Unlock More Content Like This With A
Footballguys Premium Subscription
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE
Injury Rounds
Nick Chubb | Calf injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 7
Kareem Hunt | Left calf strain | 4-6 weeks | Out Week 7
Chubb was unable to practice last week with a calf injury despite playing his usual number of snaps in Week 5. The Browns did not use injured reserve for Chubb, suggesting the injury is minor. But it may be tough for Chubb to recover in time to play Thursday night, even with a relatively low-grade injury.
Hunt was carted off the field after grabbing his left calf. Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the game Hunt did not have an Achilles injury. Hunt will have an MRI on Monday but it's very unlikely he'll be able to recover in time for Thursday night's game. Injured reserve is also possible.
Monday update: Stefanski refused to rule Chubb out for Thursday night's game, telling reporters Chubb was making progress. Stefanski also said Hunt's injury will keep him out a few weeks. Expect injured reserve for Hunt. It's possible he'll be out until after Cleveland's Week 13 bye.
Antonio Gibson | Tibia stress fracture | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7
Gibson continues to deal with pain from a stress fracture in his shin. Over the past month, he had managed his usual 15-20 touches on gameday but was in and out of Sunday's game. Ron Rivera told reporters Gibson was "struggling with it" and would be re-evaluated on Monday.
This is an injury Gibson may continue to play through but is unlikely to improve without a period of rest. Washington has a Week 9 bye. It's likely the team has been trying to get Gibson to the bye week but may be forced to give him time off before then.
Follow Up Appointments
Christian McCaffrey | Left hamstring strain | Injured reserve | Target Week 9+
The McCaffrey saga took another unfortunate turn last week. A Wednesday individual workout did not go well and McCaffrey ended the week on injured reserve.
McCaffrey's injury was likely always a little more than low grade -- Jason LaCanfora's report of a Grade 0.5 strain never made sense for multiple reasons -- and it became clear from the tone of the team's press conferences ten days ago that McCaffrey was not recovering as planned.
It's hard not to read these developments as a setback. Unfortunately, aggravated strains usually require at least as much recover time as the initial injury. McCaffrey is not eligible to return until Week 9. It's possible he may be unable to rehab and recondition to a full workload until Week 10 or beyond.
Russell Wilson | Right finger fracture / Tendon rupture | Injured reserve | Target Week 10+
Wilson had surgery to address a fracture in his finger and a detached tendon. He will need 3-4 weeks of splinting before being cleared to throw and prepare to play. Now on injured reserve, Wilson is not eligible to play until Week 10. That's an optimistic time frame and he may need until the end of November to recover. The Seahawks will know more as Wilson heals.
Jimmy Garoppolo | Right calf strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 7
Trey Lance | Left knee sprain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7
The Niners expect Garoppolo to be healthy and ready to play. Lance's knee sprain is not expected to be a long-term issue but it's not yet clear whether he will be cleared to play. Expect Garoppolo to be San Francisco's Week 7 starter.
Monday update: Garoppolo returned to practice on Monday and did not appear limited to observers. Lance was not working out on Monday.
Chris Carson | Cervical condition | Injured reserve | Target Week 10+
The Seahawks seemed hopeful early last week but inflammation -- likely from a disc herniation in the neck -- did not sufficiently calm down with treatment and Carson was moved to injured reserve. While possible, don't count on Carson being ready when eligible in Week 10.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Dak Prescott suffered a calf strain on the final play of Sunday's game. Reports suggest a low-grade injury and the Cowboys are hopeful he'll return after the team's Week 7 bye.
***Latavius Murray suffered a left ankle injury and did not return. Video suggests a high ankle injury. The Ravens have a Week 8 bye. It's possible Murray will not return until after the bye.
***T.Y. Hilton suffered a quad strain. Frank Reich told reporters he "didn't think it's bad" but will need further evaluation on Monday. Parris Campbell was ruled out with a foot injury, a concern given his past history of a foot fracture.
***Odell Beckham (shoulder), Baker Mayfield (shoulder), and Travis Kelce (wrist) suffered injuries but continued to play.
Eligible to Return from Injured Reserve
TreQuan Smith | Aggravated hamstring strain | Eligible Week 4 - Currently on IR | Questionable Week 7 | Target = Week 7+
Sep 26: In Week 1, Smith aggravated a hamstring strain that limited in for weeks during training camp. The Saints have not updated his condition but he's unlikely to return in Week 4.
Oct 10: Smith was not designated to return last week. It's not clear if he's progressed enough to be returned yet. We should know more on Monday.
Jerry Jeudy | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 5 - Designated to return (Week 6) | Doubtful Week 7 | Target = Week 7+
Sep 26: Jeudy suffered a significant sprain in Week 1. Although x-rays did not show a broken bone and surgery was not necessary, Jeudy is likely to need 4-6 weeks to fully recover. The Broncos travel to Cleveland for a Thursday night game in Week 7. That's likely the best-case scenario for Jeudy but don't be surprised if he's held out until the following week.
Oct 10: Jeudy continues to progress in his recovery from a significant high ankle injury. There's an outside chance he'll be designated to return and prepare to play in Week 6. If not, the quick turnaround to the Week 7 Thursday night game may further complicate his return timetable.
Oct 17: Jeudy was designated to return late last week. The Broncos will work to recondition him quickly. It'll be a tough turnaround to travel to Cleveland to play Thursday night.
Michael Gallup | Calf strain | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Bye Week 7 | Target Week 8
Sep 26: Gallup continues rehab and is expected back shortly after he's eligible to return.
Oct 10: Mike McCarthy has said Gallup may not return until after Dallas' Week 7 bye.
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Out Week 6 | Target = Week 10+
Sep 26: Fitzpatrick chose not to have surgery to address a likely tear in his hip labrum. He's expected to be out at least 6-8 weeks.
Jarvis Landry | MCL sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Designated to return (Week 6) | Currently on IR | Probable Week 7 | Target = Week 7
Oct 10: The Browns have not updated Landry's status but most mid-grade MCL sprains are 3-4 week recoveries. He could return to play immediately.
Oct 17: Landry was not added to the active roster but should be available to play in Week 7.
Michael Thomas | Syndesmosis / deltoid ligament repair | Eligible Week 7 - Currently on PUP | Target = Week 8++
Oct 10: Thomas is eligible to practice and return to play after Week 6. Recovery is variable from these surgeries. While it is reasonable to expect clearance for contact in 3-4 months, most players take considerably longer to recover the strength and range of motion necessary to return to pre-injury form. Thomas could be cleared to return around Week 7 but it will likely be November before he's closer to full recovery.
Oct 17: Thomas has reportedly been rehabbing with the team but it remains unclear whether he has any chance to play immediately. Monday update: Thomas is reportedly a "few weeks away" from returning. That's not surprising. A return to form is possible but not until later in the season.
Jeff Wilson | Meniscus repair | Eligible Week 7 - Currently on PUP | Target = Week 8++
Oct 10: Recovery from meniscus repair generally requires 4-6 months of rehab. The Niners are hopeful to have him back for the second half of the season.
Injured Players by Position
Quarterbacks
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W7 Availability
|
Dak Prescott | Dal | Right calf strain | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Week 8 return | Bye |
Jimmy Garoppolo | SF | Right calf strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7 return | Probable |
Trey Lance | SF | Left knee sprain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Doubtful |
Baker Mayfield | Cle | Left shoulder dislocation | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 7 return | Probable |
Taysom Hill | NO | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
- | ||||||
Russell Wilson | Sea | Fractured finger / tendon injury | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 10+ return | IR |
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Was | Right hip subluxation | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 5 | Week 10+ return | IR |
Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Running Backs
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W7 Availability
|
Saquon Barkley | NYG | Left ankle injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Nick Chubb | Cle | Calf injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Kareem Hunt | Cle | Left calf strain | Week 6 | 4-6+ weeks | Week 12+ return | Out |
Antonio Gibson | Was | Tibia stress fracture | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Damien Williams | Chi | COVID+ | Oct 14 | Day-to-Day | Week 7 return | Probable |
Latavius Murray | Bal | Left ankle injury | Week 6 | Awaiting information | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
Samaje Perine | Cin | COVID+ | Oct 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 7 return | Probable |
Peyton Barber | LV | Toe sprain | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Darrynton Evans | Ten | Knee injury | Aug-2021 | IR - DTR Week 5 | Week 7 return | Probable |
Anthony McFarland | Pit | MCL sprain | Aug-2021 | IR - DTR Week 5 | Week 8 return | Bye |
- | ||||||
Christian McCaffrey | Car | Left hamstring strain | Week 3 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 9+ return | IR |
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | Right MCL sprain | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 10+ return | IR |
David Montgomery | Chi | Left knee sprain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 11 return | IR |
Chris Carson | Sea | Cervical neck condition | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 10+ return | IR |
Jeff Wilson | SF | Meniscus repair | May-2021 | Reserve - PUP | Week 8++ return | PUP |
JaMycal Hasty | SF | Left high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 7 return | Probable |
Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 10+ return | PUP |
Rashaad Penny | Sea | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Tony Jones | NO | Right ankle injury | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 9+ return | IR |
Wide Receivers Injured
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W7 Availability
|
Kenny Golladay | NYG | Knee hyperextension | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Doubtful |
Darius Slayton | NYG | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Kadarius Toney | NYG | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Curtis Samuel | Was | Aggravated groin strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Doubtful |
Cam Sims | Was | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Julio Jones | Ten | Hamstring strain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8++ return | Doubtful |
T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Right quad strain | Week 6 | Awaiting information | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Parris Campbell | Ind | Foot injury | Week 6 | Month-to-Month | 2022 return | Out |
Sammy Watkins | Bal | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Doubtful |
DeVante Parker | Mia | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Russell Gage | Atl | Right ankle injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 7 return | Probable |
Danny Amendola | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
- | ||||||
Michael Thomas | NO | Syndesmosis/deltoid repair | Jun-2021 | Reserve-PUP | Week 9+ return | PUP |
TreQuan Smith | NO | Hamstring strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Jerry Jeudy | Den | Right high ankle sprain | Week 1 | IR - DTR Week 6 | Week 7+ return | Doubtful |
Jarvis Landry | Cle | MCL sprain | Week 2 | IR - DTR Week 6 | Week 7 return | Probable |
Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 8+ return | IR |
Michael Gallup | Dal | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 5 | Week 8 return | IR / Bye |
Marquez Valdes-Scantling | GB | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 7+ return | IR |
Quintez Cephus | Det | Left clavicle fixation | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Late 2021 return | IR |
Scott Miller | TB | Toe sprain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 7+ return | IR |
Tyrell Williams | Det | Concussion | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 7++ return | IR |
Dee Eskridge | Sea | Concussion | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 8++ return | IR |
Tight Ends Injured
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W7 Availability
|
Rob Gronkowski | TB | Rib injuries / Punctured lung | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Dawson Knox | Buf | Right hand fracture | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Bye |
Dallas Goedert | Phi | COVID+ | Oct 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 7 return | Probable |
Tyler Kroft | NYJ | Back injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ return | Questionable |
Jody Fortson | KC | Left Achilles tear | Week 6 | IR (expected) | 2022 return | IR |
- | ||||||
George Kittle | SF | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 9 return | IR |
Logan Thomas | Was | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 8+ return | IR |
Albert Okwuegbunam | Den | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 8+ return | IR |
James OShaughnessy | Jac | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 8+ return | IR / Bye |
Nick Boyle | Bal | Knee injury | Nov-2020 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 8+ return | IR |
Injured Players Not Expected to Return in 2021
Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
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 |
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
JuJu Smith-Schuster | Pit | Right shoulder labrum repair | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 5 | 2022 return | |
D.J. Chark | Jac | Left ankle fracture | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 4 | Week 9 | 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
|
||||||
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 |
Maxx Williams | Ari | Right knee injury | Oct-2021 | IR - Week 5 | 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.