For reference, players may be classified on the team's final injury report of any given week as "questionable (Q)," "doubtful (D)," or "out." Besides the obvious designation of a player being ruled out, "questionable" indicates a player is uncertain to play, while "doubtful" means a player is unlikely to play.
Since the NFL did away with the "probable" designation two years ago, players who are expected to play on Sunday (or Monday) are simply removed from the injury report by the reporting deadline (Friday evening for Sunday games, Saturday afternoon for Monday night games).
For the purposes of this injury-related game preview, players will be grouped by position. Below each player's name, team, injured body part (as listed on the official NFL injury report), official game status designation and game time (ET), the following elements are included: any known relevant details about the injury, the player's involvement in practice that week and any additional notes to provide context around the player's status.
For anyone seeking more specific detail about certain types of injuries, there is an illustrated injury glossary here, which you can also find on the right side of the ESPN fantasy home page.
Also, please check out my "Answering the Bell" podcast where we take a deeper dive into various medical topics with special guests, including experts in their respective fields, as well as athletes who have firsthand experience with various injuries or medical conditions. All episodes are archived here.
And now, on to the Sunday/Monday game preview:
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers, right elbow (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: bruised right elbow
Practice report: DNP Weds-Th; Full Fri
Notes: After resting his elbow and getting treatment early in the week, Roethlisberger was a full participant in Friday's practice. Known for his ability to play through injuries, Roethlisberger is expected to play in Sunday's game, barring a setback.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, knee (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Sprained (L) knee, Week 1, 2018
Practice report: DNP Weds-Fri; Limited Sat
Notes: Packers Nation collectively held their breath as Rodgers went down in a pile last Sunday night, then emerged limping. The force of nearly 300 pounds on his left side where his hip and ankle were relatively trapped meant a good deal of that force was directed through the lateral side and toward the medial side of his left knee. After being carted to the locker room for evaluation, Rodgers somehow returned, albeit stiff and unwilling to put much pressure on his left leg, to lead his team to victory. The days after an injury such as the sprain he suffered are typically worse, however, and it remains to be seen whether he can take the field in Week 2. It's clear he would like to do so, but the medical staff is tasked with ensuring he can adequately protect himself from further injury if he does play, and that decision could come down to game time.
Rodgers did participate in a light practice session on Saturday (as ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky noted, the Packers typically do not practice Friday but instead hold light sessions on Saturday). While his activity is a positive sign, the team will still wait to evaluate how he responds to the Saturday session and how he feels on game-day morning. If Rodgers plays, it will be a less mobile version of him, perhaps similar to the Rodgers of several years ago who played in the presence of a calf strain that severely diminished his ability to move outside the pocket. As we have seen, a limited Rodgers does not necessarily translate to an ineffective Rodgers -- but he does face the Minnesota Vikings this week. Thankfully, this game kicks off early, so fantasy managers will have time to make adjustments.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions, shin (off pregame injury report), 4:05 p.m.
Additional injury details: Stafford appeared to get kicked in the shin during last week's game.
Practice report: Full Weds-Fri
Notes: Week 1 is one Stafford would probably like to forget after throwing four interceptions and absorbing multiple big hits. One such hit was a blow to his knee that looked as if it could have been much worse. As it is, Stafford suffered a shin injury that has him on this week's practice injury report. In typical Stafford fashion, he has practiced in full every day and doesn't even appear on the pregame injury report. He might not feel 100 percent healthy, but he will take the field against the 49ers.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, groin (off pregame injury report), 8:20 p.m.
Additional injury details: reportedly suffered a minor ankle injury in last week's game and has been getting treatment at the facility; unclear when the groin issue appeared
Practice report: Full Weds-Fri
Notes: Despite being on the practice injury report, Prescott was not limited in reps and was removed from the pregame injury report. His status for Sunday night is not in jeopardy.
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans, right elbow (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Right elbow contusion
Practice report: Full Weds, Limited Th-Fri
Notes: Mariota took a hit to the inside of his left elbow that left him with numbness and weakness into his hand and fingers, a sure sign that his ulnar nerve (which runs right along the inner side of the elbow) was affected. Although he attempted to return to last week's game, his consecutive interceptions proved that his grip control was indeed affected, and he was removed from the game. Depending on the severity of the bruise, symptoms such as these can linger for minutes or hours to days, and, in rare cases, weeks. His return to practice this week was an encouraging sign. However, he went from full work to limited work as the week progressed. It appears his status will come down to a game-day decision.
Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles, knee (out), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: ACL/LCL surgery December 2017
Practice report: Limited Weds-Fri
Notes: Wentz remains limited in practice and has not yet been cleared for contact. He sits out again in Week 2 as Nick Foles gets another start.
Running backs
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals, back (off pregame injury report), 4:05 p.m.
Additional injury details: back soreness
Practice report: Limited Weds-Th; Full Friday
Notes: After practice Friday, Johnson declared himself fully healthy. That statement, combined with his removal from the pregame injury report, is enough to indicate he will play Sunday as the Cardinals travel to the Rams.
Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars, hamstring (Q), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details: right hamstring strain
Practice report: DNP Weds-Fri
Notes: Fournette left last Sunday's game reaching for his right hamstring. He returned to the sideline in the second half but has not returned to practice. Although Fournette has said he could have returned to play, his lack of activity this week is a bit concerning. Being so early in the season, the Jaguars are not likely to take unnecessary chances with their feature back. The decision will come down to game time, but it would not be surprising if Fournette sits; if he does play, there might still be more work for T.J. Yeldon. It's worth noting the Jaguars promoted RB Brandon Wilds from the practice squad Saturday.
Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots, concussion (Q), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details: Concussion; placed on injury report following Week 1 game
Practice report: DNP Weds, Limited Th-Fri
Notes: Burkhead appears to have made progress through the concussion protocol this week, as he upgraded his practice reps. There are always several hurdles to cross before being returned to action, so there may not be a final announcement until game time on Sunday. Burkhead did travel with the team to Jacksonville.
Marshawn Lynch, Oakland Raiders, shoulder (off game status injury report), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details:
Practice report: Limited Weds; Full Th-Fri
Notes: Last week, Lynch was on the injury report because of a groin issue, but that didn't stop the Raiders from leaning on him in the ground game. This week he appears with a shoulder injury, but after two full practices and a removal from the game injury report, expect Lynch to see his usual action.
T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars, ankle (off pregame injury report), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details: added to the injury report Friday
Practice report: Limited Fri
Notes: Normally there would be some concern about a player who was added to the injury report as limited on Friday. The team's decision to remove Yeldon from the final pregame status injury report is a good sign that they are not concerned. It's possible that given the situation with Fournette, the team opted to limit his reps in advance of this week's game. Expect Yeldon to see an increased workload, even if Fournette is active.
Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos, knee (off pregame injury report), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: Limited Th-Fri
Notes: Lindsay did not appear on the injury report until Thursday, so this appears to be something that cropped up in practice. The good news is that he was removed from the pregame injury report, which indicates this ailment is not threatening his status for Sunday's game.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts, hamstring (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET
Additional injury details: hamstring strain, August 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds-Th, Full Fri
Notes: Mack suffered what was considered a mild hamstring injury during the team's first preseason game. He returned to practice last Thursday but had not shown enough to play in Week 1. This week, Mack turned in two limited practices but upgraded to a full workout Friday. Depending on how he responded to Friday's practice and the team's confidence in his hamstring, it appears Mack could suit up. This is likely to come down to a game-time decision.
Sony Michel, New England Patriots, knee (Q), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details: cleanup procedure (L) knee, August, 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds-Fri
Notes: Michel returned to practice two weeks ago but was held out of the first week of regular season play as the team continued to increase his workload and he continued to learn the offense. Michel was available to the media this week, always an encouraging sign for a Patriots player, and he should make his regular-season debut this Sunday. His availability this week comes at a good time with Jeremy Hill now lost for the season due to an ACL/MCL injury and Rex Burkhead's status coming down to a game-time decision.
C.J. Anderson, Carolina Panthers, illness (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: DNP Weds, Full Th-Fri (Fri was a walk-through)
Notes: The key is that Anderson was a full participant for two days and appears to be past any illness. His removal from the pregame injury report indicates the team expects him to be available.
LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions, shoulder (Q), 4:05 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: Full Weds-Th, Limited Fri
Notes: Blount played just 13 offensive snaps in the team's Week 1 contest. The downgrade in practice Friday isn't exactly encouraging, but Blount's status will likely remain uncertain until game time. Since this is a late game, fantasy players are encouraged to look elsewhere.
Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons, knee (out), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: right knee, injured Week 1 vs. Eagles
Practice report: DNP Weds-Fri
Notes: This is the same knee that Freeman injured late last season with reports of a sprained MCL and PCL. Although he played through to finish the season, the knee clearly limited him, and the hope was that the offseason would allow him ample time to recover. Freeman came to camp feeling good, and the team protected him by limiting his volume of work, including no appearances in preseason games. Unfortunately, PCL injuries in particular can often leave an athlete with residual instability which, even if minor, can become aggravated in the course of playing football. At some point during the Week 1 game, Freeman's knee became problematic and, after not practicing at all this week, he is out for Week 2. It is too early to speculate about Freeman's status for next week, but for now, Tevin Coleman's workload is expected to increase.
Addendum: On Saturday night, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Freeman is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks with a knee contusion. Given that the contusion is potentially related to residual laxity in the knee from his injury last season, this is more concerning about the possibility of ongoing challenges with the knee for Freeman.
Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles, hamstring (out), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: Limited Weds; DNP Th-Fri
Notes: Although coach Doug Pederson referred to Sproles' ailment injury as a "slight hamstring issue," it appears to be enough of a concern that the team plans to hold him out in Week 2. Probably a wise decision given that he is returning from an ACL injury this season.
Wide receivers
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints, illness (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: DNP Weds, Full Th-Fri
Notes: Two full practices are enough to show Thomas is healthy; his removal from the pregame injury report confirms his status for Sunday.
DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans, foot (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Week 1 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds-Fri
Notes: Sometimes limited practice reflects the severity of a player's injury in that he is simply not cleared for full activity, and sometimes limited practice reflects a team exercising caution when they want to ensure a key player is ready to go Sunday. The latter appears to be more the case with Hopkins. Anticipate him playing as usual on Sunday.
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers, shoulder (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: injured Week 1, 2018
Practice report: DNP Weds; Limited Th-Fri
Notes: Adams took a hard fall onto his shoulder in the season opener and was held out of Wednesday's practice as a result. He returned Thursday to a limited session and afterward indicated he felt "great." The Packers listed Adams as questionable, but presuming he continues to feel good as Sunday approaches, it seems more likely than not that he would suit up. Fantasy players will want to monitor pregame inactives to verify Adams' status.
Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns, thigh (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: Full Weds-Fri
Notes: The most important note here is that Landry has been a full participant all week and does not appear on the pregame injury report. Landry has been the volume recipient in the Browns' pass-catching group and might even see more looks with teammate Josh Gordon ruled out for this game.
Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans, hamstring (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: hamstring issue in preseason
Practice report: Limited Weds-Th; Full Fri
Notes: Davis dealt with a hamstring injury last year that cost him extensive time, so it is understandable if the team wants to proactively exercise caution when anything hamstring-related crops up now. For his part, Davis said he was fine, and a full practice on Friday would seem to reinforce that notion. He was also removed from the team's pregame injury report, indicating the Titans expect to have him available.
Will Fuller V, Houston Texans, hamstring (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: hamstring strain, August 2018
Practice Report: Limited Weds-Fri
Notes: Fuller injured his hamstring in practice in advance of the team's third preseason game and was termed day-to-day by coach Bill O'Brien shortly afterward. Fuller did return to practice on a limited basis last week but was not quite ready to see game action. He maintained a limited practice workload this week, but the tenor around his status has been more upbeat this week. Expect him to take the field in Week 2, barring a setback.
Quincy Enunwa, New York Jets, thumb (off game status injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: right thumb injury, August 2018
Practice Report: Full Weds-Fri
Notes: Enunwa's injured thumb kept him out of practice for nearly two weeks during the preseason, but it was clearly not an issue for him in Week 1. He put in full practice sessions again this week, and with his removal from the pregame injury report, he is expected to play against the Dolphins.
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants, back (off pregame injury report), 8:20 p.m.
Additional injury details: injured Week 1 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds, Full Th-Fri
Notes: There are few details about the back ailment that caused Shepard to be listed on this week's injury report, but the good news is that he put in back-to-back full practice sessions late in the week. His removal from the pregame injury report is an indicator that the team expects him to play Sunday night.
DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, shoulder/concussion (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: injured in Week 1 2018
Practice report: DNP Weds, Limited Th, full Fri
Notes: Jackson left last Sunday's game in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for injuries and did not return. It was later reported that he suffered a concussion along with a shoulder injury, and he was held out of Wednesday's practice as a result. As is typical following a head injury, Jackson increased his workload incrementally and appears to be trending toward playing Sunday. Given that he is listed as questionable, fantasy players will want to verify his status on Sunday.
Ryan Grant, Indianapolis Colts, chest (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: injured Week 1 2018
Practice report: Full Weds-Fri
Notes: Grant had eight catches in Week 1, making him an interesting receiver in the mix in Indianapolis. He was listed on the team's injury report with a chest injury, but he didn't miss any reps in practice. His removal from the pregame injury report signals he will play.
Ted Ginn Jr., New Orleans Saints, knee (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: none
Practice report: DNP Weds, Limited Th, Full Fri
Notes: There have been no specifics offered related to the knee issue that kept Ginn sidelined Wednesday. His sequentially increased practice activity on Thursday and Friday, in addition to his removal from the pregame injury report, indicates he is expected to play Sunday.
DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins, finger (Q), 1:00 p.m. ET
Additional injury details: fractured finger, August 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds; Full Th-Fri
Notes: Parker suffered a broken finger in an Aug. 12 practice and returned to limited practice late last week. After putting in two full practice sessions late this week, it appears he has a chance to suit up Sunday. Still, after limited action (and struggles) in the preseason, it might be hard to trust him if he does play.
Travis Benjamin, Los Angeles Chargers, foot (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Right foot injury, Week 1 2018
Practice report: DNP Weds-Th; Limited Fri
Notes: Benjamin was in a walking boot to start the practice week but managed to put in a limited effort Friday. Still, the questionable designation might steer fantasy players clear, despite a favorable matchup in Buffalo.
Marquise Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers, quadriceps (out), 4:05 p.m.
Additional injury details: Thigh contusion, Week 1 2018
Practice report: DNP Weds-Fri
Notes: Goodwin re-entered the Week 1 game after suffering the deep bruise to his thigh, but the injury rendered him largely ineffective. After not practicing all week, it is not surprising that he is sitting out Week 2 against the Lions.
Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles, shoulder (out), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: rotator cuff surgery February 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds-Fri
Notes: Jeffery is still recovering from rotator cuff surgery and remains out in Week 2.
Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns, hamstring (out), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: hamstring soreness in preseason; added to injury report this week on Saturday
Practice report: Full practice all week
Notes: Last week, Gordon appeared on the practice injury report due to hamstring soreness that he first experienced in the preseason shortly after joining the team. There was no report of a setback after the Week 1 game, and Gordon was not on the injury report this week. On Saturday, the Browns announced that Gordon had been downgraded to "out" because of a hamstring injury, and as a result he should be removed from fantasy lineups for Week 2.
Addendum: On Saturday night, the Cleveland Browns announced plans to release Josh Gordon on Monday. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Gordon showed up at the team facility Saturday with a hamstring issue after practicing all week. ESPN's Adam Schefter cited a source as saying Gordon hurt his hamstring at a promotional shoot, not at practice. We will update Gordon's injury status next week as news warrants.
Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks, knee (out), Monday night
Additional injury details: MCL sprain (R) knee, Week 1 2018; (L) knee soreness August 2018
Practice Report: DNP Th-Sat
Notes: Baldwin was absent for the bulk of the preseason due to soreness in his left knee. Upon returning to practice in late August, Baldwin confirmed that indeed this will be something he has to manage across the season. He then declared himself approximately 80-85 percent healthy. That was until he played in Week 1. Baldwin suffered an MCL sprain in his opposite knee last Sunday and is expected to be out not only this week but next week as well. In reality, his status will be closely monitored throughout the season, as he now has issues with both knees that could be intermittently problematic.
Tight ends
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jacksonville Jaguars, core muscle (off game status injury report), 4:25 p.m.
Additional injury details: first appeared on injury report with core muscle injury last week
Practice report: Limited Weds-Th; Full Fri
Notes: Seferian-Jenkins was on the injury report last week with the same issue and played the bulk of the offensive snaps in Week 1. After two limited sessions, he was a full participant Friday, and his removal from the pregame injury report indicates he should be ready to go again in Week 2.
Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons, knee (off pregame injury report), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Week 1 2018
Practice report: Limited Weds, Full Th-Fri
Notes: Hooper had no obvious injury issue in Week 1 but was listed Wednesday as limited. After full practices Thursday and Friday and his removal from the pregame injury report, there should be no concern about his status for Sunday.
Vance McDonald, Pittsburgh Steelers, foot (Q), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Injured late July 2018
Practice report: Full Weds-Fri
Notes: McDonald did not play in Week 1, as he continued his recovery from his foot injury. This week, he practiced in full, but his questionable designation suggests the team might not be quite ready to place him into game action. Fantasy players might want to look elsewhere this week in the event he either rests or is eased back into action.
Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers, foot (out), 1:00 p.m.
Additional injury details: Olsen refractured his right foot in last Sunday's game. This is the same foot he injured last year (Jones fracture). At that time, he underwent surgery to insert a screw, and after missing nine weeks, he returned to action.
Practice report: DNP Weds-Fri
Notes: During the offseason Olsen worked without incident, and it wasn't until a misstep in last Sunday's game when he felt the break. Given that there is already a screw inserted which keeps the fracture site stable, Olsen has opted to undergo the conservative treatment route (walking boot for first two weeks, bone stimulator, Vitamin D supplements, progressive rehabilitation as he is able) with the hopes of returning in four to six weeks. This explains the Panthers' decision not to move him to injured reserve. Consequently, he will appear on the injury report weekly, and his status will be adjusted as indicated based on when he returns to practice, and ultimately, if all goes well, to play.