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Injury Rounds
Lamar Jackson | Illness | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 12
Jackson is reportedly suffering from an upper respiratory illness that infected multiple Baltimore players last week. Jackson had difficulty staying hydrated, worsened through the weekend, and was not healthy enough to play.
It's not clear what Jackson is fighting but it's notable that Jackson has been on the injury report with illness frequently this season. Although Jackson tested negative for COVID last week, it's possible he is dealing with long COVID symptoms after testing twice testing positive for COVID in the past 12 months. Hopefully, Jackson recovers quickly this week and returns to play.
A.J. Brown | Right chest injury | Awaiting information | Questionable Week 12
Brown was hit on the outside of the right shoulder and immediately grabbed for his upper chest on the sideline. He did not return to the game. The Titans have yet to discuss Brown's injury but his reaction was concerning.
The hit was not a classic mechanism for a collarbone fracture. While only one angle was shown on the television broadcast, Brown looked to reach for the area between his collarbone and sternum. That's suspicious for a sternoclavicular sprain, which can be a 2-4 week injury. Hopefully, Brown's injury is not significant and Monday's update will be reassuring. But Brown may have an injury that will keep him out through Tennessee's Week 13 bye.
Monday update: Brown's x-rays did not show a serious injury but the Titans are awaiting further testing.
Aaron Rodgers | Toe injury | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 12
Rodgers told reporters his injury is "a little worse than turf toe" and he expects to be limited in practice again this week. That likely means Rodgers is dealing with an injury to the plantar plate ligaments that connect the toe joint to the middle of his foot. These injuries often require surgery but quarterbacks -- most recently Patrick Mahomes II -- have played through them in previous seasons.
Rodgers is not expected to miss game time but is looking forward to Green Bay's Week 13 bye to rest and rehab.
Justin Fields | Left rib injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12
Fields did not return after suffering a rib injury. He was taken to the hospital for further imaging of his ribs and spleen.
It's not yet known whether Fields has a spleen injury but the need for more evaluation suggests a painful and limiting injury. If Fields does have a bruised or lacerated spleen, he will miss multiple weeks. Even if his spleen is unaffected, he's very unlikely to be ready to travel to Detroit for the early afternoon Thanksgiving Day game.
Monday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted that Andy Dalton is expected to start for Chicago on Thursday.
Michael Carter | Left high ankle sprain | Awaiting information | Doubtful Week 12
Carter's left ankle was trapped underneath a defender early in the third quarter and he did not return. Video showed evidence of a high ankle sprain.
Expect Carter to have an MRI to further evaluate the injury on Monday. He's likely to miss multiple weeks.
Monday update: Adam Schefter reported Carter suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
Follow Up Appointments
Kyler Murray | Left high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Bye Week 12
The Cardinals elected to remain cautious with Murray again in Week 11, declaring him inactive despite a full week of limited practices. Arizona has a bye in Week 12. Expect Murray to return in Week 13.
Aaron Jones | Right MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12
Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12
MCL sprains are difficult to predict. Relatively low-grade injuries can require more time to rehab than originally expected as players work to recover from swelling and stiffness or feelings of looseness in the joint.
Kamara is two weeks into his rehab from a Week 9 sprain and was unable to practice after a brief practice evaluation last Wednesday. The Saints play Thursday night, compressing their practice schedule and evaluation periods. If Kamara isn't significantly better on Monday, it'll be difficult for him to earn clearance to play. Early week practice participation will be informative.
Jones was unable to practice after his MCL injury in Week 10. The Packers are conservative with injuries, a strong option with A.J. Dillon, and have a Week 13 bye. It's unlikely Jones will return until Week 14 -- and it could be longer if his recovery does not progress smoothly.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Dallas will be without both Amari Cooper (unvaccinated COVID+) and CeeDee Lamb (concussion) on Thursday. Cooper must isolate a full ten days from his positive test and will not be eligible to return in time for Thursday's game. It's been years since a player has cleared concussion protocol in time to play a Thursday game. Expect Lamb to be declared out.
***Marquise Brown tested his thigh injury during Friday's practice and was ruled out. Local writers suggested Brown's injury is a hamstring strain, a frequent occurrence for Brown in his career. It's an injury that would have him questionable at best again this week.
***Elijah Mitchell had surgery to fixate a fracture in his right third finger early last week. While the Niners were publicly optimistic throughout the week, there was little chance Mitchell would be cleared to play. It's possible Mitchell can return this week but he'll have to prove he can secure the ball, pass-protect when asked, and catch the ball if needed. He's questionable at best for Week 12.
***Jordan Howard was hit on the front of the knee and did not return. Video was more consistent with a bruise but a ligament injury can't be ruled out. I'll update after Monday's press conference. Monday update: Howard reportedly has a knee sprain and expected to miss this week's game.
***Jared Goff was unable to practice due to an oblique muscle injury in his side. With a short week ahead, Goff is likely again on the doubtful side of questionable.
***Jamal Agnew had his right hip driven backward during a knee hyperextension event. It's a mechanism that usually injures the hip socket and labrum. It's likely Agnew will miss multiple weeks and he may have a season-threatening injury. Monday update: The Jaguars moved Agnew to injured reserve. His injury is season-ending.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI
Chris Carson | Cervical neck condition | Designated to return Week 10 | 2022 return
Carson will have season-ending neck surgery after his condition did not respond to rest and rehab. It's possible the condition will be career-ending.
Kareem Hunt | Left calf strain | Eligible Week 10 | Target Week 14
Kevin Stefanski told reporters Hunt was progressing last week but ruled him out early in the week. Hunt has yet to be designated to return from injured reserve. Don't expect to see him back until after Cleveland's Week 13 bye. Monday update: Stefanski said Hunt would return to practice this week and has a chance to return this week.
Logan Thomas | Right hamstring strain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 12+
Thomas was sore after rehab early two weeks ago and was "just not ready to be on the football field" according to Ron Rivera. Washington has yet to designate him to return. If he's returned to practice early this week, he'll have a chance to play.
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 12+
Fuller was said to be trending in the right direction two weeks ago but has yet to be designated to return to practice after a Week 4 finger fracture. It's now been nearly two months since Fuller has practiced, an odd timeline for a finger injury.
Injured Players by Position
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Quarterbacks
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||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W12 Availability
|
| Lamar Jackson | Bal | Illness | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 12 return | Probable |
| Kyler Murray | Ari | Left ankle injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Bye |
| Aaron Rodgers | GB | Toe sprain | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Justin Fields | Chi | Rib injury | Week 11 | Awaiting information | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Jared Goff | Det | Oblique strain | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Zach Wilson | NYJ | Right PCL sprain | Week 7 | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| Sam Darnold | Car | Right scapula fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14++ return | IR |
|
Running Backs
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||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W12 Availability
|
| Aaron Jones | GB | Right MCL sprain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Alvin Kamara | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | Atl | Right high ankle sprain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Elijah Mitchell | SF | Right third finger fracture | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| JaMycal Hasty | SF | Ankle injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Doubtful |
| Michael Carter | NYJ | Left high ankle sprain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13++ return | Doubtful |
| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Hamstring strain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Jordan Howard | Phi | Right knee injury | Week 11 | Awaiting information | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Jeremy McNichols | Ten | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Damien Williams | Chi | Calf injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Jermar Jefferson | Det | Left high ankle sprain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Derrick Henry | Ten | Fifth metatarsal fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 17+ return | IR |
| Chase Edmonds | Ari | Left high ankle sprain | Week 9 | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14+ return | IR |
| Chris Carson | Sea | Cervical neck condition | Chronic | IR - DTR Week 10 | 2022 return | IR |
| Kareem Hunt | Cle | Left calf strain | Week 6 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 14+ return | PUP |
| Malcolm Brown | Mia | Quad injury | Week 7 | IR _ Eligible Week 11 | Week 13++ return | IR |
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Wide Receivers Injured
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||||||
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Player
|
Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W12 Availability
|
| DeAndre Hopkins | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 13 return | Bye |
| A.J. Brown | Ten | Right chest injury | Week 11 | Awaiting information | Week 12++ return | Questionable |
| Marquise Brown | Bal | Thigh injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12++ return | Questionable |
| CeeDee Lamb | Dal | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 13 return | Doubtful |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | COVID+ | Nov 19 | COVID-reserve | Week 13 return | Out |
| Mike Evans | TB | Leg injury | Week 11 | Awaiting information | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Quad strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Allen Robinson | Chi | Hamstring strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12++ return | Doubtful |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | Aggravated groin strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Jarvis Landry | Cle | Aggravated knee injury | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | Cle | Aggravated groin strain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 14 return | Doubtful |
| Anthony Schwartz | Cle | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Jamal Agnew | Jac | Right hip injury | Week 11 | IR | 2022 return | IR |
| Allen Lazard | GB | Shoulder injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Marcus Johnson | Ten | Hamstring strain | Week 11 | Awaiting information | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Denzel Mims | NYJ | COVID+ | Nov 9 | Day-to-Day | Week 12 return | Probable |
| - | ||||||
| Calvin Ridley | Atl | Behavioral health | Week 9 | NFI - Eligible Week 12 | Week 12+ return | NFI |
| Julio Jones | Ten | Hamstring strain | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14+ return | IR |
| Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 11+ return | Doubtful |
| DeVante Parker | Mia | Hamstring strain | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 12+ return | IR |
| 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 12 return | Probable |
|
Tight Ends Injured
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||||||
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W12 Availability
|
| Ricky Seals-Jones | Was | Hip injury | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 12+ return | Questionable |
| Adam Trautman | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 11 | IR (expected) | Week 15+ return | IR (expected) |
| - | ||||||
| Logan Thomas | Was | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 12+ return | Doubtful |
| 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 11+ return | IR |
Injured Players Not Expected to Return in 2021
|
Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
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||||||
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
| Jameis Winston | NO | Left ACL / MCL injury | Nov-2021 | IR - Week 8 | Week 12 | 2022 return |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | Was | Right hip subluxation | Sep-2021 | IR - Week 1 | Week 5 | 2022 return |
|
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
| 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 |
|
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
| Robert Woods | LAR | ACL tear | Nov-2021 | IR (expected) | Week 14 | 2022 return |
| 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 |
|
Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
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||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
| 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.