Antonio brown and extreme frostbite
The twists and turns around Antonio Brown's first training camp with the Raiders reminds me of a bad Choose Your Own Adventure book.
Extreme frostbite? Paint your own helmet? HBO and Hard Knocks?
Is there really anything to see here? Is Brown in danger of missing Week 1?
In short, I doubt it.
Brown hasn't suffered extreme frostbite. That implies deep tissue damage requiring removal of dead tissue and loss of function. Brown's injury is better characterized as a second-degree cold burn. The blistering and regeneration of new skin is painful and limiting -- but not a long-term concern. Brown's injury occurred sometime in late July. The Raiders activated him off the NFI list within 48 hours and allowed him to practice -- neither of which is consistent with a long-term condition.
It seems more likely that Brown's prolonged absence is due to his concern over the NFL's ban on helmets no longer meeting safety standards. The NFL testing process is not new. And the league has been very transparent in informing players who have previously worn helmets that no longer meet safety standards of the need to find an alternative.
I think the unusual nature of Brown's foot condition has given the story more legs than it may deserve, and I still believe Brown is more day-to-day than week-to-week. The helmet issue has yet to be resolved, but I don't think Brown is likely to retire.
Expect more drama over both issues but -- for now -- consider Brown probable for Week 1.
Injury Rounds
Jerick McKinnon | knee inflammation | chronic | week-to-week | Questionable Week 1
Through most of the offseason, the news was uniformly positive on McKinnon's recovery from last season's ACL reconstruction. Since mini-camp ended, the tone has changed. McKinnon started camp on the PUP list after experiencing knee soreness. Reportedly, that soreness was related to over-zealous rehab as McKinnon prepared for camp. It seemed reassuring when McKinnon was activated last week and began practicing. The inflammation and soreness quickly recurred, however, and McKinnon has again been shut down after a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection.
There are varied indications for PRP injections but not much consensus on the which components may be successful and which conditions may respond best. Around the knee, NFL medical staffs use PRP to address inflammation due to arthritis or patellar tendinopathy or to speed recovery after meniscus repair. In McKinnon's case, the recurrent inflammation is suspicious for arthritic changes after his ACL procedure. It's impossible to judge whether the PRP injection may be successful over the longer term but the additional time off will be helpful.
Unfortunately, the recurrent symptoms raise concern whether McKinnon is headed down the same path as Todd Gurley and Sony Michel. The Niners are already hinting that in-season injured reserve is a possibility and Week 1 is clearly in question. If McKinnon's current absence stretches into the regular season or he's frequently rested during the week, consider a full and productive recovery from ACL reconstruction unlikely.
Keke Coutee | Right high ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1
Coutee's right leg was tangled up with a defender during a tackle attempt. After some initial concern about a knee injury -- and video did show a possible MCL sprain -- the injury was reported as an ankle sprain. The type of leg twisting Coutee suffered can also result in a high ankle sprain. With Bill O'Brien telling reporters Coutee's return "won't be soon," it's likely Coutee has a mid-grade high-ankle sprain and will need 4-6 weeks to recover. A Week 1 return is questionable.
***N'Keal Harry left the Patriots' Week 1 preseason game with an undisclosed injury. The video suggests a right foot or ankle injury, and local writers do not believe the injury to be serious.
***Dallas Goedert has a calf strain. He is expected to miss the rest of the preseason, but the team considers him likely to play Week 1.
***Theo Riddick suffered a fracture around his shoulder during practice last week and will miss 6-8 weeks.
Follow Up Appointments
Andrew Luck | Calf strain | offseason | week-to-Week | Probable Week 1
The Athletic's Zak Keefer wrote a fantastic article detailing Andrew Luck's calf strain. The article contains a timeline of events through the offseason, thoughts on why Luck may be frustrated with the lingering nature of the injury, and some reassurance on why this injury isn't following the ever-more-pessimistic track Luck's shoulder injury once did.
Still, it's unnerving to continue to read that Luck doesn't feel comfortable practicing with a soft tissue injury first diagnosed in late May. The Colts continue to suggest Luck's recovery is progressing and that he would be available to play if the team had a regular-season game this week. But we're nearly three months into a week-to-week timetable and Luck reportedly won't be cleared for contact this week either.
If Luck isn't ramping up his practice participation next week, it will be time to consider adjusting the probable for Week 1 expectation.
***Damien Williams (hamstring), Daesean Hamilton (hamstring), Andy Isabella (knee), Jurrell Casey (MCL), Trey Flowers (shoulder), and Aaron Jones (hamstring) returned to practice last week. Derrick Henry has begun work on the rehab fields as his recovery from a calf injury continues.
INJURED PLAYERS ON ACTIVE ROSTER
|
Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Andrew Luck | Ind | Left calf strain | Offseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Alex Smith | Was | Right leg fracture / Post-surgical infection | November 2018 | Active - PUP | Unlikely to Return to NFL | Expect Inseason PUP or IR |
| Robert Griffin III III | Bal | Right thumb fracture | Early preseason | 4-8 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Nate Sudfeld | Phi | Left forearm fracture | Preseason Week 1 | 6 Weeks | 6-8+ Weeks | Out Week 1 |
|
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
LAR
|
Left knee inflammation
|
Chronic
|
Active Roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 | |
|
NE
|
Knee inflammation
|
Chronic
|
Active Roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 | |
|
Ten
|
Left calf strain
|
Early preseason
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
|
GB
|
Hamstring strain
|
Early preseason
|
Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
|
SF
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
September 2018
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 | |
|
SF
|
Concussion
|
Preseason Week 1
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
|
Den
|
Shoulder fracture
|
Preseason Week 1
|
6-8 Weeks | Week 3+ Return | Out Week 1 | |
|
Cle
|
Hamstring strain |
Early preseason
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
|
Was
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
December 2018
|
Active - NFI | Inseason return possible | Doubtful Week 1 | |
|
Cin
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
September 2018
|
Passed physical | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 1 | |
|
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Antonio Brown | Oak | Foot condition | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Julio Jones | Atl | Foot soreness | June 2019 | Active Roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Left ankle injury | Early preseason | 6-8 Weeks | Week 4+ return | Out Week 1 |
| John Ross | Cin | Hamstring tightness | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Julian Edelman | NE | Left thumb fracture | June 2019 | 4-6 Weeks | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
| N'Keal Harry | NE | Undisclosed | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Demaryius Thomas | NE | Left Achilles repair | December 2018 | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | Heel injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Keke Coutee | Hou | Right high ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Left thumb fracture | Early preseason | 4-6 Weeks | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
| Anthony Miller | Chi | Right ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Parris Campbell | Ind | Hamstring strain aggravation | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Marquise Brown | Bal | Left Lisfranc joint reconstruction | January 2019 | Active Roster | Limited practice | Questionable Week 1 |
| Trey Quinn | Was | Thumb injury | Preseason Week 1 | Awaiting information | Awaiting information | Probable Week 1 |
| Antonio Callaway | Cle | High ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | 3-4+ Weeks | Suspended four games |
| Dede Westbrook | Jac | Groin strain | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Marqise Lee | Jac | Left ACL reconstruction / PCL repair | August 2018 | Active - PUP | Unlikely to return during camp | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | GB | Knee injury | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| A.J. Brown | Ten | Left hamstring strain | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
| Trent Taylor | SF | Right fifth metatarsal fracture | Preseason Week 1 | 4-6 Weeks | 6-8 Weeks | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Jakeem Grant | Mia | Right hamstring injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Kevin White | Ari | Hamstring strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
|
Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| David Njoku | Cle | Knee injury | Preseason Week 2 | Awaiting Information | Awaiting Information | |
| Dallas Goedert | Phi | Calf strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Charles Clay | Ari | Knee soreness | Chronic | Active roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
| Tyler Kroft | Buf | Right foot fracture fixation revision | May 2019 | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Dawson Knox | Buf | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Josh Oliver | Jac | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Jonnu Smith | Ten | Left MCL sprain | December 2018 | Active roster | Limited practice | Questionable Week 1 |
| Garrett Celek | SF | Back surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely inseason PUP | Doubtful Week 1 |
|
Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Russell Okung | LAC | Pulmonary embolism | June 2019 | Active - NFI | Could return during camp | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Cam Robinson | Jac | Left ACL reconstruction | September 2018 | Active roster | Limited practice | Questionable Week 1 |
| Lane Johnson | Phi | Knee injury | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Kaleb McGary | Atl | Cardiac ablation | Early preseason | 6-8 Weeks | Likely early season return | Questionable Week 1 |
| Donovan Smith | TB | Achilles injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Jonah Williams | Cin | Labrum repair | June 2019 | Active - PUP | Likely inseason PUP | Out Week 1 |
| Shon Coleman | SF | Ankle dislocation | Preseason Week 1 | Awaiting Information | Likely injured reserve | 2020 return |
|
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Zack Martin | Dal | Disc irritation | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Quenton Nelson | Ind | Ankle injury | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Marshall Yanda | Bal | Foot / ankle soreness | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
| Gabe Jackson | Oak | Left MCL sprain | Preseason Week 1 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 3+ Return | Out Week 1 |
| Mike Iupati | Sea | Foot injury | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Brian Winters | NYJ | Shoulder injury | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Josh Garnett | SF | Recurrent finger dislocation | Early preseason | 3-4 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Alex Redmond | Cin | Shoulder surgery ? | Offseason | Active - PUP | Could return during camp | Four game PED suspension |
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Weston Richburg | SF | Knee surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
| Mitch Morse | Buf | Concussion | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Russell Bodine | Buf | Oblique strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Kelechi Osemele | NYJ | Pectoral strain | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Awaiting Information | Questionable Week 1 |
| Nick Martin | Hou | Hamstring injury | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Greg Mancz | Hou | Left low ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Awaiting Information | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
|
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Demarcus Lawrence | Dal | Shoulder labrum repair | April 2019 | Active - PUP | May return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
| Robert Quinn | Dal | Left hand fracture | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Suspended two games |
| Dee Ford | SF | Knee tendinitis / PRP injection | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
| Nick Bosa | SF | Right high ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Ezekiel Ansah | Sea | Shoulder labrum repair | Offseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Jabaal Sheard | Ind | Knee inflammation | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Jason Pierre-Paul | TB | Neck fracture | May 2019 | Active - NFI | Likely inseason PUP | Out Week 1 |
| Maxx Crosby | Oak | Hand fracture | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
|
Defensive Linemen
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Vita Vea | TB | LCL sprain | Preseason Week 1 | 4-8 Weeks | Week 3+ Return | Out Week 1 |
| Damon Harrison | Det | Conditioning | Early offseason | Active - NFI | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
| Sheldon Rankins | NO | Achilles repair | January 2019 | Active - PUP | Likely inseason PUP | Doubtful Week 1 |
| L.J. Collier | Sea | Ankle injury | Early offseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Tyrone Crawford | Dal | Hip surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
| Jeffery Simmons | Ten | ACL reconstruction | February 2019 | Active - NFI | Likely inseason NFI | Out Week 1 |
| Robert Nkemdiche | Mia | ACL reconstruction | December 2018 | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
|
Linebackers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Bobby Wagner | Sea | Knee inflammation / PRP injection | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Lavonte David | TB | Knee meniscectomy | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | 3-6 Weeks | Questionable Week 1 |
| Nigel Bradham | Phi | Toe injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Kamu Grugier-Hill | Phi | MCL sprain | Early preseason | 6-8 Weeks | Early season return | Questionable Week 1 |
| Haason Reddick | Ari | Left knee meniscectomy | Early preseason | 3-4 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Todd Davis | Den | Calf strain | Early preseason | 3-4 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Josey Jewell | Den | Oblique strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Quincy Williams | Jac | Knee meniscectomy | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Oren Burks | GB | Torn pectoral | Preseason Week 1 | Awaiting Information | Injured reserve | 2020 return |
| Sean Lee | Dal | Right MCL sprain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
|
Defensive Backs
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Byron Jones | Dal | Hip surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
| Justin Evans | TB | Toe surgery | June 2019 | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
| Marcus Maye | NYJ | Shoulder surgery / nerve injury | December 2018 | Active roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
| Reshad Jones | Mia | Right foot injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
| A.J. Bouye | Jac | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Kevin King | GB | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Jason Verrett | SF | High ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| K'Waun Williams | SF | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Trumaine Johnson | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Joe Haden | Pit | Ankle injury | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
| Darqueze Dennard | Cin | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
| Jalen Mills | Phi | Foot injury | October 2018 | Active - PUP | May return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
| Cre'von LeBlanc | Phi | Foot sprain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
| Mike Hughes | Min | Left ACL reconstruction + | October 2018 | Active - PUP | May return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
| DeAndre Baker | NYG | Left knee sprain | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
|
Kickers Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Adam Vinatieri | Ind | Knee inflammation | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
| Ryan Succop | Ten | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
Injured Players Not on Active Roster
|
Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Oak
|
Achilles repair
|
May 2019
|
Injured Reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
| Ind |
Ankle surgery
|
Early preseason
|
Reserve - PUP | Reserve - PUP | Eligible to return W7, seeking settlement | |
|
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Corey Coleman | NYG | ACL reconstruction | Late July 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Jermaine Kearse | Det | Left ankle fracture / dislocation | Early August 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
|
Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Notable Offensive Linemen on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| LaAdrian Waddle | Buf | Quadriceps strain | Early August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
|
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Notable Defensive Players on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Defensive Linemen
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Linebackers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Defensive Backs
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| J.J. Wilcox | Atl | Right ACL reconstruction | July 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| E.J. Gaines | Buf | Core abdominal muscle repair | Preseason Week 1 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
DECIPHERING THE ALPHABET SOUP OF INJURY LISTS
Players not ready for camp practices are placed on one of two lists – Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) or Non-Football Injury/Illness (NFI).
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)
Active/PUP – Preseason only list. Once a player participates in any part of a scheduled training camp practice, they are ineligible for this list. Players can be activated from this list at any time. This list is commonly used for veterans still recovering from injury and those who fail conditioning tests before camp begins.
Reserve/PUP – Regular season only list. Players still on Active/PUP at the end of camp are eligible to move to Reserve/PUP. Players cannot practice with the team until after Week 6. Teams then have six weeks to evaluate the player before moving to the active roster or to season-ending injured reserve.
Non-Football Injury / Illness (NFI)
Active/NFI – Preseason only list. Once a player participates in any part of a scheduled training camp practice, they are ineligible for this list. Players can be activated from this list at any time. Only veterans with a non-football related injury or rookies injured before the NFL draft are eligible for this list.
Reserve/NFI – Regular season only list. Players converted from the Active/NFI list to the Reserve/NFI list are out for the entire season.
Injured Reserve – Return Designation
Each NFL team can return two players to the active roster from injured reserve. Teams are not forced to designate this player at the time of the move to injured reserve. Players designated to return can begin practicing six weeks after being placed on injured reserve and are eligible to return to the active roster eight weeks after being placed on injured reserve. This rule allows a team to continually evaluate the rehab and recovery of their injured players and provides roster flexibility should teams have multiple key injuries early in the season.
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the off-season.