Gameday Expectations: Thanksgiving Day Special

The next two days are jam-packed with football. To help all fantasy managers prepare for the Week 13 slate, here are some key injuries for Turkey Day and beyond. 

Understanding the NFL's Injury Report

(per Dr. Bramel - Footballguys OG)

"The injury report released by the NFL is [made up of] two reports. The first is the Practice Participation report, which lists which injured players practiced and their participation level. 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 and my expectations of their likelihood of playing."

Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players

Thursday

• RB David Montgomery 
• WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
• WR Brandin Cooks
• QB Tommy Devito 
• WR Tyreek Hill 

Friday

• RB Zamir White
• RB Alexander Mattison
• RB Isiah Pacheco

Sunday

• QB Brock Purdy
• WR Josh Downs 
• WR DeVonta Smith
• RB J.K. Dobbins

Ruled Out

• TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) 
• WR Romeo Doubs (concussion)

* Key:

Player, Team | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation 

Thursday Games

RB David Montgomery, Detroit | Shoulder | Questionable | Projecting Active 

David Montgomery is Questionable heading into Thursday but based on his practice progression, it would appear he is on track to play. I was concerned that Montgomery suffered an AC joint sprain but he was able to practice in full (FP) during Wednesday's practice. A FP indicates that Montgomery was able to take contact and if he can do that, he should be good to go today. It also helps that Montgomery has a little extra motivation this week. 

Dan Campbell says he feels good about David Montgomery playing Thursday. Laughs and says he couldn’t hold Montgomery out of this game against his former team even if he wanted to lol #Lions

— Dannie (@dannierogers___) November 26, 2024

Update:  Montgomery is active.

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit | Knee | Questionable | Projecting Active

Amon-Ra St. Brown was not originally on my radar with a knee injury since he was able to play the entire game in Week 12. St. Brown did not practice to start the week, but like Montgomery, he was also able to log a full practice on Wednesday. I expect him to be active and would be comfortable with him in lineups.

Update: St. Brown is active 

WR Brandin Cooks, Dallas | Knee | No Designation | Expected Active

Dallas has activated Brandin Cooks from IR after opening his practice window last week. By all accounts, he is slated to be active.

Looking at WR performance post-knee injury, the data points to Cooks being able to return to form. However, given the question marks with Dallas' offensive minus Dak Prescott, I would avoid him in Week 13.

QB Tommy Devito NY Giants | Right Forearm | Questionable | Likely Inactive

Tommy DeVito strained his right (throwing arm) forearm and is currently on the wrong side of Questionable. Maybe flashing his Italian hand gesture has taken a toll.

In all seriousness, it would be difficult for any NFL QB to play with a forearm strain. This injury makes gripping a football and following through on throws difficult. Drew Lock figures to be under center on Thanksgiving day. 

WR Tyreek Hill, Miami | Wrist | No Designation | Expected Active 

Tyreek Hill continues to appear on the Dolphins' injury report with a wrist injury. Hill has been dealing with this injury all season, and Miami has said it will have to be addressed in the offseason. Hill remains a WR1 when Tua Tagovailoa is the quarterback.