive line and offense improves, Barkley's volume should result in more production soon.

DAndre Swift | Groin | Questionable | Expected to play

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

The Lions continue to limit Swift's practice during the week but the usage split on offense with Jamaal Williams remains stable. It's been a 2-to-1 split in Swift favor in each of the first two weeks with a fairly equal distribution in touches.

There's no local concern about Swift's availability. He's expected to play and should see 12-20 touches again this week.

Elijah Mitchell | Shoulder | Doubtful | Inactive

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

Trey Sermon | Concussion | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Mike Shanahan told reporters Mitchell is only listed doubtful because the running back depth is so thin. Were the recently signed players more game-ready, Mitchell would have been ruled out. It's highly unlikely Mitchell would be cleared to play even if active. The Niners have yet to further define Mitchell's injury but it's concerning he was not cleared to practice after returning so quickly with a stinger during last week's game. I'll have more on that in Monday's article.

Sermon rapidly progressed through concussion protocol this week and has been cleared to play. Projecting usage for San Francisco's young offensive talent has been frustrating this season but Sermon is the only player on the roster with more than a few days of experience with the offensive playbook. If he has no recurrent symptoms through the weekend or pregame, he's likely to see 15+ touches.

Sunday update: The Niners elevated Kerryon Johnson to the active roster on Saturday. They now have five available running backs for game day. Expect Mitchell to be inactive and Sermon to be the lead back.

Darrell Henderson | Ribs | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Henderson is dealing with a painful rib cartilage injury and did not practice. Sean McVay told reporters Henderson would be a game-time decision and his availability will be based on pain tolerance. He hinted Henderson was more doubtful than questionable, saying the team "would use as much time as we have" but has "contingency plans" in place.

Pain-killing injections and kevlar padding can help but it's very difficult to protect rib cartilage injuries and to relieve enough discomfort until the end of the game.

If Henderson is active, he's likely to have a very limited workload and may be available in case of emergency only.

Sunday update: Henderson has an "uphill battle" to play, per Ian Rapoport overnight. Adam Schefter is currently reported Henderson will not play.

Others of note: Austin Ekeler (ankle), Antonio Gibson (shoulder), Damien Harris (finger), and Miles Sanders (chest) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Josh Jacobs (ankle), JaMycal Hasty (ankle), Tevin Coleman (illness), and Rashaad Penny (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.

WIDE RECEIVER

DeAndre Hopkins | Ribs | Questionable | Likely to play

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

The Friday DNP is almost always a concerning development for veteran players critical to a team's success. However, Hopkins has been the exception to the rule multiple times in his career.

Presumably, Hopkins' injury occurred during last week's game. He played 97% of Arizona's offensive snaps, missing just two. On Wednesday, teammate A.J. Green told reporters "Hop don't miss games." And most local media members have cited Hopkins history of playing hurt as evidence he's likely to play this week.

Rib injuries are different than the soft tissue concerns Hopkins' has effectively played through in past seasons, so effective play cannot be assured. Expect Hopkins to be active and productive but watch the overnight news reports and pregame inactives for confirmation.

Sunday update: Overnight reports confirm Hopkins will try to play today. Those reports are primarily based on the "he always does" argument. But there's a clear tone of concern here. Adam Schefter's source says, "Pretty confident he will play, but not 100%." Rib injuries are difficult to play through for even the most consistently available players. There's a lower floor than usual with Hopkins this week.

*Amari Cooper | Ribs | Not listed | Expected to Play

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

Cooper did not appear to be in significant pain on the sidelines after his injury last week. He's returned to a full practice and has another 48 hours to prepare for Monday night. Unless there's a surprising Saturday development suggesting he didn't respond well to Friday's full practice, expect him to play Monday night.

Saturday Update: Cooper reportedly cracked ribs in Week 1 and aggravated the condition in Week 2. He will play this week with a protective vest.

Marquise Brown | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Brown missed practice last week and played effectively. The Thursday DNP is less concerning after his return to Friday practice. Local reporters expect him to play. He should see his current workload (70% snaps, 6-8+ targets) this week.

Tee Higgins | Shoulder | Doubtful | Likely inactive

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

In recent seasons, it's become extremely rare for players with a doubtful designation to play. That's especially true in Cincinnati, where players who do not practice by midweek do not play on Sunday.

But there are some interesting undertones in the team's reporting on Friday. ESPN beat writer Ben Baby tweeted that it "would not shock me at all if [Higgins] ended up playing" and Stephania Bell raised the possibility that Higgins could be updated to questionable on Saturday. Both are respected journalists and are not known to speculate without reason.

Conversely, team beat writer Geoff Hobson, an impartial, sober voice who's long been closely connected to team sources, did not think Higgins would play after the midweek DNPs.

Zac Taylor left the door open for Higgins on Friday, saying the team would "try to give him every second" before making a decision. Higgins may be available but see his workload limited, so there's more to this than just Higgins game day roster status. I'll watch this one carefully through the weekend.

Sunday update: Higgins did not get a weekend upgrade and is considered unlikely to play.

Odell Beckham | Knee | Not listed | Expected to play

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

It's not clear what limited Beckham's final recovery over the past weeks. Recent comments from Beckham and those connected to the teams suggest he was physically ready but needed more time to prepare for game speed and contact. A full week of practice appears to have provided that comfort level and Beckham isn't listed on the team's status report.

Projecting Beckham's usage is difficult. He's participated in non-contact drills for months and should know the playbook. A healthy Beckham is easily Cleveland's most talented receiving option. Jarvis Landry isn't available to siphon targets. The full week of practice and unanimous media support from coaches this week about Beckham's readiness is very reassuring.

Still, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Browns limit Beckham's snaps in his first week back. Baker Mayfield's non-throwing shoulder is a non-issue but a stout Chicago defense could be. Anything from 50% of the snaps and 3-5 targets to a full workload and 10+ targets is possible this week.

Antonio Brown | COVID+ | Covid-Reserve | Inactive

Brown was reportedly vaccinated for COVID-19 and is not required to isolate for ten days. He could return after testing negative on two consecutive days. However, most COVID infections result in positive tests for 5-7 days, particularly when symptomatic. While there's a theoretical possibility of a player testing positive early in the week, it should be considered unlikely.

Hopefully, Brown will meet the negative test threshold and play this week. But prepare for him to be inactive.

Saturday update: Brown was not activated and will not play.

Kenny Golladay | Hip | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Golladay was limited all week with a hip condition. There are reports the injury is not similar or related to last year's frequently aggravated hip flexor strain that kept Golladay out multiple games.

A full week of limited practice is reassuring and the Giants frequently clear players when listed questionable. While it's likely Golladay will play, some observers noted Golladay wasn't doing much in individual drills this week and hip issues have limited him in the past. Watch the overnight tweets for a reassuring report.

Darnell Mooney | Groin | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Mooney has yet to fully practice this season. In Weeks 1 and 2, Mooney was limited with a back condition but never in danger of missing time. This week, it's a groin injury that forced Mooney into treatment and he did miss seven snaps in Week 2 after playing every down in Week 1.

Expect Mooney to be active but watch for any overnight or pregame surprises.

Others of note: DK Metcalf (knee), A.J. Brown (knee), Courtland Sutton (hip), Tim Patrick (hip), Laviska Shenault (shoulder), DeVante Parker (shoulder), Zach Pascal (illness), Parris Campbell (abdomen), Gabriel Davis (ankle), and Anthony Schwartz (knee) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Diontae Johnson (knee), Tyrell Williams (concussion>IR), Jamison Crowder (groin), Russell Gage (ankle), and Dee Eskridge (concussion) 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

Evan Engram | Calf | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Engram said he had a "great week of practice" with "no setbacks or soreness." He's confident he can play effectively this weekend but wouldn't fully commit to being active on gameday. Aggravation remains a risk and it's possible the Giants limit his workload in his first week back but expect Engram to play.

*Zach Ertz | COVID+ | Covid-Reserve - Activated Saturday | Expected to play

Ertz was reportedly vaccinated for COVID-19 and is not required to isolate for ten days. He could return after testing negative on two consecutive days. However, most COVID infections result in positive tests for 5-7 days, particularly when symptomatic. While there's a theoretical possibility of a player testing positive early in the week, it should be considered unlikely.

Hopefully, Ertz will meet the negative test threshold and play this week. But prepare for him to be inactive.

Saturday Update: Ertz was activated on Saturday and is expected to play Monday night.

Others of note: Noah Fant (ankle) and Kaden Smith (knee) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Anthony Firkser (knee) 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

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.