QUARTERBACK

*Marcus Mariota | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Mariota's Saturday practice participation and official game day status is still unknown. However, he's been able to do much more in practice this week and observers report his movement in drills is much better. The Titans have stopped short of saying Mariota will play but it looks like he's proven he'll be able to protect himself in the pocket this week. Whether Mariota will be able to manage a full playbook of run-pass option and rollouts remains to be seen but I expect him to be active Saturday night. I'll update after the Saturday practice participation and game status reports are released.

***Saturday Update: Mularkey told reporters "it might be a game-time decision" after the Titans listed Mariota questionable following Saturday's limited practice. The primary Tennessee beat writers -- Jim Wyatt and Cameron Wolfe -- both believe Mariota will play Monday night but be limited to a pocket passer. Nothing in today's team comments has dissuaded me from my earlier belief Mariota will play.


Derek Carr | Back | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Carr will play just two weeks removed from a fracture to a bone in his spine. The broken bone is a painful injury but not a structural injury. The primary concern -- as it was for Tony Romo and Cam Newton, who also missed just one game with the same injury -- is pain management and limiting the possibility of muscle spasm around the fractured bone. Carr recovered quickly and was reportedly close to being cleared to play last week. This week, he returned to a full practice and isn't on the game status report. It'll take some bad luck for a kevlar-protected Carr to be hit in the same place in the same way severely enough to cause recurrent spasms and an early exit. While there may be some early inaccuracy as Carr readjusts to the pace of live action, expect the Raiders to game plan as they did before Carr was injured.


Matthew Stafford | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Lions list Stafford questionable but he will play after a full week of practice. It's no surprise -- Stafford has played through finger, shoulder, and multiple lower leg soft tissue injuries throughout his career. Stafford did not leave the pocket as much after his ankle and hamstring injuries last week and may be less likely to scramble again this week. But don't expect many limitations in the game plan or accuracy.

*Jacoby Brissett | Wrist | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Colts have yet to release Saturday's practice participation and game status report but Brissett has fully practiced through Friday and is expected to play without limitation.

***Saturday Update: Brissett again fully practiced on Saturday and is not listed on the Colts' game status report.


Others of note: Tom Brady (shoulder), Blake Bortles (wrist), and Josh McCown (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Sam Bradford (knee) and Andrew Luck (shoulder) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

RUNNING BACK

Ty Montgomery | Ribs | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

I wrote Thursday night the Packers had cleared Montgomery for contact. Despite the team listing him as a full Thursday participant -- traditionally a padded practice with contact and images of Montgomery in uniform and not wearing a red non-contact jersey -- there were reports Montgomery had yet to take hits on Friday. Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans told reporters Friday Montgomery was "moving around at least enough that it seems like he can play. But that's without taking any hits to make that call."

Montgomery is officially questionable. And it's absolutely questionable whether the Packers would clear a running back to play in a game without clearing him for contact first. If Montgomery is active, he'll see a limited role with Aaron Jones earning an expanded role after last week's strong performance. But don't be surprised if the Packers decide Montgomery needs to prove himself ready to take hits in practice before clearing him for the gameday roster.

***Sunday Update: Overnight reports from Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, and Tom Pelissero have a clear consensus. The Packers are preparing to rotate carries between Montgomery and Jones. It's very tough to handicap the distribution, however. I expect that will be dependent on how Montgomery feels, whether he takes a hard hit to the protected area, how effective Jones runs, and whether the Packers plan to use one more than the other in passing situations. Proceed with caution and consider both RB2 plays w/ upside.


Bilal Powell | Calf | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Matt Forte | Toe | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Todd Bowles told reporters Powell would work out Sunday and should be considered a game-time decision. There's no reason to believe Powell has a good chance to play, however, and he certainly has no chance for a significant role. Running backs struggle to play through calf injuries and Powell wasn't healthy enough to practice all week. He may make an appearance during pregame warmups but expect him to be inactive.

Forte said his toe injury has healed enough to allow him to cut at speed this week for the first time and he's confident in his ability to return. Even with Powell likely out, a healthy Forte may not be trusted to see a full workload. Elijah McGuire played a season-high 36 snaps last week. Though he wasn't effective against Cleveland's front seven, his performance against Jacksonville -- 12 effective touches on 19 snaps -- has earned him a rotational role, especially on passing downs. Reliably projecting a game script this week is difficult but it's unlikely Forte will see 50+ snaps or 15+ touches.


Others of note: Jay Ajayi (knee), Leonard Fournette (ankle/shoulder), Chris Ivory (hip), and D'Onta Foreman (hip) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Terrance West (calf) and Paul Perkins (ribs) have been declared out, with Rob Kelley (ankle) doubtful and likely inactive. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Julio Jones | Hip | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Jones is not listed on the Falcons' game status report and will play. He specifically told reporters on Thursday to ignore the practice participation report, saying the team had a plan to limit his reps during the week and he was "ready to go" this week. Usually, when Jones either returns to a full Friday practice or is not listed on the game status report, the Falcons have used Jones in his usual role. What's always difficult to project is whether Jones will suffer an aggravation of a minor soft tissue injury or a compensatory injury. This week is no different, unfortunately. If Jones avoids both scenarios, he has a chance to reach a ceiling expectation of 10+ targets and a big statistical day.


Jordy Nelson | Back | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

There was no video evidence of a significant injury to Nelson last week. While concerning Nelson wasn't on the field for the deciding drive late in the fourth quarter, he was able to return to a full week of practice and told reporters on Wednesday he was fine. The practice participation line supports his assertion and the Packers did not list Nelson on the game status report. Other players have had spasm associated with back injuries recur at inopportune times so Nelson isn't completely certain of a full workload this week. But it's reasonable to expect him to see his usual workload with only a slim risk of an in-game setback.


Tyreek Hill | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Hill was added to the practice participation report on Thursday with a hamstring injury. He went to the locker room with what was reported as cramps on Sunday night but showed no limitation after he returned. The Chiefs allowed Hill to return to a limited Friday practice and didn't list him on the game status report. Hamstring strains of any kind in a player whose greatest asset is top end speed should make you nervous. But all indications suggest Hill's current injury is minor.


DeVante Parker | Ankle | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

Video didn't show an obvious mechanism of injury as Parker's right foot was tangled with a defender's foot on a shallow drag route last week. After trying to loosen up on the sideline multiple times, Parker was not able to return. Low ankle sprains are generally easy to see on video and rarely result in a missed week of practice. The Dolphins weren't optimistic on Parker's status on Wednesday and have listed him doubtful. It's a formality -- Parker will be inactive on Sunday. The more pressing question is whether Parker is dealing with a high ankle sprain that will limit him in future weeks. Miami's post-game and early week press conferences will provide more information.


Jeremy Maclin | Hand | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

There's been little information from Baltimore on Maclin's injury. He was able to return and finish last week and there are no reports of a fractured bone. I expect Maclin to play but will watch the Sunday morning media notes for any developments.


Willie Snead | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Snead was inactive in Week 4 after he returned to practice not yet fully recovered from a preseason hamstring injury. This week, Snead told reporters he was "definitely ready" to return but acknowledged he hasn't earned a full-time role in the New Orleans offense. Expect Snead to be active but he's unlikely to see a significant role yet.


Mike Williams | Back | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Williams will return this week after a protracted recovery from a herniated disc that required multiple steroid injections this offseason. Williams has spent three weeks working on conditioning before earning clearance for contact this week. The Chargers are unlikely to use him extensively but Williams should see time in multiple receiver packages and around the red zone. If he responds positively and effectively, the playbook may open up for him in future weeks.


Kenny Britt | Knee / Groin | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The Browns are hopeful Britt can play this week after his groin strain began bothering him again on Thursday. The return to a limited Friday workout is a good sign. However, the team may choose not to risk a longer term aggravation of the injury and Hue Jackson told reporters Britt would have to be fully recovered to be active. Consider him a game-time decision but likely inactive.


Others of note: Amari Cooper (knee), John Brown (quad), J.J. Nelson (hamstring), Marqise Lee (ribs), and Josh Doctson (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Stefon Diggs (groin), Sterling Shepard (ankle), Mohamed Sanu (hamstring), and Markus Wheaton (groin) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

TIGHT END

Rob Gronkowski | Thigh | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Patriots game status report was a welcome sight this week. Ordinarily, New England lists 5-10 players as limited throughout the week and questionable on Friday's game status report. This week, Bill Belichick allowed nearly everyone to be listed as a full practice participant and didn't list any of the potential questionables on the game status report. There wasn't much concern for Gronkowski's availability this week but the full Friday practice leaves no doubt he'll be active this week. It also provides reassurance about his likely return to a pre-injury workload.


Travis Kelce | Concussion | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

The Chiefs fooled me earlier this week. I cannot recall another player who didn't practice on Wednesday with a concussion who was cleared to play by Friday. Most likely, Kelce was asked to do a significant amount of exercise on Wednesday -- but not in any practice-related capacity. When he was cleared to practice in pads on Thursday then again listed as a full Friday participant, it was clear that Wednesday's practice line was of little concern. Kelce was not listed on the Chiefs' game status report and will play.


Others of note: George Kittle (chest) and Jack Doyle (concussion/neck) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER NOTES

EDGE:

Vic Beasley will return to Atlanta's front seven. He's admitted he's not fully healthy and is likely to play a situational role only. If he avoids a setback, he should be ready to assume his pre-injury role soon.

Jadeveon Clowney and Justin Houston both managed only a limited Friday practice this week but were not listed on their team's game status report and will play.

Olivier Vernon has again been declared out. With the Giants' Week 8 bye looming, he may also take next week off to rest.
DEFENSIVE LINE:

Muhammad Wilkerson is a game-time decision at best after adding a toe injury to his already-limiting shoulder injury.
LINEBACKER:

The Bears continue to struggle to find healthy linebackers. John Timu is out multiple weeks with a high ankle injury. Nick Kwiatkoski is practicing but likely not ready to return yet.

Benardrick McKinney did not practice much this week but expects to play. Mark Barron is also questionable with minimal practice but there's been no update on his status.

Reuben Foster has been campaigning to play all week but the 49ers would not commit to activating him this week -- even after NaVorro Bowman was released.

Lavonte David returns for Tampa Bay but Kwon Alexander is out after another week of conditioning.
DEFENSIVE BACK:

Landon Collins has been adamant all week he'll play. But he's not practiced and the Giants' inactive list may not be informative. New York has already declared six players out and doesn't have much room on the list. It's possible Collins could be on the active gameday roster and play very little. More on Sunday morning here.

T.J. Ward is expected to return for Tampa Bay. Keith Tandy has been declared out.

Eric Reid was limited all week but it's not clear whether the 49ers will activate him. Consider him a game-time decision with a lean toward the inactive list.

Morgan Burnett is out for Green Bay. In past years, Burnett's soft tissue injuries tend to keep him out multiple weeks.
OFFENSIVE LINE NOTES

Key Starters Declared Out:


  • Brandon Linder-JAC
  • Mitch Morse-KC
  • Laurent Duvernay-Tardif-KC
  • Nick Easton-MIN
  • Weston Richburg-NYG

Key Starters with Unknown Status:


  • Jared Veldheer-ARI (knee) -- Likely to play but status wavering all week
  • Hroniss Grasu-CHI (hand)
  • J.C. Tretter-CLE (knee) -- Told reporters he'll play
  • T.J. Lang-DET (back) -- Expected to play
  • David Bakhtiari-GB (hamstring) -- Likely inactive
  • Bryan Bulaga-GB (ankle) -- Likely to play
  • Joe Barksdale-LAC (foot)
  • Ramon Foster-PIT (back) -- Likely inactive
  • Trent Williams-WAS (knee) -- Unlikely to play


*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday
Quarterbacks
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Tom Brady NE Shoulder DNP Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Matthew Stafford Det Ankle Full Full Full Questionable Expected to Play
Derek Carr Oak Back Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*Marcus Mariota* Ten Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Sam Bradford Min Knee DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
*Jacoby Brissett* Ind Wrist Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Blake Bortles Jac Wrist Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Josh McCown NYJ Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*Andrew Luck* Ind Shoulder Limited DNP Limited Declared Out Inactive
Running Backs
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Jay Ajayi Mia Knee Full DNP Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Leonard Fournette Jac Ankle / Shoulder Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Ty Montgomery GB Ribs Full Full Full Questionable Game-time Decision
Rob Kelley Was Ankle DNP DNP DNP Doubtful Likely Inactive
Bilal Powell NYJ Calf DNP DNP DNP Questionable Likely Inactive
Matt Forte NYJ Knee / Toe Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Terrance West Bal Calf DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Jamaal Charles Den Not Injury Related DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Paul Perkins NYG Ribs DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Chris Ivory Jac Hip Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
D'Onta Foreman Hou Hip Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Branden Oliver LAC Hamstring Limited Limited Full Questionable Likely to Play
Dwayne Washington Det Quad Limited Limited Limited Questionable Awaiting Information
Rex Burkhead NE Ribs Limited Limited Limited Declared Out Inactive
DeAndre Washington Oak Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Awaiting Information
Kyle Juszczyk SF Back DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Wide Receivers
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Julio Jones Atl Hip Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Jordy Nelson GB Back Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Tyreek Hill KC Hamstring Not Listed Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Stefon Diggs Min Groin DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Pierre Garcon SF Not Injury Related DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Jeremy Maclin Bal Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
DeVante Parker Mia Ankle DNP DNP DNP Doubtful Likely Inactive
Willie Snead NO Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
Amari Cooper Oak Knee Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
John Brown Ari Quad Limited Limited Full Not Listed Likely to Play
J.J. Nelson Ari Hamstring Limited Limited Full Not Listed Likely to Play
Sterling Shepard NYG Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Marqise Lee Jac Ribs Full Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Mohamed Sanu Atl Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Markus Wheaton Chi Groin Not Listed DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Josh Doctson Was Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Breshad Perriman Bal Knee DNP Full Full Questionable Likely to Play
Mike Williams LAC Back Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
Kenny Britt Cle Knee / Groin Limited Limited Limited Questionable Game-time Decision
Sammie Coates Cle Hamstring Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Kenny Golladay Det Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely Inactive
Albert Wilson KC Knee DNP Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
*Corey Davis* Ten Rib DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Tight Ends
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Rob Gronkowski NE Thigh DNP Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Travis Kelce KC Concussion DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*Jack Doyle* Ind Concussion / Neck Full Full Full Not Listed Likely to Play
George Kittle SF Chest Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Maxx Williams Bal Ankle Full Full Full Questionable Expected to Play

Source: footballguys.com