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.
Injury Rounds
Tua Tagovailoa | Right hip dislocation / acetabular fracture
Tagovailoa suffered a hip dislocation in Alabama's game on Saturday.
Briefly, the large bone of his thigh was pushed backward out of the hip socket when tackled. It's a painful injury and it is often difficult to reposition the hip without anesthesia. In Tagovailoa's case, the Crimson Tide medical staff was able to reduce the dislocated hip in the locker room. Unfortunately, part of the hip socket was fractured when this occurred. Tagovailoa will have surgery to stabilize the fracture this week, a procedure that could require as much as nine months of rehab.
There are two potential long-term issues of concern with this injury.
First, the blood supply to the hip socket is sometimes not sufficient to allow the bone to heal. When that happens, bone and cartilage loss occurs leading to pain, loss of range of motion, and arthritis. If this occurs, it's a career-threatening complication. It's difficult to estimate the likelihood of such a complication and Tagovailoa will be monitored carefully during the rehab process.
Second, any disruption of a joint surface can lead to cartilage loss and early arthritic changes. The extent of the cartilage degeneration would define the amount of short- and long-term limitations. While not necessarily career-threatening, this would be a career-shortening complication.
The Alabama medical staff released a statement stating they "anticipate a full recovery." That's hopeful but still uncertain. What is certain is a closely-watched and extensively reported pre-draft medical process for Tagovailoa, who was considered the possible top overall draft pick next April.
At any other position, this injury would be a devastating development for a prospect's draft stock. Assessing a quarterback may be different. Arm ability, intangibles, and the scarcity of talent at the position are important factors here. If Tagovailoa's early rehab and post-surgical imaging are favorable, he may not drop nearly as far as players at other positions. It's also possible Tagovailoa waits and enters the 2021 draft.
I'll continue to update Tagovailoa's progress throughout the offseason.
Monday Update: Tagovailoa's Monday surgery was said to be successful. Alabama orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lyle Cain told reporters he anticipates Tagovailoa to begin athletic activity in three months and resume throwing in the spring if rehab progresses as expected.
Deshaun Watson | Right high ankle sprain | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 12
Television angles showed an injury consistent with a low-grade high ankle sprain during the first half. Watson did not miss any snaps and did not appear to be significantly limited by the injury in the second half.
The severity of high ankle sprains is best defined by the stiffness and swelling that occurs after the game in the 24 hours following the injury. Watson's injury did not appear violent and there's reason for optimism. Watson told reporters he was "fine" and expected to "be ready to go."
Unfortunately, Watson and the Texans play Thursday night. I expect Watson to play but the injury may limit him more on Thursday than it did in Sunday's game.
Marlon Mack | Right hand fracture | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 12
Mack fractured a bone in his right hand and will have more studies and a specialist visit to determine whether surgery is necessary. His timetable is still unknown but he will not play on Thursday night.
Whether Mack has surgery or not, pain management and the ability to perform all the duties of his position (ball security, catching passes, blocking) will determine how quickly he may return. It's reasonable to set the early timetable at 2-4 weeks but the Colts won't know which end is more likely until after further evaluation.
Monday Update: Mack had surgery to fixate his hand fracture and will miss multiple weeks.
Tyler Lockett | Leg contusion | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 12
Lockett was observed overnight for compartment syndrome last week, a condition in which a bruise continues to expand and puts too much pressure on the muscles and vessels in the lower leg. Lockett did not require surgical intervention and has improved through the bye week. Pete Carroll was optimistic about Lockett's playing status on Monday.
Follow Up Appointments
George Kittle | Left knee contusion | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12
Kittle hyperextended his left knee early in Thursday's Week 9 matchup against Arizona. Despite returning to play -- and effectively -- that night, Kittle has been unable to practice since finishing the game.
The Niners haven't provided details on Kittle's injury but multiple reports suggest it's a multiple-week injury. Video replays suggest a bone contusion around the knee. While Kittle has also been listed with an ankle injury, it's likely the knee injury is the most limiting condition.
Kyle Shanahan refuses to rule Kittle out in deference to Kittle's ability to play through injury but consider him doubtful until he's cleared to return to individual drills. He's unlikely to play this week.
Matthew Stafford | Thoracic spine fractures | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 12
Stafford's injury was initially reported as multiple fractures to the transverse processes of the spine, which are bony protuberances to the side of the spinal column that provide the framework for the ligaments and muscles (and sometimes ribs) along the side of the spine.
In the days after the Week 9 injury, Stafford was cleared to take first-team reps in practice and was reportedly preparing to play. The Lions listed him questionable for their Week 10 game prior to the team's medical staff ruling him out on Saturday. Stafford did not practice this week and was ruled out on Friday. Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter then broke the news of a longer-term injury on Sunday morning.
Schefter and Rapoport both reported an extended recovery timetable of as long as six weeks for Stafford. The precise nature of Stafford's injury remains unclear. Rapoport reported Stafford has "tiny, non-displaced fractures in the upper thoracic spine." It's possible the injuries are to the transverse process but the extended recovery timetable raises the question of an injury closer to the center of the vertebrae.
A six-week recovery would set Stafford's return expectation around Week 15 or 16. Both Schefter and Rapoport also report Stafford is pushing to play sooner and that repeat imaging studies may allow Stafford to accelerate his return. Even with reassuring imaging, however, it's unlikely Stafford returns until after the Lions' Thanksgiving Day game.
James Conner | Aggravated right AC sprain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12
Benny Snell | Knee meniscectomy | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 12
After two and a half weeks of rest and a reassuring full week of practice, Conner managed only 13 snaps on Thursday night before leaving with an aggravation of his Week 8 shoulder sprain. Aggravated sprains often require a rehab of similar or longer length than the initial injury. It's unlikely Conner will be cleared to play in Week 12 and his absence could extend into early December.
Snell had surgery to remove a meniscus fragment in Week 8. He's yet to return to practice but players -- including running backs -- commonly recover within 3-4 weeks. It's possible Snell has reconditioned enough to return to practice and play this week but should still be considered questionable at best.
Jordan Howard | Stinger | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 12
Howard did not return to practice this week after reportedly suffering a stinger in Week 9. Athletes with stinger symptoms (e.g. weakness, pain) persisting longer than 15-30 minutes often have those symptoms last for weeks. Many players with prolonged symptoms are not cleared to return for 3-4 weeks. Howard has a chance to return to practice this week but should be considered doubtful to play until he's cleared for individual drills.
A.J. Green | Left ankle ligament repair | Late July 2019 | Week-to-Week | Week 13++ Return | Doubtful Week 12
Green has experienced swelling in his ankle on each attempt to return to football-related activity. It's difficult to predict when he'll clear the final hurdle but there's been little reason for optimism since his most recent failure to progress. Green reportedly wants to return to action and there are no indications Cincinnati is planning to move him to injured reserve. Unfortunately, that outcome grows more likely with each missed practice.
Fast Track News and Notes
***The Niners rested Matt Breida after he aggravated a low ankle sprain in Week 10. It's unlikely Breida's ankle will be full strength this week and it's unlikely the Niners will clear him to return until it's fully recovered. Consider him on the doubtful side of questionable for now.
***JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson are both in concussion protocol. The extended recovery time between last Thursday night's game and this Sunday's game will give the team additional time to re-evaluated both receivers. The Steelers often take two weeks to recover players with concussions and it's possible Pittsburgh will be without one or both players against Cincinnati in Week 12.
Monday Update: Adam Schefter is reporting Smith-Schuster injured his left knee on the same play he suffered the concussion. There were no details provided. Video shows a knee-to-knee collision at the moment of impact but there are no clear views of Smith-Schuster's knee as he went to the ground. I'll update with more details after the All-22 video is released or if the Steelers further update his condition.
***Jameis Winston suffered a sprained ligament on the inside of his right ankle. He finished the game but the injury likely affected his accuracy and led to multiple interceptions. This injury isn't a simple low ankle sprain (occurs on the outside of the ankle) and isn't a high ankle sprain (occurs between the two lower leg bones). As with all sprains, recovery is based on the severity of the sprain. Bruce Arians told reporters he was concerned and the team plans more imaging on Monday.
Monday Update: Bruce Arians told reporters Winston's ankle "appears to be fine." He's likely to be limited in practice but now looks probable to play.
***Early last week, Delanie Walker told reporters he planned to begin reconditioning with a plan to return against Jacksonville in Week 12.
Designated to Return by Team
- Green Bay (1): TE Jace Sternberger (W7-now active)
- New England (2): WR N'Keal Harry (W7-now active), G Isaiah Wynn (W9)
- New York Giants (1): DB Sam Beal (W7-now active)
- Oakland (2): DB Isaiah Johnson (W7-now active), LB Marquel Lee (W10)
- Jacksonville (1): QB Nick Foles (W8-now active)
- Kansas City (1): QB Chad Henne (W8-now active)
- Tennessee (2): PK Ryan Succop (W8-now active), DB Joshua Kalu (W9)
- Cleveland (1): OL Drew Forbes (W8-now active)
- Washington (1): RB Derrius Guice (W9-now active)
- Baltimore (2): DB Iman Marshall (W9-now active), DB Brynden Trawick (W10)
- Denver (2): WR Tim Patrick (W9-now active), QB Drew Lock (W10)
- Detroit (1): DL Austin Bryant (W9)
- Minnesota (1): WR Josh Doctson (W9-now active)
- Seattle (1): TE Ed Dickson (W9)
- Miami (2): T Julien Davenport (W9-now active), LB Andrew Van Ginkel (W10)
- Houston (1): TE Jordan Thomas (W10)
- Cincinnati (1): WR John Ross (W10)
- Indianapolis (1): WR Devin Funchess (W10)
- New Orleans (1): WR Keith Kirkwood (W10)
- Los Angeles Chargers (1): DB Adrian Phillips (W10)
Injured Players on Active Roster
|
Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Deshaun Watson | Hou | Right high ankle sprain | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 12 Return | Probable Week 12 |
| Matthew Stafford | Det | Thoracic spine fractures | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ Return | Out Week 12 |
| Jameis Winston | TB | Left ankle sprain | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 12 Return | Probable Week 12 |
| Mitchell Trubisky | Chi | Right hip pointer | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Pit
|
Aggravated right AC sprain
|
Week 11
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 | |
|
Pit
|
Knee meniscectomy
|
Week 8
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 | |
|
KC
|
Rib injury
|
Week 11
|
Awaiting Information | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 | |
|
SF
|
Aggravated left low ankle sprain
|
Week 10
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 | |
|
Ind
|
Right metacarpal fracture
|
Week 11
|
Week-to-Week | Week 14++ Return | Out Week 12 | |
|
Atl
|
Foot / ankle injury
|
Week 10
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 | |
|
Phi
|
Stinger
|
Week 9
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 | |
|
Ari
|
Left hamstring strain
|
Week 8
|
Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 | |
|
Was
|
Toe injury
|
Week 6
|
Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 | |
|
Ind
|
Left ankle injury
|
Week 10
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 | |
|
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Tyreek Hill | KC | Hamstring strain | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 |
| Tyler Lockett | Sea | Leg contusion | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Adam Thielen | Min | Right hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 13 Return | Bye Week 12 |
| T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Calf strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Parris Campbell | Ind | Hand fracture fixation | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Pit | Concussion / Left knee injury | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Diontae Johnson | Pit | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Alshon Jeffery | Phi | Ankle injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Left ankle injury | Late July | Week-to-Week | Week 13++ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Auden Tate | Cin | Concussion / cervical strain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Phillip Dorsett | NE | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Brandin Cooks | LAR | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Will Fuller V | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 12 Return | Probable Week 12 |
| Paul Richardson Jr | Was | Hamstring strain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Corey Davis | Ten | Hip injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
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 | Week-to-Week | Week 12++ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Austin Hooper | Atl | Left MCL sprain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Out Week 12 |
| Evan Engram | NYG | Left foot sprain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12++ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Delanie Walker | Ten | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Josh Oliver | Jac | Back injury | Week 11 | Multiple weeks | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Adam Shaheen | Chi | Foot injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Josh Hill | NO | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Vernon Davis | Was | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Jeff Heuerman | Den | Knee injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Joe Staley | SF | Finger fracture fixation | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Lane Johnson | Phi | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Andrus Peat | NO | Arm injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 16+ Return | Out Week 12 |
| Rob Havenstein | LAR | Meniscus injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13++ Return | Out Week 12 |
| Russell Okung | LAC | Groin strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ Return | MNF - Bye Week 12 |
| Sam Tevi | LAC | Knee meniscectomy | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 |
| Nate Solder | NYG | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Rick Wagner | Det | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Mike Remmers | NYG | Back injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Chuma Edoga | NYJ | Ankle injury | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Ja'Wuan James | Den | Left knee injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| La'El Collins | Dal | Left MCL sprain / Back spasms | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Connor Williams | Dal | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12++ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Josh Kline | Min | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 |
| Ty Nsekhe | Buf | Right lower leg fracture | Week 11 | Injured reserve (exp) | 2020 return | 2020 return |
| Alex Redmond | Cin | Knee / ankle injuries | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Joe Halapio | NYG | Hamstring strain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Demarcus Lawrence | Dal | Right shoulder injury | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Dee Ford | SF | Right hamstring strain | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 12++ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Olivier Vernon | Cle | Right knee injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Alex Okafor | KC | Ankle injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Emmanuel Ogbah | KC | Pectoral tendon tear | Week 10 | 2020 return | 2020 return | 2020 return |
| Carl Nassib | TB | Groin injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Defensive Linemen
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Jurrell Casey | Ten | Shoulder injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Linval Joseph | Min | Knee injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 |
| Taco Charlton | Mia | Elbow injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Linebackers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| C.J. Mosley | NYJ | Core muscle strain | Week 7 | 5-6 Weeks | Week 14+ Return | Out Week 12 |
| Nigel Bradham | Phi | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Jayon Brown | Ten | Groin injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Danny Trevathan | Chi | Left elbow dislocation | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12++ Return | Out Week 12 |
| Azeez Al-Shaair | SF | Concussion | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Raekwon McMillan | Mia | Knee injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Defensive Backs
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Patrick Chung | NE | Heel / chest injuries | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Justin Reid | Hou | Right shoulder injury | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 12++ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Lano Hill | Sea | Elbow injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ Return | MNF |
| Morgan Burnett | Cle | Achilles tendon tear | Week 11 | Injured reserve (exp) | 2020 return | 2020 return |
| Jeff Heath | Dal | Shoulder injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Bobby McCain | Mia | Aggravated AC sprain | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 13++ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Anthony Harris | Min | Groin injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 |
| Tracy Walker | Det | Knee injury | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 13+ Return | Doubtful Week 12 |
| Marshon Lattimore | NO | Hamstring strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Pierre Desir | Ind | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Quincy Wilson | Ind | Shoulder injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Kendall Fuller | KC | Right thumb fracture fixation | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ Return | MNF - Bye Week 12 |
| Artie Burns | Pit | Knee injury | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Darryl Roberts | NYJ | Calf injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Nate Hairston | NYJ | Thumb / knee injuries | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Tramaine Brock | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ Return | Bye Week 12 |
| Lonnie Johnson | Hou | Foot injury | Week 11 | Awaiting Information | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Bradley Roby | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Ross Cockrell | Car | Quadricep strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
| Lamarcus Joyner | Oak | Hamstring strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
|
Kickers Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Robbie Gould | SF | Quadricep | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Questionable Week 12 |
Injured Players Not on Active Roster
|
Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Cam Newton | Car | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return P1 | 2020 return |
| Ben Roethlisberger | Pit | Right elbow injury | Late September 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | 2020 return |
| Trevor Siemian | NYJ | Left ankle ligament repair | Late September 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | 2020 return |
| Joe Flacco | Den | Cervical disc herniation | Late October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Drew Lock | Den | Right thumb sprain | Preseason Week 3 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return | Questionable 2019 return |
| Blaine Gabbert | TB | Left shoulder dislocation | Preseason Week 3 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W13 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Alex Smith | Was | Right leg fracture / post-surgical infection | November 2018 | Reserve - PUP | PUP | Eligible to return W7 | Unlikely to return to football |
|
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
Det
|
Right knee surgery
|
Week 8
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Eligible to return W16
|
Questionable 2019 return
|
|
|
Den
|
Shoulder fracture
|
Preseason Week 1
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
|
Phi
|
Aggravated hip flexor strain
|
Week 10
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return |
2020 return
|
|
|
Phi
|
Right shoulder subluxation
|
Week 5
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Eligible to return W15
|
Questionable 2019 return
|
|
|
Was
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
December 2018
|
Reserve - NFI
|
NFI | Eligible to return W7
|
Questionable 2019 return
|
|
|
Atl
|
Concussion
|
Late October 2019
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Eligible to return P1
|
2020 return
|
|
|
NE
|
Cervical disc condition
|
Mid-September 2019
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
|
Hou
|
Left ACL reconstruction / MCL sprain
|
Late August 2019
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
|
SF
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
September 2018
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
|
Cin
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
Early September 2019
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
|
Oak
|
Achilles repair
|
May 2019
|
Injured reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
|
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| DeSean Jackson | Phi | Core muscle repair | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return P1 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Preston Williams | Mia | Left ACL reconstruction | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| John Ross | Cin | Right sternoclavicular sprain | Week 4 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return | Probable 2019 return |
| Quincy Enunwa | NYJ | Neck injury | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W11 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Devin Funchess | Ind | Left clavicle fixation | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return | Probable 2019 return |
| Marqise Lee | Jac | Shoulder injury | Week 8 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W17 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Travis Benjamin | LAC | Quad strain | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Dontrelle Inman | LAC | Quad strain | Week 4 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W14 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Trent Taylor | SF | Right fifth metatarsal fixation | Early August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Jalen Hurd | SF | Back stress fracture | August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W13 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Hakeem Butler | Ari | Hand fracture | Mid-August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | GB | Left high ankle sprain | Late August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| 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
|
| Will Dissly | Sea | Left Achilles repair | Late October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | 2020 return |
| Jordan Reed | Was | Concussion | August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | Questionable 2020 return |
| David Njoku | Cle | Left wrist fracture | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Trey Burton | Chi | Calf injury | Week 10 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Chris Herndon | NYJ | Rib fractures | Week 10 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| James O'Shaughnessy | Jac | Left ACL reconstruction | Mid-October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | 2020 return |
| Geoff Swaim | Jac | Concussion | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Jace Sternberger | GB | Left high ankle sprain | Preseason Week 4 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return W9 | Probable 2019 return |
| Jake Butt | Den | Left ACL reconstruction | September 2018 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Kahale Warring | Hou | Concussion | Preseason | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W9 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Jordan Thomas | Hou | Rib fracture | Preseason | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return | Probable 2019 return |
| Ed Dickson | Sea | Knee surgery | Early preseason | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W9 | Questionable 2019 return |
|
Notable Offensive Linemen on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Isaiah Wynn | NE | Toe sprain | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return W9 | Probable 2019 return |
| Marcus Gilbert | Ari | Right ACL reconstruction | Mid-September 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W10 | 2020 return |
| Julien Davenport | Mia | Fractured tibia | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return W9 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Jonah Williams | Cin | Shoulder labrum repair | June 2019 | Reserve - PUP | PUP | Eligible to return W7 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Yodny Cajuste | NE | Quadriceps injury | March 2019 | Reserve - NFI | NFI | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| 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
|
| Chris Lindstrom | Atl | Right foot fracture | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return Week 11 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Kyle Long | Chi | Hip injury | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | 2020 return |
| Brian Winters | NYJ | Left shoulder labrum repair | Week 10 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Forrest Lamp | LAC | Right ankle fracture | Week 8 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | 2020 return |
| Lane Taylor | GB | Biceps injury | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Ethan Pocic | Sea | Back injury | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Joe Noteboom | LAR | Right ACL reconstruction | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | 2020 return |
| Danny Isidora | Mia | Right foot surgery | Week 3 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Senio Kelemete | Hou | Wrist injury | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W13 | Questionable 2019 return |
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| David Andrews | NE | Pulmonary embolism | August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Mike Pouncey | LAC | Neck surgery | Mid-October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | 2020 return |
| Justin Britt | Sea | Left ACL reconstruction | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W17 | 2020 return |
| Brian Allen | LAR | MCL sprain | Week 10 | Injured reserve | IR | 2020 return | 2020 return |
| Ryan Kalil | NYJ | Knee injury | Week 8 | Injured reserve | IR | 2020 return | Likely retirement |
|
Notable Defensive Players on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| J.J. Watt | Hou | Left pectoral tendon repair | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W17 | 2020 return |
| Pernell McPhee | Bal | Triceps tendon repair | Late October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Bradley Chubb | Den | Left ACL reconstruction | Mid-October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Arden Key | Oak | Foot fracture | Week 9 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Kemoko Turay | Ind | Right ankle dislocation | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | 2020 return |
| Kareem Martin | NYG | Knee sprain | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W10 | Questionable 2019 return |
|
Defensive Linemen
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Akiem Hicks | Chi | Left elbow dislocation | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Stephon Tuitt | Pit | Biceps tendon repair | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | 2020 return |
| Kawann Short | Car | Rotator cuff repair | Mid-October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W14 | 2020 return |
| Marcell Dareus | Jac | Core abdominal muscle repair | Week 8 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Tyrone Crawford | Dal | Hip surgery | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | 2020 return |
| Harrison Phillips | Buf | Left ACL reconstruction | Late September 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W13 | 2020 return |
| Malik Jackson | Phi | Left Lisfranc injury | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W11 | 2020 return |
| Ronald Blair III | SF | Right ACL reconstruction | Mid-November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | 2020 return | 2020 return |
| Zach Allen | Ari | Stinger | Week 4 | Injured reserve | IR | 2020 return | 2020 return |
|
Linebackers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Kwon Alexander | SF | Pectoral tendon repair | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return P1 | 2020 return |
| Christian Kirksey | Cle | Pectoral injury | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Alex Anzalone | NO | Shoulder surgery | Late September 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Marquel Lee | Oak | Left high ankle sprain | Week 3 | Injured reserve | IR | Designated to return | Questionable 2019 return |
| Ryan Connelly | NYG | Right ACL reconstruction | Early October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W15 | 2020 return |
| Micah Kiser | LAR | Pectoral tendon tear | Mid-August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Avery Williamson | NYJ | Right ACL tear | Mid-August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Blake Cashman | NYJ | Right shoulder labrum repair | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W17 | 2020 return |
|
Defensive Backs
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Derwin James | LAC | Fifth metatarsal stress fracture | Preseason Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W9 | Probable 2019 return |
| Adrian Phillips | LAC | Right forearm fracture | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Nasir Adderley | LAC | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Keanu Neal | Atl | Left Achilles tendon reconstruction | Late September 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W13 | 2020 return |
| Johnathan Abram | Oak | Shoulder labrum repair | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Karl Joseph | Oak | Right foot injury | Week 10 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Sean Davis | Pit | Shoulder labrum repair | Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W12 | 2020 return |
| Tony Jefferson | Bal | Left ACL reconstruction / LCL sprain | Early October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Tedric Thompson | Sea | Shoulder labrum repair | Early November 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W17 | 2020 return |
| John Johnson III | LAR | Right shoulder labrum repair | Late October 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | 2020 return |
| Justin Evans | TB | Achilles tendinitis | Week 1 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W10 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Robert Alford | Atl | Tibia fracture | Preseason Week 2 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W9 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Xavien Howard | Mia | Knee injury | Chronic | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Malcolm Butler | Ten | Left wrist fracture | Week 9 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Aqib Talib | LAR | Rib injury | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W16 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Trumaine Johnson | NYJ | Ankle injuries | Week 9 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return P1 | 2020 return |
| Dre Kirkpatrick | Cin | Knee injury | Week 6 | Injured reserve | IR | 2020 return | 2020 return |
| Cre'Von LeBlanc | Phi | Foot sprain | Preseason 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W9 | Questionable 2019 return |
| Jason Verrett | SF | Knee soreness | Chronic | Injured reserve | IR | Eligible to return W14 | Doubtful 2019 return |
| Tavon Young | Bal | Cervical disc herniation | Early August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| J.J. Wilcox | Atl | Right ACL reconstruction | July 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
| Bryce Callahan | Den | Foot fracture complication | July 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
|
Notable Kickers on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Stephen Gostkowski | NE | Left hip surgery | Mid-October 2019 | 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 games 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.