Injury Rounds
Kyler Murray | Left ankle injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 9
Murray was tackled from behind in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's game. His ankle was turned to the outside, a mechanism that will affect the inside of Murray's ankle or potentially cause a high ankle sprain.
After leaving the stadium in a walking boot, Murray's follow-up evaluations showed enough swelling and stiffness that his Week 9 availability is in doubt. Jay Glazer reported on Sunday morning that Murray could miss 1-2 weeks. While it's possible Murray could return this week, his mobility is likely to be severely limited.
Derrick Henry | Metatarsal fracture | Awaiting information | Out Week 9
Monday update: Henry suffered a foot injury but returned to the game. Further evaluation has reportedly revealed a fifth metatarsal fracture. These injuries require a screw to stabilize and multiple weeks of rehab and recovery.
Players are sometimes given a 6-8 week recovery timetable. Surgery usually stabilizes the injury quickly. But revisions and complications can occur and players rarely return to their pre-injury form for at least eight weeks. Adam Schefter is reporting the Titans have concern for a season-ending injury.
If the MRI confirms the injury, expect surgery immediately. Henry would then move to injured reserve. A smooth and successful rehab could have him back for the playoffs if the Titans qualify.
Monday update: Henry will have surgery on Tuesday and has already been moved to injured reserve. Ian Rapoport tweeted a timetable of 6-10 weeks. Six weeks is extremely unlikely for a running back with Henry's size. Unless the Titans choose to bring him back for a must-win, play-in game in Week 17, Henry's regular season is over.
Jameis Winston | Left ACL / MCL injury | Injured reserve (exp) | 2022 return
Winston was injured on a horse-collar tackle and his left knee was buckled and torqued as his body rotated. Reports suggest Winston suffered an ACL and MCL injury. He'll have an MRI on Monday to confirm. These injuries are often associated with additional meniscus or cartilage damage.
Expect a period of rehabilitation before season-ending surgery for Winston. He will need 9-10+ months of rehab but has a chance to return for training camp in 2022.
Follow Up Appointments
Dak Prescott | Right calf strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 9
Prescott was reportedly cleared to play by the Dallas medical staff but all involved felt it best to allow Prescott another week to recover. Prescott had a PRP injection early last week to limit inflammation and speed healing. His looked comfortable in a high-intensity pregame warmup on Sunday night and looks likely to return this week.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay have yet to return to practice. Barkley isn't doing any on-field rehab work and may not be close to returning. The Giants believe both players may be able to return in Week 9 but the team has a Week 10 bye and could decide to allow one or both the additional time to get close to full health.
***James Robinson was injured in the first half after being roughly shoved through the Seattle sideline and jamming a foot into a cart. Urban Meyer told reporters Robinson suffered a heel contusion and the team did not yet know the extent of the injury. A simple contusion should not be a long-term injury. I'll update with a more detailed timetable if the Jaguars say more on Monday. Monday update: Adam Schefter reports testing showed no significant injury and Robinson is considered day-to-day.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP
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.
Russell Wilson | Fractured finger / tendon injury | Eligible Week 10 | Target = Week 10+
Wilson will be eligible to return from injured reserve after the Seahawks Week 9 bye. Wilson will undoubtedly try to come back as soon as he's able. Week 10 was always the most optimistic end of his 4-8 week timetable. It's now nearly three weeks since Wilson's surgery to pin the extensor tendon and stabilize the fracture of the third finger on his throwing hand. Pain should no longer be an issue. If Wilson has enough range of motion and grip strength to control the football while throwing, he will be back in Week 10. That remains a relatively tough ask.
George Kittle | Calf strain | Eligible Week 9 | Target = Week 9
The Niners currently expect Kittle back this week. He's reportedly been moving well and should be designated to return before Wednesday's practice.
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.
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.
Logan Thomas | Right hamstring strain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Bye Week 9 | 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.
David Montgomery | Left knee sprain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Out Week 9 | 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.
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."
Michael Gallup | Calf strain | Eligible Week 5 - Designated to return Week 8 | Probable Week 9 | Target Week 9
Gallup was designated to return last week but was not activated. The Cowboys believe he's "just around the corner."
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful Week 9 | Target Week 10+
Fuller doesn't appear close to returning according to local beat writers. He's doubtful to be activated this week.
Tyrod Taylor | Hamstring strain | Eligible Week 6 - Remains on IR | Questionable Week 9 | Target Week 9+
Taylor wasn't ready to return to practice last week. The Texans have consistently said Taylor would return as the starting quarterback when ready. Houston has a bye in Week 10. It's now possible Taylor won't return until Week 11.
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Remains on IR | Out Week 9 | 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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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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W9 Availability
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| Kyler Murray | Ari | Left ankle injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Dak Prescott | Dal | Right calf strain | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 return | Probable |
| Jameis Winston | NO | Left ACL / MCL injury | Week 8 | Injured reserve (exp) | 2022 return | Out |
| Zach Wilson | NYJ | Right PCL sprain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10++ return | Out |
| Sam Darnold | Car | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Taysom Hill | NO | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ 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 / Bye |
| Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 9+ 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
|
W9 Availability
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| Derrick Henry | Ten | Metatarsal fracture | Week 8 | IR | Week 17+ return | Out |
| Saquon Barkley | NYG | Left ankle injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Elijah Mitchell | SF | Rib injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| James Robinson | Jac | Heel contusion | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Latavius Murray | Bal | Left ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Jamaal Williams | Det | Hip injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10 return | Bye |
| Peyton Barber | LV | Toe sprain | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 return | Probable |
| Tevin Coleman | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Chris Evans | Cin | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 11 return | Doubtful |
| Kylin Hill | GB | Right ACL tear | Week 8 | Injured reserve (exp) | 2022 return | Out |
| - | ||||||
| Christian McCaffrey | Car | Left hamstring strain | Week 3 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | Right MCL sprain | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| 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 |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Left ankle sprain | Week 7 | IR - Eligible Week 11 | Week 11+ 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 |
| Malcolm Brown | Mia | Quad injury | Week 7 | IR _ Eligible Week 11 | Week 11+ return | IR |
| 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
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Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W9 Availability
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| Davante Adams | GB | COVID+ | Oct 24 | COVID-reserve | Week 9+ return | Probable |
| Allen Lazard | GB | COVID (unvaccinated contact) | Oct 26 | COVID-reserve | Week 9 return | Probable |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Deebo Samuel | SF | Calf strain | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Bye |
| Julio Jones | Ten | Hamstring strain | Chronic | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Corey Davis | NYJ | Hip injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Quad strain | Week 8 | Awaiting information | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| Kenny Golladay | NYG | Knee hyperextension | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Kadarius Toney | NYG | Thumb injury | Week 8 | Awaiting information | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | Aggravated groin strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Bye |
| Dyami Brown | Was | Right knee injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ return | Bye |
| T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Jalen Reagor | Phi | Ankle injury | Week 8 | Awaiting information | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | Cle | Groin injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Sammy Watkins | Bal | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| Terrace Marshall | Car | Concussion | Week 6 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| Michael Thomas | NO | Syndesmosis/deltoid repair | Jun-2021 | Reserve-PUP | Week 10+ return | PUP |
| Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 10+ return | Doubtful |
| Michael Gallup | Dal | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - DTR Week 8 | Week 9 return | Probable |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | GB | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 9+ 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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Player
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Team
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Injury
|
Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
|
W9 Availability
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| Darren Waller | LV | Ankle injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9 return | Questionable |
| Rob Gronkowski | TB | Back spasms | Week 8 | Awaiting information | Week 10 return | Bye |
| Dawson Knox | Buf | Right hand fracture | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Doubtful |
| Robert Tonyan Jr | GB | Left ACL tear | Week 8 | Injured reserve (exp) | 2022 return | IR |
| Eric Ebron | Pit | Hamstring strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| George Kittle | SF | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 9 | Week 9 return | Probable |
| Logan Thomas | Was | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 10 return | Bye |
| 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 |
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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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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| 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 |
| Darrynton Evans | Ten | Knee injury | Oct-2021 | IR - Oct 2021 | 2022 | 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
|
Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| 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 |
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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
|
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 |
| 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.
