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Monday Injury Rounds: Week 17

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 17
By Jene Bramel, December 26, 2021

Monday Injury Rounds: Week 17
Photo: USA Today Sports

Injury Rounds

James Robinson | Left Achilles tear | Season-ending injury

Robinson tore his left Achilles tendon and will need season-ending surgery.

Achilles' tears have become increasingly more common over the past decade. Although many players at other positions recovered well in that time, return from Achilles injuries has been variable at best for running backs. With continued advances in surgical technique and rehab protocols, the trend may be reversing.

DOnta Foreman has returned to periods of effectiveness for Tennessee this season after being out of the league. Marlon Mack recovered and looked capable earlier this season in Indianapolis. And Cam Akers is reportedly near returning after his July injury.

Still, it's a long path to recovery for Robinson. He'll be in danger of starting next year's training camp on the PUP list.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Right clavicle / shoulder injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 17

Edwards-Helaire injured his right chest when a defender landed on him while tackling. He did not return.

The Chiefs announced the injury as a clavicle condition during the game. Ian Rapoport tweeted x-rays were negative. That doesn't guarantee a follow-up MRI will not show a broken collarbone, however. Of note, Andy Reid said the injury was to Edwards-Helaire's shoulder. We'll know more after Monday's MRI.

Monday update: An MRI showed an intact collarbone. Edwards-Helaire reportedly has a bruised shoulder and is considered week-to-week. That likely leaves him doubtful this week.

Darrell Henderson | Right MCL sprain | Injured reserve (expected) | Out Week 17

Henderson was pulled down and injured his right knee on his lone Week 16 carry. Video suggests an MCL sprain.

Ian Rapoport tweeted the Rams "hope [the injury] is minor but [Henderson] will have an MRI on Monday to tell the full story." Even a low-grade MCL sprain will threaten Henderson's availability in Week 17. With Sony Michel firmly entrenched as the team's lead back, Henderson's lone carry did not come until the fourth quarter on Sunday. Expect him to be inactive in Week 17 and he's doubtful to return during the regular season.

Monday update: Sean McVay told reporters Henderson has an MCL injury and will likely miss 4-6 weeks. The team is expected to move Henderson to injured reserve this week.

Jimmy Garoppolo | Right thumb sprain with fracture | Week-to-Week | Doubtful

Monday update: Garoppolo reportedly suffered a sprained ligament on the outside of his thumb and a fracture yesterday. Further testing will define the need for surgery and his recovery timetable but he's unlikely to play in Week 17 and could miss multiple weeks.

Follow Up Appointments

Lamar Jackson | Right ankle contusion | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 17

Jackson reportedly made enough progress 7-10 days ago to be considered questionable to play in Week 15. Not surprisingly, despite that positive note, he was inactive after not practicing all week. The bone bruise again kept Jackson from practicing last week and the team did not clear him to travel -- even with Tyler Huntley on the COVID list and no other quarterback but Josh Johnson on the roster.

If Jackson wasn't healthy enough to be used as a pocket passer in an emergency situation in a divisional game with playoff implications, it's reasonable to wonder if he remains doubtful to play again this week. Monday's press conference and Wednesday's practice report will be important signposts in his recovery.

Elijah Mitchell | Knee inflammation | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 17

Mitchell reportedly continues to progress from a Week 13 knee injury. The Niners have not provided specifics on Mitchell's condition but video of the injury, which reportedly occurred on the same play as the helmet-to-helmet contact that led to his concussion, suggests a left MCL or meniscus injury.

Kyle Shanahan told reporters Mitchell was improving but didn't have enough time to be evaluated on the short week. He's likely on the probable side of questionable for Week 17.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Darren Waller could return to practice on Wednesday. Consider him doubtful until there's clear evidence he's been cleared for contact.

***Cam Akers now "has a chance to play" after the Rams said he'd be unlikely to return until the postseason.

***Adam Thielen aggravated his high ankle sprain and was unable to finish the game. He's unlikely to play this week. Monday update: Mike Zimmer said Thielen was "a little bit sore" and was hopeful Thielen could return Sunday night.

***Miles Sanders injured his hand, was ruled out quickly, and left the stadium in a wrap. Hand injuries are concerning for running backs and leave Sanders on the doubtful side of questionable. Monday update: Sanders did break a bone in his hand and will not play this week. The Eagles hope he'll be able to return in Week 18.

***DAndre Swift was not cleared for contact through Friday's practice but has returned to light drills. The Lions could allow Swift to return this week.

Injured Players by Position

Quarterbacks
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W17 Availability
Lamar Jackson Bal Right ankle contusion Week 14 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Questionable
Jimmy Garoppolo SF Right thumb sprain/fracture Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 18++ return Doubtful
Justin Fields Chi Ankle injury Week 15 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Questionable
Andy Dalton Chi Hand / groin injuries Week 14 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Questionable
Derek Carr LV Chest injury Week 16 Day-to-Day Week 17 return Probable
Teddy Bridgewater Den Concussion Week 15 Concussion protocol Week 17++ return Questionable
-
COVID-reserve
Taysom Hill NO COVID+ Dec 23 COVID-reserve
Trevor Siemian NO COVID+ Dec 23 COVID-reserve
Tyler Huntley Bal COVID+ Dec 25 COVID-reserve
-
Injured reserve / NFI Eligible to return 2021
None
Running Backs
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W17 Availability
Elijah Mitchell SF Knee injury Week 13 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Questionable
Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC Right clavicle injury Week 16 Week-to-Week Week 17++ return Doubtful
Miles Sanders Phi Hand fracture Week 16 Week-to-Week Week 18+ return Out
Jordan Howard Phi Stinger Week 16 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Questionable
DAndre Swift Det Right shoulder sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
James Conner Ari Heel injury Week 15 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Questionable
James Robinson Jac Left Achilles tear Week 16 Season-ending injury Injured reserve Out
Darrell Henderson LAR Right MCL sprain Week 16 Week-to-Week Injured reserve Out
Cam Akers LAR Right Achilles repair Jul-2021 Week-to-Week Week 17++ return Doubtful
David Johnson Hou Quad injury Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
Kareem Hunt Cle Left high ankle sprain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Doubtful
-
COVID-reserve
Dalvin Cook Min COVID+ (unvaccinated?) Dec 23 COVID-reserve
Rhamondre Stevenson NE COVID+ Dec 24 COVID-reserve
David Johnson Hou COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve Quad injury
-
Injured reserve / NFI Eligible to return 2021
Derrick Henry Ten Fifth metatarsal fracture Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 12 Week 17+ return IR
Leonard Fournette TB Hamstring strain Week 15 IR - Eligible WC round WC round+ return IR
Giovani Bernard TB Right MCL sprain / hip strain Week 14 IR - Eligible Week 18 Week 18+ return IR
J.D. McKissic Was Neck condition Week 15 IR - Eligible WC round WC+ round return IR
Carlos Hyde Jac Concussion Week 15 IR - Team eliminated 2022 return IR
Trey Sermon SF Ankle injury Week 12 IR - DTR Week 16 Week 17+ return Questionable
Tarik Cohen Chi Right ACL reconstruction Sep-2020 Reserve - PUP Week 14+ return PUP
Malcolm Brown Mia Quad injury Week 7 IR - DTR Week 15 Week 16 return? MNF Week 16
Wide Receivers Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W17 Availability
Adam Thielen Min Left high ankle sprain Week 16 Week-to-Week Week 18+ return Doubtful
Mike Evans TB Hamstring strain Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 17++ return Doubtful
Jamison Crowder NYJ Calf injury Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
Rondale Moore Ari Ankle injury Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
Nelson Agholor NE Concussion Week 15 Concussion protocol Week 17+ return Questionable
Tajae Sharpe Atl Foot injury Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
Curtis Samuel Was Hamstring strain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
Marquise Goodwin Chi Foot injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 17+ return Questionable
Jakeem Grant Mia Concussion Week 15 Concussion protocol Week 17+ return Questionable
Danny Amendola Hou Knee surgery Week 12 Day-to-Day Week 17+ return Probable
-
COVID-reserve
Mike Williams LAC COVID+ Dec 25 COVID-reserve
Jalen Guyton LAC COVID+ Dec 22 COVID-reserve
Mike Evans TB COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve Hamstring injury
Julio Jones Ten COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Ten COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve
Cole Beasley Buf COVID+ (unvaccinated) Dec 21 COVID-reserve
Gabriel Davis Buf COVID+ (unvaccinated) Dec 24 COVID-reserve
Brandin Cooks Hou COVID+ Dec 22 COVID-reserve
Josh Reynolds Det COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve
Zach Pascal Ind COVID+ Dec 25 COVID-reserve
Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB COVID+ Dec 21 COVID-reserve
Tajae Sharpe Atl COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve Foot injury
Bryan Edwards LV COVID+ Dec 26 COVID-reserve
Laviska Shenault Jac COVID+ Dec 24 COVID-reserve
John Ross NYG COVID+ Dec 15 COVID-reserve
-
Injured reserve / NFI Eligible to return 2021
DeAndre Hopkins Ari MCL repair Week 15 IR - Eligible Week 18 Late playoff return IR
Calvin Ridley Atl Behavioral health Week 9 NFI - Eligible Week 12 2022 return Doubtful
Elijah Moore NYJ Quad strain (COVID 12/16) Week 13 IR - Eligible Week 17 Week 17+ return Doubtful
Corey Davis NYJ Core muscle surgery Week 14 IR - Eligible Week 17 2022 return IR
Will Fuller Mia Finger fracture Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 2022 return IR
Randall Cobb GB Core muscle surgery Week 14 IR - Eligible Week 17 Week 17+ return IR
Quintez Cephus Det Left clavicle fixation Week 5 IR - Eligible Week 10 Late 2021 return IR
Marcus Johnson Ten Hamstring strain Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 17+ return Doubtful
Dante Pettis NYG Shoulder injury Week 9 IR - Eligible Week 13 Week 13+ return IR
Tight Ends Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W17 Availability
Travis Kelce KC COVID+ Dec 20 Day-to-Day Week 17 return Probable
Darren Waller LV Left iliotibial band strain Week 12 Day-to-Day Week 16+ return Questionable
Pat Freiermuth Pit Concussion Week 15 Concussion protocol Week 17+ return Doubtful
Jack Doyle Ind Ankle injury / Chronic knee Week 16 Awaiting reports Week 16+ return Questionable
-
COVID-reserve
Adam Trautman NO COVID+ Dec 22 COVID-reserve
Dan Arnold Jac COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve IR - MCL sprain
Tyler Kroft NYJ COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve
Trevon Wesco NYJ COVID+ Dec 27 COVID-reserve
-
Injured reserve / NFI Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
Tags Injuries Nelson Agholor Jamal Agnew Cam Akers Danny Amendola Dan Arnold Cole Beasley Giovani Bernard Teddy Bridgewater Malcolm Brown Parris Campbell Derek Carr Chris Carson Quintez Cephus D.J. Chark Jr Randall Cobb James Conner Brandin Cooks Dalvin Cook Jamison Crowder Andy Dalton Corey Davis Gabe Davis J.K. Dobbins Jack Doyle Kenyan Drake Eric Ebron Bryan Edwards Clyde Edwards-Helaire Gus Edwards Travis Etienne Jr. Darrynton Evans Mike Evans Justin Fields Ryan Fitzpatrick D'Onta Foreman Leonard Fournette Pat Freiermuth Will Fuller V Jimmy Garoppolo Chris Godwin Marquise Goodwin Jakeem Grant Sr. Jalen Guyton KJ Hamler Darrell Henderson Jr. Derrick Henry Justice Hill Kylin Hill Taysom Hill T.J. Hockenson DeAndre Hopkins Jordan Howard Kareem Hunt Tyler Huntley Carlos Hyde Lamar Jackson Blake Jarwin David Johnson Josh Johnson Marcus Johnson Daniel Jones Dalton Keene Travis Kelce Tyler Kroft Marlon Mack Christian McCaffrey J.D. McKissic Sony Michel Elijah Mitchell Elijah Moore Rondale Moore Raheem Mostert Donald Parham Jr Zach Pascal Dante Pettis Josh Reynolds Calvin Ridley James Robinson John Ross Curtis Samuel Miles Sanders Trey Sermon Tajae Sharpe Laviska Shenault Jr Sterling Shepard Trevor Siemian Irv Smith Jr. JuJu Smith-Schuster Kaden Smith Rhamondre Stevenson D'Andre Swift Adam Thielen Logan Thomas Michael Thomas Robert Tonyan Jr Adam Trautman Marquez Valdes-Scantling Darren Waller Trevon Wesco Nick Westbrook-Ikhine James White Maxx Williams Mike Williams Jameis Winston Robert Woods

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