Injury concerns regarding players heading into the Sunday and Monday games can be critical. Each Saturday, this entry will be dedicated to those who appear on the official NFL game-status injury report and how their status might impact fantasy teams.
For those who might be new to this blog: Injury reports provide some insight into a player's status. The NFL requires teams to submit practice injury reports several times a week, identifying the body part involved in the injury. This year, there has been a change in the language of injury reporting, per the league office. The most notable change is the removal of the "probable" designation. For more detailed information on the changes and what they mean, click here.
Early in the week, the practice injury reports indicate whether a player did not practice, was limited in practice or was a full participant in practice. On Fridays, all teams file a game-status injury report assigning one of the following designations: questionable, doubtful or out. The designations listed here reflect the injury reports filed with the league office Friday evening. Teams playing Monday night do not have to issue their designations until Saturday. The explanation for each designation is as follows.
Out: This is the easy one -- the guy is not playing Sunday.
Questionable (Q): This remains the most dreaded player designation. By definition, it means a player is "uncertain to play." How uncertain is uncertain? There is no percentage or measurement scale, leaving this classification rather vague. Whether a player ends up active or inactive often comes down to a game-time decision based on how he feels on game-day morning or how he performs during warm-ups. Final inactives are due 90 minutes before kickoff.
Doubtful (D): The doubtful designation means a player is unlikely to play that week. Rarely does a player labeled as doubtful end up playing, unless he experiences a major turnaround before game time.
Each week in the Saturday blog, we run down a list of key fantasy players, by position, who appear in the Friday injury report along with the injured body part as listed on the report, player status and any relevant developments or insight. The primary fantasy positions are covered (quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end).
This season, at the end of each positional section, there is a subgrouping of players, "Players off game-status injury report." The probable tag no longer exists, so players who would have been listed as probable in previous seasons are now simply removed from the report. This means there will be players who appear in the practice injury reports during the week but will not appear on the game-status report Friday because they are presumed active for game day. They are included in this blog so that fantasy owners can see where players who were on the practice injury report during the week have been upgraded in advance of the games.
At the end, key fantasy players listed Friday as "out" for the week's games will appear as a group.
On Thursday night, the Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints. There are 15 games yet to be played whose fantasy-relevant injured players are represented here.
Good luck in Week 14, everyone!
Quarterbacks
Player off game-status injury report
Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Achilles, Monday night: Achilles soreness continues to keep Brady listed on the injury report. He had a day off Thursday, was limited on Friday and, as expected, participated on Saturday. This is a Monday night game, but there is no doubt who will be under center against the Dolphins.
Running backs
Matt Forte, New York Jets, knee, (Q), 4:05 p.m. ET: Forte has been listed as questionable since returning to action in Week 12. Thus far, Forte's workload hasn't lightened. In Week 13, he had 15 rushing attempts, one more than in Week 9, the game after which he developed swelling in his knee that caused him to miss the following game. He also continues to catch a few passes a week from Josh McCown, giving him a total workload similar to that of teammate Bilal Powell. The concern this week is that Forte did not practice Friday after doing work Thursday. The questionable designation leaves the door open for his status to go either way, and as ESPN.com's Rich Cimini reports, coach Todd Bowles says this will indeed be a game-time decision.
Dion Lewis, New England Patriots, illness, (Q), Monday night: Lewis was a Friday addition to the injury report when he did not practice due to illness. The good news is that he was back practicing Saturday even as the team held practice outdoors in the snow. All appears on track for the versatile Lewis to play Monday night in Miami.
Players off game-status injury report
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars, ankle, 4:25 p.m. ET: Fournette remains a fixture on the injury report, but this marks the second consecutive week that he has been a full participant in practice each day. His removal from the pregame injury report again indicates that he is expected to play as the Jags host the Seahawks.
Bilal Powell, New York Jets, hamstring, 4:05 p.m. ET: Unlike Forte -- who bears the questionable tag -- Powell has been cleared from the injury report in advance of Sunday's game in Denver. The hamstring issue could not have been particularly serious, given that he was a full participant in practice throughout the week.
Kerwynn Williams, Arizona Cardinals, ribs, 4:05 p.m. ET: Williams' role increased last week with the absence of Adrian Peterson, who was sidelined with a neck injury. Despite playing with cracked ribs of his own, Williams posted 97 yards on 16 carries. Now in line to start again with Peterson sitting out a second consecutive game, Williams turned in full practices Thursday and Friday.
Wide receivers
Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams, shoulder, (Q), 4:25 p.m. ET: Woods suffered a shoulder injury in Week 11 and was expected to be out for several weeks. Although the Rams have said there was no definitive timetable for his return, coach Sean McVay hinted at Week 15 as the most likely target. Woods returned to some limited practice Friday, his first practice since suffering the injury. Although he is listed as questionable, one limited practice is not likely enough to deem him ready to return to competition. It would not be surprising if Woods gets another week to work his way back to action.
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos, ankle, (Q), 4:05 p.m. ET: Sanders has been a regular on the injury report since he returned to action in Week 9, yet he continues to play. This week should be no different, as Sanders was on the practice field both Thursday and Friday. Still, this is a late game against the Jets, so those who are looking to start Sanders in fantasy lineups will want to confirm his status before kickoff.
Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers, knee, (Q), 4:05 p.m. ET: Williams has been making his way back from a bone bruise in his right knee suffered in Week 12 and was able to get a full practice session in Friday. Although this was an encouraging indicator of his progress after he practiced on a limited basis earlier in the week, coach Anthony Lynn wasn't quite ready to declare him ready to return. According to ESPN.com's Eric Williams, Lynn wanted to see him again Saturday, hence the questionable designation. This is a late afternoon kickoff, and there is a question as to just how much the rookie would be utilized even if he were to be active.
Jeremy Maclin, Baltimore Ravens, back, (Q), 8:30 p.m. ET: Maclin was on the injury report because of his back earlier this season, and that issue has now resurfaced, at least as far as the injury report is concerned. Maclin was given Thursday off, a rest day sandwiched between two limited practice sessions. According to ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley, there is no real reason for concern when it comes to Maclin's status, with coach John Harbaugh citing his situation as one of resting a veteran player. It appears that Maclin is expected to play despite the questionable tag. Nonetheless, the Ravens face the Steelers on Sunday night, so fantasy players might want to have insurance ready in case there is a change in status.
Chris Hogan, New England Patriots, shoulder, (Q), Monday night: This is the first time in over a month that Hogan has not been ruled out in advance of the game ... and it appears that he has a legitimate chance to take the field Monday night in Miami. Hogan took a brutal hit to his right shoulder back in October and has not practiced until this week. He has now missed five games while rehabbing in the background. This week he returned to practice and said he felt like a kid going back to school. More importantly, he was able to get through consecutive practices three days in a row, all as a limited participant.
One unknown element is how he will respond to contact on that shoulder if he does play. No doubt the Patriots would not activate him if they were truly concerned, but it is worth pointing out that they are without their tight end this week, as Rob Gronkowski is sitting out due to suspension. Other pass-catchers will need to step up, and Hogan might be one of them, alongside Danny not-on-this-week's-injury-report(!) Amendola. This is a Monday night game, which means things can change (remember earlier this season when Gronkowski traveled with the Patriots but did not take the field?), so those considering starting Hogan should have an alternate plan in place.
Players off game-status injury report
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers, toe, 8:30 p.m. ET: Brown's half-speed warm-up in advance of Monday Night Football in Week 13 might have been the most scrutinized warm-up of the season. As he ran soft routes for short distances and went through several warm-up drills, there was no way to know whether he would be able to play, much less play effectively. It didn't take long for him to put all the concerns about his toe to rest. Over the course of the evening, Brown racked up 101 yards on eight catches, including one for a touchdown. Given that performance, his presence on the injury report this week hardly raises an eyebrow, especially given that he has been removed from the pregame injury report following a full practice Friday. Brown will play when the Steelers host the Ravens on Sunday night.
Rishard Matthews, Tennessee Titans, hamstring, 4:05 p.m. ET: Hamstring issues have been the nemesis of many of the Titans, and Matthews is the latest victim. His injury surfaced during a practice session in advance of the Week 12 game, and he hasn't played since. Even though he did not play last Sunday, Matthews had begun to increase his running work. This week, he continued his progress with a return to limited practice Wednesday. He upgraded to full participation Thursday and Friday and even expressed optimism about his status for Sunday early in the week. His removal from the pregame injury report cements his status for the Week 13 contest against the Cardinals.
Robby Anderson, New York Jets, hamstring, 4:05 p.m.: Anderson knows how to scare fantasy players: Show up on the midweek injury report with a hamstring injury. Many might not have noticed the listing, given that Anderson was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Thursday was when the panic set in, though, as Anderson was scaled back to limited work after reportedly tweaking the hamstring. Not to worry. He was back for a full Friday session, and his removal from the pregame injury report was all that fantasy players needed to breathe a sigh of relief, especially since this is a late afternoon game in Denver.
Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars, knee, 4:25 p.m. ET: This week, the Jags mixed it up a little for Lee. He did not practice at all Wednesday but returned to limited practice Thursday and Friday. Again, he was removed from the pregame injury report. You know what this means; he is playing as usual on Sunday.
Tight ends
Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles, concussion, (Q), 4:25 p.m. ET: Ertz suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Week 13 game. He has clearly made progress this week, returning to practice for the first time since the injury on Thursday and participating on a limited basis. There are remaining steps to the protocol, including clearance from an independent neurological consultant, and as of Friday, Ertz remained in the concussion protocol. For those who might be looking at the fact that Ertz is already out west with the team as a hint, it's important to note that the Eagles, who played the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, remained out west this week to avoid back-to-back cross-country trips. Ertz is listed as questionable, and until there is word of his clearance to return to game action, his status remains uncertain.
Players off game-status injury report
Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans, ankle, 4:05 p.m. ET: The most important note for Walker is that he's off the pregame injury report. He has played through various injuries already, including the ankle, and shows himself to be effective as an outlet for Mariota week in and week out. His last practice was a full session on Friday, so there are no concerns when it comes to his status against the Cardinals.
Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks, ankle, 4:25 p.m. ET: Oddly, Graham's practice activity wasn't any different this week than it has been the past two weeks, when he has been listed as questionable. He's off the injury report this week ... but based on the past few weeks, everyone assumed he was going to play. His production has shot up the past several outings, great news for those who have him on their fantasy rosters. This week the Seahawks travel to Jacksonville to face a tough Jaguars defense, but Graham still presents a top red zone threat.
Out
This space is intended for a list of key players, not including those who have been moved to injured reserve status, who are officially listed as "out" for the upcoming game.
Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins, hamstring: This will be Reed's sixth consecutive missed game as a result of the hamstring strain he suffered in Week 8. The team still has no plans to place him on injured reserve, according to coach Jay Gruden.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Arizona Cardinals, neck: Peterson missed the Week 13 game with a neck injury after not practicing all week. The team has not offered anything in the way of specifics, but Peterson was still not practicing throughout this week. In fact, coach Bruce Arians indicated that Peterson had not been medically cleared to return to practice and there is no timetable for his return. Officially ruled out Friday, Peterson rests again this week.
Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals, concussion: Mixon suffered a concussion Monday night when the Bengals played the Steelers. He was not able to participate in practice this week and will sit out Week 14.
Damien Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins, shoulder: Williams is still on the mend after dislocating his shoulder in Week 12. His focus remains on rehab, as he has not yet returned to practice, and he will be out for Monday night's game.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts, ankle: Moncrief was questionable to play last week with a groin injury. He was active and matched his season-high number of receptions with five catches for 37 yards. This week, it's a different ailment, however. Spotted in a walking boot earlier in the week because of an ankle injury, Moncrief did not participate in any of the team's practice sessions and will miss his first game of the season.
Braxton Miller, WR, Houston Texans, concussion: Miller was one of four Texans players who exited last week's game with a concussion. He has not participated in practice as of yet and is officially out for this week's game.
John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals, toe: Brown is out for the third consecutive week with a turf toe injury. He had one limited practice session Thursday but was again a non-participant Friday in advance of the team's declaring him out.
Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars, ankle: Hurns is still out of practice as he recovers from the right ankle sprain sustained in Week 10.
Matt Moore, QB, Miami Dolphins, foot: Moore remains on the injury report as the foot injury keeps him out of practice, and Jay Cutler remains the starter. David Fales remains the backup should Cutler have to leave the Monday night game.
Games underway:
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions, right hand, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Stafford has played through so many injuries that it has become almost automatic to assume he will do so again this week. Almost. This time, though, there is a major difference in the type of injury he is facing. This time, the injury is to his right (throwing) hand. Sure, Stafford played through an injury on his right hand last season, but that was limited to one finger -- his middle finger, to be specific. As most quarterbacks will report, of all the fingers to be compromised, the third would be the preferred one, as it is the least important when it comes to grip and accuracy. But now it's his entire hand that is bruised after it was stepped on in Week 13. A diffuse injury with swelling and pain certainly sounds as if it would be problematic for throwing.
As for practice, Stafford participated in limited sessions each day. On Wednesday, he handed off with his left hand. On Thursday, he did some throwing during the portion of practice when media were present. Based on various reporter notes, it sounded as if Stafford made some throws easily, while others lacked accuracy. Perhaps that happens on any other day, but in the presence of a hand injury, each missed throw carries more weight. On Friday, Stafford threw again, delivering "more complete throws," according to ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein. Stafford threw with his fourth and fifth fingers taped. He did indicate that the numbness he initially experienced was no longer an issue.
Stafford is a gamer; no one doubts his intent to get himself on the field week in and week out. It certainly sounds as if his intent again this week is to play. The difference is that his backup, Jake Rudock, has been getting more reps with the first team this week in case Stafford can't go or -- in a more plausible scenario, perhaps -- starts but struggles.
Would the Lions replace Stafford in-game? Coach Jim Caldwell wasn't answering that question Friday. All he would offer is that Stafford was "progressing" and that he threw the ball "decently" on Thursday. This week's matchup with a healthy Stafford is appealing for fantasy owners. However, his questionable status confirms that he is not expected to be at full health, at least when it comes to his throwing hand, which means those who have him on their rosters will have a tough decision to make.
Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills, knee, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Taylor was injured early in the Week 13 game but continued to try to press through the discomfort until it ultimately forced him out. He was eventually carted to the locker room in the fourth quarter. The team announced Monday that Taylor had no ligamentous damage but was dealing with a patellar tendon contusion in his left knee, a deep bruising of the tendon that anchors the large muscle on the front of the thigh (quadriceps) to the shin bone.
An injury of that nature is more than just uncomfortable; it has the potential to severely hamper the ability to run. Running is not an insignificant part of Taylor's skill set, and inserting him into a game situation minus the ability to scramble seems risky. Given that Taylor was held to limited practices on the two days he participated, it would seem more likely that Nathan Peterman will get the nod this week against the Colts. Still, the Bills have until Sunday morning to make the call, which is precisely when coach Sean McDermott said the decision would be made.
Players off game-status injury report
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, right shoulder, 1:00 p.m. ET: Consider the removal of "thumb" from the injury report next to Newton's name a positive development. He is now back to his regular listing for his throwing shoulder. As usual, Newton was limited early but returned to full practice on Friday. Expect him to make his usual start as the Panthers host the Vikings.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, right hand, 1:00 p.m. ET: Prescott bruised his hand during the Cowboys' Thursday night game in Week 13. X-rays taken during the game revealed no fracture, but the swelling along the back of his throwing hand was clearly visible. Ten days between games gave Prescott a few extra days of recovery. His full participation throughout the practice week and his removal from the pregame injury report indicate that he is ready to play against the Giants.
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ankle, 1:00 p.m. ET: Winston returned to action last week after being out three weeks to allow his sprained AC joint to heal. He returns to the injury report this week not because of his shoulder but because of his ankle. It can't be particularly serious, given that Winston was a full participant in practice throughout the week and has been removed from the pregame injury report.
Running backs
Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions, neck, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: After sitting out the Week 13 game, Abdullah comes into Sunday's contest again listed as questionable. Last week Abdullah managed just one limited practice on Friday before being listed as questionable. He was a practice participant all three days this week, though, albeit on a limited basis. His outlook is better for this week than last, but his status still bears monitoring prior to kickoff.
Orleans Darkwa, New York Giants, illness, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Darkwa was added to the injury report Thursday due to illness. The positive is that he returned to Friday's practice for limited participation. Despite the questionable tag, he is expected to be available to play.
Players off game-status injury report
LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills, knee, 1:00 p.m. ET: McCoy was on the injury report last week because of his knee but was active and carried the ball 15 times. He emerged no worse for the wear but remains on the practice injury report this week. McCoy was a full participant each day, and his removal from the pregame injury report confirms his status for Sunday.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers, shoulder, 1:00 p.m. ET: McCaffrey's status was legitimately in question up until shortly before game time in Week 13, but once he took the field, you couldn't tell he had been limited during the week. He logged fairly even splits between pass catches and rushing attempts and even found his way into the end zone. This week McCaffrey is another week removed from injury and took all his reps in practice. His removal from the pregame injury report indicates that he is improving and expected to play against the Vikings.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, concussion, 1:00 p.m. ET: Last week, Martin did not practice at all and sat out the game. This week, he returned as a full participant and is not listed on the team's pregame injury report. Expect Martin to suit up Sunday against the Lions.
Wide receivers
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants, hamstring, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Shepard returned to action in Week 13 after missing two games due to migraines. This week he appears on the injury report because of a hamstring issue that led to a missed practice on Wednesday. Shepard turned in back-to-back limited practices Thursday and Friday and is on track to play Sunday despite the questionable tag. As always, those who have him on their fantasy rosters will want to confirm his status before kickoff.
Devin Funchess, Carolina Panthers, shoulder, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Funchess is the No. 1 receiver in Carolina since the departure of Kelvin Benjamin. Consequently, he is being given fewer reps during the week to help him get past his injuries to the point of being able to play on Sundays. For the past two weeks, it has been a toe issue that has landed Funchess on the injury report; this week, it's his shoulder. Although he was held out of practice Friday, he put in two full practices in the days prior. Despite the questionable designation, Funchess is expected to play Sunday when the Panthers host the Vikings.
Amari Cooper, ankle and Cordarrelle Patterson, hip, Oakland Raiders, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Cooper suffered a concussion and an ankle injury on the same play in Week 12 and sat out the following week as a result. There was good news early this week when Cooper was cleared of the concussion protocol, but he remained limited in his return to practice on Friday. Cooper did not speak to reporters after practice, and coach Jack del Rio was not offering any hints as to his status. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Cooper asked to try to practice Friday, and coaches thought he looked pretty good. Still, it was one day of light work, far different demands than four quarters of a game.
Patterson was listed as questionable last week with a hip injury but played through it, while Michael Crabtree was out serving a suspension, and Cooper was sidelined with his injuries. Patterson appears likely to play, given his participation in back-to-back practices and the fact that he has already played through this ailment. Cooper is much more of a question mark, and there might not be much clarity prior to inactives being announced. Fortunately, the Raiders play in an early game this week, as they are on the road to face the Chiefs.
Players off game-status injury report
Kelvin Benjamin, Buffalo Bills, knee, 1:00 p.m. ET: Benjamin expressed optimism about returning to action this week, and it appears that he will make good on his prediction. Since he suffered a meniscal injury in his right knee in Week 11, Benjamin has spent the past two weeks rehabbing. This week he returned to practice, including two full sessions Thursday and Friday. His removal from the pregame injury report confirms that he will be available for Sunday's game against the Colts.
Will Fuller V, Houston Texans, ribs, 1:00 p.m. ET: It's been a while since we've heard from Fuller: one month to be exact. Cracked ribs in Week 10 have kept Fuller working on the side and away from contact until now. This week, he returned to practice, including consecutive full sessions Thursday and Friday. He was taken off the pregame injury report and is expected to make his return against the 49ers on Sunday.
Tight ends
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers, foot, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Olsen sat out Week 12 to rest his sore foot but has been eager to get back in the mix. It looked as if a return to the home field would be a more opportune spot for Olsen to come back, given the grass surface. Now he will get a second chance to test his surgically repaired foot, and everyone seems confident about the upcoming game. Coach Ron Rivera indicated that there would not be a limited number of plays for Olsen, and Olsen echoed the desire to come back without limitation. Of course, there are no guarantees, but the fact that Olsen has mentally cleared the hurdle of a return is not insignificant. Expect him to be active Sunday despite the questionable tag, with a full slate of plays anticipated, as long as there are no setbacks.
Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills, knee, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Clay remains a questionable listing, despite the fact that he has played each week since returning from knee surgery. Although he was held out Wednesday, Clay returned for back-to-back full sessions Thursday and Friday. The bigger question might be who will be throwing passes his way on Sunday, but Clay is expected to be on the field to face the Colts.