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Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 17

Footballguy's Staff's Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 17
By Footballguy's Staff , December 27, 2019

Gameday Injury Expectations: Week 17
Photo: USA Today Sports

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 News and Notes

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:

Trending Doubtful (Likely Inactive)

Trending Probable (Expected to Play)

Game-time Decisions

QUARTERBACK

Deshaun Watson | Back | Questionable | Possibly active but unlikely to play

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

Early this week, when asked whether offensive starters would play, Bill O'Brien told the reporters the Texans would "play to win" but he did not specifically say whether Hopkins would be on the field. On Friday, the Texans listed Watson -- as well as tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver DeAndre Hopkins -- questionable.

There's very little for Houston to play for on Sunday. The Texans clinched the AFC South last week and are out of contention for a first-round bye. It's possible the team will approach Week 17 as a preseason game and give the starters a series or two before pulling them. But it's most sensible to not risk anything that would affect how the team game plans for the wild card round next week.

Sunday update: Multiple reports suggest the Texans will rest starters today. That includes Watson, who may be active as AJ McCarron's backup but is not expected to play.

Kyler Murray | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Murray was a game-time decision and the Cardinals list Murray questionable. Other than the importance of game reps for a young quarterback, there's little upside in clearing Murray to play at less than full strength. Backup Brett Hundley took nearly all of the quarterback snaps during practice this week and the Cardinals plan to promote Drew Anderson from the practice squad. Expect Murray to be inactive.

Jameis Winston | Thumb / Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Winston finished the week with two full practices and was cleared to speak with the media throughout the week. He's already played six quarters with a thumb injury and is likely to start on Sunday.

Gardner Minshew | Shoulder | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

Minshew was limited in practice this week with what was described as "general soreness." Listed questionable, Doug Marrone told reporters they had both Nick Foles and Josh Dobbs ready to play if Minshew couldn't play.

Not Listed on Game Status Report:

Declared Out:

Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Derrick Henry | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Henry was healthy enough to play last week but the Titans' Week 16 had no bearing on their playoff chances after the Texans won on Saturday. Henry returned to a full week of practice and is likely as healthy as he's been in over a month. Expect him to see his usual heavy workload in a must-win game for Tennessee.

Leonard Fournette | Neck | Questionable>Doubtful | Inactive

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

The Jaguars haven't directly addressed Fournette's availability but there are reasons to believe he'll be inactive.

Fournette's participation line suggests he did some limited work on Wednesday, didn't like how it went, and the team chose to shut him down for the week. Doug Marrone told reporters on Friday he was comfortable with Ryquell Armstead and Devine Ozigbo if needed. That may have just been Friday coach speak but Marrone had similar thoughts on Gardner Minshew. He also suggested a weekend roster move was possible.

Fournette did talk to the media on Thursday and he's likely interested in continuing to put past durability questions behind him, but the team may have already made their decision. I'll update with anything new through the weekend but would currently lean toward Fournette not playing.

Saturday update: Fournette has been downgraded to doubtful. He will be inactive.

Sony Michel | Illness | Questionable | Expected to Play

Sunday Update: Michel was added to the injury report on Saturday with an illness. Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning Michel has recovered enough to play today. With the Patriots' battling for a first-round bye, all key starters should be active as the team looks to get an extra week to rehab Julian Edelman, Marcus Cannon, Jason McCourty, and others.

Alexander Mattison | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Mattison continues his recovery from a Week 15 high ankle sprain and took individual reps throughout the week. He's still at risk of aggravating his injury and another mulitple-week rehab. The Vikings are locked into the sixth seed in the NFC and have little incentive to risk Mattison. They've already ruled key performers Dalvin Cook and Eric Kendricks out. It's likely Mattison joins them on the inactive list this week. If Mattison plays, he will not see anything close to a lead back workload.

Jordan Howard | Shoulder | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Howard was finally cleared for contact this week after a slow-to-heal stinger he suffered in Week 9. Expect the Eagles to give Howard a handful of snaps as he works to re-acclimate to contact and game speed, but Miles Sanders and Boston Scott will not see much change in their now-established roles. Doug Pederson told reporters Howard would not get "a full complement of plays." Howard acknowledged it would "take some time to get back used" to playing.

Not Listed on Game Status Report:

Declared Out:

Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

DeAndre Hopkins | Illness | Questionable | Possibly active but unlikely to play

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

Kenny Stills | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Hopkins managed only a limited Thursday practice while battling illness all week. As noted in the Deshaun Watson discussion above, there's little incentive for the Texans to put their critical pieces in harm's way this week. Hopkins is officially questionable but it would not be surprising to see Houston rest Hopkins if he's not full strength by game time.

Stills isn't as important to the Houston offense. He was cleared for an extensive media session on Friday. With Will Fuller ruled out and Hopkins questionable, it's more likely Stills plays than not.

Sunday update: Hopkins may be active but is not likely to play much according to a morning report by Dianna Russini.

Julian Edelman | Knee / Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Edelman has yet to return to his usual high snap percentages with patellar tendinitis continuing to limit him. With the #2 AFC seed and a first-round bye on the line, there's no doubt Edelman will continue to play.

Odell Beckham | Groin / Illness | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Beckham missed Friday's practice with an illness and the Browns list him questionable. Local observers expect him to play but recovery from flu or gastrointestinal illness can be unpredictable. Beckham's core muscle injury has limited him throughout the season. The illness will further hamper his conditioning if he's active.

Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted overnight that Beckham's "condition has improved enough so he can be on the field today." Not exactly a ringing endorsement, it's likely Beckham sees fewer snaps and targets if he is active.

Robby Anderson | Calf | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

The Jets limited Anderson in practice with what Adam Gase termed "leg tightness." Anderson routinely plays when listed questionable on the game status report and local observers expect him to be active.

Marquise Brown | Illness | Questionable | Possibly active but will not play

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

The Ravens plan to rest many of their starters this week. The inactive list will clearly list some of them; others may play very few snaps despite being active on Sunday. John Harbaugh didn't include Brown in the list of players who wouldn't play in an early-week press conference, but the late-week illness may force a change in plans.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports Brown is not expected to play.

Dede Westbrook | Neck / Shoulder | Questionable | Awaiting Information

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

The Friday missed practice and questionable listing raised red flags on Westbrook's game day status. He's been battling neck and shoulder injuries throughout the second half of the season and there are indications the Jaguars may be shutting down players with nagging injury this week with Gardner Minshew and Leonard Fournette also among those who may sit in Week 17.

Jake Kumerow | Illness | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Kumerow is listed questionable but he's likely to play unless his condition does not improve through the weekend.

Not Listed on Game Status Report:

Declared Out:

Return to play expectations on all inactive and injured players will be updated in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Mark Andrews | Ankle | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

The Ravens plan to list many of their important starters this week. Andrews routinely played through injury and missed practices earlier in the year and the Ravens have a first-round bye. But with two other strong and versatile tight end options, it's likely Andrews will be inactive or see fewer snaps than usual.

Sunday update: Adam Schefter reports Andrews will not play.

Not Listed on Game Status Report:

Declared Out:

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: All games are on Sunday in Week 17.

Quarterbacks
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Deshaun Watson Hou Back Limited Limited Limited Questionable Unlikely to Play
Drew Brees NO Knee Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Jameis Winston TB Thumb / Knee Limited Full Full Questionable Expected to Play
Dak Prescott Dal Shoulder DNP DNP Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Kyler Murray Ari Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely Inactive
Ryan Fitzpatrick Mia Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Philip Rivers LAC Thumb Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Gardner Minshew Jac Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Awaiting Information
Dwayne Haskins Was Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Sam Darnold NYJ Knee / Thumb Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Running Backs
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Derrick Henry Ten Hamstring Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Dalvin Cook Min Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Declared Out Inactive
Alexander Mattison Min Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely Inactive
Mark Ingram Bal Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Leonard Fournette Jac Neck Limited DNP DNP Questionable Inactive
Josh Jacobs Oak Illness / Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Doubtful Inactive
Adrian Peterson Was Toe Not Listed Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Jordan Howard Phi Shoulder Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Spencer Ware KC Shoulder IR IR IR IR Injured Reserve
Jamaal Williams GB Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Doubtful Inactive
James Conner Pit Quad DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Jordan Wilkins Ind Ankle Not Listed Limited Limited Declared Out Inactive
Darrell Henderson LAR Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Justin Jackson LAC Hamstring Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Wide Receivers
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Michael Thomas NO Hand Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
DeAndre Hopkins Hou Illness DNP Limited DNP Questionable Unlikely to Play
Will Fuller Hou Groin DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Kenny Stills Hou Knee Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Julio Jones Atl Knee / Shoulder DNP Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Chris Godwin TB Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Julian Edelman NE Knee / Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
Terry McLaurin Was Concussion DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Odell Beckham Cle Groin / Illness Limited Limited DNP Questionable Likely to Play
Jarvis Landry Cle Hip Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
D.J. Moore Car Concussion DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Deebo Samuel SF Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
D.J. Chark Jac Ankle Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Dede Westbrook Jac Neck / Shoulder Full Full DNP Questionable Likely Inactive
Robby Anderson NYJ Calf Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Jamison Crowder NYJ Thumb Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Demaryius Thomas NYJ Knee / Hamstring DNP DNP Limited Questionable Likely Inactive
Marquise Brown Bal Illness Not Listed Not Listed Limited Questionable Unlikely to Play
Tyrell Williams Oak Foot Not Listed DNP Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Jake Kumerow GB Illness Not Listed Not Listed DNP Questionable Awaiting Information
Darius Slayton NYG Knee Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside Phi Foot Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Nelson Agholor Phi Knee DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Allen Lazard GB Ankle Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Corey Davis Ten Concussion Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Allen Hurns Mia Ankle / Neck Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Tim Patrick Den Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Taylor Gabriel Chi Concussion DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Tight Ends
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Mark Andrews Bal Ankle DNP DNP Limited Questionable Likely Inactive
Zach Ertz Phi Ribs / Back DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Greg Olsen Car Knee Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Ian Thomas Car Ankle Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Luke Willson Sea Hip Not Listed Not Listed Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Ricky Seals-Jones Cle Illness DNP DNP Limited Questionable Awaiting Information
Charles Clay Ari Calf DNP DNP DNP Questionable Inactive
Rhett Ellison NYG Concussion Limited Limited Limited Declared Out Inactive
Offensive Tackles
Team
Injury
Practice Participation
Game
Status
FBGs
Expects
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Tyron Smith Dal Back DNP DNP DNP Questionable Likely Inactive
La'El Collins Dal Knee Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Laremy Tunsil Hou Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable Unlikely to Play
Bryan Bulaga GB Groin DNP Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Lane Johnson Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
Tags Injuries Jamal Adams Nelson Agholor Mackensie Alexander Josh Allen Ricardo Allen Henry Anderson Robbie Chosen Ryan Anderson Mark Andrews Eli Apple J.J. Arcega-Whiteside Ryquell Armstead Denico Autry Budda Baker DeAndre Baker Jerome Baker Derek Barnett Odell Beckham Jr Vonn Bell Vince Biegel A.J. Bouye Bashaud Breeland Michael Brockers Marquise Brown Brian Burns Harrison Butker Calais Campbell Taco Charlton D.J. Chark Jr Kenny Clark Jadeveon Clowney Jamie Collins Sr Landon Collins James Conner Dalvin Cook Fletcher Cox Jamison Crowder Sam Darnold Corey Davis Darqueze Dennard Quandre Diggs Zach Ertz Ryan Fitzpatrick Nick Foles Dee Ford Leonard Fournette Will Fuller V Matt Gay Chris Godwin Eddie Goldman Joe Haden Dwayne Haskins D.J. Hayden Jeff Heath Darrell Henderson Jr. Derrick Henry Akiem Hicks Troy Hill DeAndre Hopkins Jordan Howard Brett Hundley Mark Ingram II Justin Jackson Josh Jacobs Byron Jones Chandler Jones Julio Jones Lamarcus Joyner Jayron Kearse Eric Kendricks Devon Kennard Jake Kumerow Jarvis Landry DeMarcus Lawrence Shaq Lawson Allen Lazard Shaquille Leonard Blake Martinez Alexander Mattison AJ McCarron Gerald McCoy Jason McCourty Benardrick McKinney Terry McLaurin Sony Michel Jalen Mills Gardner Minshew DJ Moore Kenny Moore II Fabian Moreau Trayvon Mullen Kyler Murray Josh Norman Alec Ogletree Devine Ozigbo Tim Patrick Denzel Perryman Adrian Peterson Marcus Peters Matt Prater Dak Prescott Jalen Ramsey Damarious Randall Xavier Rhodes Sheldon Richardson Bradley Roby Deebo Samuel Miles Sanders Boston Scott Ricky Seals-Jones Jeffery Simmons Darius Slayton Jimmy Smith Kenny Stills Ian Thomas Michael Thomas Shaq Thompson Bobby Wagner Deshaun Watson Eric Weddle Dede Westbrook Christian Wilkins Jordan Wilkins Jamaal Williams Marcus Williams Tyrell Williams Xavier Williams Quincy Wilson Tavon Wilson Jameis Winston Antwaun Woods K.J. Wright
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