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Injury Rounds
Adam Thielen | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Thielen was unable to return after a high ankle sprain. These injuries are usually worse 24-48 hours after the sprain occurs. With the Vikings playing Thursday night, expect Thielen to be out at least one game. An MRI and follow up exam on Monday will define whether Thielen is likely to miss even more time.
Elijah Mitchell | Concussion protocol | Doubtful Week 14
Jeff Wilson | Chronic knee condition | Questionable Week 14
Monday update: Mitchell left Sunday's game for a head injury evaluation and was cleared to return. On Monday he reported symptoms and was placed in concussion protocol. It's unlikely a player will be cleared to return within six days when reporting symptoms 24 hours after the event. Prepare for Mitchell to be inactive this week.
Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wilson's knee flared up during Sunday's game. He said Wilson would rest for "a couple days" before re-evaluation. He's questionable at best to play this week.
Logan Thomas | Left ACL / MCL injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Thomas was hit directly on the left knee while attempting a trap block on a lineman. Adam Schefter reported Washington "fears an ACL/MCL injury" and will confirm with an MRI on Monday. The examination is rarely misleading in these injuries. Expect Thomas to be moved to injured reserve this week.
Monday update: Thomas' MRI did not show an ACL injury. Washington did not discuss specifics but reports suggest Thomas could return this year.
Follow Up Appointments
Dalvin Cook | Left shoulder dislocation | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Cook continues to rehab and recover from his most recent shoulder dislocation. There were conflicting reports about how much damage an MRI showed early last week but the finer details won't change the immediate prognosis. With the Vikings facing a short week, Cook has little chance of being cleared for contact by Thursday night.
If Cook recovers enough strength, stability, and range of motion in the next week, there's an outside chance he will return in Week 15.
Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 14
Kamara was likely very close to returning last Thursday night. A full week of individual drills was reassuring for his recovery and reconditioning process. Ultimately, the Saints' medical staff chose to rest him the additional ten days. Unless there was an unreported late-week setback during practice last week, expect Kamara back -- and likely ready for a full workload -- this week.
Darren Waller | Left iliotibial band strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 14
There are no recent NFL player comps for IT band injuries. This isn't a structural issue and even a higher-grade injury isn't likely to require extensive treatment. It's likely Waller is dealing with a sprained knee ligament or the back condition he was also listed with last week was a bigger factor than expected.
The Raiders have yet to discuss Waller's injury and it's worrisome that Waller was not seen in practice or on the rehab field last week.
I'll update with new details -- if available -- on Monday. If the Raiders remain silent on Waller, watch for Wednesday practice participation. A DNP would put Waller at obvious risk of missing another week.
DAndre Swift | Right AC sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Swift may prove to be more probable than doubtful by the end of the week. Unfortunately, the tone of the team's comments after Swift aggravated his shoulder sprain in Week 12 suggest he'll need multiple weeks to recover. A limited Wednesday practice would be an indication the Lions are willing to consider returning him to play.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Tee Higgins returned to the game after an ankle sprain. He was limping at times but was moving better after a few snaps and told reporters he expected to be ready to play this week. Video did not show evidence of a high ankle sprain and it's reasonable to consider Higgins probable for Week 14.
***Justin Fields made progress in his recovery from cracked ribs last week but was not cleared to play. Expect him to return this week.
***Daniel Jones has not been cleared for contact after a neck injury suffered in Week 12. Although he has been participating in non-contact practice drills, there are reports he still needs multiple weeks to recover and may see a specialist for further evaluation. He's doubtful again this week. Backup Mike Glennon sustained a concussion and also may not be cleared to play.
***Alex Collins has been on the injury report with groin and abdominal conditions in recent weeks. It's an ominous combination suggestive of a core muscle condition. The Seahawks signed and promoted Adrian Peterson last week and Collins was not cleared to play. Prepare for news that Collins needs surgery and/or is placed on injured reserve.
***The Saints plan to allow Taysom Hill to play through a tendon rupture on the third finger on his throwing hand. He'll need a splint to support the digit and may have difficulty controlling the accuracy of his passes.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI
Chase Edmonds | Left high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable
Kliff Kingsbury mentioned Edmonds' eligibility to return during a press conference last week but did not speculate on whether Edmonds would be game-ready immediately. Local writers say the team is "hopeful" Edmonds can return. If Edmonds is designated to return early in the week, watch Kingsbury's comments carefully for clues on potential usage.
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 | Questionable
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. The team has yet to address Jones' status.
Monday update: Jones was designated to return on Monday and will return if he has no setbacks during practice this week.
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful
Local reports clarified Fuller's extended absence from a finger injury. Fuller's finger was reportedly "shattered" and required extended time to regain stability after surgery. Although he's progressing, he remains doubtful to return this week.
Sam Darnold | Right scapula fracture | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable
Matt Rhule said Darnold began throwing during Carolina's bye week. The team expects to evaluate him early this week and decide whether he's ready to play. It's unlikely he'll be cleared for contact yet but watch for indications he's close to returning.
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
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W14 Availability
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| Aaron Rodgers | GB | Toe fracture | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Jalen Hurts | Phi | Left ankle sprain | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 15 return | Bye |
| Joe Burrow | Cin | Right fifth finger dislocation | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Daniel Jones | NYG | Neck injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Mike Glennon | NYG | Concussion | Week 13 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Justin Fields | Chi | Rib injury | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Probable |
| Taysom Hill | NO | Right third finger tendon injury | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Left wrist injury | Week 13 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Jordan Love | GB | COVID+ | Dec 6 | COVID-reserve | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Sam Darnold | Car | Right scapula fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
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Running Backs
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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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W14 Availability
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| Dalvin Cook | Min | Left shoulder dislocation | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Alvin Kamara | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Elijah Mitchell | SF | Concussion | Week 13 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Jeff Wilson | SF | Chronic knee condition | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| DAndre Swift | Det | Aggravated right shoulder sprain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Quad injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Damien Harris | NE | Hamstring strain | Week 13 | Awaiting reports | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Aggravated right ankle sprain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 15 return | Bye |
| Jordan Howard | Phi | Right knee injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 15 return | Bye |
| Josh Jacobs | LV | Chronic ankle condition | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Kenyan Drake | LV | Right fibula fracture | Week 13 | IR (expected) | 2022 return | IR |
| Jalen Richard | LV | COVID+ | Dec 5 | COVID-reserve | Week 16 return | Doubtful |
| Melvin Gordon | Den | Shoulder / Hip injuries | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Alex Collins | Sea | Abdominal strain | Chronic | Week-to-Week | Week 14++ return | Questionable |
| David Johnson | Hou | Thigh injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| J.D. McKissic | Was | Concussion | Week 12 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Phillip Lindsay | Mia | Ankle injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Bye |
| Jeremy McNichols | Ten | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Damien Williams | Chi | Calf injury | Week 11 | 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 | Questionable |
| Michael Carter | NYJ | Left high ankle sprain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15+ return | IR |
| Trey Sermon | SF | Ankle injury | Week 12 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ 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
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W14 Availability
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| Deebo Samuel | SF | Groin strain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Adam Thielen | Min | Left high ankle sprain | Week 13 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Keenan Allen | LAC | COVID+ | Dec 6 | COVID-reserve | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Tee Higgins | Cin | Right ankle sprain | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury [suspended] | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 16+ return | Suspended |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Quad strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Kadarius Toney | NYG | Quad / Oblique strains | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Kenny Golladay | NYG | Rib injury | Week 13 | Awaiting reports | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Allen Robinson | Chi | Hamstring strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Marquise Goodwin | Chi | Foot injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Cedrick Wilson | Dal | Shoulder injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Anthony Schwartz | Cle | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Corey Davis | NYJ | Aggravated core muscle strain | Week 13 | IR (expected) | 2022 return | IR |
| Randall Cobb | GB | Groin strain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| 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 | Questionable |
| 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 |
| Quintez Cephus | Det | Left clavicle fixation | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Late 2021 return | IR |
| Danny Amendola | Hou | Knee surgery | Week 12 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | 2022 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
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W14 Availability
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| Darren Waller | LV | Left iliotibial band strain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Logan Thomas | Was | Left knee injury | Week 13 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Ricky Seals-Jones | Was | Hip injury | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| 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 15+ return | Bye |
| - | ||||||
| Dan Arnold | Jac | MCL sprain | Week 12 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| 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+ (Nov 26) | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Kaden Smith | NYG | Knee injury | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ 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
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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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| Christian McCaffrey | Car | Left ankle injury | Nov-2021 | IR - Week 13 | 2022 | 2022 return |
| 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
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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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| 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.
