Injury Rounds
Chase Edmonds | Left ankle injury | 3-6 weeks | Out Week 10
Edmonds had a defender land on his left lower leg on the first Cardinals' offensive play. He did not return.
There was only a single television angle of Edmonds' carry and no clear view of the injury. As he limped off the field, Edmonds seemed to indicate he was hit on the outside of the leg. His inability to return is suspicious for more than a low ankle sprain. The Cardinals did not update Edmonds' status after the game.
I'll update with more information on Monday.
Monday update: An MRI today confirmed a high ankle sprain for Edmonds. Both Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport are reporting a multiple-week recovery timetable. Rapoport tweeted Edmonds is "likely to land on injured reserve."
Follow Up Appointments
Kyler Murray | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 10
Murray was not able to practice last week and was likely never close to playing despite being labeled a game-time decision.
Jay Glazer described Murray's ankle injury as a 1-3 week condition. Video replay of Murray's injury showed an injury to the inside of his foot consistent with a high ankle sprain. Murray was out of his walking boot by the end of the week and looks to be making progress in rehab. It's still questionable whether Murray will be available this week. If he's unable to practice or has any setbacks, the Cardinals' Week 12 bye could be an important signpost.
Monday update: Kliff Kingsbury told reporters he did not "have a feel" for Murray's Week 10 status yet and said they'd re-evaluate on Wednesday.
James Robinson | Heel contusion | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 10
There is no clear video of Robinson's injury along Seattle's sideline in Week 8. The Jaguars say Robinson suffered a heel contusion. Described as a pain tolerance issue, Robinson tried to practice on Friday but was unable to go. There doesn't appear to be any local concern for a longer-term absence. He's likely more probable than questionable but watch midweek practice participation for confirmation.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Aaron Rodgers will not be able to come off the COVID-reserve list until Saturday. It's likely the team will clear him to return immediately despite being unable to practice or participate in walkthroughs.
***Tua Tagovailoa has a small fracture in the middle finger of his throwing hand. The Dolphins were hopeful he would play on Sunday but he was too limited to throw. It's possible he may miss this week but Miami sounds confident he'll recover in time to play.
***Zach Wilson has a chance to return to practice this week. He will be competing with Mike White for the starting job.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI
Russell Wilson | Fractured finger / tendon injury | Eligible Week 10 | Target = Week 10+ | Probable Week 10
Wilson was already throwing light passes over short distances within 48 hours of having the pin removed from his finger. He set Week 10 as his target immediately after surgery. If he continues to make progress over the next 72 hours, he'll likely be cleared to play. Range of motion and grip strength remain the primary hurdles.
Monday update: Wilson was cleared to return to full activity by his surgeon. Expect him to return this week.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Right MCL sprain | Eligible Week 9 | Target Week 11+ | Doubtful Week 10
Late last week, Andy Reid said Edwards-Helaire was another week or two from returning. Week 11 may still be possible but the Chiefs' Week 12 bye could push the team to give Edwards-Helaire extra time to recondition.
Michael Thomas | Syndesmosis / deltoid ligament repair | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on PUP | 2022 return
Thomas reportedly suffered a new and different ankle injury during rehab recently. He posted he would be unable to return this season. It's unclear what the new injury may be. We'll continue to follow the story closely this offseason.
Chris Carson | Cervical neck condition | Eligible Week 10 - Remains on IR | Target = Week 10+ | Doubtful Week 10
Carson wants to return to practice this week as the Seahawks return from their bye. He'll have to convince the team's medical staff he can protect himself and then avoid any aggravation of the inflammation that limited him early in the season. Consider him to the doubtful side of questionable for Week 10.
Logan Thomas | Right hamstring strain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 10 | Probable Week 10
Thomas is likely to return to practice this week. Watch for details on his recovery to determine whether he can return in a limited or full role in Week 10.
Michael Gallup | Calf strain | Eligible Week 5 - Designated to return Week 8 | Target Week 10 | Probable Week 10
Gallup must be activated this week and reports suggest he'll be ready to play.
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 11+ | Doubtful Week 10
Fuller doesn't appear close to returning according to local beat writers. He's doubtful to be activated this week.
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Remains on IR | Out Week 9 | Target = Week 12+
Fitzpatrick remains on crutches and is likely at least a month from returning to practice. Do not be surprised if he's not cleared to return in 2021.
Injured Players by Position
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Quarterbacks
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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
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FBG Expectation
|
W10 Availability
|
| Kyler Murray | Ari | Left ankle injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Aaron Rodgers | GB | COVID+ | Nov 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Questionable |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Mia | Right third finger fracture | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Trevor Lawrence | Jac | Ankle sprain | Week 9 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Mike White | NYJ | Right forearm nerve contusion | Week 9 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Zach Wilson | NYJ | Right PCL sprain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10++ return | Doubtful |
| Sam Darnold | Car | Right shoulder injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Drew Lock | Den | COVID+ | Nov 7 | Day-to-Day | Week 11 return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Russell Wilson | Sea | Fractured finger / tendon injury | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | Was | Right hip subluxation | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 5 | Week 12+ return | IR |
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Running Backs
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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
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FBG Expectation
|
W10 Availability
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| Ezekiel Elliott | Dal | Right knee contusion | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Saquon Barkley | NYG | Left ankle injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 11 return | Bye |
| Devontae Booker | NYG | Hip injury | Week 9 | Day-to-Day | Week 11 return | Bye |
| Chase Edmonds | Ari | Left ankle injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Out |
| James Robinson | Jac | Heel contusion | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Damien Harris | NE | Concussion | Week 9 | Concussion protocol | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | NE | Concussion | Week 9 | Concussion protocol | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Zack Moss | Buf | Concussion | Week 9 | Concussion protocol | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Latavius Murray | Bal | Left ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Jamaal Williams | Det | Hip injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Tevin Coleman | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Ty Montgomery | NO | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Justin Jackson | LAC | Groin strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| Derrick Henry | Ten | Fifth metatarsal fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 17+ return | IR |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | Right MCL sprain | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| Chris Carson | Sea | Cervical neck condition | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Left ankle sprain | Week 7 | IR - Eligible Week 11 | Week 11+ return | IR |
| Kareem Hunt | Cle | Left calf strain | Week 6 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 10++ return | IR |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 11+ return | PUP |
| Malcolm Brown | Mia | Quad injury | Week 7 | IR _ Eligible Week 11 | Week 11+ return | IR |
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Wide Receivers Injured
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W10 Availability
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| DeAndre Hopkins | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| A.J. Green | Ari | COVID+ | Nov 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ return | Doubtful |
| Corey Davis | NYJ | Hip injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Quad strain | Week 8 | Awaiting information | Week 11+ return | Bye |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | Aggravated groin strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| Dyami Brown | Was | Right knee injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Sammy Watkins | Bal | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 10 return | Probable |
| - | ||||||
| Calvin Ridley | Atl | Behavioral health | Week 9 | NFI - Eligible Week 12 | Week 12+ return | NFI |
| Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| DeVante Parker | Mia | Hamstring strain | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 12+ return | IR |
| Michael Gallup | Dal | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - DTR Week 8 | Week 9 return | Probable |
| Quintez Cephus | Det | Left clavicle fixation | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Late 2021 return | IR |
| Dante Pettis | NYG | Shoulder injury | Week 9 | IR - Eligible Week 13 | Week 13+ return | IR |
| Scott Miller | TB | Toe sprain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 10++ return | IR |
| Dee Eskridge | Sea | Concussion | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 9++ return | IR |
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Tight Ends Injured
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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W10 Availability
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| Rob Gronkowski | TB | Back spasms | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Dawson Knox | Buf | Right hand fracture | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Noah Fant | Den | COVID+ | Nov 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Albert Okwuegbunam | Den | Knee injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Eric Ebron | Pit | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| Jonnu Smith | NE | Shoulder injury | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 10+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| Logan Thomas | Was | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 10 return | Probable |
| Blake Jarwin | Dal | Hip injury | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 12+ return | IR |
| James OShaughnessy | Jac | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 8+ return | IR |
| Nick Boyle | Bal | Knee injury | Nov-2020 | IR - DTR Week 7 | Week 8+ return | IR |
Injured Players Not Expected to Return in 2021
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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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Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Jameis Winston | NO | Left ACL / MCL injury | Nov-2021 | IR - Week 8 | Week 12 | 2022 return |
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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
|
Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Cam Akers | LAR | Right Achilles repair | Jul-2021 | Reserve - NFI | Week 7 | 2022 return |
| J.K. Dobbins | Bal | Left ACL reconstruction+ | Aug-2021 | IR - Aug 2021 | 2022 | 2022 return |
| Gus Edwards | Bal | ACL reconstruction | Sep-2021 | IR - Week 1 | Week 4 | 2022 return |
| Justice Hill | Bal | Achilles repair | Sep-2021 | IR - Week 1 | Week 4 | 2022 return |
| Raheem Mostert | SF | Knee microfracture surgery | Sep-2021 | IR - Week 2 | Week 5 | 2022 return |
| Travis Etienne | Jac | Left Lisfranc repair | Aug-2021 | IR - Aug 2021 | 2022 | 2022 return |
| James White | NE | Right hip injury | Sep-2021 | IR - Sep 2021 | Week 7 | 2022 return |
| Darrynton Evans | Ten | Knee injury | Oct-2021 | IR - Oct 2021 | 2022 | 2022 return |
| Kylin Hill | GB | Right ACL tear | Nov-2021 | IR - Week 8 | Week 12 | 2022 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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Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Michael Thomas | NO | Syndesmosis/deltoid repair | Jun-2021 | Reserve-PUP | Week 7 | 2022 return |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Pit | Right shoulder labrum repair | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 5 | Week 10 | 2022 return |
| D.J. Chark | Jac | Left ankle fracture | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 4 | Week 9 | 2022 return |
| Parris Campbell | Ind | Left foot surgery | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 6 | Week 10 | 2022 return |
| K.J. Hamler | Den | Left ACL tear | Sep-2021 | IR - Week 3 | Week 7 | 2022 return |
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Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
|
Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Irv Smith | Min | Meniscus repair | Sep-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | 2022 return |
| Robert Tonyan Jr | GB | Right ACL tear | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 9 | Week 12 | 2022 return |
| Maxx Williams | Ari | Right knee injury | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 5 | Week 9 | 2022 return |
| Dalton Keene | NE | Meniscus repair | Jul-2021 | IR - Aug 2021 | 2022 | 2022 return |
INSEASON INJURY COVERAGE
My writing and podcast schedule will include:
Monday Injury Rounds > Published 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 at 10:00 ET every Sunday morning to discuss and interpret the week's practice participation reports and breaking weekend injury news.
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 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.
Injured Reserve – Return Designation
Each NFL team can return an unlimited number of 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 and are eligible to return after missing three games. 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.
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the off-season.
