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.

Injury Rounds

Christian McCaffrey | Right high ankle sprain | 4-6 Weeks | Out Week 3

McCaffrey's injury may prove to be a minor concern. But I'm worried he may be limited this week and in some doubt to play.

Upon review of McCaffrey's snaps, there are no obvious significant injuries. There was a slight hint of a high-ankle injury on a second quarter screen pass but McCaffrey moved well for the rest of the quarter and did not look limited in the third quarter. The injury most likely occurred on his final carry of the third quarter. Unfortunately, two television angles obscured any visual evidence of the injury.

The Panthers quickly taped his right ankle between quarters and McCaffrey -- while clearly laboring -- returned to end the series with a fourth-down touchdown run.

It's concerning that McCaffrey did not return on the next series with the Panthers down ten points. It's also concerning the team did not clear him to speak with the media after the game. Hopefully, there's no issue here but I'll be monitoring Monday reports and early-week practice participation carefully. If the league posts All-22 video promptly, I'll have more angles to review.

As always, I'll update here with any news of note.

Monday Update: Matt Rhule confirmed McCaffrey's injury occurred on the final carry of the third quarter today. All-22 replays did not show the injury clearly, but the team revealed that McCaffrey suffered a high ankle sprain. MRI showed a higher-grade injury and both national media and the team set his likely return date at 4-6 weeks.

The Panthers would not commit to an injured reserve decision today and McCaffrey told reporters he believes he can return sooner than four weeks. Players always believe they can return sooner than reported but a 4-6 week timetable suggests a significant injury. Expect the Panthers to use injured reserve this week and possibly target back-to-back division matchups in Week 7 (at New Orleans) and 8 (Thursday night home v Atlanta).

Davante Adams | Hamstring strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 3

Adams left after running a red zone route in the third quarter and did not return. After returning an interception for a touchdown on the following series, the Packers were up three scores. It's possible Adams' injury is low grade and they chose not to risk further damage by returning him in a blowout win. We'll learn more by midweek.

Monday Update: Matt LaFleur told reporters Adams "wanted to go back in the game" but the team decided to "see how the next few series go and see if we need you." That suggests Adams' strain is low-grade and more likely a 7-10 day injury (or less) rather than a 3-4 week (or longer) strain. It still remains to be seen whether Adams can practice and prepare for a full workload this week. I'll have more after Wednesday's practice report.

Saquon Barkley | Right ACL tear / Meniscus tear / MCL sprain | 2021 return

Barkley's injury was consistent with an ACL tear on video replays and the team reportedly suspects an ACL injury. While an MRI is scheduled to confirm, an ACL is a straightforward diagnosis on the field and it's rare for the MRI to contradict the on-field exam.

Hopefully, the MRI does not show any additional ligament or meniscus injuries and Barkley rehabs smoothly to return healthy in 2021.

Monday Update: Unfortunately, Barkley's MRI showed a meniscus tear and MCL sprain. This triad of injuries may push his reconstructive surgery back as much as four weeks and increase the degree of difficulty of his rehab. Barkley will likely miss all OTAs and minicamp next spring as the Giants target the start of training camp for his return.

Jimmy Garoppolo | Right high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 3

Following the game, the Niners confirmed a high ankle sprain for Garoppolo. After hobbling through a few series in the first half, the Niners shut Garoppolo down after halftime. Kyle Shanahan told the media -- correctly -- the team would not know whether Garoppolo would have a chance to play until later in the week.

It is common for swelling and stiffness to continue to worsen for 24-48 hours after the injury. Garoppolo's mobility was already limited in the few series after the injury and the likely increase in swelling will be a significant issue this week. The Niners may hold out some hope for Garoppolo for Week 3 but it's very unlikely he'll be ready to play -- especially with another cross-country flight coming to face the Giants next Sunday.

Hopefully, a Monday MRI shows relatively little damage to the ligaments and Garoppolo has minimal swelling. Otherwise, Week 4 may be in doubt as well.

Monday Update: Garoppolo's MRI showed a low-grade sprain and Kyle Shanahan believes Garoppolo has a chance to play this week. Although a pocket quarterback has fewer hurdles to clear than any other position, Garoppolo's return is not guaranteed. Pain and swelling must be managed and Garoppolo must be able to plant his back foot to ensure throwing accuracy. Expect limited practice and a strong chance he'll be considered a game-time decision.

Parris Campbell | Left PCL / MCL sprains | 4-6++ Weeks / Season At Risk | Out Week 3

Campbell took a direct hit to the outside of the right knee while his foot was planted. There appeared to be a deformity to the inside of his knee while he cartwheeled. Ian Rapoport is reporting Campbell did not suffer a torn ACL but a multiple week ligament injury is still likely. Campbell will have an MRI tomorrow.

Monday Update: Campbell did avoid an ACL injury but has sprains to both his PCL and MCL. That's not necessarily a more reassuring outcome. Isolated PCL or MCL sprains can be treated without surgery -- although even relatively low-grade PCL sprains can be tricky to rehab. It's very common for athletes to require surgery when a PCL sprain is accompanied by other injuries.

Should Campbell avoid surgery initially, further evaluations in the coming weeks may still show the need for surgery. Expect a minimum of 4-6 weeks and that's very optimistic. More likely, additional opinions will recommend surgery and a long rehab process targeting a 2021 training camp return.

Drew Lock | Right rotator cuff strain | 3-5 Weeks | Out Week 3

Lock stumbled from the pocket and was driven into the turf by a Pittsburgh defender, injuring his shoulder. The Broncos did not provide specifics on Lock's injury. Lock told reporters he landed on the shoulder "weird" but was "optimistic" about the injury and would have further testing on Monday.

The angle at which Lock's shoulder contacted the ground was not typical of an AC sprain. There were hints of a possible broken collarbone but it's likely that would have been reported after x-rays at the stadium after the injury and it's unlikely Lock would have been cleared to do his post-game Zoom call with a collarbone injury. Other possibilities include a rotator cuff or shoulder capsule bruise or SC sprain. Expect Lock to have an MRI on Monday to define the injury.

Regardless of the specific diagnosis, it's not reassuring to see Lock's throwing shoulder in a sling after the game. Consider him doubtful for Week 3.

Sunday Update: Adam Schefter reported Lock's injury to be an AC sprain and suggested an early -- and broad -- 2-6 week timetable. I'm still skeptical about an AC sprain but the recovery timetable is reasonable. Should Monday's MRI show a higher-grade injury, we could see the Broncos choose to place Lock on injured reserve.

Monday Update: Unfortunately, video did not lie on Lock's injury and he was confirmed to have a higher grade rotator cuff strain. He'll need a minimum of 2-3 weeks to rest and regain strength before he'll be evaluated for a return. The Broncos did not move Lock to injured reserve today but that seems a likely outcome. There's very little chance the team will rush the recovery of their franchise quarterback's throwing shoulder. If there's any concern, expect Denver to wait on Lock until after their Week 8 bye.

Courtland Sutton | Left ACL / MCL sprain | Injured reserve | 2021 return

Sutton injured his left knee making a tackle on an interception return. Initially reported as probable to return with cramps, he was later ruled out with a knee injury. There are multiple possibilities on video review, including injuries that would require a multiple-week recovery. The Broncos are reportedly concerned and plan further imaging on Monday morning.

Monday Update: Unfortunately, the ugly and suspicious video proved to be a worst-case scenario. The Broncos have placed Sutton on injured reserve with ACL and MCL injuries. His season is over.

Raheem Mostert | Right MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 3

Mostert tried to return for a few players after spraining his knee but ultimately could not continue. On his final carry, it's evident he's not comfortable with his right knee and stumbles as he tries to plant and accelerate. Even low-grade MCL sprains often require more than one week of rehab for running backs. Prepare for Mostert to miss at least one week.

Follow Up Appointments

Michael Thomas | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 3

There were conflicting reports on Thomas' status through midweek. Some reports suggested an early-week MRI showed more damage than expected and raised the possibility of Thomas missing multiple weeks. Adam Schefter then reported Thomas "felt fantastic" during an informal Wednesday workout and the team had a "glimmer of hope" he could play.

Ultimately, Thomas was unable to participate in any drills last week and was ruled out on Saturday.

Sean Payton refused to discuss Thomas' condition last week so I don't expect any guidance from the team on Monday. If Thomas returns to a limited Wednesday practice, it's a great sign his injury is of the 1-2 week variety. However, once a player fails to return without missing games, it becomes easier for the team and player to understand the need to rehab to close to full strength.

I have Thomas doubtful for now but he's closer to questionable than out.

George Kittle | Right MCL sprain / bone contusion | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 3

Kittle was unable to practice this week after briefly playing through a painful knee injury in Week 1. On Sunday, reports detailed Kittle's injuries as an MCL sprain and bone bruise. The MCL sprain is likely the more concerning injury. It's unlikely Kittle would have been able to return to play if he had a bruise to a weight-bearing part of his knee joint. Recovery from an MCL sprain is dependent on how stable the injured player's knee feels.

It's possible Kittle returns in Week 3 but the Niners likely won't know until midweek at the earliest.

Chris Godwin | Concussion | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 3

After reporting symptoms on Wednesday -- 72 hours after his presumed injury event -- there was no chance Godwin would be cleared for contact in time to play Sunday. Still, his clearance for a limited practice and football-specific drills on Friday indicates his symptoms had improved enough to advance into the middle stages of the return-to-play protocol.

It's still too early to list Godwin probable for Week 3 but his current progress is reassuring. Practice participation will be informative. If he returns to a full practice by the end of the week, expect the Buccaneers to send him to the independent neurologist and plan to clear him to play.

Kenny Golladay | Hamstring strain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 3

Golladay did not return to practice by Friday, ten days after his midweek hamstring injury during preparation for Week 1. There are reports Golladay was moving well during conditioning work and it's reassuring the Lions did not choose to move him to injured reserve -- a move that only costs a player three games before he's eligible to return. But it would be more reassuring to see Golladay put consecutive practices together early this week. Consider him questionable at best until that happens.

A.J. Brown | Knee contusion | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 3

After a limited Wednesday practice, Adam Schefter reported Brown was week-to-week with a bone bruise in his knee. Brown did not return to practice and was declared out on Friday. Schefter implied Brown could miss multiple weeks in his report, suggesting the injury is on a weight-bearing surface of the knee and will take much longer to heal. These injuries can easily stretch to 2-4 weeks.

If the Titans do not choose to add Brown to injured reserve this week, it's a good indication he's close to returning. Still, consider him doubtful for Week 3 unless he returns to an early-week practice.

Phillip Lindsay | Toe sprain | Week-to-Week | Out Week 3

Lindsay sought a second opinion for a toe injury that looked to be a longer-term recovery. He's expected to be out at least through next week and possibly as long as another 1-3 weeks.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Game notes on recovering players:

• Miles Sanders (23 touches, 20 rushes, 7 targets, 3 receptions) -- Full workload with 20 of 24 running back rush attempts
• James Conner (18 touches, 16 rushes, 2 targets, 2 receptions) -- Steelers do not split carries, Conner had 16 of 19 running back rush attempts
• DeVante Parker (5 receptions on 8 targets, 53 yards, touchdown) -- Higher than expected and effective usage coming off aggravated hamstring strain
• Brandon Aiyuk (2 receptions on 3 targets) -- Snap count pending, targets may be difficult to assess with Garoppolo leaving at halftime

***Julio Jones told reporters he "just can't run the way he wants" to run after failing to haul in a long touchdown on a gadget play from teammate Russell Gage. Jones has been listed on the Falcons' injury report with a hamstring injury in each of the first two weeks. Jones was targeted just four times on Sunday. His condition should be monitored closely this week.

***Will Fuller had his right hamstring stretched during the game. He returned to play but was ineffective and was not targeted once. Given his history of soft tissue injuries and inconsistent recovery, consider him questionable for next week's game.

***Breshad Perriman suffered a left high ankle sprain and did not return. Video replays suggested a higher grade injury. Perriman's recovery will more likely be in the 2-4 week range than the 1-2 week range.

***Tyrod Taylor was listed as a full participant on Friday's injury report but not given a questionable designation on the game status report. Anthony Lynn told reporters Taylor was experiencing chest pain and went to the hospital during the game. Hopefully, Taylor recovers fully and quickly. Lynn said a healthy Taylor would start, but expect Justin Herbert to continue as the Chargers' quarterback.

Monday Update: A discussion between former team orthopedic surgeon and injury expert Dr. David Chao and one of his Twitter followers raised the possibility Taylor may have experienced a collapsed lung after having an anesthetic injection to limit pain from a rib injury. This rare complication makes sense. It fits the sudden and unexpected change in his condition just before game time, the need for hospital evaluation (the complication would have been evident when listening to the chest and by x-ray in the locker room), and the later reports of an injection complication.

Injured Players on Active Roster

To support players with illness and provide a roster buffer, the NFL implemented new injured reserve rules and roster exemptions for players exposed to or diagnosed with COVID.

2020 injured reserve list changes:

• Teams may return an unlimited number of players from injured reserve in 2020
• A player may return to the active roster after three weeks on injured reserve
• Teams have three weeks of practice to decide whether to activate a player designated to return

2020 COVID-related illness list and roster exemptions:

• A player diagnosed with COVID or required to quarantine after exposure to COVID may be placed on a separate exempt list
• Teams will be given a roster exemption after a player with COVID receives medical clearance to return
• Roster exemption for one week if the player was on the exempt list for less than 4 weeks
• Roster exemption for two weeks if the player was on the exempt list for 4+ weeks

Injured Players Not on Active Roster

COVID Opt-Outs | Cannot return until 2021 season

• Damien Williams (RB-KC)
• Albert Wilson (WR-Mia)
• Allen Hurns (WR-Mia)
• Devin Funchess (WR-GB)
• Marquise Goodwin (WR-Phi)
• Brandon Bolden (RB-NE)
• Marqise Lee (WR-NE)
• Geronimo Allison (WR-Det)
• Matt LaCosse (TE-NE)

Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the off-season.