How to approach preseason injury reports
The NFL began padded practices last week. While the strength and conditioning phases included full-speed positional workouts, padded practices are the first time players face contact situations at speed. Not surprisingly, there was an increase in reports of injury.
And, as is always the case during the preseason, teams will pull important players from practice at the first sign of trouble and have no incentive to provide details to those covering the team.
Most of these injuries will be minor and missed practices will be precautionary. You can tie yourself in knots over-analyzing the little information teams provide or patiently wait for players to return to practice.
My recommendation: Use 10 days from the first regular-season game as your signpost. If it's not absolutely clear whether a player has a serious injury from the initial reporting, teams will begin reconditioning players for Week 1 within 7-10 days of that date. Coaches need to know a player's status to game plan for upcoming opponents and medical staffs know the highest risk of aggravation occurs within 10 days of the initial injury.
If a player hasn't returned to practice or remains limited as we approach the first practice participation report for Week 1, it's time to be concerned about their availability and workload.
I'll have player-specific thoughts in a soon-to-be-released stand-alone article to guide your draft decisions. For now, focus on the when (date of injury, expected recovery, date of return to practice) than the what (specific injury).
Injury Notes
***The Eagles reported a lower-body injury to Miles Sanders after a practice last week. Without video of the injury or specifics about the diagnosis, we're left to speculate on what Doug Pederson means by "day-to-day" or what reports of "should be ready for Week 1" might mean for Sanders.
There are two pieces of information I find very reassuring: Sanders reported had a compression sleeve on his lower leg while watching practice -- suggesting a muscle strain rather than a joint or bone condition. And Adam Caplan, a well-positioned reporter with a strong understanding of injury reporting, has no concern for Sanders' Week 1 status. Should Sanders remain limited heading into Week 1, his early-season outlook will become more cloudy. But I wouldn't advise major changes to your draft strategy yet.
***Tyreek Hill and A.J. Green both suffered hamstring strains during practice last week. Neither is believed to be a higher-grade injury but both warrant observation. Both receivers have missed time with muscle strains in past seasons.
Green's injury is to the right leg -- his higher-grade hamstring injury in 2016 was to the left leg -- but any injury to Green is a red flag. Green reportedly wanted to return to practice the following day but coach Zac Taylor was not interested in risking Green's health any further. While he has resumed running full-speed routes on the side, it's likely Green won't return to practice until absolutely necessary, regardless of the severity of his initial strain.
Hill's hamstring strain is to the same leg as last year's injury. Andy Reid expressed no concern about this injury. All indications are Hill's injury is minor and the Chiefs are holding him out as a precaution. Tuesday note: Hill has returned to individual drills.
***Reports on Deebo Samuel were more positive this week but his outlook hasn't changed. Expect him to be limited during the first 2-3 weeks of the regular season if he starts the year on the active roster.
***Images of Kerryon Johnson in a bulky knee brace aren't very reassuring. The brace cannot fully protect against injury and its presence indicates Johnson isn't comfortable without it. Johnson tried to play off questions about the brace by saying "me and the brace are one." Running back is arguably the position with the highest competition in the league. Any decrease in athleticism puts a player's career at risk. While this may prove to be nothing, it's not inspiring for Johnson's 2020 durability.
TUESDAY UPDATES
***Kenyan Drake was spotted wearing a walking boot on Monday. The decision to immobilize a joint in the foot or ankle doesn't always mean there's a serious injury. While a walking boot can be indicated for severe ankle sprains or foot fractures, sometimes players use a boot for comfort rather than a wrap and crutches.
There were no reports of a specific injury on Monday. Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Drake's boot was precautionary for "normal nicks and bruises." Drake himself minimized concern in the locker room. For now, it appears that Drake is not dealing with anything that could threaten his Week 1 availability.
***Tom Pelissero is reporting Mike Williams will miss 2-4 weeks with his shoulder injury. His Week 1 status is in doubt.
***Tyrell Williams has a torn labrum in his shoulder and will try to play through the injury. Labral tears limit range of motion and leave athletes at higher risk of shoulder dislocation. It will be a tough injury to play through effectively.
INJURED PLAYERS ON ACTIVE ROSTER
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Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Lamar Jackson | Bal | Groin strain | Reported Aug 23 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | Expected to return early this week |
| Jarrett Stidham | NE | Leg discomfort | Reported Aug 21 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Joe Flacco | NYJ | Cervical spine procedure | Apr 2020 | Active - PUP | Doubtful Week 1 | Early season return at earliest |
| Alex Smith | Was | Right tibia fixation / post-surgical infections | Nov 2018 | Active roster | Doubtful Week 1 | Inspiring progress, doubtful return |
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Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Miles Sanders | Phi | Lower body injury | Reported Aug 19 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Boston Scott | Phi | Lower body injury | Reported Aug 19 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Nick Chubb | Cle | Concussion | Reported Aug 18 | Cleared to return | Probable Week 1 | |
| Kenyan Drake | Ari | Right lower leg injury | Reported Aug 24 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Left ACL reconstruction | Late Dec 2019 | Active - PUP | Doubtful Week 1 | ACL + meniscus likely |
| Melvin Gordon | Den | Rib injury | Reported Aug 20 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Sony Michel | NE | Foot surgery | May 2020 | Active - PUP | Questionable Week 1 | Required walking boot ~ 6wks |
| Lamar Miller | NE | Left ACL reconstruction / MCL sprain | Aug 2019 | Active - PUP | Questionable Week 1 | May be cleared soon |
| D'Andre Swift | Det | Leg injury | Reported Aug 20 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 22 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 | |
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Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
|
Notes
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| Tyreek Hill | KC | Right hamstring strain | Reported Aug 20 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | Returned to individual drills |
| Sammy Watkins | KC | Groin strain | Reported ~Aug 15 | Returned to practice | Probable Week 1 | |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Ari | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 15 | Returned to practice | Probable Week 1 | |
| Allen Robinson | Chi | Ankle injury | Reported Aug 22 | Awaiting Information | Probable Week 1 | |
| Deebo Samuel | SF | Fifth metatarsal fixation | Mid Jun 2020 | Active - NFI | Doubtful Week 1 | Early season return |
| Brandon Aiyuk | SF | Left hamstring strain | Reported Aug 23 | Awaiting Information | Awaiting Information | |
| Richie James | SF | Wrist fracture | Jun 2020 | Active - NFI | Out Week 1 | Expected Reserve-NFI |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Left hamstring strain | Reported Aug 17 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Tee Higgins | Cin | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 18 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | Should return soon |
| Diontae Johnson | Pit | Leg injury (? calf) | Reported Aug 19 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Mike Williams | LAC | Shoulder sprain | Reported Aug 23 | 2-4 weeks | Questionable Week 1 | |
| Alshon Jeffery | Phi | Right Lisfranc fixation | Dec 2019 | Active - PUP | Doubtful Week 1 | |
| Preston Williams | Mia | Left ACL reconstruction | Nov 2019 | Returned to practice | Probable Week 1 | |
| Curtis Samuel | Car | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 22 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Tyrell Williams | LV | Shoulder labrum tear | Reported Aug 24 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | Risk of ineffective play, dislocation |
| Dede Westbrook | Jac | Shoulder injury | Reported Aug 22 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Corey Davis | Ten | Toe surgery | Undisclosed | Returned to practice | Probable Week 1 | |
| Denzel Mims | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 14 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 | |
| Vyncint Smith | NYJ | Core abdominal muscle repair | Reported Aug 17 | Active roster | Doubtful Week 1 | |
| Kelvin Harmon | Was | ACL tear | Mid July 2020 | Active - NFI | IR | 2021 return | Expected injured reserve |
| K.J. Hamler | Den | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 20 | 4+ Weeks | Out Week 1 | |
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Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Zach Ertz | Phi | Upper body injury | Reported Aug 21 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Dallas Goedert | Phi | Thumb fracture | Reported Aug 19 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Mo Alie-Cox | Ind | Thumb surgery | Offseason | Returned to practice | Probable Week 1 | |
| Ryan Griffin | NYJ | Ankle surgery | Dec 2019 | Returned to practice | Questionable Week 1 | |
| David Njoku | Cle | Wrist injury | Reported Aug 22 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Nick Vannett | Den | Concussion | Reported Aug 19 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
| Hunter Bryant | Det | Hamstring strain | Reported Aug 22 | Awaiting Information | Awaiting Information | |
Injured Players Not on Active Roster
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Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
|
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Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Damien Williams | NE | COVID opt-out | July 29 | 2021 return | ||
| Brandon Bolden | NE | COVID opt-out | July 28 | 2021 return | ||
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Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
|
Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
|
Notes
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| Jalen Hurd | SF | ACL reconstruction | Mid-Aug 2020 | Injured reserve | IR | 2021 return | 2021 return |
| Albert Wilson | Mia | COVID opt-out | August 4 | 2021 return | ||
| Allen Hurns | Mia | COVID opt-out | August 5 | 2021 return | ||
| Devin Funchess | GB | COVID opt-out | July 28 | 2021 return | ||
| Marquise Goodwin | Phi | COVID opt-out | July 29 | 2021 return | ||
| Marqise Lee | NE | COVID opt-out | August 2 | 2021 return | ||
| Geronimo Allison | Det | COVID opt-out | August 2 | 2021 return | ||
| Quincy Enunwa | FA | Cervical spinal stenosis | Chronic | Released Aug (NYJ) | Career-ending injury | Doubtful 2021 return |
|
Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
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|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Josh Oliver | Jac | Foot fracture | Mid-Aug 2020 | Injured reserve | IR | 2021 return | 2021 return |
| Matt LaCosse | NE | COVID opt-out | August 2 | 2021 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.
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 9:00 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 10:00 ET every Sunday morning to discuss and interpret the week's practice participation reports and breaking weekend injury news.
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis.
