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."

If you are reading this article on Saturday, make sure to come back on Sunday morning as more updates trickle in within the next 24 hours.

Current Status on High-Impact Injured Players

Gameday Decision

• RB Jonathon Brooks
• WR Amari Cooper
• WR Brian Thomas Jr.
• WR Drake London
• WR Jalen McMillan
• WR Deebo Samuel Sr.
• WR Nico Collins
• WR Tank Dell 
• WR Tyreek Hill 

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

• QB Trevor Lawrence 

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

• RB Christian McCaffrey

Ruled Out

• WR Chris Olave (concussion - likely heading to IR)
• QB Dak Prescott (hamstring - placed on IR)
• RB Brian Robinson Jr (hamstring)
• WR Mike Evans (hamstring)
• WR Michael Pittman Jr (back)
• WR Keon Coleman (wrist)
• WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring)

* Key:

Player | Injury | Game Status Listing | Playing Expectation 

Sunday Morning 9:30 AM EST Game (Munich)

RB Jonathon Brooks, Carolina | Knee | Questionable | Projecting Inactive 

The Panthers finally activated Jonathon Brooks off the PUP, meaning that he can play in 2024. Despite the good news, Caronlina was still non-committal on Brooks' status in Week 10. He is still listed as questionable and heading into Sunday.  

The Panthers play the Giants in Germany this week, and although there is no reason Brooks would not be able to play overseas, it seems like Carolina would want to make things simple for the rookie. The Panthers have a bye next week (Week 11) and then are at home vs. Kansas City. This seems like a more ideal spot to let Brooks dip his toes back in the water. 

Update: Brooks is inactive for Sunday. 

Sunday 1:00 PM EST Games

WR Amari Cooper, Buffalo | Wrist | Questionable | 50/50

Amari Cooper is likely a true game-time decision heading into Sunday. Reading into practice reports might not help much this week. Cooper was limited all week – exactly the same as Week 9 when he ended up sitting out.

It's not abnormal for NFL WRs to miss 2 weeks with wrist injuries – Since 2017 this is the average time missed. Luckily Cooper managers will know soon whether or not he is available as Buffalo kicks off in the early slate of games.

Update:  Amari Cooper is inactive in Week 10.