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Monday Injury Rounds: Week 10

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 10
By Jene Bramel, November 3, 2019

Monday Injury Rounds: Week 10
Photo: USA Today Sports

Inseason injury coverage

Footballguys will again provide comprehensive injury coverage during the regular season.

My writing and podcast schedule will include:

Monday Injury Rounds > Published as soon as complete Sunday night and updated through Tuesday morning, this feature will review all the major injuries from the weekend's games, provide follow up analysis on injured players who have yet to return to play, and project when every injured player will return.

Waiver Wire Podcast > Tuesday morning release reviewing all injuries at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions with Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom heading into your weekly waiver run.

Midweek Injury Expectations > Published late Wednesday night after the first weekly practice participation report and updated through Thursday's practice report, this feature will detail the current practice participation of every listed player and project the likelihood each player will play in the coming week.

Thursday Live Audible podcast > Joining Cecil Lammey, Sigmund Bloom, and Matt Waldman at 900 ET every Thursday night for a comprehensive Q&A updating all player injuries.

Gameday Injury Expectations > Published Saturday, this feature will review the practice status of every injured player, provide analysis on player/coach/beat writer comments throughout the week, and discuss how likely and how effective each injured player will be on Sunday.

Sunday Live Gameday podcast > Joining Sigmund Bloom and Matt Waldman at 1000 ET every Sunday morning to discuss and interpret the week's practice participation reports and breaking weekend injury news.

Follow Up Appointments

Patrick Mahomes II | Right patella dislocation | Week 7 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ Return | Questionable Week 10

Reports of a reassuring MRI and knee anatomy prompted speculation about Mahomes returning to play more quickly than expected in each of the past two weeks. Despite the optimism, Mahomes never had a realistic chance of playing so soon after dislocating his kneecap.

Mahomes did not suffer a high-grade ligament injury, but there is structural damage to the supporting ligaments around the kneecap that must heal enough to limit the risk of another dislocation. A report from Jay Glazer on Sunday morning stated the Chiefs were told Mahomes' risk of another dislocation was around 40% in the first three weeks after injury. The risk reportedly drops to 10-15% after three weeks.

Ignore the precise percentages here. The salient point is that -- not surprisingly -- the risk of re-injury lessens with each passing week. It's also important to note the risk is not zero.

I think the Chiefs have targeted this week to increase Mahomes' practice participation and then re-evaluate the stability of the kneecap. If the risk profile makes sense, they'll clear him to play. Another possible prognostic factor to watch for Mahomes is the Wednesday practice participation of tackle Eric Fisher and guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. If one or both is back on Wednesday, the chances of Mahomes taking the field increase.

James Conner | Right AC sprain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 10

Conner was seen in a sling after injuring his shoulder in Week 8. After the game, Mike Tomlin told reporters Conner suffered a sprain to the AC joint on top of the shoulder. Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning the team initially feared a high-grade injury that may have ended Conner's season. According to Schefter, Pittsburgh was worried enough to investigate a trade for Le'Veon Bell.

Conner was listed doubtful for last week's game but had no realistic chance of playing. Schefter also reported Sunday morning that Conner should also be considered doubtful for Week 10.

Shoulder injuries -- particularly AC sprains -- are difficult for running backs to play through on game day. Pain and loss of range of motion are important factors. While pain-killing injections and creative padding are sometimes effective treatments, shoulder sprains are easily aggravated. If Conner's injury was mid to high grade, expect the Steelers to continue rehabbing him aggressively rather than return him to practice. It's unlikely Conner's status will be clarified until very late in the week.

Pittsburgh's schedule will also work against a quick return for Conner. The Steelers have a road Thursday night game against Cleveland in Week 11. Unless Conner is sufficiently recovered to handle a quick turnaround from next Sunday's game on the short week, he'll likely be rested until the following Thursday night.

Alvin Kamara | Right high ankle sprain | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 Return | Probable Week 10

The Saints elected to continue to rehab Kamara's injuries rather than risk an aggravation in Week 8. Kamara had returned to consecutive limited practices prior to Week 8 and will have had four full weeks to recondition and recover before this week's home game against Atlanta.

Unless there was an unreported setback through the bye week, expect Kamara to do more in practice and play this week.

Cam Newton | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Month-to-Month | Week 12++ Return | Out Week 10

Newton continues to experience pain and stiffness in his Lisfranc joint. Surgery was not recommended during a follow-up visit with orthopedic foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson last week but Newton is not close to returning.

It's unfair to say Newton's recovery timetable is in the indefinite category. But he's now nearly two months into his latest recovery and made little progress in rehab. That suggests another 4-6 weeks of rehab -- at minimum. Not surprisingly, Ron Rivera refused to address whether or not Newton may go on injured reserve after Carolina's Week 9 win.

I've amended Newton's expectation to month-to-month and think he's likely to finish the season on injured reserve.

A.J. Green | Left ankle ligament repair | Late July 2019 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ Return | Questionable Week 10

Green was reportedly participating in team drills during Cincinnati's bye week practices. That's significant. It means he's likely been cleared for contact and is actively reconditioning and targeting a Week 10 return.

It's been clear for some time we'll eventually hear Green's surgery was more than the clean-out procedure originally suggested. Many arthroscopic ankle procedures require 3-4 months of rehab. That's where Green currently stands in his rehab. If he's been cleared for contact, his range of motion and strength is sufficient to play. Whether Green is in condition to play is yet to be determined.

I still have Green listed questionable but am tentatively expecting him to play this week.

Injury Rounds

Adam Thielen | Right hamstring strain aggravation | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 10

Thielen did not make it out of the first quarter, aggravating a hamstring strain that had limited him since Week 7. After multiple optimistic reports soon after the injury, Thielen never managed more than a limited practice last week and was termed a game-time decision. If Thielen's sprain was low grade, it was significant enough to still be limiting him ten days after the injury.

Unfortunately for Thielen, aggravated muscle strain often require more rehab time than the initial injury. That leaves Thielen doubtful at best for Week 10 and questionable for Week 11. With the Vikings' bye in Week 12, we may not see Thielen return until Week 13.

Jacoby Brissett | Left MCL sprain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 10

Brissett was injured during the first half and did not return. Video angles showed a mechanism of injury consistent with an MCL sprain. The Colts confirmed that diagnosis after the game. Brissett tried to convince the team to allow him to return to play but the Colts remained cautious and held him out.

Expect Brissett to have an MRI on Monday and observed carefully through midweek. If the injury is low grade and Brissett's knee is stable, there's a chance he could return to play next week. More likely, the 5-3 Colts will prioritize a run of three consecutive division games starting in Week 11. A higher grade injury would probably keep Brissett out until the Thursday night game against Houston in Week 12 -- and possibly beyond.

I'll update on Monday as further information is reported.

Monday Update: Brissett's MRI confirmed an MCL sprain, per Chris Mortensen, who tweeted Brissett has a "chance to play this week...but nothing definite" yet.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Monday Update: Le'Veon Bell underwent an MRI on Monday for a knee injury. Todd Gase told reporters he was unaware of any injury during the game and the team learned of Bell's condition on Monday. I'll update with further news when available.

***George Kittle had MRI studies to further evaluate knee and ankle injuries he suffered during Thursday night's game. The injuries are reportedly minor. The nearly two week recovery period from last Thursday night to a Week 10 Monday night home game should give Kittle enough time to recover and play this week.

***Kliff Kingsbury told reporters David Johnson made "significant progress" and could play this week. The release of veteran stopgap Alfred Morris would seem to be a reassuring data point. But Kingsbury hasn't been trustworthy on Johnson in recent weeks. Until we see Johnson return to practice and give an optimistic interview, continue to consider him questionable.

***T.Y. Hilton suffered a calf strain during practice last week. The Colts provided an unusually specific 3-4 week recovery timetable for Hilton, strongly implying the strain is at least a mid-grade injury. Hilton has recovered more quickly than expected with past injuries but the Colts' pessimism means you shouldn't count on Hilton returning until Week 13.

***DeSean Jackson returned to practice last week but was unable to play through his core muscle strain. Further testing is planned but an aggravation immediately upon his return to play is an ominous sign. Do not be surprised if Jackson chooses surgery rather than another extended rehab.

Monday Update: Ian Rapoport is reporting Jackson will undergo core muscle repair on Tuesday. Rapoport says Jackson is unlikely to return this season. However, rehab from core muscle surgery can sometimes be as short as 4-6 weeks. Should the Eagles choose to place Jackson on injured reserve, he could potentially return if Philadelphia makes the playoffs.

***Matt Ryan's high ankle sprain was significant enough to end his consecutive games streak in Week 8 but he should have a good chance to return to play this week after rehabbing through Atlanta's Week 9 bye.

***Preston Williams was reportedly feeling better after a left knee injury during a punt return and being carted off the field. Unfortunately, television angles of the injury are suspicious for an ACL tear. Williams will have an MRI on Monday.

Monday Update: Tom Pelissero reported Williams suffered an ACL injury after Brian Flores told reporters the knee injury was season-ending.

***24 hours after clearing concussion protocol, Sterling Shepard again reported symptoms and was returned to the concussion protocol. The Giants were very deliberate and careful while rehabbing Shepard after he suffered his second concussion in 2019 in Week 5. They're likely to remain careful with this latest setback. It's very unlikely Shepard will be cleared to return before the Giants' Week 12 bye. It's also possible Shepard is placed on injured reserve soon.

Designated to Return by Team

Injured Players on Active Roster

Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Patrick Mahomes II KC Right patella dislocation Week 7 Day-to-Day Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Cam Newton Car Left Lisfranc sprain Week 2 Week-to-Week Week 12++ Return Out Week 10
Matt Ryan Atl Right high ankle sprain Week 7 Day-to-Day Week 10 Return Probable Week 10
Jacoby Brissett Ind Left MCL sprain Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 10++ Return Questionable Week 10
Case Keenum Was Concussion Week 8 Concussion protocol Week 9+ Return Bye Week 10
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
NO
Right high ankle sprain / Left MCL sprain
Week 6
 Day-to-Day Week 10 Return Probable Week 10
Pit
Right AC sprain
Week 8
 Week-to-Week Week 10++ Return Doubtful Week 10
Benny Snell
Pit
Arthroscopic knee surgery
Week 8
 Week-to-Week Week 12+ Return Out Week 10
Ari
Left ankle injury
Week 6
 Day-to-Day Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Ari
Left hamstring strain
Week 8
 Week-to-Week Week 12+ Return Out Week 10
NYJ
Knee injury
Week 9
 Awaiting Information Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
LAR
Ankle injury
Week 6
 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Was
Toe injury
Week 6
 Week-to-Week Week 9+ Return Bye Week 10
Atl
Concussion
Week 7
 Concussion protocol Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Cle
Core abdominal muscle repair
PS Week 4
 Day-to-Day Week 10 Return Probable Week 10
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Adam Thielen Min Right hamstring strain Week 7 Week-to-Week Week 11+ Return Doubtful Week 10
T.Y. Hilton Ind Calf strain Week 8 3-4 Weeks Week 13+ Return Out Week 10
Parris Campbell Ind Hand fracture fixation Week 9 3-4+ Weeks Week 12+ Return Out Week 10
A.J. Green Cin Left ankle injury Late July 6-8 Weeks Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Dede Westbrook Jac Shoulder / neck injury Week 8 Day-to-Day Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Sterling Shepard NYG Concussion Week 8 Concussion protocol Week 12+ Return Out Week 10
Preston Williams Mia Left ACL tear Week 9 Injured reserve (exp) IR (exp) 2020 return
DeSean Jackson Phi Aggravated core muscle strain Week 10 Injured reserve (exp) IR (exp) Questionable 2019 return
Brandin Cooks LAR Concussion Week 8 Concussion protocol Week 10++ Return Doubtful Week 10
Will Fuller Hou Hamstring strain Week 7 Week-to-Week Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Tre'Quan Smith NO Left high ankle sprain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
George Kittle SF Knee / ankle soreness Week 9 Day-to-Day Week 10 Return Probable Week 10
Jared Cook NO Ankle injury Week 6 Day-to-Day Week 10 Return Probable Week 10
Delanie Walker Ten Ankle injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10++ Return Questionable Week 10
O.J. Howard TB Hamstring strain Week 7 Day-to-Day Week 10 Return Probable Week 10
Cameron Brate TB Rib injury Week 8 Day-to-Day Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Matt LaCosse NE Knee injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Bye Week 10
Chris Herndon NYJ Hamstring strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Vernon Davis Was Concussion Week 4 Concussion protocol Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Jeff Heuerman Den Knee injury Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
Tackles
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Joe Staley SF Left fibula fracture Week 2 6-8 Weeks Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Mike McGlinchey SF Right knee arthroscopic surgery Week 5 4-6 Weeks Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Laremy Tunsil Hou Shoulder injury Week 8 Day-to-Day Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Jason Peters Phi Knee injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Eric Fisher KC Core abdominal muscle repair Week 2 4-6 Weeks Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Trent Brown Oak Knee injury Week 9 Awaiting Information Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Greg Robinson Cle Ankle injury Week 9 Awaiting Information Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Cordy Glenn Cin Concussion PS Week 2 Concussion protocol Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Greg Little Car Concussion Week 4 Concussion protocol Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Kelvin Beachum NYJ Ankle sprain Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Ja'Wuan James Den Left knee injury Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Guards
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
James Carpenter Atl Knee injury Week 7 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Joe Dahl Det Left ankle injury Week 9 Awaiting Information Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
John Miller Cin Groin injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Centers
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Ryan Kelly Ind Stinger Week 9 Awaiting Information Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Rodney Hudson Oak Left high ankle sprain Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Ryan Kalil NYJ Knee injury Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Daniel Kilgore Mia Knee injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Greg Mancz Hou Concussion Week 4 Concussion protocol Week 11+ Return Bye Week 10
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
Edge Rushers
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Frank Clark KC Neck injury Week 7 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Clay Matthews LAR Jaw fracture Week 5 4-6 Weeks Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Olivier Vernon Cle Right knee injury Week 9 Awaiting Information Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Carl Lawson Cin Hamstring strain Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Zach Allen Ari Recurrent stinger Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Defensive Linemen
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Mike Daniels Det Right foot injury Week 3 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Quinton Jefferson Sea Oblique strain Week 7 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Brandon Mebane LAC Knee injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Justin Jones LAC Shoulder injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 10+ Return Questionable Week 10
Linebackers
Team
 Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
Tags Injuries Johnathan Abram Nasir Adderley Kwon Alexander Robert Alford Zach Allen Alex Anzalone Sam Beal Le'Veon Bell Travis Benjamin Cameron Brate Jacoby Brissett Malcolm Brown Austin Bryant Bryce Callahan Parris Campbell Maurice Canady Blake Cashman Bradley Chubb Frank Clark Corey Clement James Conner Ryan Connelly Brandin Cooks Jared Cook Mike Daniels Sean Davis Darqueze Dennard Pierre Desir Quandre Diggs Will Dissly Josh Doctson Chase Edmonds Justin Evans Joe Flacco Nick Foles Kendall Fuller Will Fuller V Blaine Gabbert Tashaun Gipson Sr A.J. Green D.J. Hayden Chad Henne Chris Herndon Akiem Hicks T.Y. Hilton O.J. Howard Xavien Howard Kareem Hunt DeSean Jackson Malik Jackson Derwin James Jr. Quinton Jefferson Tony Jefferson David Johnson John Johnson III Kerryon Johnson Lonnie Johnson Jr. Justin Jones Alvin Kamara Case Keenum Christian Kirksey Dre Kirkpatrick Micah Kiser George Kittle Matt LaCosse Carl Lawson Marquel Lee Drew Lock Patrick Mahomes II Jerick McKinnon Pernell McPhee C.J. Mosley Keanu Neal Cam Newton David Njoku Will Parks Tim Patrick Adrian Phillips Harrison Phillips Damarious Randall Bradley Roby Ben Roethlisberger John Ross Matt Ryan Sterling Shepard Trevor Siemian Ito Smith Benny Snell Jr. Equanimeous St. Brown Jace Sternberger Ryan Succop Geoff Swaim Trent Taylor Adam Thielen Jordan Thomas Tedric Thompson Desmond Trufant Kemoko Turay Leighton Vander Esch Jason Verrett Tracy Walker III Kahale Warring J.J. Watt Dede Westbrook Avery Williamson Preston Williams Quincy Williams Ahkello Witherspoon Tavon Young

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