Injury Rounds: Preseason Week 4

Jene Bramel's Injury Rounds: Preseason Week 4 Jene Bramel Published 08/28/2017

For the rest of the preseason, I'll have a Monday article updating the injury status of players around the league with quick-hitting articles during the week on any major injury stories that occur.

INJURY ROUNDS

ODELL BECKHAM | HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN | PRESEASON WEEK 4 | WEEK-TO-WEEK

The team won't confirm as such but Beckham's injury is a high ankle sprain. Had his foot remained planted throughout the hit, Beckham would have had a higher grade injury and likely one involving the knee rather than the ankle. It was no surprise to see Beckham walk on the sideline during the second half then reportedly be very sore the following day. Swelling and soreness continue to evolve in the 24-48 hours following injury and better define how long a player will need to rehab before returning to play.

Beckham has 20 days between the time of injury and his Week 1 game. That should be enough time for him to return close to full strength unless his injury is a higher grade than expected. I think we'll see Beckham rehab next week then participate in limited practice leading up to Week 1. Hopefully, he'll not be listed as a game-time decision -- the Giants play Sunday night.

SPENCER WARE | PCL SPRAIN / POSTEROLATERAL CORNER INJURY | PRESEASON WEEK 4 | OUT FOR SEASON

Ware's injury may have looked minor on video but it was difficult to see a clear mechanism of injury. The Chiefs allowed head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder to discuss Ware's injury with the media on Sunday. That's a rare -- and welcome -- occurrence, with the Chiefs the only team in the league to allow medical staff to speak. Burkholder reported Ware's injury as a PCL tear with damage to the posterolateral corner where muscle tendons, nerves, and the LCL live.

Had Ware's injury been an isolated PCL or LCL tear, there may have been a chance to rehab and return relatively quickly. A combined injury in that area is a tricky injury and means the knee is unstable. While Ware will seek a second opinion, his injury routinely requires surgery to decrease the likelihood of an unstable knee in the future. There's a slim chance Ware's chooses a prolonged rehab (6-8+ weeks) after his second opinion. But it's very likely Ware will require reconstructive surgery and be out for the season. More on Ware's future prospects after his decision.

DEMARYIUS THOMAS | GROIN STRAIN | PRESEASON WEEK 4 | DAY-TO-DAY

Thomas left Saturday's preseason game with a groin injury. All indications are Thomas' injury is minor. Don't expect to see Thomas play in the final preseason game. Practice participation and media availability will be our guide to whether he'll have any Week 1 limitations.

Tyler Eifert | Tendinitis | Preseason Week 4 | Day-to-Day

Eifert was held out of Sunday's preseason game. During the post-game press conference, Marvin Lewis casually told reporters Eifert was "dealing with a little tendinitis." Lewis offered no specifics on the location of the tendinitis or its severity. It's unlikely to be a major issue but the Bengals are second only to the Lions in limiting injury details and we've seen them minimize Eifert's injuries before.

Friend and Bengals' writer Joe Goodberry told me Bengals' color commentator Dave Lapham -- who is very well plugged in and known for honest assessments and reporting -- said during the game Eifert was dealing with a knee condition and could have played if needed. It's not uncommon to have lower leg compensatory injuries while recovering from core injuries like back surgery. It would appear Eifert's condition is minor and his absence precautionary.

DEANDRE HOPKINS | HAND INJURY | PRESEASON WEEK 2 | DAY-TO-DAY

Hopkins has missed multiple practices now. While the injury is not believed to be serious by local writers, a hand injury for a wide receiver should raise some concern. Watch for news on Hopkins' practice participation this week.

JULIAN EDELMAN | ACL TEAR | PRESEASON WEEK 4 | OUT FOR SEASON | 2018 RETURN

Edelman suffered a torn ACL on Friday night. There were no specific reports on his MRI. If Edelman did not sustain any additional ligament, meniscus, or cartilage damage, a successful surgery and smooth rehab should have him ready for a 2018 return.

CAMERON MEREDITH | ACL TEAR | PRESEASON WEEK 4 | OUT FOR SEASON | 2018 RETURN

Limited video on Meredith strongly suggests more than an ACL tear as it appeared he also suffered at least a high-grade MCL injury in addition to the torn ACL. Expect to hear plans for reconstructive surgery in the near future. Meredith will miss the 2018 season.

DANNY WOODHEAD | HAMSTRING STRAIN | PRESEASON WEEK 3 | WEEK-TO-WEEK

Woodhead missed practices with a hamstring strain this week. The Ravens have suffered so many injuries this season it's hard for their beat writers to keep up. It's not yet clear whether the team believes Woodhead's injury to be significant but don't expect to see him return until they are certain he's at minimal risk of aggravation.

TYROD TAYLOR | CONCUSSION | PRESEASON WEEK 4 | DAY-TO-DAY

Taylor was diagnosed with a concussion on Saturday and is in the return to play protocol. Without prolonged symptoms he should be available to play in Week 1.

Others of note: Mike Evans (undisclosed) missed practice last week and didn't play in the third preseason game but is expected to return to practice soon. DeMarco Murray (hamstring strain) returned to practice and played in Tennessee's third preseason game on Sunday. Leonard Williams (wrist injury) had a heavy wrap on his hand but the team hasn't provided a specific update yet. Tyrell Williams (groin strain) is reportedly day-to-day. Brandon Marshall (shoulder injury) had reassuring imaging studies and is expected to play in Week 1. Jeremy Hill (ankle) was removed from Sunday's preseason game but video did not show a serious injury. Anthony Hitchens (tibial plateau fracture) is likely to miss eight weeks or more.

FOLLOWUP APPOINTMENTS

ANDREW LUCK | RIGHT SHOULDER LABRUM REPAIR | JANUARY 2017 | WEEK-TO-WEEK

There was no sign of Luck doing more than light individual work this week. I believe he needed to begin throwing to receivers this week to have a chance to return to team drills this week and then get ready for Week 1. There seems little chance of him playing in Week 1 now, especially with the Colts traveling to Los Angeles to play. While I still think it's unlikely we'll see Luck on the inseason PUP list, it's now time to worry whether he'll be ready for the Colts' home opener in Week 2.

It's been 3-4 weeks since first reports of Luck throwing a football surfaced. He's likely to need 5-6 weeks to complete the throwing phase of rehab. While the last two weeks have been quiet, I expect some movement on Luck's status this week.

Jordan Reed | Foot fracture | Offseason | Returned to practice and game action

Reed was activated from the PUP list last week, returned to practice, suffered no early reconditioning injury or setback to his injured foot, and was cleared to play in the third preseason game. It's a reassuring start after multiple weeks of uncertainty. I'm still leery of the thin piece of plastic separating Reed from aggravating the chronic foot condition but it's great to see him playing.

Devonta Freeman | Concussion | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day

There's no report suggesting Freeman is experiencing prolonged or recurrent concussion symptoms but if he's not cleared to return to practice early this week, it's time for concern.

Corey Davis | Hamstring strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week

The Titans often told reporters Davis would return to participate in the preseason. We're now over four weeks from his hamstring injury and Davis has yet to return to limited practice. Players with mid-grade hamstring injuries need 1-2 weeks of reconditioning before returning to play. If Davis doesn't return to individual work this week, it's questionable whether he can play Week 1 and it's fair to wonder how soon he'll be able to have an impact in the regular season.

Cordy Glenn | Foot injury | Week-to-Week

Glenn reportedly had an injection for a chronic foot condition last week which I speculated could be a platelet-rich plasma treatment for plantar fasciitis. Glenn felt better and was seen doing conditioning work late last week and prior to Buffalo's preseason game. He remains hopeful he'll be available to practice ahead of Week 1.

Ezekiel Ansah | Leg injury | PUP

The Lions provide no information on injuries and Ansah has refused all interviews throughout the offseason and preseason. However, one of the Lions' best beat writers, Dave Birkett, called Ansah's issue a leg injury last week and included a note about him playing through a high ankle sprain last year. He also noted that Ansah has just now been cleared for light running after participating in some offseason workouts earlier this year. I'm now suspicious Ansah may have had ankle surgery after June minicamp. The team says Ansah should be ready for the regular season but ankle surgery is usually a 4-5 month recovery. Light running is usually where players are two months after surgery. We're getting dangerously close to Ansah staying on inseason PUP.

Others of note: The Ravens remain adamant Joe Flacco (concussion) will play in Week 1. Jordan Matthews (sternum fracture) has returned to individual workouts and on track to play Week 1. C.J. Prosise (groin strain) is week-to-week with a groin strain. Cam Newton (shoulder soreness), Ty Montgomery (leg injury), Mike Gillislee (hamstring strain), John Brown (quad strain), Matt Forte (hamstring strain), and Julius Thomas (back) returned to practice and played in last week's preseason games. Leonard Fournette (foot injury) returned to practice last week. Dont'a Hightower (undisclosed) and Deone Bucannon (ankle surgery) were both activated from the PUP list last week and should begin practicing soon.

INJURED PLAYERS ON ACTIVE ROSTER

Quarterbacks Injured But on the Active Roster
Quarterback Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Andrew Luck Right shoulder labrum repair Mid January Active - PUP Week-to-Week | Week 1 Return Throwing phase of rehab
Cam Newton Right rotator cuff repair / soreness  PS W1 Returned to practice and game action    
Tyrod Taylor Concussion PS W4 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day Return to play protocol
Joe Flacco Disc herniation Offseason Week-to-Week Week-to-Week Harbaugh adamant Flacco to play W1
Teddy Bridgewater Left knee dislocation / Multi-ligament repair August 2016 Active - PUP Month-to-Month Likely to remain on PUP to start season
Running Backs Injured But on the Active Roster
Running Back Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
DeMarco Murray Hamstring strain PS W1 Returned to practice and game action    
Devonta Freeman Concussion PS W2 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week Remains in protocol, unlikely for final preseason game
Leonard Fournette Foot injury Early August Returned to practice    
Ty Montgomery Lower leg injury PS W2 Returned to practice and game action    
Spencer Ware Knee injury PS W4 No timetable given 3-4+ weeks PCL/LCL possible, team awaiting further tests
Mike Gillislee Hamstring strain Preseason Returned to practice and game action    
Danny Woodhead Hamstring strain PS W3 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day  
Thomas Rawls Ankle injury PS W3 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day Described as minor
Jeremy Hill          
Matt Forte Hamstring strain Early August Returned to practice and game action    
C.J. Prosise Groin strain PS W3 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Jonathan Williams Knee injury PS W3 Returned to practice Day-to-Day Held out of last preseason game
T.J. Yeldon Hamstring strain PS W3 No information Week-to-Week  
D'Onta Foreman Groin strain PS W3 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day  
Alfred Blue High ankle sprain PS W4 No timetable given Week-to-Week  
Kenneth Dixon Meniscus repair Late July Out for season 4-6 Months | 2017 return Likely IR soon
Devontae Booker Wrist fracture fixation Late July 6-8 Weeks 6-8 Weeks | Early season return  
Ryan Mathews Cervical disc herniation Late December Passed physical / waived Day-to-Day Free agent
Lance Dunbar Complications Oct 2015 knee injury   Active - PUP Week-to-Week "No resolution in near future"
Wide Receivers Injured But on the Active Roster
Wide Receiver Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Odell Beckham Left high ankle sprain PS W3 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Mike Evans Undisclosed injury PS W3 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day Not believed to be serious
Demaryius Thomas Groin strain PS W4 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day  
DeAndre Hopkins Hand injury PS W2 No timetable given Day-to-Day Has missed more than a week of practice
Julian Edelman ACL tear PS W4 Out for season Out for season Reconstruction soon w/ 2018 return
Brandon Marshall Shoulder injury PS W4 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day  
Tyrell Williams Groin strain PS W4 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day  
Cameron Meredith ACL/MCL tear PS W4 No official timetable Out for season 2018 return possible
Corey Davis Hamstring strain PS W1 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Jordan Matthews Sternum fracture PS W2 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day Expects to be ready in Week 1
Eric Decker Ankle injury PS W3 No information given Awaiting information  
Cooper Kupp Groin strain PS W4 No information given Day-to-Day  
Will Fuller Clavicle fracture PS W1 8-12 Weeks 8-10+ Weeks  
Mike Williams Disc herniation | Multiple steroid injections May | July Active - PUP 6+ Weeks Progressing in rehab
John Brown Quad strain Late July  Returned to practice and game action    
Quincy Enunwa Cervical discectomy and fusion PS W1 Out for Season 2018 Return  
Malcolm Mitchell Knee soreness Early preseason No information given Week-to-Week  
Breshad Perriman Hamstring strain Early preseason Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Markus Wheaton Finger fracture PS W2 No timetable given 3-4 Weeks  
Marqise Lee Right high ankle sprain  PS W2 Returned to practice    
Sammie Coates Jr Arthroscopic knee surgery  Late July 3-4 Weeks 3-6 Weeks Removed from PUP list
Tavon Austin Hamstring strain Early preseason Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Carlos Henderson Thumb surgery PS W2 No timetable given 4-6 Weeks  
Tight Ends Injured But on the Active Roster
Tight End Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Jordan Reed Foot fracture Unknown Returned to practice   Now has custom orthotic
Eric Ebron Hamstring strain Late July No practice last week Week-to-Week Possible aggravation
Julius Thomas Back injury PS W2 Returned to practice and game action    
Erik Swoope Arthroscopic knee surgery PS W3 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Rico Gathers Concussion PS W3 In protocol Week-to-Week  
Offensive Line Injured But on the Active Roster
Offensive Line Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Cordy Glenn Foot injury Chronic Week-to-Week Week-to-Week PRP injection for plantar fasciitis? 
Taylor Decker Shoulder labrum repair Early June Active - PUP 5-6 Months  
Terron Armstead Shoulder labrum repair June Active - PUP 5-6 Months  
Ryan Kelly Foot injury / surgery PS W3 Month-to-Month Month-to-Month Possible IR w/ designation to return
Bryan Bulaga Ankle injury PS W4 No timeline Week-to-Week Hopeful for W1
Max Unger Lisfranc repair Early May Activated off PUP Week-to-Week Well ahead of expected rehab
Joel Bitonio Knee injury PS W2 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week Expected to play W1
Demar Dotson Groin strain PS W3 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week Expected to play W1
Kyle Long Ankle surgery / complications November 2016 Limited practice Day-to-Day Team unsure about Week 1
Spencer Long Knee surgery PS W3 Week-to-Week 2-4 Weeks W1 status unknown
Ted Larsen Biceps injury PS W1 Likely IR Month-to-Month Possible return designation
George Fant ACL tear / likely multi-ligament injury PS W3 Out for season Out for season 2018 Return
Alex Lewis Shoulder labral tear PS W2 Out for season 4-6 Months 2018 Return
Josh Garnett Arthroscopic knee surgery Early August Week 1 Return Minimum 3-4 Weeks  
Forrest Lamp ACL tear Early August   Out for season  
Nico Siragusa Knee dislocation | ACL/MCL/PCL tear Early August   Out for season  
Defensive Players Injured But on the Active Roster
Edge Players Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Ezekiel Ansah Leg injury Unknown Active - PUP Day-to-Day Recently cleared to run, suspicious for offseason ankle surgery
Pernell McPhee Undisclosed knee   Active - PUP Awaiting information  
Tamba Hali Undisclosed   Active - PUP Awaiting information  
Shane Ray Wrist ligament repair Late July 6-8 Weeks 6-8 Weeks  
Derek Rivers ACL / LCL tear PS W3 Out for season  9-12 Months  
Defensive Line Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Leonard Williams Wrist injury PS W4 No timetable given Awaiting information  
DeForest Buckner Ankle sprain Early preseason Returned to practice    
Gerald McCoy Groin strain PS W4 No timetable given Week-to-Week  
Derek Wolfe Ankle sprain PS W2 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Danny Shelton Knee injury PS W3 3-6 Weeks Week-to-Week  
Robert Nkemdiche Calf strain PS W3 2-3 Weeks 2-4 Weeks  
Javon Hargrave Concussion PS W3 No timetable given Week-to-Week Has history of concussion
Tyrone Crawford Ankle sprain PS W2 Day-to-Day Day-to-Day  
Vernon Butler Knee sprain PS W2 Week-to-Week Week-to-Week  
Malik McDowell Concussion / Facial injuries Late July Active - NFI Week-to-Week  
Linebackers Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Denzel Perryman Ankle ligament reconstruction PS W2 8-10 Weeks Month-to-Month Ankle rehab often longer than expected
Dont'a Hightower Undisclosed   Activated from PUP    
Anthony Hitchens Tibial plateau fracture PS W4 No timetable given 6-8+ Weeks  
Tahir Whitehead Knee injury PS W4 No timetable given Awaiting information  
Raekwon McMillan ACL tear PS W2 Out for season 2018 Return   
Defensive Backs Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Deone Bucannon Ankle surgery Mid May Activated off PUP   Not yet cleared for contact
Su'a Cravens Knee injury PS W2 2-3 Weeks Week-to-Week  
Vontae Davis Groin strain PS W4 No timetable given Week-to-Week  
Malik Hooker Shoulder injury PS W2 Returned to practice    
Shawn Williams Elbow dislocation PS W3 Week-to-Week 2-4 Weeks  
George Iloka Knee sprain PS W1 3-4 Weeks 3-4 Weeks  
Clayton Geathers Cervical discectomy / fusion Mid May Active - PUP 4-6 Months Expected inseason PUP

INJURED PLAYERS NOT ON ACTIVE ROSTER

Notable Quarterbacks on PUP/NFI/IR
Quarterback Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Ryan Tannehill Left ACL reconstruction Mid August IR 2018 Return  
Notable Running Backs on PUP/NFI/IR
Running Back Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
           
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP/NFI/IR
Wide Receiver Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
           
Notable Tight Ends on PUP/NFI/IR
Tight End Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Crockett Gillmore MCL reconstruction Early August IR 2018 Return  
Notable Offensive Line on PUP/NFI/IR
Offensive Line Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
           
Notable Defensive Players on PUP/NFI/IR
Edge Players Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Kerry Hyder Left Achilles tear PS W2 Out for Season 2018 Return  
Trent Murphy ACL reconstruction / MCL sprain PS W2 IR 2018 Return  
Defensive Line Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Dominique Easley ACL reconstruction Early August IR 2018 Return  
Linebackers Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes
Tank Carder          
Malcolm Smith Pectoral tendon tear PS W1 IR 2018 Return  
Defensive Backs Injury Date Player/Team Says FBGs Expects Notes

Check back for more injury analysis throughout training camp and follow on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news, commentary, and analysis of injury news around the NFL


Photos provided by Imagn Images
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