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, weekly, 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 to a player's status. The NFL requires teams to submit practice injury reports several times a week, identifying the body part that is 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 on Friday evening. Teams playing on 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 year, 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 years 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, since 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.
There are just two teams on bye this week: The Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions have the week off.
The Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs played on Thursday night, leaving 14 remaining matchups whose fantasy-relevant injured players are represented here. First weekend games kick off at 1 p.m. ET this week.
Good luck in Week 7, everyone!
Quarterbacks
Players off game-status injury report
Trevor Siemian, Denver Broncos, left shoulder, 4:25 p.m. ET: Siemian injured his left shoulder during the Week 6 game, which was an immediate cause for concern given that it is the shoulder that was operated on in the offseason. Fortunately, it was not serious and -- aided by the fact it is his non-throwing shoulder -- Siemian was back in full practices Wednesday. He remained a full participant throughout the week, and his removal from the pregame injury report confirms the team expects to have him under center on Sunday.
Running backs
Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers, shoulder, (Q), 4:25 p.m. ET: Gordon has had knee problems that resulted in an injury designation for several weeks, but this time it's his shoulder that's the culprit. The good news is that Gordon practiced daily on a limited basis, and the Chargers expressed little concern about his availability. According to ESPN.com's Eric Williams, coach Anthony Lynn described Gordon as "just a little banged up." Barring a surprise, expect Gordon to take the field Sunday.
Rob Kelley, Washington Redskins, ankle, (Q), Monday night: Kelley did not play in Week 6, as the ankle injury he suffered in Week 4 was not entirely behind him, even after the team's bye week. Kelley did increase his practice this week, participating on a limited basis daily, but he still heads into Monday night's game as questionable. Despite only limited practice showings, Kelley is expected to play, according to coach Jay Gruden . Fantasy owners should always have a backup plan, given the Monday night kickoff.
Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia Eagles, knee, (Q), Monday night: This feels like an "if there's a setback" pregame questionable versus a true question about Smallwood's status heading into Monday night's game. He has missed the past two games due to swelling in his knee and hadn't practiced since Week 4 prior to this week. Back-to-back full practices are also an encouraging sign for Smallwood's knee. Of course, there's always the chance of a setback prior to kickoff, but all signs point to Smallwood taking the field Monday night.
Players off game-status injury report
Branden Oliver, Los Angeles Chargers, hamstring, 4:25 p.m. ET: Oliver's hamstring has improved this week to the point where he was a full participant daily in practice. His removal from the game-status injury report indicates the team expects him to be available this week.
Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots, ribs, Sunday night: Burkhead was able to return last week, so it stands to reason that he would be removed from the injury report prior to game time. After being held to limited practices early in the week, Burkhead upgraded to full practice on Friday.
Wide receivers
Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers, shoulder, (Q), 4:25 p.m. ET: Uh-oh. Knowing the challenges Allen has had in the past when it comes to injuries, his presence on the injury report is not a welcome sight. It sounds as if there is not much reason to worry about this particular incident affecting Allen in the long term, but this week is up in the air. He reportedly fell in practice Thursday and landed on his shoulder, resulting in his limited participation that day. On Friday, he was held out of practice, and coach Anthony Lynn described his status as day-to-day. "He wants to play, but we've got to do what's best for Keenan," Lynn said. If Allen is still sore when Sunday rolls around, what's best for him might mean sitting this game out. Fantasy owners will want to be sure to check pregame inactives.
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants, ankle, (Q), 4:25 p.m. ET: Shepard missed last week after suffering an ankle injury the week prior. Week 5 was a disaster for the Giants on the injury front, as they lost several pass-catchers to injury, two for the year. Fortunately, Shepard's injury was short term, and after returning to practice on a limited basis throughout the week, it appears Shepard could be available. He said he ran full speed earlier in the week and that his ankle "felt good." According to ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan, Shepard is expected to be put through a pregame workout to make a final determination of his game status.
Players off game-status injury report
Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos, calf, 4:25 p.m. ET: Thomas was clearly struggling with an injury in last week's game, leaving the field at one point for further evaluation. He did return to the game but was visibly in discomfort and limping at times. This week, he is listed on the injury report with a calf issue. He did not practice Wednesday but was back on a limited basis the next day and upgraded to full practice Friday. It's hard to believe he's at 100 percent in such a short time, but there is no doubt about his availability against the Chargers, as he has been removed from the pregame injury report.
Mohamed Sanu, Atlanta Falcons, hamstring, Sunday night: Sanu missed last week's contest because of a hamstring injury, but he was back to practicing each day this week on a limited basis. Although the lack of full practices coming off a week in which Sanu sat out might appear to be a cause for concern, head coach Dan Quinn spoke confidently about Sanu's status. He said Sanu was actually close to returning in Week 6 and should not be limited Sunday night against the Patriots. Thanks, Quinn, for making life much easier for fantasy owners considering starting Sanu.
Chris Hogan, New England Patriots, ribs, Sunday night: Hogan played last week, and there really hasn't been any concern about his status for this week. Limited in early practices to save him for the weekend, Hogan did turn in a full practice Friday. His removal from the pregame injury report confirms his availability for Sunday night.
Out
This space is intended for a list of key players who are officially listed as "Out" for the upcoming game.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers, right collarbone: Rodgers fractured his right clavicle (collarbone) in Week 6 and has since undergone surgery to repair it. He has also been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least eight weeks.
Sam Bradford, QB, Minnesota Vikings, knee: This has looked like a multiweek absence for Bradford since he went out of the Monday Night Football game two weeks ago, clearly favoring his left knee. He remains out of practice and out of the lineup this week, although coach Mike Zimmer did say he anticipates Bradford returning at some point this season.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings, groin: It might be a relatively minor groin strain for Diggs compared to what he dealt with last season, but it's enough to cause him to miss his second consecutive game. Diggs has not yet returned to practice, although he has been spotted doing some high-level rehab activities on the side. It appears he is making progress, just not enough to perform at a high level as a wide receiver.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos, ankle: When Sanders went down with an ankle injury in Week 6, some feared he had suffered a fracture. Although that was not the case, he still had a significant sprain of his ankle, and his timetable, as of now, is uncertain. The only certainty is that he will miss this week.
Terrance West, RB, calf and Breshad Perriman, WR, concussion, Baltimore Ravens: West continues his recovery from a calf injury that forced an early exit in Week 5. He has not yet returned to practice. Perriman did not practice at all this week due to a concussion.
Markus Wheaton, WR, Chicago Bears, groin: Wheaton missed practice the entire week this week after sitting out last week's game. It comes as little surprise that he has been ruled out in advance of this week's contest.
Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts, right shoulder: Reports of a setback and a cortisone injection to quiet inflammation in Luck's shoulder shut him down for the time being. It's unclear just how much of a true setback there is in the overall recovery process versus the oft-increased shoulder soreness that commonly accompanies a return to throwing following shoulder surgery (see: Cam Newton). Either way, it does potentially push a return to competition date back. It might be time for fantasy owners who have been holding out hope for a second-half push to reconsider holding a roster spot for Luck, as his timetable is now more uncertain.
Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo Bills, knee: Clay is still recovering from knee surgery and is not yet ready to return.
Paul Perkins, RB, New York Giants, ribs: Perkins has been involved in limited practices this week but is not ready to return to competition. He sits out again this week.
Be sure to check out Fantasy Football Now, Sundays on ESPN2 at 10 a.m. ET (note new start time -- a full three hours of news and analysis) for last-minute inactives, rankings, injury impact and more).
Games are underway
The following players were previously listed above, but their games have started
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, right shoulder, 1 p.m. ET: Winston injured his right shoulder when he was taken to the ground in Week 6. Unlike fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Winston did not suffer a serious injury -- just a minor sprain to his AC joint -- but it was enough to cause him discomfort and prevent him from throwing the ball down the field (which is why he came out of the game). Held out of throwing until Friday, Winston's test came in the final practice of the week, essentially to see if he could do what would be necessary in a game situation without causing extreme discomfort. Apparently, he passed the test, as coach Dirk Koetter announced, "Jameis will be our starter. He'll be out there." Barring a surprise setback before kickoff, Winston will play, and it appears he will be without limitation.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, right shoulder, 1 p.m. ET: Newton is a fixture on the injury report with his limited reps throughout the week. As long as he is removed from the pregame-status injury report, as he is this week, his status is not in question.
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans, hamstring, 1 p.m. ET: Mariota played Monday night despite being listed as questionable and did enough to lead his team to victory. To the eye test, he wasn't operating at 100 percent, but that was anticipated. He did appear to move better as the game progressed and, most important, he emerged from that game without a setback. He participated fully in each practice this week, and even on the short week, his status is not in question.
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars, ankle, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Fournette had a scary-looking injury in Week 6 when his right foot appeared to slide as he prepared to make a cut. His knee hyperextended, which got the most attention on video, but his right ankle rolled laterally at the same time, and that's where the injury occurred. The rolling of his ankle might actually have spared major injury to his knee, but in the meantime, his Sunday status is threatened by the health of his ankle. During the game, Leonard was evaluated and cleared to return but ultimately did not.
This week, he has been held out of practice altogether. On Thursday, Fournette did some running for the first time since the injury and told reporters he believed he would be able to play against the Colts. However, as ESPN.com's Michael DiRocco noted, Fournette said the decision on whether he played is up to his coaches. This is setting up to be potentially a game-time decision. Beyond his game status, there is a reasonable question as to how much can be expected from Fournette if he is limited by the ankle. If he plays, there is a possibility his workload is lessened. The Jaguars have a bye in Week 8, so if Fournette were to sit, he would have two weeks to rest the ankle.
DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans, hamstring, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Murray was clearly having some issues with his hamstring Monday night, as he could be seen getting it stretched on the sideline at various points during the game. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but did return for limited work Friday. Head coach Mike Mularkey said this recovery for Murray is "very similar" to what Murray dealt with leading up to the Seahawks game. It's worth noting that despite the caution surrounding Murray heading into that game, he was still very involved in the game (perhaps more so as a result of a thigh contusion to teammate Derrick Henry). But Murray added a cryptic comment of his own this week, suggesting the injury is hardly minor.
"These are the kind of things you usually don't play on, so we'll see," Murray said. "I'll have to do an extensive workout prior to the game and see how I feel." This again sounds like a roll of the dice, if Murray plays, in trying to determine just how involved he might be in the offense -- and it might just play out in real time.
Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals, quadriceps, (Q): Ellington went from a limited practice Wednesday to no practice Thursday and Friday -- definitely not the trend anyone wants to see as game day approaches. The team is in London for this week's game, and on Friday, Ellington was the only Cardinals player not participating in practice. If he does end up active Sunday, it remains to be seen just how productive he will be between the recent injury and the team's recent acquisition of Adrian Peterson.
Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings, ankle, 1 p.m. ET: McKinnon has proven he can play through his ankle issue, and while he is listed on the injury report, he has also been a full participant in practice throughout the week. His removal from the pregame-status injury report reflects the team's expectation that he will play.
Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers, ribs, 1 p.m. ET: Montgomery returned to game action in Week 6 after suffering multiple rib fractures just two weeks prior. He wore protective padding around his ribs but was not particularly limited. This week Montgomery was a full participant in practice each day, still sporting rib protection as his injuries continue to heal. His status is no longer in question, however, given his removal from the pregame injury report.
Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins, knee, 1 p.m. ET: Ajayi remains a regular on the weekly practice injury report because of his knee. He put in full practices Wednesday and Friday with a "rest" day between the two on Thursday. This pattern is now becoming routine. His removal from the game-status injury report indicates he is expected to play.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers, ankle, 1 p.m. ET: Stewart, in addition to his veteran rest, is on the injury report because of his ankle. After limited practiced early in the week, Stewart upgraded to full participation Friday. His removal from the pregame injury report indicates he is expected to play as usual this week.
Matt Forte, knee/toe and Bilal Powell, calf, New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET: Forte returned to action last week, but Powell did not. This week, it appears the Jets will have both backs available. Powell has been nursing a calf injury for a couple of weeks but is healthy enough that he -- along with Forte -- has been removed from the pregame injury report. Of course, the unknowns about how the workload will be divided are bound to frustrate fantasy owners nonetheless.
Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers, knee, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Benjamin is dealing with soreness and swelling in his knee. After having the first two days of practice off to rest the knee and get treatment, Benjamin returned to a full practice on Friday. If he is no worse after Friday, expect Benjamin to take the field Sunday, but he might struggle in-game if the swelling increases with activity.
Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints, hamstring, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Snead made his regular-season debut in Week 6 after missing the first three weeks due to suspension and the fourth week with a hamstring injury. The Saints were on a bye in Week 5, and Snead was active the following week. His activity was limited however, as expected, given his absence from the team early in the season combined with his recent injury. The assumption was that his work would gradually increase, but the residual presence of the hamstring injury makes that less than a sure thing. Snead practiced every day on a limited basis, and it appears he will likely play, but fantasy owners should continue to temper expectations, as ESPN.com's Mike Triplett notes.
Jeremy Maclin, shoulder and Mike Wallace, back, Baltimore Ravens, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Last week, Maclin's status came down to a pregame evaluation in which it was determined that he was not ready to play. This week, he remained limited in practice and again comes into the game as questionable. Wallace is new to this week's report and is listed with a back injury, the result of a helmet to the back in last week's game. According to ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley, Wallace said on Thursday that he expected to play Sunday despite being absent from practice. He was listed as a limited participant on both Wednesday and Friday.
Hensley also noted that coach John Harbaugh wasn't particularly worried about the injury situation at wide receiver, saying he was "pretty hopeful" about Wallace and Maclin given even their limited practice involvement. Harbaugh then added, "But it's hard to predict." Hence, fantasy owners are faced with the questionable designation for both receivers that will require them to check the inactive reports in advance of the game.
DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins, ankle, (D), 1 p.m. ET: Parker missed last week's game after being listed as doubtful and appears to be in line to miss another. A sprained ankle in Week 5 has kept him out of practice the past two weeks, and there's no indication that he is close to game-ready.
Jordan Matthews, Buffalo Bills, thumb, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Matthews has been out for several weeks after an injury to his thumb required surgery. He stayed very involved with the team, however, traveling with it to Cincinnati even though he was limited to stationary bike riding and gradually increasing his workouts until he was able to return to practice. After two limited sessions, Matthews upgraded to a full practice Friday. As long as the team is comfortable that he can do everything necessary -- ranging from catching passes to blocking -- there's a real chance he could take the field Sunday.
Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars, knee, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Lee did not practice Wednesday or Thursday after suffering a knee injury last week. On Friday, he returned to a limited practice and ends up as questionable on the team's injury report. Fantasy owners will want to check pregame inactive reports, as this appears to be a game-time decision.
Ben Watson, Baltimore Ravens, knee, (Q), 1 p.m. ET: Watson was absent from practice both Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee injury. He was able to participate on a limited basis Friday but remains questionable to take the field against the Vikings on Sunday.
Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans, calf, (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET: Walker was added to this week's injury report on Thursday because of calf soreness, according to coach Mike Mularkey The more concerning aspect is that Walker did not practice at all Friday, but it could be a proactive move to preserve the veteran's health for Sunday. Walker rarely misses games, and it seems more likely than not that he would push to play. But if he does, there's no way to be sure that the calf doesn't become an issue as the game progresses.