Injury Rounds
Dalvin Cook | Left shoulder dislocation | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 13
Cook went down awkwardly after a tackle in the third quarter and reached for the front of his left shoulder and chest.
Former NFL team physicians David Chao and Matthew Provencher are speculating Cook may have suffered an injury to his pectoral muscle. A tendon tear would end his season, while a muscle injury may only require 2-4 weeks of recovery time. The location of Cook's reaction is consistent with the pectoral muscle area.
But it's also possible Cook suffered a dislocated shoulder. Cook has dislocated his left shoulder multiple times previously. The Vikings announced the injury as a shoulder injury rather than a chest injury. And Cook's reaction and limited video of the medical evaluation and treatment on the field are more consistent with a shoulder dislocation. Cook would likely need 2-3 weeks to rehab his shoulder if a dislocation is the diagnosis.
Mike Zimmer said Cook would have an MRI on Monday to define the injury. It's likely the national media will hint at a diagnosis before Monday's MRI. Regardless of the final diagnosis, prepare for Cook to miss multiple weeks. Hopefully, the injury will not be season-ending.
Sunday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted Cook dislocated his shoulder. Monday's MRI will assess how much damage occurred around the shoulder. Expect Cook to miss 2-3 weeks but he has dealt with similar injuries before. If his range of motion and pain improve quickly enough, he could return in Week 15.
Monday update: Rapoport tweeted Cook suffered a labral tear in his shoulder. Zimmer denied the report and says Cook is day-to-day. It's very likely Cook has a labral tear, a very common occurrence with a shoulder dislocation. The recovery timetable remains 2-3 weeks regardless of the specifics of the injury. The Vikings have a Thursday night game in Week 14, giving Cook even less time to return after just one missed game.
Darren Waller | Left iliotibial band strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 13
Waller left Thursday's game after his left knee was bent awkwardly underneath him during a tackle.
Video was suspicious for an MCL sprain but an MRI revealed an IT band strain. That's an unusual injury in the NFL with no available comps. The IT band is a structure that runs along the outside of the leg and ends around the knee. When inflamed, it causes pain around the knee with extension of the lower leg.
The IT band is not critical to the support and structure of the knee joint and may be supported with compression. Waller will have ten days to rehab and recover and will have a good chance to play this week.
Deebo Samuel | Groin strain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 13
Samuel was limited by a groin condition earlier this season. While limited in practice at times, he saw only a slight decrease in his game snaps. Samuel went down in the fourth quarter after feeling tightness in the groin and did not return.
Reassuringly, Samuel was cleared to speak to the media after the game and didn't appear concerned. Kyle Shanahan told reporters the team did not fear a higher-grade strain. Expect limited practice again this week but unless Samuel has increasing tightness or swelling overnight, he looks likely to play in Week 13.
Monday update: Samuel's injury was confirmed to be low grade on Monday's MRI but Kyle Shanahan told reporters Samuel would likely miss 1-2 games.
Christian McCaffrey | Left ankle sprain | Injured reserve
McCaffrey rolled his left ankle in the first half and was unable to stay in the game after attempts to stay loose on the sideline.
Matt Rhule didn't appear seriously concerned during a post-game press conference. But McCaffrey left the locker room in a walking boot and there may have been more to the injury not seen on video after the initial mild roll of the ankle. The walking boot isn't necessarily a major concern. Players are immobilized routinely to limit swelling and help with the initial stages of healing.
Still, it's notable McCaffrey was unable to return from a low ankle sprain. He'll have two weeks to recover before the Panthers next play in Week 14.
Monday update: McCaffrey's ankle swelled significantly overnight and an MRI showed an "injury severe enough" the Panthers chose to move McCaffrey back to injured reserve. A player cannot be designated to return twice in the same season; McCaffrey's season is over.
Video of McCaffrey's rolled ankle did not show a significant injury. It's likely the injury occurred when McCaffrey was bent back over his body and his ankle was obscured from view. The Panthers did not discuss specifics on McCaffrey's injury but reports suggest he won't need surgery if healing goes as planned. Tom Pelissero reported McCaffrey's injury "would've sidelined him at least the remainder of the 2021 season."
Even if surgery is eventually required, McCaffrey should be ready for training camp in 2022.
Follow Up Appointments
Kyler Murray | Left high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 13
DeAndre Hopkins | Hamstring strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 13
Both Murray and Hopkins were close to returning in Week 11. Murray had returned to limited practices but the Cardinals elected to allow him to recover through the bye week. Hopkins has yet to return to practice but has made progress in rehab.
Both are expected to return this week.
Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 13
Recovery from MCL sprains is variable from player to player. Relatively low-grade sprains can take longer to rehab than expected as stiffness or looseness in the joint limits comfort with football-related activity and movement.
Kamara tested his knee joint two weeks ago and wasn't ready to practice. The Saints held him out on a short week last week rather than push the limits of his recovery. Over the weekend, Sean Payton told reporters he would not be discussing the status of any of his injured players. That leaves practice participation as the primary data point for evaluation this week.
If the Saints clear Kamara to practice on Monday or Tuesday -- they play again on Thursday night this week -- it's a sign they're evaluating Kamara's fitness to play. If Kamara is cleared for consecutive practices by Wednesday, it suggests he's preparing to play.
Kamara is likely on the probable side of questionable but practice reports will be critical in gauging his readiness.
Monday update: Kamara was listed as limited in practice on Monday. Local writers reported Kamara was doing individual drills on Sunday. Another limited practice on Tuesday would put Kamara in line to play.
Ezekiel Elliott | Right knee contusion | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 13
Elliott told reporters he's been dealing with pain and stiffness since suffering a bruised knee in Week 4. After he limped through the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game, there are reports Dallas may limit his touches in future weeks to ensure Elliott is healthier for the final weeks of the regular season and playoffs.
Elliott says he'll be able to continue managing the injury and the team has yet to approach him about limited game day snaps. It won't be surprising to see Tony Pollard's usage increase but there's no current indication Elliott will miss this Thursday night's game to recover further.
Monday update: Elliott fully practiced on Monday and is trending toward playing on Thursday.
DAndre Swift | Right AC sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 13
Swift aggravated an AC sprain during Thursday's game and did not return.
Shoulder sprains are painful injuries and difficult for running backs to play through successfully. Injections and padding are helpful but it's impossible to protect the joint from hits during the game. Swift attempted to play with the injury last week and managed just 10 snaps before the aggravation ended his day.
Dan Campbell said Swift was day-to-day and the ten-day recovery period will help but expect Swift to be limited in practice and questionable to play on Sunday.
Monday update: Campbell told reporters Swift was still sore on Monday and "it's hard to say you'd see him playing" this week.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Monday update: Darrell Henderson injured his quad and will be limited in practice this week. He's questionable for Week 13 but local reporters do not believe the injury will result in a multiple-week absence.
***Aaron Rodgers has hinted he may undergo surgery for a fractured fifth toe during the Packers' bye this week. It's an unusual approach for a fractured fifth toe and one he's unlikely to choose if there's any chance he'll miss time while recovering. Monday update: Matt LaFleur told reporters Rodgers was still "gathering other opinions" but multiple reports suggest surgery is unlikely.
***Miles Sanders (ankle), Jalen Hurts (ankle), Teddy Bridgewater (shin contusion), Ben Roethlisberger (right arm, pectoral) all struggled with injuries on Sunday but returned to play. Expect limited practice reps for each of them this week. Monday update: Nick Sirianni told reporters Hurts is dealing with a sore ankle. Adam Schefter tweeted the injury "could impact [Hurts'] availability this week." The Eagles have a Week 14 bye and could elect to rest Hurts with the following two weeks to recover.
***Further imaging revealed Justin Fields has multiple cracked ribs. The injuries were visible only on more detailed images. It's possible, though unlikely, Fields could return this week.
***Zach Wilson told reporters his knee joint remains loose and bothersome after a midseason PCL sprain. He will try to continue to play through the sprain.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI
Calvin Ridley | Behavioral health recovery | Eligible Week 12 - Remains on NFI | Doubtful
The Falcons have not updated Ridley's status since the decision to place him on the Non-Football Injury list. It's unknown how close Ridley is to returning or whether his conditioning is sufficient to allow him to return immediately when ready. Hopefully, Ridley is getting the care he needs.
Julio Jones | Hamstring strain | Eligible Week 14
Jones has been battling a hamstring strain since the preseason. The Titans moved Jones to injured reserve in the hopes that a full month of rehab would allow him to be healthy enough to be effective in the final weeks of the regular season. It's possible Jones will return after Tennessee's Week 13 bye.
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful
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
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Team
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Injury
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Date
|
Current Status
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FBG Expectation
|
W13 Availability
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| Kyler Murray | Ari | Left high ankle sprain | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Aaron Rodgers | GB | Toe fracture | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Bye |
| Jalen Hurts | Phi | Left ankle sprain | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Justin Fields | Chi | Rib injury | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Teddy Bridgewater | Den | Right shin contusion | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Zach Wilson | NYJ | Left PCL sprain | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| Sam Darnold | Car | Right scapula fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14++ 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
|
FBG Expectation
|
W13 Availability
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| Dalvin Cook | Min | Left shoulder dislocation | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Christian McCaffrey | Car | Left ankle injury | Week 12 | Injured reserve | 2022 return | IR |
| Alvin Kamara | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Mark Ingram | NO | Knee condition | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Ezekiel Elliott | Dal | Right knee contusion | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| DAndre Swift | Det | Aggravated right shoulder sprain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Quad injury | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Aggravated right ankle sprain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| J.D. McKissic | Was | Neck injury | Week 12 | Awaiting reports | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| JaMycal Hasty | SF | Ankle injury | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Hamstring strain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Travis Homer | Sea | Calf injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Jordan Howard | Phi | Right knee injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 15 return | Doubtful |
| Jeremy McNichols | Ten | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Bye |
| Damien Williams | Chi | Calf injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ 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 |
| Michael Carter | NYJ | Left high ankle sprain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15+ return | IR |
| 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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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
|
W13 Availability
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| Deebo Samuel | SF | Groin strain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 13 return | Probable |
| CeeDee Lamb | Dal | Concussion | Week 11 | Concussion protocol | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | COVID+ | Nov 19 | COVID-reserve | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Quad strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Kadarius Toney | NYG | Quad strain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Allen Robinson | Chi | Hamstring strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Marquise Goodwin | Chi | Foot injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Anthony Schwartz | Cle | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Bye |
| Corey Davis | NYJ | Groin strain | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Denzel Mims | NYJ | COVID+ | Nov 9 | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Randall Cobb | GB | Groin strain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Bye |
| - | ||||||
| A.J. Brown | Ten | Right chest wall injury | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| Julio Jones | Ten | Hamstring strain | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14 return | IR |
| Marcus Johnson | Ten | Hamstring strain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| Calvin Ridley | Atl | Behavioral health | Week 9 | NFI - Eligible Week 12 | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| DeVante Parker | Mia | Hamstring strain | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| 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 |
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Tight Ends 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
|
W13 Availability
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| Darren Waller | LV | Left iliotibial band strain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| T.J. Hockenson | Det | Knee / Shoulder injuries | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 13 return | Probable |
| Pat Freiermuth | Pit | Concussion | Week 12 | Under evaluation | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Dan Arnold | Jac | MCL sprain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15++ return | Doubtful |
| Kyle Rudolph | NYG | Ankle injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Kaden Smith | NYG | Knee injury | Chronic | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Harrison Bryant | Cle | High ankle sprain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14++ return | Doubtful |
| Adam Shaheen | Mia | Knee injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | Questionable |
| Ricky Seals-Jones | Was | Hip injury | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 13+ return | MNF |
| - | ||||||
| Eric Ebron | Pit | Meniscus tear | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15++ return | IR |
| Adam Trautman | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15++ return | IR |
| Blake Jarwin | Dal | Hip injury / COVID+ | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 14+ 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 |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | Was | Right hip subluxation | Sep-2021 | IR - Week 1 | Week 5 | 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
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
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 |
| Chris Carson | Sea | Cervical spine fusion | Nov-2021 | IR | 2022 | 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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| Robert Woods | LAR | ACL tear | Nov-2021 | IR | 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 |
| Jamal Agnew | Jac | Right hip injury | Nov-2021 | IR - Week 11 | Week 15 | 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.
