QUARTERBACK

Jameis Winston | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

Practice Participation: Wed - Limited | Thurs - Limited | Fri - Full
In order to play, Winston had to prove a full and free throwing motion. After rest and treatment through Thursday, Winston did exactly that during Friday's practice. While the end of the week practice isn't extensive, Winston threw well -- including a playful 40-yard line drive at an assembled group of filming observers -- and has been cleared to start. Dirk Koetter confirmed after practice, saying Winston "threw the ball well...He will be out there." Winston's injury was a low-grade AC sprain and could be aggravated during the game. Expect the Buccaneers to protect Winston as much as possible and for Winston to try to limit hits directly to the shoulder. While there's no guarantee he'll avoid in-game issues, he should be able to finish the game without significant accuracy issues or other limitations.

MARCUS MARIOTA | HAMSTRING | Not Listed | Expected TO PLAY

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

The Titans game planned to keep Mariota in the pocket on Monday night and Mariota executed the plan, even sliding with no defenders around rather than accelerating after breaking the pocket on one play. Mike Mularkey told reporters Mariota was "much further ahead" after practicing fully this week. It's likely the Titans will continue to limit any play calling that will ask Mariota to run but I don't believe he'll be instructed to slide rather than scramble downfield this week. If Mariota feels comfortable in warmups, I also think the Titans will open their playbook and include more rollouts this week.


Others of note: Cam Newton (shoulder), Andy Dalton (ankle), Trevor Siemian (shoulder), and Blake Bortles (wrist) 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

Leonard Fournette | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

There is good data to help project Fournette's availability. Unfortunately, the data do not lead to a clear conclusion -- yet.

We know Fournette has had chronic issues with his feet and ankles. They were an issue in college, they limited him in the preseason, and the Jaguars have frequently limited his practice this season. Fournette's mechanism was clearly a low ankle sprain but it was a fairly violent mechanism. The Jaguars did not clear Fournette to practice this week. And we didn't hear from Fournette on Friday, which is often a concerning sign for that week's availability.

We also know Fournette has continued to see a huge workload despite the limitations through the first six weeks. He was cleared to return to the game last Sunday. Fournette told reporters he would play on Thursday. The Jaguars clearly don't have a concern about Fournette playing after limited practices. And Doug Marrone would not rule Fournette out in his Friday press conference, hinting he was waiting for the medical staff decision before deciding whether to trust Fournette in the weekly game plan.

Fournette was cleared to run on Thursday. The plan -- which is the usual progression of clearing a player with an ankle injury to return to play -- was to evaluate how well Fournette cut on his injured ankle on Friday, see how his injury responded to increased activity on Saturday, then make a call on clearance. There was no report of how Fournette looked or felt on Friday. I expect we'll hear more on Saturday afternoon. I'll be shocked if Adam Schefter or Ian Rapoport do not have an update by early Sunday morning. And the game is an early afternoon start. So, we'll know where Fournette stands before game time.

I'd be more comfortable projecting Fournette to play -- and without limitation -- if he was cleared for a limited practice or we hear his Friday evaluation went well. I still think that's the most likely outcome but it's a situation to monitor closely.

If Fournette is active, the other critical piece of information to follow is T.J. Yeldon's status. The Jaguars have been content to roll with Fournette and Chris Ivory this year. Yeldon has been a healthy scratch for weeks. If Fournette is active and Yeldon inactive, it's a strong sign the Jaguars are comfortable with the usual game plan. If Fournette and Yeldon are both active, it should be seen as evidence the Jaguars are nervous about Fournette finishing the game.

***Sunday AM Update: Both Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter reporting the Jaguars are not optimistic Fournette will play but are planning to allow him to go through pregame warmups before making a final decision.


Melvin Gordon | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Gordon is listed questionable with a shoulder injury. Anthony Lynn told reporters Gordon was "just a little banged up...and sore" on Thursday. Despite multiple updates on other critical offensive players -- Joe Barksdale and Keenan Allen -- on Friday, Lynn didn't provide any new information on Gordon. I think that's an indication the Chargers aren't concerned about Gordon's availability and expect him to be cleared to see his usual workload. That would be consistent with what we've seen in earlier weeks when Gordon was limited in practice with nagging soreness in his knee but saw no reduction in his snap count. There's a slim chance the return of Branden Oliver cuts into Gordon's passing down duty but it's not enough to bet against 20+ touches for Gordon.


DeMarco Murray | Hamstring | Questionable | Expected to Play | Limited if Active

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

There are multiple reasons for Murray to rest this week. He's been dealing with this hamstring strain for two months. Continually at risk of aggravation, he's tweaked the strain twice already and somehow avoided a prolonged absence. The Titans have a bye next week, which would allow for much-needed healing time and reconditioning with risking an in-game setback. And unlike many teams, Tennessee has another back on the roster who is as dangerous as their injured star.

But Murray hates to miss games. After aggravating this strain in Week 2, he barely practiced but played and ran for over 100 yards on 14 carries -- including a rumbling 70-yard touchdown. After last week's early game aggravation and missing time to ice the injury on the sideline, Murray again returned to contribute in the second half.

Murray told reporters Friday, "These are the kind of things you usually don't play on." But he also said he may play and "worry about the aftermath after it's done, no matter what the repercussions may be," after a limited practice on Friday and says he'll go through pre-game warmups before deciding on his status. Mike Mularkey said this week's process was very similar to what they planned in Week 3 when Murray played. After suggesting the Titans would promote a running back to the active roster for depth if Murray couldn't go, there were no Saturday transactions. That would seemingly be still more data to suggest Murray is going to suit up.

Were it not for Murray's past history, I'd be certain Murray would be inactive this week and take the bye week to continue his recovery. But I was wrong in Week 3 and it looks like the Titans have other ideas for Week 7, too. If Murray does play, it's extremely unlikely he'll see more than 15 touches. He'll be at risk of an early setback and would be sensitive to game script. Do not expect a repeat of Week 3 if he's active.

***Sunday AM Update: Multiple reports have Murray playing today. That's consistent with the Titans' previous plans with Murray and their Saturday decision not to elevate a running back from the practice squad as depth. There's clear risk involved in this decision and it will likely take multiple factors (early effectiveness, injury to Henry, favorable game script) for Murray to see anything close to 15 touches.

*Rob Kelley | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Kelley is listed questionable but expected to play. There are indications Washington plans to continue a rotation of running backs despite the continued improvement in Kelley's health. Expect his workload to reflect his early game effectiveness and game script.


Bilal Powell | Calf | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

It looked like Powell would miss another week after not practicing on Wednesday. The Jets cleared Powell for a full Thursday practice and he responded to the increased activity well enough for another full practice on Friday. He was not listed on the game status report and will play. Don't expect Powell to see a significant majority of the Jets' backfield workload, however. Matt Forte is also healthy and no longer missing practice. And Elijah McGuire will likely see time, too.


Andre Ellington | Quad | Questionable | Likely Inactive

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

Ellington reportedly suffered a quad injury and had swelling on the plane home last week. That's more consistent with a contusion than a strain. Bruce Arians told reporters he expected Ellington to play but the practice line is concerning. If the Cardinals knew there was swelling early in the week and cleared Ellington for practice on Wednesday, the DNP on Thursday and Friday looks worrisome. Hopefully, Arians was already aware of a positive response to treatment and the Cardinals exercised caution in practice. I'll watch for more news through the weekend.

***Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter reporting overnight Ellington is not expected to play.

C.J. Prosise | Ankle | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

The practice participation line on Prosise looks reassuring with consecutive full practices on Thursday and Friday. However, Pete Carroll would not confirm Prosise would be available this week and the Seahawks routinely allow players to miss practice without listing them on the game status report at the end of the week. Prosise has been inactive after limited practices in the past. I'm leaning toward Prosise playing and working in a limited role but it should not be surprising if the Seahawks choose to rest him one more week.


Others of note: Jay Ajayi (knee), Ty Montgomery (ribs), Matt Forte (toe/knee), Jerick McKinnon (ankle), Jonathan Stewart (ankle), Wendell Smallwood (knee), Branden Oliver (hamstring), and Rex Burkhead (rib) 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. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

WIDE RECEIVER

Keenan Allen | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Allen injured his shoulder after falling to the ground on Thursday. Anthony Lynn told reporters Allen was sore on Friday and was not cleared to practice. Lynn also said Allen wants to play this week and was considered day-to-day. The Chargers are home against Denver this week, which keeps us from using travel clearance as a data point. Hopefully, we'll have a Sunday morning report to assist with a projection. For now, a game-time decision is all we have to go on.

***Sunday AM Update: Per Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the Chargers will work Allen out before game time but expect him to play.


Kelvin Benjamin | Knee | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

I speculated Benjamin was visiting the team physician to have a fluid collection drained on Thursday. It was reported on Friday he was dealing with "a bursa sac issue" and was able to return to a full practice. The report is reassuring news. A muscle contusion, bone bruise, or other forms of less-specific swelling around the knee might be more difficult to play through. Draining fluid from a bursa sac and additional treatment should have Benjamin ready for a full workload this week. He's expected to play.

***Sunday AM Update: Per Adam Schefter, Benjamin will play today.


Demaryius Thomas | Calf | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Thomas was reportedly leg-whipped during last week's game and spent most of the second half hobbling in and out of routes. After a missed Wednesday practice, Thomas was able to practice on both Thursday and Friday. He was not listed on the injury report and will play. Thomas has a history of playing through painful leg issues in the past and should have a good chance to see his usual snap count.


DeVante Parker | Ankle | Doubtful | Likely Inactive

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

The Dolphins listed Parker as doubtful on the game status report. While he's not been officially ruled out, he's not practiced or spoken to the media in two weeks. Specifics on his ankle injury have yet to be reported. We may not know more until after he returns to practice and is preparing to play. That's an issue for future weeks -- expect Parker to be inactive on Sunday.


Marqise Lee | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Lee played through a rib injury recently but has struggled to practice after last week's knee injury. There was little actionable information in the practice reports from local observers this week. On Saturday, the Jaguars promoted a practice squad receiver to the active roster. With no other receivers on the injury report, it's likely a sign of concern for Lee. Lean toward him missing this week's game.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Lee is expected to play.


Sterling Shepard | Ankle | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Shepard was optimistic throughout the week he'd be able to return to action. After a week of limited practice, there are still indications the Giants would like to see him cut comfortably in pregame workouts before committing to him on the active roster. I think Shepard is closer to probable than doubtful, and I'll update with any early Sunday morning news nuggets.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Shepard is expected to play.

Jordan Matthews | Thumb | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Bills remain tight-lipped on Matthews' availability. Earlier this week, Sean McDermott hinted that Matthews wasn't doing enough in practice to be activated. Most beat writers and observers were impressed with Matthews' speed and hands in practice, however. After a full Friday practice, it's likely Matthews is considered ready to return. I lean toward Matthews playing and seeing a sizable workload but it's not yet a certainty.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Matthews is expected to play.


Willie Snead | Hamstring | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

Snead remained limited in practice all week despite returning to play last week. There have been no indications of an aggravation. It's likely that Snead's limited workload -- 21 of 71 snaps -- last week had more to do with the Saints' stated plan to ease Snead back into the offensive game plan slowly than any injury issues. But it's clearly a concern to see Snead's continued limited practice duty.


Jeremy Maclin | Shoulder | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

Mike Wallace | Back | Questionable | Expected to Play

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

The Ravens' offense is a mess. Joe Flacco likely still isn't right after offseason disc troubles. The offensive line is missing multiple key pieces and Danny Woodhead remains on injured reserve. Terrance West, Breshad Perriman, and Maxx Williams have already been declared out. Benjamin Watson joins Maclin and Wallace as continued question marks this week.

With Perriman out, you'd think the Ravens would have to make at least one roster move if Maclin or Wallace were doubtful to go. Those roster moves didn't happen on Saturday, so it seems likely both Maclin and Wallace will play. Maclin was a late game-time scratch last week after limited practices and is probably more limited than Wallace, who said his back was sore after a hit last week. Even if Maclin and Wallace are active, the limitations of the Baltimore offense will likely keep the statistical upside for both down.

***Sunday AM Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted that both Maclin and Wallace are expected to play today.


Mohamed Sanu | Hamstring | Not Listed | Expected to Play

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

Dan Quinn told reporters Sanu looked explosive in his return to practice and would have no limitations this week. Expect a significant workload in his first game back.


Michael Floyd | Hamstring | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

A limited Friday practice gives Floyd a chance to play, especially with Stefon Diggs already ruled out. Floyd is limited, however, and shouldn't be counted on for a full workload.


Others of note: Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), Chris Hogan (ribs), and Robby Anderson (knee) and have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Stefon Diggs (groin), Breshad Perriman (concussion), 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

Delanie Walker | Calf | Questionable | Game-time Decision

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

Walker's practice line looks concerning. Mike Mularkey told reporters Walker had soreness in his upper calf on Thursday and the team chose treatment over practice on Friday. The tone of Mularkey's comments didn't sound worrisome but I expect Walker to have to prove himself ready in pregame warmups to make the active roster.

***Sunday AM Update: Adam Schefter is reporting Walker will play.
Benjamin Watson | Knee | Questionable | Likely to Play

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

There's an argument the Ravens have no healthy pass catchers on the roster other than Javorius Allen right now. Watson has played through a calf strain despite not practicing often over the past month. The knee injury is new, however, and no specifics are known. Given Watson's recent history of playing without practice and the return to a Friday limited practice, I tentatively expect him to play.


Others of note: George Kittle (chest) and Marcedes Lewis (shoulder) have practiced, are not listed on the game status report, and are expected to play without limitation. Charles Clay (knee) and Maxx Williams (ankle) have been declared out. I'll update return to play expectations on all inactive players in Monday's column.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER NOTES

EDGE:

Olivier Vernon tested his ankle in practice on Wednesday and it didn't respond as hoped. He will be inactive and hopeful to return after the bye week.

Cliff Avril was moved to injured reserve. His injury was immediately concerning as it appeared he was having symptoms on both sides of his body. He's seeking multiple opinions and may require surgery that would keep him out until 2018.
DEFENSIVE LINE:
There are rumblings among Jets' observers the team will finally choose to shut an injured and ineffective Muhammad Wilkerson down this week.

Stephon Tuitt has been ruled out with a back injury after not practicing all week. Corey Liuget may also be inactive as he struggles through back problems.
LINEBACKER:

The Panthers finally acknowledged Luke Kuechly's concussion on the game status report, removing the "protocol" tag on Friday. Hopefully, Kuechly's Friday limited practice is a good sign for his Week 8 availability.

Kwon Alexander, Sean Lee, and Rueben Foster are all expected back in full time roles.
There's not much information on Mark Barron but he played without much practice this week and should be able to splint his thumb injury and play.
DEFENSIVE BACK:
As has often been the case, a muscle strain will keep Morgan Burnett out multiple weeks. He'll hopefully return after the Packers' Week 8 bye.

Ronald Darby could be back in a limited role on Monday night. Jeremy Lane, Adam Jones, and Stephon Gilmore have been ruled out.

Kurt Coleman returned to practice this week but Ron Rivera sounded reluctant to play him on Friday. He may be more doubtful than questionable.

Jason McCourty's practice participation decreased all week and he did not practice on Friday. He's trending toward a game day inactive.
OFFENSIVE LINE NOTES

Key Starters Declared Out:

  • Menelik Watson-DEN (calf)
  • Brandon Linder-JAC (illness)
  • Nick Easton-MIN (calf)
  • Weston Richburg-NYG (concussion)
  • Matt Skura-BAL (knee)
  • Luke Joeckel-SEA (knee)

Key Starters with Unknown Status:

  • Ryan Kalil-CAR (neck) -- Expected to Play
  • Hroniss Grasu-CHI (hand) -- Awaiting Information
  • Ryan Kelly-IND (knee) -- Expected to Play
  • Corey Linsley-GB (back) -- Expected to Play
  • David Bakhtiari-GB (hamstring) -- Likely to Play
  • Bryan Bulaga-GB (concussion) -- Expected to Play
  • Mike Pouncey-MIA (concussion) -- Expected to Play
  • Riley Reiff-MIN (ankle) -- Awaiting Information
  • Terron Armstead-NO (shoulder) -- Expected to Play
  • Joe Barksdale-LAC (foot) -- Game-time Decision
  • Marcus Gilbert-PIT (hamstring) -- Likely Inactive
  • Trent Williams-WAS (knee) -- Likely 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
Jameis Winston TB Shoulder Limited Limited Full Questionable Expected to Play
Marcus Mariota Ten Hamstring Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Cam Newton Car Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Andy Dalton Cin Ankle Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Aaron Rodgers GB Collarbone DNP DNP DNP Injured Reserve Injured Reserve
Andrew Luck Ind Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Sam Bradford Min Knee DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Trevor Siemian Den Shoulder Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Blake Bortles Jac Wrist Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Running Backs
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Leonard Fournette Jac Ankle DNP DNP DNP Questionable Game-time Decision
Jay Ajayi Mia Knee Full DNP Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Melvin Gordon LAC Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
DeMarco Murray Ten Hamstring DNP DNP Limited Questionable Likely to Play / Limited if Active
Ty Montgomery GB Ribs Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*Rob Kelley* Was Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Bilal Powell NYJ Calf DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Matt Forte NYJ Knee / Toe Limited Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Terrance West Bal Calf DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Jerick McKinnon Min Ankle Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Jonathan Stewart Car Ankle Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
*Wendell Smallwood* Phi Knee Full Full Full Questionable Expected to Play
Andre Ellington Ari Quadricep Limited DNP DNP Questionable Likely Inactive
Paul Perkins NYG Ribs Limited Limited Limited Declared Out Inactive
Rex Burkhead NE Ribs Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Branden Oliver LAC Hamstring Full Full Full Not Listed Likely to Play
Robert Turbin Ind Elbow DNP DNP DNP Injured Reserve Injured Reserve
C.J. Prosise Sea Ankle Limited Full Full Questionable Game-time Decision
Wide Receivers
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Stefon Diggs Min Groin DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Keenan Allen LAC Shoulder Not Listed Limited DNP Questionable Expected to Play
Kelvin Benjamin Car Knee DNP DNP Full Questionable Expected to Play
Demaryius Thomas Den Calf DNP Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Emmanuel Sanders Den Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Chris Hogan NE Ribs Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play
DeVante Parker Mia Ankle DNP DNP DNP Doubtful Likely Inactive
Marqise Lee Jac Knee DNP DNP Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Sterling Shepard NYG Ankle Limited Limited Limited Questionable Expected to Play
Jordan Matthews Buf Thumb Limited Limited Full Questionable Expected to Play
Willie Snead NO Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable Limited if Active
Robby Anderson NYJ Ankle DNP Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Breshad Perriman Bal Concussion DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Jeremy Maclin Bal Shoulder Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Mike Wallace Bal Back Limited DNP Limited Questionable Expected to Play
Mohamed Sanu Atl Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Not Listed Expected to Play
Laquon Treadwell Min Toe Not Listed Full Limited Not Listed Likely to Play
Michael Floyd Min Hamstring DNP DNP Limited Questionable Game-time Decision
Markus Wheaton Chi Groin DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Tyler Boyd Cin Knee DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
John Ross Cin Knee Limited Limited Full Questionable Likely Inactive
Corey Davis Ten Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Kenny Britt Cle Knee / Glute Limited Limited Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Sammie Coates Cle Hamstring Not Listed Limited Limited Questionable Awaiting Information
Tight Ends
Player Team Injury Practice Participation Game Status FBGs Expects
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Delanie Walker Ten Calf Not Listed Limited DNP Questionable Likely to Play
Charles Clay Buf Knee DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
George Kittle SF Back / Elbow Full Full Full Not Listed Expected to Play
Benjamin Watson Bal Knee DNP DNP Limited Questionable Likely to Play
Maxx Williams Bal Ankle DNP DNP DNP Declared Out Inactive
Marcedes Lewis Jac Shoulder Limited Limited Full Not Listed Expected to Play

Source: footballguys.com