Monday Injury Rounds: Week 7

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 7 Jene Bramel Published 10/18/2020

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

Miles Sanders | Left knee injury | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7

Sanders was injured at the end of a long run in which he fumbled. Video showed his left knee buckled and rotated when tackled. While not obvious evidence of a long-term injury, ligament sprains and/or meniscus injuries are both possible. The Eagles didn't address Sanders' condition after the game but he'll have a tough turnaround to recover in time for Philadelphia's Thursday night game.

I'll update as more details are reported.

Monday Update: Chris Mortensen reports Sanders will miss 1-2 weeks with a knee injury. Jay Glazer does not believe Sanders will play this week.

The Eagles would love to have Sanders available for the critical Week 8 game against Dallas. But if Sanders doesn't recover quickly, it's likely the Eagles will need to rest him through their Week 9 bye. The 1-2 week timeframe suggests the Eagles already suspect that may be necessary.

Jonnu Smith | Right ankle sprain | Awaiting Information | Questionable Week 7

Smith's ankle rolled at the end of a trap block early in the third quarter. The injury is not consistent with a high ankle injury but it's also not likely to be a simple low ankle sprain. Smith had his ankle taped but the joint didn't respond well and he never returned. Consider him questionable but it may prove to be a tough recovery for Week 7.

Monday Update: Adam Schefter reports Smith's injury is "minor" and is likely to be listed questionable for this week's game.

Raheem Mostert | Left high ankle sprain | IR (expected) | Out Week 7

Mostert had his left foot trapped under a defender on a late first-half pass and did not return to play in a close second-half contest. The only television angle is suspicious for a low-grade high ankle sprain, as Mostert's foot and ankle were not planted and torqued on the play.

As is always the case with high ankle sprains, however, the 24-48 hours after injury are critical. The amount of swelling and stiffness that develops will better define his recovery timetable. Expect Mostert to have an MRI on Monday to better define the injury.

I have Mostert questionable for now but it will not be surprising to see him miss time. Expect limited, if any, practice this week.

Monday Update: Kyle Shanahan told reporters Mostert would likely be moved to injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. If Mostert's recovery takes longer than three weeks, he'll miss the team's Week 10 game in New Orleans and wouldn't return until after the Niners' Week 11 bye.

Darius Slayton | Left ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7

Slayton was listed on last week's injury report with a foot injury but was active on Sunday and the team showed little concern for his availability last week. Slayton turned his left ankle when trying to slow down before reaching the stands on a first-quarter touchdown catch then had it torqued again in the second half.

He returned to play after both incidents and should be able to play this week. Expect the Giants to significantly limit his practice ahead of a road game in Philadelphia on Thursday night.

Follow Up Appointments

Michael Thomas | Left high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 7

New Orleans should have Thomas back this week. He was considered a game-time decision prior to the Saints' Week 5 game and trending probable before being declared out for disciplinary reasons. Now six weeks removed from a high ankle sprain and nearly a month since returning to practice, Thomas will likely be full strength on his return.

Dalvin Cook | Left groin strain | Day-to-Day | Bye Week 7

With a bye this week, the Vikings elected extreme caution with Cook after a low-grade groin strain in Week 5. Cook did not practice and was ruled out well in advance of this week's game. Local and national reports are unanimous in expecting Cook to return in Week 8.

Leonard Fournette | Left high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 7

Fournette reportedly had a chance to return in a limited role against the Packers but wasn't quite ready. Tampa Bay -- with the remainder of their starting skill position players expected back at full health -- elected to keep Fournette inactive. There's a good chance another week of conditioning and rehab will allow him to return in Week 7.

Diontae Johnson | Back contusion | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7

Johnson returned to a limited practice last Thursday, prompting a local consensus he'd return to play on Sunday. His back condition did not respond to that workout and he was held out of Friday's practice and declared out shortly afterward. The Steelers have yet to update Johnson's condition and it's too soon to know whether this has become a longer-term issue. Consider him questionable until the Steelers update his condition. Missing practice on Wednesday has become standard for Pittsburgh injured players, so it may be very late in the week until we know more on Johnson.

Eligible to Return from Injured Reserve

Christian McCaffrey | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7

Oct 11: McCaffrey's high ankle sprain was immediately considered a 4-6 week recovery. Just three weeks into his rehab, it's unlikely McCaffrey will be moved to the active roster this week. With Mike Davis an effective replacement, expect the Panthers to wait until McCaffrey is fully recovered to clear him to return.

Oct 18: The Charlotte Observer's Scott Fowler wrote last week that the Panthers "don't seem internally optimistic" about McCaffrey returning this week. Whether he can return for Week 8's Thursday night game remains questionable, too. Should McCaffrey need a full six weeks to recover, his return won't come until Week 9.

Dallas Goedert | Left ankle fracture | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on IR | Out Week 7

Oct 18: There does not appear to be any local optimism about Goedert's chances of practicing and playing on a short week. There are limited situations in which a player could return from a fibular fracture in 3-4 weeks. Goedert's injury is more likely a six-week recovery. If Ertz's ankle injury is significant and Goedert is close, we may see a Week 8 return in a critical matchup against Dallas. Otherwise, look for Goedert in Week 10 after the Eagles' bye.

Sterling Shepard | Toe sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7

Oct 11: The Giants have not updated Shepard's condition since moving him to injured reserve. It's possible he'll be designated to return to practice this week. I'll update with any early-week news.

Oct 18: Shepard was not designated to return last week and was observed doing only light work with athletic trainers. It's difficult to see him preparing to play in a short week with Wednesday travel. Week 8 looks like the first chance of return.

Tevin Coleman | Knee sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7

Oct 11: Coleman is expected to need another 2-3 weeks to recover from a knee sprain. He's unlikely to return to the active roster until Week 8 at the earliest. Do not expect the Niners to start his three-week practice window this week.

Oct 18: Local writers expected Coleman to remain on injured reserve until at least Week 7. There have been no updates from the Niners but this week will be the earliest Coleman would be expected to be designated to return. Expect him to need a week to recondition before being added to the active roster. Week 8 is likely his first chance at playing time but that timeframe remains questionable.

Jalen Reagor | Thumb ligament repair | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on IR | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7

Oct 18: Reagor's recovery was expected to be in the 4-6 week range after surgery -- and likely closer to six weeks. He's very unlikely to be designated to return on a short week but the week following is possible.

Jordan Reed | Left MCL sprain | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on IR | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7

Oct 18: Reed is not close to returning. His Week 4 injury was expected to require 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Joe Mixon missed time in the first half with a foot injury but returned to play effectively in the second half. Limited practice time is possible this week. Video did not show a clear injury but Mixon did not look comfortable pushing off his foot on runs at the end of the first quarter and asked out on the goal line before the teams' early second-quarter touchdown. There's likely no concern here but I'll update the team expresses concern early this week.

***Zach Ertz jammed his left foot into the turf on a red zone play and stressed the inside of his ankle joint. He tried to return multiple times but continued to have trouble bearing weight on the joint. The Eagles have not updated Ertz's condition but this isn't a simple low ankle sprain. He faces a tough turnaround to Thursday night's game against New York.

Monday Update: Ertz has a high ankle sprain and will miss 3-4 weeks. He may soon move to injured reserve.

***Mark Ingram injured his left ankle when a defender fell on the outside of his leg. A single video angle did not show the injury clearly and Ingram tried to return and couldn't continue. John Harbaugh told reporters he doesn't believe Ingram's injury is long term. He'll have a bye week to recover.

***An ineffective Baker Mayfield was pulled at the end of the third quarter. Kevin Stefanski told reporters Mayfield was removed due to injury. Mayfield told reporters after the game his injury didn't affect his performance and he wanted to remain in the game. Stefanski believes Mayfield will be able to play in Week 7.

Injured Players on Active Roster

Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Dak Prescott Dal Right ankle fracture / dislocation Week 5 IR (expected) 2021 return Season-ending injury
Baker Mayfield Cle Rib injury Week 5 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Sam Darnold NYJ Right AC sprain Week 4 Day-to-Day Week 6+ Return Doubtful Week 7
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Dalvin Cook Min Left groin strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 8 Return Bye Week 7
Joe Mixon Cin Right foot injury Week 6 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Miles Sanders Phi Left knee injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 8+ Return Out Week 7
Raheem Mostert SF Left high ankle sprain Week 6 IR (expected) Week 9+ Return Out Week 7
Leonard Fournette TB Left high ankle sprain Week 3 Week-to-Week Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Mark Ingram Bal Left ankle injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 8+ Return Bye Week 7
Melvin Gordon Den Strep infection Week 6 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Carlos Hyde Sea Shoulder injury Week 3 Day-to-Day Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
Ryquell Armstead Jac COVID - reserve Sep 4 Week-to-Week Indefinite absence Doubtful Week 7
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Michael Thomas NO Left high ankle sprain Week 1 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Keenan Allen LAC Back spasms Week 5 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
DeVante Parker Mia Groin strain Week 6 Awaiting Information Week 8+ Return Bye Week 7
Diontae Johnson Pit Back contusion Week 5 Day-to-Day Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
Alshon Jeffery Phi Right Lisfranc fixation Dec 2019 Day-to-Day Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
DeSean Jackson Phi Hamstring strain Week 3 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Sammy Watkins KC Right hamstring strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7++ Return Doubtful Week 7
Darius Slayton NYG Left ankle sprain Week 5 Day-to-Day Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
Corey Davis Ten COVID - reserve Week 5 Day-to-Day Week 7 Return Probable Week 7
Curtis Samuel Car Knee injury Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
Bryan Edwards LVR Right high ankle sprain Week 3 Week-to-Week Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
K.J. Hamler Den Hamstring strain Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 7++ Return Questionable Week 7
Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Jonnu Smith Ten Right ankle sprain Week 6 Day-to-Day Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
Zach Ertz Phi Left high ankle sprain Week 6 IR (expected) Week 11+ Return Out Week 7
Noah Fant Den Right ankle injury Week 4 Day-to-Day Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7
Dawson Knox Buf Calf strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7++ Return Doubtful Week 7
Mo Alie-Cox Ind Knee injury Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 8+ Return Bye Week 7
Tyler Eifert Jac Recurrent stinger Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 9+ Return Doubtful Week 7
Jordan Akins Hou High ankle sprain Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 7+ Return Questionable Week 7

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

Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Christian McCaffrey Car Right high ankle sprain Week 2 IR (Week 3) Eligible Week 6 Probable 2020 return (W8+)
Nick Chubb Cle Right MCL sprain Week 4 IR (Week 5) Eligible Week 8 Probable 2020 return (W12+)
Austin Ekeler LAC Left hamstring strain / knee Week 4 IR (Week 5) Eligible Week 9 Probable 2020 return (W10+)
Tevin Coleman SF Knee sprain Week 2 IR (Week 3) Eligible Week 6 Probable 2020 return (W8+)
Sony Michel NE Quad strain Week 3 IR (Week 5) Eligible Week 9 Probable 2020 return (W9+)
Darrynton Evans Ten Aggravated hamstring strain Week 5 IR (Week 6) Eligible Week 10 Probable 2020 return (W10+)
Rashaad Penny Sea Left ACL reconstruction + Dec 2019 PUP (Reserve) Eligible W7 Questionable 2020 return (W8++)
Bryce Love Was Chronic knee swelling Chronic IR (Week 4) Eligible W7 Probable 2020 return (W7+)
Saquon Barkley NYG Right ACL/meniscus/MCL Week 2 IR 9-12 months 2021 return
Marlon Mack Ind Right Achilles tear Week 1 IR 9-12 months 2021 return
Tarik Cohen Chi Right ACL/MCL injury Week 3 IR 9-12 months 2021 return
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Parris Campbell Ind Left PCL repair/MCL sprain Week 2 IR (Week 3) Eligible Week 8 Doubtful 2020 return
Michael Pittman Ind Compartment syndrome Week 4 IR (Week 4) Eligible Week 8 Probable 2020 return (W10+)
Sterling Shepard NYG Toe sprain Week 2 IR (Week 3) Eligible Week 6 Probable 2020 return (W8+)
Allen Lazard GB Core abd muscle repair Week 4 IR (Week 4) Eligible Week 8 Probable 2020 return (W8+)
Jalen Reagor Phi Thumb ligament repair Week 4 IR (Week 4) Eligible Week 7 Probable 2020 return (W8+)
Chris Hogan NYJ Left high ankle sprain Week 5 IR (Week 6) Eligible Week 11 Probable 2020 return (W11+)
Steven Sims Jr Was Toe injury Week 3 IR (Week 5) Eligible Week 9 Probable 2020 return (W9+)
Courtland Sutton Den Left ACL/MCL tear Week 2 IR 9-12 months 2021 return
Tyrell Williams LVR Shoulder labrum tear Aug 2020 IR (Reserve) Ineligible 2020 2021 return
Jalen Hurd SF ACL reconstruction Aug 2020 IR (Reserve) Ineligible 2020 2021 return
Kelvin Harmon Was ACL reconstruction Jul 2020 IR (Reserve) Ineligible 2020 2021 return
Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Dallas Goedert Phi Left fibula fracture Week 3 IR (Week 4) Eligible Week 7 Probable 2020 return (W8+)
Jordan Reed SF Left MCL sprain Week 4 IR (Week 4) Eligible Week 7 Questionable 2020 return (W10+)
Hunter Bryant Det Hamstring strain Week 5 IR (Week 6) Eligible Week 10 Probable 2020 return (W10+)
O.J. Howard TB Right Achilles tendon repair Mid-Oct 2020 IR (Week 5) 9-12 months 2021 return
Blake Jarwin Dal Right ACL tear Mid-Sep 2020 IR (Week 2) 9-12 months 2021 return
C.J. Uzomah Cin Right Achilles tendon repair Mid-Sep 2020 IR (Week 2) 9-12 months 2021 return
Josiah Deguara GB Left ACL tear Early Oct 2020 IR (Week 5) 9+ months 2021 return
Josh Oliver Jac Foot fracture Aug 2020 IR (Reserve) Ineligible 2020 2021 return

COVID Opt-Outs | Cannot return until 2021 season

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