NFL Week 9 Injury Report: Who Will Play, Who Will Sit?

The NFL is a league of attrition. If you don't believe me just ask any of the nine teams listed here with impact players on the injury report.

As of Friday, more than 100 players were listed on their team's injury reports with star players Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Percy Harvin among them.

Consider this the Spark Notes version of the list of dinged up NFL stars. 

So before you set your fantasy lineup, here is your guide to this weekend's injury reports.

Calvin Johnson: Questionable

Lions all-pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson missed his third consecutive practice on Friday.

Johnson's injury is listed as a sore knee. 

The injury bug has chased the Lions all season. With Nate Burleson out for the season, the Lions' receiving corps was thin before the inclusion of Johnson's injury.

It's discouraging for a player to miss an entire week of practice but you don't garner the nickname Megatron if you're easily hampered by injury.

Expect Johnson to be on the field Sunday. 

Haloti Ngata: Playing

The anchor of the Ray Lewis-less Baltimore Ravens, Haloti Ngata, is expected to play Sunday but in a limited capacity (per the Baltimore Sun).

Last time Baltimore played Cleveland the game was much closer than expected. With Ngata playing, even if it's limited to first and second down, helps the reeling Baltimore rushing defense against Trent Richardson and the Browns. 

Victor Cruz: Playing

Earlier in the week there was concern about the status of New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz and his injured calf. Cruz, who last week was limited to two receptions on eight targets, was clearly favoring the injury. 

Don't let this fool you going into week 9. The electric wide receiver was downgraded to probable.

Cruz, who signed a contract extension earlier this week, will need to be a factor against the surging Pittsburgh Steelers if the Giants are to win at home.

Maurice Jones-Drew: Out

Maurice Jones-Drew will not be active this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. 

This will be the second straight game MJD has missed. The struggling Jaguars will look to Rashad Jennings to lead their rushing attack.

There is no certainty to when MJD will return, however, it should be interesting to see how the Jaguars monitor the injured Pro Bowler given the contractual disagreements between the two. 

Ryan Tannehill: Questionable

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had to leave last week's game with an injured knee. The team lists him as questionable on their injury report.

However, Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported that Tannehill had his knee drained twice Friday and that rookie is a game-time decision. Whenever you hear about knees getting drained there is cause for concern.

The Dolphins face the Indianapolis Colts Sunday.

If Tannehill can't go, backup Matt Moore will get the start. In relief of Tannehill, Moore was able to secure Miami a victory a week ago against the New York Jets.

Percy Harvin: Probable

Vikings fans went into a mini hysteria when news broke that Percy Harvin had missed practice on Thursday. Luckily for the Vikings, Harvin's absence in practice was not related to injury, rather a personal matter.

Coming off their embarrassing home loss to Tampa Bay, the Vikings have a statement game in Seattle on Sunday.

Harvin currently is tied for the league lead in receptions with 60.

Demarco Murray: Out

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray will miss his third consecutive game with an injured foot.

The Cowboys' struggles to run the football in Murray's absence mirrors the team's struggles in the win column. Dallas is hungry for a win after a tough loss last week at home against the New York Giants.

Dallas (3-4) plays in Atlanta Sunday night against the unbeaten Falcons. 

Felix Jones is expected to start in Murray's place.

Darren Sproles: Out

One of the surprising developments of the week was the news that Darren Sproles underwent surgery on his hand (h/t Yahoo! Sports). The injury occurred during practice earlier this week.

Initially described by head coach Joe Vitt as a vague hand injury. On Friday the Saints announced the allusive running back would be inactive for Monday's game against Philadelphia.

Replacing Sproles will not be a small task for the Saints as the multifaceted back has accounted for 440 total yards offensively this season, not to mention his responsibilities as the team's kick returner.

Jordy Nelson: Questionable

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy did not list Jordy Nelson amongst a list of six inactive players for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

This does not mean Nelson will his return to the Packers lineup, however.

Nelson, who missed last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, will test his injured hamstring Sunday morning, which will be followed by a decision on his status for the game.

The Packers who once again are without Greg Jennings, could use Nelson back in the starting lineup after their less than stellar aerial attack a week ago.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has targeted Nelson more than any other Packer in 2012, as the two have connected for 40 receptions.