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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 -- trending doubtful
• RB Joe Mixon
• RB Chase Edmonds -- trending probable
• TE T.J. Hockenson -- trending probable
• WE Courtland Sutton
• WR Curtis Samuel -- trending probable
• WR DeVante Parker -- downgraded to out Sunday morning

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• RB Christian McCaffrey

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Ezekiel Elliott
• RB Antonio Gibson
• WR Amari Cooper
• RB Melvin Gordon
• QB Teddy Bridgewater
• RB Giovani Bernard
• TE David Njoku

Ruled Out

• TE Rob Gronkowski
• TE George Kittle -- moved to injured reserve
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• WR Julio Jones
• WR Sterling Shepard
• WR Darius Slayton
• WR James Washington
• WR Russell Gage
• TE Albert Okwuegbunam -- moved to injured reserve
• RB Justin Jackson

QUARTERBACK

Teddy Bridgewater | Concussion | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Bridgewater successfully advanced through the return-to-play protocol this week. He'll need clearance from an independent neurologist on Saturday but is on track to play. Expect the Broncos to declare him the starter on Saturday.

Others of note: Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral) and Carson Wentz (ankle) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) 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.

RUNNING BACK

Christian McCaffrey | Hamstring | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

After a full week of limited practice, the Panthers listed McCaffrey doubtful. While McCaffrey told reporters he "felt great" on Thursday, the team is remaining cautious with their star running back through the critical reconditioning period and will keep him inactive this week. McCaffrey should return in Week 6.

Dalvin Cook | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time decision > Likely inactive

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

We see this happen every season with competitive elite players working to recover from a low-grade high ankle sprain. Invariably, players believe they can play through an injury that takes longer to heal than low ankle sprains, is very difficult to brace and support, and easily aggravated when moving at speed and taking hits from unexpected angles around the lower leg.

Cook was optimistic the week after the injury but was unable to practice and -- wisely -- chose to rest rather than play through the injury seven days later. Then adamant he'd play and could be as effective as he was before the injury, Cook struggled against a strong Cleveland front, aggravated his injury, and then battled through the remainder of last week's game. Unable to practice this week until a very limited session on Friday, Cook still told reporters he wanted to try to play through the injury this week.

Unsurprisingly, there's less optimism around the team after Friday's workout. The Vikings list Cook questionable and he may try to play. But Cook likely feels similar to how he did two weeks ago and playing this weekend will be difficult. If he is active, he's at risk of in-game aggravation and ineffective play. Consider him on the doubtful side of questionable. An active Cook cannot be expected to see more than 12-15 touches and effectiveness will be a concern, even against a relatively weak Detroit front seven at home.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter tweeted Cook is a "game-time decision" and it is "no sure thing he will get his usual workload."

Sunday update: Cook reportedly managed only a brief pregame warmup and is no longer on the field with the team. He continues to trend doubtful.

Ezekiel Elliott | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Elliott told reporters he's working through some stiffness in his knee but felt better as the week progressed. Mike McCarthy expressed no concern for Elliott's status through the week. The Cowboys list Elliott questionable but expect him to play.

To date, Elliott has looked healthy and effective. Expect his usual workload --75-80% share of the snaps and ~ 20 touches -- this week.

Joe Mixon | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Mixon suffered a low-grade high ankle sprain last Thursday night and has yet to be cleared to practice. Mixon and the Bengals are considering the same risk-reward calculations noted in the Dalvin Cook discussion above. Can Mixon be effective enough with a limiting injury that cannot be braced and is easily aggravated?

Earlier this week, Zac Taylor said Mixon was day-to-day but would not play if he couldn't get through a full-speed workout. Mixon didn't practice this week and clearly didn't mean that goal. The Bengals will reportedly give Mixon a chance to prove himself fit to play on Saturday. But another 24 hours is unlikely to get Mixon close enough to play.

Expect him to be inactive this week. If active, there's considerable downside due to the risk of ineffective play and the possibility of aggravation.

Saturday update: Tom Pelissero is currently reporting Mixon "could play in some capacity" this weekend. It's unclear whether the Bengals are publicly giving Mixon a chance to play while knowing internally he's out or are considering allowing him to play at less than full strength. Further updates to come this weekend.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport supported Pelisssero's Saturday report with an overnight tweet that Mixon is "slated to go" against Green Bay but "won't be 100%." Adam Schefter and ESPN have been silent on Mixon's status, which may prove telling. If active, Mixon is at risk of aggravation and ineffective play.

Sunday update: Mixon is active. Local writer Geoff Hobson tweeted, "With Mixon active, have to expect him to get a decent number of carries." It's possible Mixon can see 15+ touches but consider him a boom-bust upside play with significant risk.

Antonio Gibson | Shin | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Initially described as a shin contusion, Gibson told reporters he's been playing through a stress fracture on Friday. Although Gibson said he doesn't have much pain and is sitting out for rest only, a bone injury is different than a soft tissue bruise. Without knowing the severity of the bone injury or how much it's changed over the past couple weeks of contact, it's difficult to assess his odds of limitation or future missed games.

Washington does know those factors. And they've clearly limited Gibson over the past three weeks. He's seeing minimal practice reps and J.D. McKissic has been more involved since Week 1.

After a 2:1 snap split in Week 1 and zero rushing attempts for McKissic, the backfield split has trended closer to a 55-45 split in Gibson's favor. Last week, Gibson had 16 touches to McKissic's 12. Game script is a factor at times, but we're unlikely to see Gibson return to 20 touches and a 65-70% snap share until he's fully recovered -- which is unlikely until he rests without contact for a period of time. Washington doesn't have a bye until Week 9.

Gibson is likely to play this week and continue to see his current 12-18 touch workload. That should be enough for low-end RB1 value.

Chase Edmonds | Shoulder | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Edmonds was taken down on his right shoulder after a long run last week. The Cardinals -- and their local writers -- have yet to provide specifics on the injury. Video review suggests a sprain of the joint at the end of the collarbone near the shoulder.

The return to a brief Friday workout is reassuring. The Cardinals are officially calling Edmonds a game-time decision.

Shoulder sprains are difficult injuries for running backs. Padding and pain management is possible but not always effective. Frequent contact to the shoulder stresses the injury and pain management is more difficult as the game progresses. If Edmonds is active, his workload may be limited.

I'll update with new information through Sunday morning.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter tweeted Edmonds is expected to play. Without additional context, that's generally a sign a player is capable of his usual production. Edmonds remains at risk of in-game aggravation.

Elijah Mitchell | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to play

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

Mitchell was cleared for contact this week, had no setbacks during practice, and will play.

Since Mitchell's injury, the Niners' offense has changed considerably. Trey Lance will replace Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback and Trey Sermon has established himself as an effective option. It's reasonable to expect Mitchell to return to double-digit touches immediately but projecting the San Francisco game plan is always difficult.

DAndre Swift | Groin | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Jamaal Williams | Hip | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Swift and Williams continue to see limited practice reps but are in no danger of missing playing time. The Detroit backfield rotation will not be affected by injury.

Josh Jacobs | Ankle | Not listed | Expected to Play

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

Peyton Barber | Toe | Questionable | Likely inactive

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

Jacobs hasn't had a full practice in weeks and put together consecutive full workouts this week. He's expected to play and should be ready for 10-12+ touches immediately.

Earlier this week, Ian Rapoport reported Barber's toe sprain was likely to keep him out multiple weeks. After more evaluation, the Raiders allowed Barber a limited Friday practice. With Jacobs returning and Kenyan Drake available, Barber is unlikely to play. If he responds well to Friday's workout, his absence may be shorter than expected.

*Nyheim Hines | Shoulder | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Hines missed Thursday's practice with a shoulder injury but was cleared to talk to the media and joking about the mindset necessary to return punts in the NFL. A limited Friday practice is reassuring and the lack of local concern should mean he'll be available to play on Monday night.

I'll update after Indianapolis' Saturday practice.

Saturday update: Hines fully practiced, is not listed on the game status report, and will play.

Melvin Gordon | Lower leg | Questionable | Expected to play

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

The Broncos haven't discussed Gordon's specific diagnosis but there's no concern for his availability. Vic Fangio told reporters he believed Gordon "would be fine" after Thursday's limited workout. Local writers expect Gordon to play. Javonte Williams has now forced an even-split in snaps and touches. It's possible Gordon slips back to a supporting role whether the injury limits him or not.

Giovani Bernard | Knee | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Bruce Arians told reporters Bernard "looks fine" in his recovery from an MCL sprain. After a full Friday practice, Bernard is expected to return to his limited role on passing downs.

Others of note: Aaron Jones (ankle), A.J. Dillon (back), Austin Ekeler (ankle), Saquon Barkley (knee), Damien Williams (quad), J.D. McKissic (ankle), and Carlos Hyde (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. David Montgomery (knee), Rex Burkhead (hip), and Justin Jackson (groin) 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 | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Cooper is battling a hamstring strain. Despite managing just 29 snaps last week (48%), Cooper converted three targets into 69 yards and a touchdown.

Mike McCarthy told reporters Cooper will play this week after consecutive limited practices to end the week. Cooper's target share has been significantly down in recent weeks. After 16 targets in Week 1, Cooper has totaled just 12 in the last three weeks. With multiple weapons available and Cooper possibly struggling to gain separation, there's significant variability in his projection this week.

A.J. Brown | Hamstring | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to play

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

Brown's return from a Week 3 hamstring strain has been smooth. Although he didn't practice last week, early rehab was successful and the consecutive full practices to end this week suggest he's ready to return to his pre-injury target share. There is some risk of aggravation but Brown's upside with Julio Jones still out is considerable.

Westbrook-Ikhine also increased his practice participation as the week progressed and should play despite the questionable tag.

Tee Higgins | Shoulder | Not listed | Expected to play

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

Higgins was close to returning last Thursday night but the Bengals elected to remain cautious and allow him to continue to heal. After a strong week of practice with no setbacks during contact, Higgins is nearing full strength and will play. There should be minimal risk of aggravation and Higgins should immediately return to a full target share.

Courtland Sutton | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Sutton reportedly "rolled his ankle" in practice on Friday. Local sources are optimistic about a "minor" ankle sprain that is not expected to limit Sutton. Unless there's a concerning overnight report, expect Sutton to be available for his usual snap count and target share.

Sunday update: Sutton is a "pre-game decision" per Adam Schefter. The ankle injury may not have responded as well as expected overnight into Saturday's evaluation.

Curtis Samuel | Groin | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

A week after returning from a groin injury he had aggravated multiple times during the offseason and training camp, Samuel was again held out of practice. Ron Rivera told reporters Samuel was "trending in the right direction" to play. That's not a rousing endorsement after Samuel played just 25 snaps last week (37%). If he's cleared to play, it's hard to project him for more than the four short-range targets he managed last week.

Sunday update: Samuel is reportedly expected to play.

DeVante Parker | Shoulder / Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Parker has been limited in practice and listed questionable for weeks with a shoulder injury. Were that the only issue on the injury report, Parker would be expected to play. But Parker reportedly felt tightness in his hamstring on Thursday and was limited again on Friday. He's closer to a game-time decision this week.

Others of note: Tyreek Hill (knee), Keenan Allen (ankle), Chris Godwin (thumb), Antonio Brown (knee), Chase Claypool (hamstring), JuJu Smith-Schuster (ribs), Odell Beckham (shoulder), Kenny Golladay (groin), and Hunter Renfrow (ankle) are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Julio Jones (hamstring), Sterling Shepard (hamstring), Darius Slayton (hamstring), Darnell Mooney (groin), Russell Gage (ankle), James Washington (groin), and Dyami Brown (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.

TIGHT END

T.J. Hockenson | Knee | Questionable | Game-time decision

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

Hockenson returned to limited Thursday and Friday practice but did not appear to be doing much in the portion of practice available to the media. Dan Campbell told reporters Hockenson was improving and had a chance to play, which surprised multiple local writers who believed he was more doubtful than appeared.

After only seeing six targets over the past two weeks, Hockenson's upside is limited. However, even if he only sees high-leverage snaps, Hockenson can be productive in just 3-5 targets. We should learn more about his status overnight.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport are reporting Hockenson is expected to play.

George Kittle | Calf | Doubtful > Injured reserve

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

Kittle tried to play through a nagging calf injury last week. Despite playing 92% of last week's offensive snaps, Kittle was not able to practice this week and is further from recovery than at this point last week. Expect him to be inactive and give himself an additional week to recover.

If Kittle is active, he remains a boom-bust, high leverage opportunity play.

Saturday update: The Niners moved Kittle to injured reserve. He is eligible to return in Week 9.

David Njoku | Knee | Questionable | Likely to play

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

Njoku is commonly listed on Cleveland's injury report with a knee condition. It's unusual to see him miss multiple practices and he may be more limited this week than in previous weeks. But he was cleared to talk to the media midweek and local writers are not expressing concern about his availability.

Others of note: Darren Waller (knee), Foster Moreau (ankle), and Kaden Smith (knee) fully practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play. Rob Gronkowski (ribs) and Albert Okwuegbunam (hamstring) 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: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.