Injury Rounds
Darren Waller | Ankle injury | Week-to-Week | Bye Week 8
Adam Schefter reported that Waller tripped over a teammate during Friday's practice and suffered an injury to his inner ankle and heel. Waller was downgraded to questionable after an evaluation on Saturday then declared inactive on Sunday.
There's been nothing specific reported but all indications Waller is dealing with more than a low ankle sprain. The report of an "inner ankle" injury, the Saturday downgrade suggesting the development of significant swelling and/or stiffness, and the inability to play through 48 hours later.
Waller has the benefit of the Raiders' Week 8 bye to recover. Consider him probable for Week 9 unless there are reports of a high ankle sprain or similarly concerning injury this week.
Miles Sanders | Left ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 8
Sanders rolled his left ankle while cutting and could not return. X-ray images did not show a fracture. Video clearly showed a low ankle sprain. While most of these sprains are quick recoveries, some lead to more difficult with pain and stability than expected. Expect limited practice this week but Sanders should have a good chance to play in Week 8.
Zach Wilson | Right PCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Out Week 8
Wilson told reporters he suffered a PCL sprain and would have an MRI to grade the injury. Unfortunately, Wilson also said he felt some looseness in the joint, a sign that he's dealing with more than a low-grade sprain. Limited video suggests the PCL is the only ligament affected and Wilson should be able to rehab without surgery. Expect an early timetable of 3-6 weeks. Injured reserve is a possibility.
Monday update: Adam Schefter reported Wilson's MRI confirmed a PCL injury and has an early return timetable of 2-4 weeks.
Follow Up Appointments
Dak Prescott | Right calf strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 8
According to the Cowboys, "it would have been tough" for Prescott to play in Week 7. Thankfully, Prescott has two weeks to recover from a Week 6 calf strain. Dallas does not expect Prescott to return to practice until later in the week but the team is optimistic he'll play. If he is able to go, Prescott will likely be limited to playing from the pocket.
Saquon Barkley | Left ankle injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 8
Barkley has yet to return to practice after a Week 5 ankle sprain and it's unclear whether he's made enough progress to play in Week 8. Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Barkley has "an outside chance" of playing this week but should be back the following week. If Barkley is participating individual drills on Wednesday, it's a good sign the Giants may clear him to play.
Nick Chubb | Calf strain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 8
Kevin Stefanski told reporters he was "hopeful" Chubb would be available in Week 8. That's generally not a reassuring comment from a coach. It's possible the Browns felt Chubb was close to recovering but didn't want to push him to return on a short turnaround to Thursday night. If that's true, Chubb should be back to individual drills on Wednesday.
Monday update: Josina Anderson reported Chubb is expected to return "barring any setbacks in practice."
Fast Track News and Notes
***Baker Mayfield suffered a small fracture in his shoulder socket after another dislocation last week. Mayfield wants to play -- he took all the first team reps in practice 48 hours after the injury before the team shut him down for Thursday night's game -- but joint stability and range of motion may keep him out this week.
***Josh Jacobs was quickly ruled out after suffering a chest injury. That's often concerning for a longer-term injury but Tom Pelissero reported the Raiders were optimistic Jacobs did not suffer a major injury. Jacobs has two weeks to recover through the Raiders' Week 8 bye.
***Patrick Mahomes II cleared concussion protocol during the game but may miss practice with a neck strain this week. The Chiefs play at home Monday night, giving Mahomes additional time for treatment if needed.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP
Jerry Jeudy | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 5 - Designated to return (Week 6) | Probable Week 8 | Target = Week 8
Jeudy returned to practice last week but was not ready to return for Thursday night's game. He is expected to fully practice and be added back to the active roster this week.
Michael Gallup | Calf strain | Eligible Week 5 - Remains on IR | Questionable Week 8 | Target Week 8
Mike McCarthy believes Gallup will return to limited practices this week. If his reconditioning progresses smoothly, he could return and see rotational snaps. Monday update: Gallup was designated to return today.
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful Week 8 | Target Week 9+
Fuller is eligible to return this week but some finger fractures require more than three weeks of recovery. It's not clear whether Miami will return Fuller to practice. If he's designated to return early in the week, he should be ready to play immediately. Monday update: Fuller is not expected to play this week.
Christian McCaffrey | Left hamstring strain aggravation | Eligible Week 9 | Target = Week 9+
McCaffrey is not eligible to return to the active roster until Week 9. The Panthers have yet to provide a return timetable but McCaffrey missed two weeks after the initial injury and aggravations commonly require as much or more recovery time. It's questionable at best that McCaffrey will return to practice and see his usual workload immediately in Week 9.
George Kittle | Calf strain | Eligible Week 9 | Target = Week 9
Kittle was playing through his calf condition until the Niners elected to shut him down. It's likely he'll be able to return in some capacity in Week 9.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Right MCL sprain | Eligible Week 9 | Target Week 9+
Most mid-grade MCL sprains require 3-4 weeks to rehab. Early indications are the Chiefs used injured reserve to ensure Edwards-Helaire did not rush his return. If that's accurate, it's reasonable to expect Edwards-Helaire to return in 3-4 weeks rather than 4-6 weeks. However, if the Chiefs do not return him to practice quickly, he may be rested through their Week 12 bye.
Tyrod Taylor | Hamstring strain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Questionable Week 8 | Target Week 8
The Texans have said Taylor will return as the starting quarterback when ready. He's yet to be designated to return to practice. Monday update: Taylor does have a chance to return to practice and could play in Week 8.
Logan Thomas | Right hamstring strain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful Week 8 | Target Week 10
Thomas is eligible to return to practice this week but there's been no indication from Washington he'll be able to play. With a bye in Week 9, Thomas' earliest return is likely Week 10.
Michael Thomas | Syndesmosis / deltoid ligament repair | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on PUP | Target = Week 10+
Thomas has reportedly been rehabbing with the team but is reportedly a "few weeks away" from returning. That's not surprising. 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. It will likely be mid-late November before Thomas is ready for anything close to a full workload.
Chris Carson | Cervical neck condition | Eligible Week 10 - Remains on IR | Target = Week 10+
Carson still has no timetable for return. The speculative diagnosis is inflammation due to a herniated disc in the neck with ongoing symptoms and a limited response to steroid injections. If Carson needs to regain strength and range of motion in his upper body, Week 10 is hopeful at best. Watch for further details from Pete Carroll this week.
Jeff Wilson | Meniscus repair | Eligible Week 7 - Remains on PUP | Target = Week 10+
General manager John Lynch told reporters last week Wilson is progressing well but won't return "in the next couple of weeks."
David Montgomery | Left knee sprain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 11
The initial timetable on Montgomery was 4-5 weeks. Although he's eligible this week, he's unlikely to return until Week 11 after Chicago's bye. With Khalil Herbert running effectively and Damien Williams available, the Bears will not need to push the limits of Montgomery's recovery.
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Remains on IR | Out Week 8 | Target = Week 12+
Fitzpatrick remains on crutches and is likely at least a month from returning to practice. Do not be surprised if he's not cleared to return in 2021.
Injured Players by Position
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Quarterbacks
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||||||
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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W8 Availability
|
| Dak Prescott | Dal | Right calf strain | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Week 8 return | Questionable |
| Trey Lance | SF | Left knee sprain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Baker Mayfield | Cle | Left shoulder dislocation | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Zach Wilson | NYJ | Right PCL sprain | Week 7 | Awaiting information | Week 10++ return | Out |
| Taysom Hill | NO | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 8+ 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 12+ return | IR |
| Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
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Running Backs
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||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W8 Availability
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| Saquon Barkley | NYG | Left ankle injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Doubtful |
| Nick Chubb | Cle | Calf injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Doubtful |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Left ankle sprain | Week 7 | Awaiting information | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Latavius Murray | Bal | Left ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Bye |
| Malcolm Brown | Mia | Quad injury | Week 7 | Injured reserve | Eligible Week 11 | IR |
| Josh Jacobs | LV | Chest injury | Week 7 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 return | Bye |
| Peyton Barber | LV | Toe sprain | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 return | Bye |
| Tevin Coleman | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Anthony McFarland | Pit | MCL sprain | Aug-2021 | IR - DTR Week 5 | Week 8 return | Probable |
| - | ||||||
| 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 |
| Kareem Hunt | Cle | Left calf strain | Week 6 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Week 10++ return | IR |
| Jeff Wilson | SF | Meniscus repair | May-2021 | Reserve - PUP | Week 10+ return | PUP |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 10+ return | PUP |
| Tony Jones | NO | Right ankle injury | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 9+ return | IR |
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Wide Receivers Injured
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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
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Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W8 Availability
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| Davante Adams | GB | COVID+ | Oct 24 | COVID-reserve | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Mike Williams | LAC | Knee contusion | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 8 return | Probable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Kenny Golladay | NYG | Knee hyperextension | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Doubtful |
| Kadarius Toney | NYG | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | Aggravated groin strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Dyami Brown | Was | Right knee injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Doubtful |
| Cam Sims | Was | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Right quad strain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Sammy Watkins | Bal | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9 return | Bye |
| DeVante Parker | Mia | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Terrace Marshall | Car | Concussion | Week 6 | Concussion protocol | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| Michael Thomas | NO | Syndesmosis/deltoid repair | Jun-2021 | Reserve-PUP | Week 10+ return | PUP |
| Jerry Jeudy | Den | Right high ankle sprain | Week 1 | IR - DTR Week 6 | Week 8 return | Probable |
| Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Michael Gallup | Dal | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - DTR Week 8 | Week 8 return | Questionable |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | GB | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| 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 10++ return | IR |
| Tyrell Williams | Det | Concussion | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 9++ return | IR |
| Dee Eskridge | Sea | Concussion | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 9++ return | IR |
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Tight Ends Injured
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||||||
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W8 Availability
|
| Darren Waller | LV | Ankle injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9 return | Bye |
| Rob Gronkowski | TB | Rib injuries / Punctured lung | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 8 return | Probable |
| Dawson Knox | Buf | Right hand fracture | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Out |
| Jonnu Smith | NE | Shoulder injury | Week 7 | Awaiting information | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Tyler Kroft | NYJ | Back injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| Darrell Daniels | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| 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 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Albert Okwuegbunam | Den | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 8+ return | Questionable |
| James OShaughnessy | Jac | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 8+ return | IR |
| Nick Boyle | Bal | Knee injury | Nov-2020 | IR - DTR Week 7 | Week 8+ return | IR / Bye |
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
|
|
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
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||||||
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
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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 |
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Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
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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 | 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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||||||
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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 |
| 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.
