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

Aaron Jones | Calf strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 8

Jones suffered a calf strain in practice last week and did not recover in time to play. Though allowed to travel to a road game in Houston, the usually-conservative Green Bay medical staff chose to be cautious. Jones can be considered day-to-day and he'll have a strong chance to return this week if he's able to return to practice.

Odell Beckham | Left knee injury | Injured reserve (expected) | Season-ending injury

Beckham reportedly suffered a significant left knee injury while trying to make a play on a defender after a first-quarter interception.

Whenever there are suspicions of a "significant" knee injury, speculation naturally trends toward concern for an ACL injury. Video does not show the usual mechanism for an ACL tear in Beckham's case, however. Generally, a player's foot is rotated outward when an ACL occurs -- Beckham's is rotated inward. And players often collapse with the knee buckling inward, which didn't happen here either.

An ACL tear is possible but there's also concern for a patellar tendon tear here.

The Browns plan an MRI on Monday and are reportedly "hoping to dodge a bullet." I'll update with more on Monday.

Monday Update: Beckham texted a reporter that he tore his ACL. His season is officially over.

Deebo Samuel | Left hamstring strain | Week-to-Week | Out Week 8

Samuel injured his hamstring at the end of a fourth-quarter run and immediately grabbed at a stiff left leg. Concerningly, Samuel grabbed very low on his hamstring which sometimes means the injury is near the tendon and will require a longer-term rehab. Local writers are reporting the Niners are hoping for a low-grade injury but bracing for missed time.

Monday Update: Kyle Shanahan told reporters Samuel is out this week and possibly the following week.

DeSean Jackson | Right fibula fracture / high ankle sprain | Injured reserve (expected)

Jackson suffered a high-grade high ankle sprain with a fracture in the lower leg and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. The Eagles will move him to injured reserve this week. Jackson is reportedly "highly motivated" to return this season but an eight-week rehab would have him returning very late in the season. I'll update his condition as the season progresses.

Andy Dalton | Concussion | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 8

Dalton looked to be unconscious after an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit. It's difficult to project recovery from a concussion and loss of consciousness does not require a longer period of observation. If Dalton's symptoms are completely resolved within the next 24 hours, it's possible the Cowboys will allow him to progress rapidly enough through the return-to-play protocol to play in Week 8. Fewer players return within one week now than in the past. If Dalton is not practicing by Thursday, there's no chance he'll play this week.

Follow Up Appointments

Michael Thomas | Hamstring strain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 8

Thomas was limited in practice last week with a hamstring strain, did not return to workouts the rest of the week, and was ruled out on Friday.

It's not clear when Thomas suffered the injury but a quickly-deleted social media post suggested a setback at some point during the team's bye week. Thomas was expected to have been fully recovered from a Week 1 high ankle sprain and ready to play prior to the hamstring injury.

Thomas' inability to return to practice after testing his condition on Wednesday isn't a great sign for his Week 8 availability. Though Adam Schefter reported Thomas' injury was "in jeopardy" of missing this week's game, multiple local writers believe the hamstring strain will not be a long-term issue.

Dalvin Cook | Left groin strain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 8

Cook missed the Vikings' Week 6 game with a low-grade groin strain as the team chose to rest him through their bye week. All indications are Cook will play this week. Watch his practice participation to be certain but it's reasonable to expect Cook to return to a full role immediately after his three-week recovery.

Joe Mixon | Right foot injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 8

I misread the news on Mixon last week. His effective return to play in the second half last week, no indication of imaging or a boot and crutches to immobilize the injury, and reports that Mixon was watching practice rather than rehabbing had me convinced his injury was minor and he had a good chance to play.

Mixon never practiced and was ruled out on Friday. On Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport tweeted that Mixon is considered week-to-week.

The details of Mixon's injury remain unclear but the lack of practice and report from Rapoport are concerning for Mixon's availability this week. Hopefully, the Bengals address Mixon's condition on Monday.

Miles Sanders | Left knee injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 8

Sanders was unable to play last Thursday night on a short week after suffering a knee injury in Week 6. The Eagles did not provide specifics on Sanders' condition but multiple national and local writers reported a 1-2 week recovery timetable.

Philadelphia has divisional games against Dallas and New York sandwiched around a bye week. If Sanders is close to fully recovered, expect him to play a limited role this week. If his knee is not responding well, there's no reason to risk him before the team's Week 9 bye.

Monday's press conference and Wednesday's practice participation will better define his Week 8 availability.

Chris Carson | Midfoot sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 8

Carson left Sunday night's game with what Pete Carroll says is a midfoot sprain. While there are multiple types of midfoot sprain, a Lisfranc joint injury is the most common and likely injury. Carson will have an MRI to further define his recovery timetable but expect a multiple-week absence.

Monday Update: Per Ian Rapoport, Carson's MRI confirmed a midfoot sprain and he's considered week-to-week. Local writers are reporting a relatively mild injury and an extended absence is unlikely. It's still unclear whether Carson will be moved to injured reserve.

Kenyan Drake | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Bye Week 8

Drake injured his left ankle late in the fourth quarter on Sunday night. Video did not show the injury. X-rays are reportedly negative and Drake will have an MRI on Monday to further investigate his injury. The Cardinals have a Week 8 bye but Drake may have difficulty returning by Week 9.

Monday Update: Both Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter are reporting Drake will "miss a few weeks" with a high ankle sprain. He may head to injured reserve prior to the Cardinals' next game.

Eligible to Return from Injured Reserve

Christian McCaffrey | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Doubtful Week 8 | Target = Week 9

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.

Oct 25: There was no new news on McCaffrey last week. He's yet to be cleared to return to practice, however, and the Panthers play Thursday night. It's difficult to see Carolina clearing McCaffrey to return with less than a full week of individual drills and reconditioning.

Nick Chubb | Right MCL sprain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 10

Oct 25: Chubb suffered a high-grade MCL sprain. Significant MCL tears often require six weeks to rehab. It's highly unlikely Chubb is ready to play this week. Expect the Browns to wait until after their Week 9 bye to clear him to practice.

Dallas Goedert | Left ankle fracture | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 10

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.

Oct 25: There are no indications Goedert will be ready to return this week. A Week 10 return -- after the Philadelphia bye week -- is the earliest reasonable target.

Allen Lazard | Core abdominal muscle repair | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 9

Oct 25: Lazard participated in the rehab group last week and he may be close to a return. Core abdominal procedures generally require 4-6 weeks of rehab. If Lazard fits the usual pattern, he may be cleared to practice this week. It's possible he will play in Week 8; more likely he'll return in Week 9.

Tevin Coleman | Knee sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Doubtful Week 8 | Target = Week 8-9

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.

Oct 25: Kyle Shanahan told reporters last Friday there was "an outside chance" Coleman could return in Week 8. With Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson both likely out, the Niners may work to return Coleman to a limited role if he's close.

Jalen Reagor | Thumb ligament repair | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 10

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.

Oct 25: Reagor is unlikely to return this week. Expect Reagor back after Philadelphia's Week 9 bye.

Parris Campbell | Left PCL repair / MCL sprain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful 2020 return

Oct 25: Campbell had knee surgery in early October. Any surgical procedure involving the PCL requires a careful and usually long-term rehab. It will be surprising to see Campbell cleared to return in 2020.

Michael Pittman | Compartment syndrome | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Questionable Week 8 | Target = Week 8-9

Oct 25: Frank Reich suggested many of the Colts' injured players -- including Pittman -- could return after the team's Week 7 bye.

Jordan Reed | Left MCL sprain | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 10+

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

Oct 25: Reed has begun running sprints in rehab. He's likely another week or more from returning.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Jeff Wilson was questionable with a calf injury but was having a huge day before suffering a high ankle sprain on his third touchdown run of the day. Wilson had difficulty bearing weight while leaving the field, suggesting a multiple-week absence is likely. The Niners may share more after an MRI on Monday.

***Mark Ingram's ankle injury was reported to be a low-mid grade high ankle sprain last week. Ingram has a chance to return this week after resting through the team's Week 7 bye. However, the report of a mid-grade injury is worrisome. If Ingram isn't practicing by midweek, consider him on the doubtful side of questionable.

***Emmanuel Sanders was placed on the COVID-reserve list on Friday. Sean Payton suggested Sanders had symptoms of COVID which would make it extremely unlikely he'll be cleared to play in Week 8.

***Eligible to Return From Injured Reserve in Week 9

• Austin Ekeler -- not close to returning, high-grade hamstring strain will likely require 6-8 weeks of rehab
• Sony Michel -- added to COVID list on Oct 17, has a good chance to return in Week 9
• Steven Sims Jr -- awaiting information, could return in Week 9

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