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 II 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
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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
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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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| 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 |
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Running Backs 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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| 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 II | Bal | Left ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Melvin Gordon III | 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 |
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Wide Receivers 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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| 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 |
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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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| 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
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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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| 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 |
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Notable Wide Receivers 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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| Parris Campbell | Ind | Left PCL repair/MCL sprain | Week 2 | IR (Week 3) | Eligible Week 8 | Doubtful 2020 return |
| Michael Pittman Jr | 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 |
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Notable Tight Ends 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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| 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
- 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.