Every year in the NFL, there are a wide array of injuries that have spilled over from last season into the current offseason/preseason. From superstars like Rob Gronkowski (his latest injury woes are a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, suffered Mid-December, 2013, with corrective surgery January 9, 2014) to key backups like Kirk Cousins (LASIK eye surgery mid-February, 2014), it is imperative for fantasy owners to be well-informed about the injuries/rehabilitations that players are working through here in 2014 so that injury risk can be assessed before creating a drafting strategy/rankings/projections for the upcoming season. I've scoured the current, post-draft NFL depth charts to create an overview of the injury issues currently known to affect fantasy-relevant skill position players (QB, RB, WR, TE, PK) as we surge into the spring mini-camps/OTAs portion on the NFL schedule. This edition of the report is current to June 8, 2014.
Quarterback
BUF: EJ Manuel suffered a sprained LCL in December and had surgery to repair the ligament in January. Manuel participated in late-April OTAs and is expected to be full-go for training camp.
CAR: On June 4, Panthers head coach head coach Ron Rivera said he believes QB Cam Newton (ankle) is on or ahead of schedule in his four-month recovery schedule. 'We feel pretty comfortable,' Rivera said. 'We feel he's headed in the right direction.' Newton underwent surgery to strengthen his left ankle ligaments in late March, and shed his walking boot in late May.
CIN: A.J. McCarron (undisclosed) wasn't throwing Tuesday, May 27, due to a little tightness
CLE: Brian Hoyer underwent reconstructive knee surgery (ACL injury) on October 19, 2014. As of April 29, 2014 Hoyer was participating in voluntary OTAs with the Browns, wearing a brace on his repaired right knee. Hoyer should be ready to back up Johnny Manziel during the upcoming regular season. Reports on June 4 indicated that Hoyer likely will be limited during the team's June minicamp. Hoyer said he wants to be on the field but understands why the team is being cautious with him.
DAL: Five months removed from the second surgical procedure on his back over the last two years, Tony Romo is reportedly doing well in rehab. 'We feel good about Tony's health, first-hand, medically,' team owner Jerry Jones said on May 7, 2014. 'His back is everything that we want it to be at this time.' Romo was throwing the football around with authority at the early-May mini-camp, according to local sources. On May 27, Romo was reported to be right on schedule in his rehabilitation.
NYG: Eli Manning underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle in mid-April. He is said to be progressing well in his rehab, but won't practice until training camp to give the ankle time to heal. Manning said on May 28 that he feels like he can do all things in practice, but will be cautious in trying not to overdo anything as he recovers from ankle surgery. 'The last few weeks, I've been doing most things from a practice standpoint,' Manning said. 'We're still being smart about things and not trying to overdo it, but definitely, football activities, I feel like I can do them all full.'
PHI: Mark Sanchez had shoulder surgery during October 2013 after rehab failed to cure the injury he suffered during preseason - he also reportedly had a minor arthroscopic knee surgery while the shoulder healed. He is expected to join in Philadelphia's OTAs during the late spring/early summer. Sanchez said on May 30 that he hasn't been limited at all in organized team activities by his surgically repaired right shoulder. 'Maybe this whole shoulder thing and relocation has just been a blessing in disguise,' Sanchez said. 'Maybe that year off was exactly what I needed. Got a little rest for my legs, for my arm, and I feel great.'
STL: Sam Bradford suffered a torn ACL/reconstructive surgery midway through the 2013 season - he is reportedly on track to start throwing the football in June, though he won't fully participate in practice sessions until training camp. Bradford participated in practice Friday June 6. Bradford reportedly looked sharp during seven-on-seven drills and also took part in 11-on-11 drills.
STL: Earlier during the offseason (date unspecified) Shaun Hill had a relatively minor surgical procedure on his foot to clear up a nagging injury. He is expected to be ready for training camp.
TEN: Jake Locker underwent Lisfranc (foot) surgery in mid-November, 2013 - he is expected to be a full participant in OTA's and training camp, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt on May 1, 2014. Locker said he was good moving around in practice Tuesday, May 27.
WAS: As of April 17, 2014, reports out of Washington indicate that Robert Griffin III III is now fully healed from the knee injury/reconstructive surgery that hampered his 2013 season. Griffin has shed his knee brace and reportedly looks 'amazing' running on the field. A report on June 4 indicated that Griffin looks effortless in his dropbacks and throwing mechanics during organized team activities now that he isn't impeded by his knee brace. Reports on June 5 are that Griffin said the players have done a good job picking up the new offensive system but need more time to master the offense. 'I think it is coming together nicely. The quarterback room is doing really well and we’re ahead on a lot of things. But that’s where we’re supposed to be. We’ve got to have that mastery of the offense. But coming out here to the field... doing some talking at the line, getting some things under control and getting the looks that we need to be in, it’s been good,'
WAS: Kirk Cousins had LASIK eye surgery in mid-February, in a bid to improve his passing acumen by improving his vision.
Running Back
BAL: Ray Rice was hampered by hip and thigh injuries throughout the 2013 season. Though he is reportedly in great condition as of April 2014, Rice also has off-field issues and perhaps a suspension looming due to striking his then-fiancee (now wife) unconscious in Atlantic City during February.
BAL: Bernard Pierce underwent shoulder surgery in January of 2014 - he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, and was reported to be on pace in his rehab as of March 29, 2014. On May 29, reports indicated that Pierce may be a little ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Pierce was able to do some light work during organized team activities Thursday, May 29.
BUF: Fred Jackson played through broken ribs and a sprained knee to appear in all 16 games for the Bills last season. He is a tough competitor, but is 33 years old entering the 2014 season.
BUF: C.J. Spiller (ankle) said on May 30, 2014 that he felt great while taking part in organized team activities the final week of May. Spiller wasn't the same after battling through an ankle injury for most of last season. 'I don’t feel nothing, I feel great,' said Spiller. 'This is the best I’ve felt since 2012 when I had that great year. The ankle feels wonderful. I just have to keep doing what I need to do to stay healthy this whole season and try to go out there and make plays.'
CAR: Jonathan Stewart missed 10 games last season due to ankle and knee problems - he is reportedly engaging in a yoga/stretching regimen to hopefully improve his durability during 2014.
CLE: Dion Lewis fractured his left fibula in mid-August last year, and underwent corrective surgery. Lewis was placed on IR and missed 2013 - he was present and participating in the first day of the Browns' OTA's on April 30, 2014.
DET: As of May 7, 2014, Joique Bell is rehabbing an unspecified left knee injury (head coach Jim Caldwell refused comment) - Bell posted an Instagram photo of his knee wrapped up and crutches at his side. On May 29, Bell said he should be ready for training camp in late July. Bell hasn’t participated in any of the team’s organized team activities as of the end of May.
HOU: Arian Foster underwent back surgery in November of 2013, missing the final eight games of the season. He was medically cleared by the team's doctors March 16, 2014 and participated in May OTAs with the team. Foster appears on track to fully participate in training camp/regular season.
IND: Vick Ballard tore his right ACL the Thursday prior to Week 2 games during 2013 - as of May 5, 2014 he's said to be close to 100% recovered from the injury. Ballard appears to be on track to fully participate in the 2014 training camp.
IND: Ahmad Bradshaw went on the IR October 8, 2013 due to his injured neck, and subsequently had corrective surgery for the injury. Bradshaw also deals with a chronic foot injury - he was re-signed by the Colts in free agency (March 11, 2014). As of April 24, 2014 Bradshaw reported that his neck 'feels great' but it isn't back to 100% healthy yet. Bradshaw expects to be ready for training camp. Bradshaw was on the field for organized team activities Wednesday, June 4, but he was wearing a no contact jersey.
KC: Knile Davis suffered a fractured fibula and a sprained left knee in the Chiefs Wild Card round loss last January - he is reportedly doing everything during spring OTAs and Davis did not require surgery to repair the fibula. Davis seems to be on track for the start of training camp. As of May 31, Davis (leg) was participating in organized team activities. He has been working as the top kick returner and number two running back during workouts.
MIA: Knowshon Moreno suffered a back injury in the Super Bowl and missed most of the second half, but is expected to be fine for OTAs and training camp with his new Miami teammates.
MIA: Daniel Thomas struggled with an ankle injury at the end of the 2013 season, and could only manage two carries in he regular-season finale. With the signing of Knowshon Moreno during he offseason, Thomas' time with Miami may be near it's end.
NE: Shane Vereen said on May 2, 2014 that his 2013 wrist fracture still isn't fully healed. 'It’s not going to feel great tomorrow, it's not going to feel awful,' he said. 'It won’t be 100 percent probably for a while, but it's good enough and I'm working on strengthening it and getting it back.' Vereen also battled groin woes during the playoffs last January.
NYG: As of June 4, 2014, David Wilson (neck surgery/spinal disk fusion) did not gain medical clearance after a MRI and exam. He'll reportedly undergo another test/exam just before training camp, with the goal to be cleared for contact at that point - but it's clear Wilson's status for the 2014 season is up in the air as of mid-summer. For further analysis of this injury situation read Jene Bramel's Second Opinion column on this injury HERE.
NYJ: Chris Ivory suffered a cracked rib and a hip pointer in the regular-season finale last December. He is expected to be ready for OTAs and training camp this year.
NYJ: Chris Johnson had late-January arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his knee (torn in week three of the 2013 season), and there have been some reports that the knee is developing arthritis. However, the Jets signed him to a two-year, $8 million deal with a $3 million signing bonus in April, so their concerns over the knee can't be too dire.
SD: Ryan Mathews ended last season on a sour note, tweaking a previously injured ankle in the Chargers' Wild Card round victory and then being mostly unavailable during the Divisional round of the playoffs. He is expected to be fine for the start of training camp this year. However, Mathews (elbow, arm) was practicing with his elbow and upper arm wrapped Monday, June 2. No details about the severity of the injury were offered, but as he was on the field practicing the issue must have been relatively minor.
SF: Marcus Lattimore has conceded (May 5, 2014) that he still has not recovered his top form physically or mentally after the catastrophic knee injury (torn right ACL, LCL, and PCL) that ended his college career. He has also torn the ACL in his left knee. On May 22 the 49ers indicated that Lattimore would 'somewhat' participate in rookie minicamp.
TB: As of March 31, 2014 Martin was medically cleared to resume his football career after suffering a labrum tear in his shoulder Week 7 of the 2013 season. The injury appears to be a thing of the past as of May 2014.
TEN: Shonn Greene has had two right knee surgeries over the past 12 months - he complained of right knee soreness and swelling during the Titans' early-May minicamp and promptly went under the knife for an arthroscopic knee surgery (reported on May 11). Greene did not participate in organized team activities Monday, June 2.
Wide Receiver
ATL: Julio Jones broke his foot after just five games last season, but his rehabilitation is progressing well. As of April 22, 2014 Jones is expected to be limited during OTAs but ready to participate in full during training camp. On May 18, head coach Mike Smith confirmed that Jones would be limited during OTAs and mini-camp with the intention that he be ready to go in training camp. Smith also indicated that Jones is ahead of schedule on the rehab of his foot. Jones was able to make some cuts on the field during organized team activities Wednesday, June 4.
BUF: Mike Williams was stabbed in his thigh on March 23, 2014, after missing the second half of the 2013 season in Tampa Bay due to a torn hamstring. He is expected to be 100% for training camp with his new team.
Ex-CHI: Domenik Hixon was released by the Bears with an injury settlement on June 3 after tearing his right ACL for the third time on May 27, 2014. Hixon appears to be planning on retiring from the NFL after his most recent ACL injury.
CLE: Miles Austin was (once again) plagued by hamstring woes during 2013, and largely ineffective for Dallas, who released him on March 11, 2014. The wide receiver-hungry Browns took a gamble and signed him to a deal on March 15.
CLE: Nate Burleson Burleson said on June 3 that he did not fracture his arm during an April minicamp and it was just a minor injury. He said the severity of the injury was exaggerated. Because there was no fracture, Burleson was able to run and lift weights with the cast on.
DAL: Dwyane Harris is currently recovering from shoulder surgery that was performed shortly after the end of the 2013 season. He is expected to be 100% by the time training camp rolls around.
DET: Calvin Johnson had minor offseason right knee and left finger surgeries - he sat out the late April minicamp as his recovery from the surgeries continues. Johnson is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
DET: Ryan Broyles tore his Achilles tendon in October of 2013, but was given a clean bill of health on April 9, 2014 - he has resumed football activities. Reports on June 4 indicated that Broyles has worked on the placement of his feet, knees and hips, and is learning movements and proper form in order to eliminate future injuries. Broyles has already come back from two ACL tears and says the Achilles rehabilitation has been easier than the ACL rehabs.
HOU: DeVier Posey suffered a high ankle sprain in mid-December, shortening his 2013 season. He should be fine for the start of training camp.
IND: Reggie Wayne suffered a torn right ACL and meniscus damage in his knee on October 20, 2013. He is said to be recovering well and is reportedly ahead of schedule in rehabilitating the knee. On April 8 Wayne was said to be targeting the end of April to begin training/conditioning work - he appears to be on schedule for participating in the 2014 training camp. Wayne did not participate in late-May practices.
JAX: Jaguars WR Marqise Lee (right ankle injury) said on June 5 that he believes he could be ready to return to organized team activities late next week. He said the team doesn't want to rush him back and that he will be ready for training camp. Lee was in a walking boot due to the injury as of June 3. Lee also battled a jammed wrist during OTAs - he's been nicked up a lot during the first month of his pro career.
JAX: Cecil Shorts had a sports hernia surgery in December, 2013 - as of April 23, he expects to be 100% healed very soon. We'll see how quickly the team doctors clear him for football activities. Shorts left the team's practice Wednesday, June 4, due to a minor calf injury, but he was on the field participating which is a positive sign about his recovery from sports hernia surgery.
MIA: Armon Binns tore his ACL and MCL in late July of 2013, and landed on IR for the season. He is reportedly (May 2, 2014) looking good in training sessions and appears to be on track to take part in training camp.
MIA: Brandon Gibson suffered a torn left patellar tendon during late October, and was placed on I.R. October 29, 2013, one day after corrective surgery. He has reportedly (May 2, 2014) looked good in offseason conditioning sessions. However, on June 7 local reports indicated that Gibson (knee) has only participated in one of the organized team activities this offseason, because he wants to go slow with his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament - the left knee injury was evidently more serious than initially reported. Gibson could be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list or on short-term Injured Reserve if he needs more recovery time.
MIA: Brian Hartline suffered a torn PCL in the 2013 regular-season finale, but surgery wasn't necessary to repair the ligament - it healed naturally. As of April 19, 2014 he was reportedly well ahead of schedule in his rehab and is expected to practice during spring OTAs and training camp as usual.
NE: Danny Amendola tore a tendon in his groin early in the 2013 regular season, and the injury was a nagging issue for him all season long. However, reports on May 8, 2014 indicated that he avoided a groin surgery and enters spring OTAs 100% recovered from the injury.
NE: On March 10, 2014 Aaron Dobson underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The timetable for his recovery is said to be two-to-three months, which should put Dobson in good shape for training camp if all goes according to plan.
NE: Kenbrell Thompkins ended the playoffs on the inactive list due to a concussion - he should be fine for training camp, but once a player has suffered a concussion they are more susceptible to future brain traumas.
NO: On March 26, Saints' head coach Sean Payton stated that he doesn't expect Marques Colston's nagging foot injuries to go away in 2014, and indicated that Colston will be limited in practices most weeks.
NYG: Victor Cruz had arthroscopic knee surgery in December of 2013 and sat out the last two games - as of April 28 he has declared himself 100% recovered from the procedure. Cruz is expected to practice as usual this spring/summer.
NYJ: Clyde Gates was placed on I.R. in mid-October of 2013 due to a separated shoulder. His status for the upcoming 2014 season is cloudy due to his lack of impact in the passing game while with the Jets.
NYJ: Stephen Hill was placed on I.R. December 13, 2013 with a knee injury of unspecified severity. He reportedly avoided knee surgery and is expected to be ready for training camp.
PHI: Jeremy Maclin tore his right ACL (the second time he's done so) during training camp last July and had successful reconstructive surgery on July 30, 2013. As of April 24, 2014 Maclin has indicated that his knee is fully recovered from the injury - he is expected to take part in training camp. On Junr 7, The Eagles' general manager Howie Roseman indicated that the team fully expect Jeremy Maclin (knee) to be ready to go for the start of the 2014 season. 'I think it depends on the player. We saw Adrian Peterson come back after six months, and did he win the MVP award after that? So I think it depends on the genetics. And all I know is what our doctors are telling us, and he’s doing a great job in his rehab. We fully expect him to be ready to go once the season starts.'
PIT: Markus Wheaton underwent minor offseason finger surgery (revealed on March 25). Wheaton suffered from two broken fingers during his rookie campaign last year and only caught six passes over 12 appearances.
SD: Malcom Floyd injured a disc in his neck during Week Two of the 2013 season and sat out the balance of the year on I.R. Though he has resumed light training activities as of March 2, 2014, there is no consensus on when or if Floyd will resume his football career. Floyd had the majority of passes go his way during organized team activities Tuesday, May 27, and it was his first practice since he suffered a serious neck injury in Week Two of last season.
SF: 49ers Steve Johnson (hamstring) has been sidelined during early-June voluntary workouts due to a hamstring issue, but the injury is not believed to be serious.
STL: Tavon Austin missed the final three games of the 2013 season due to a high ankle sprain, but he is expected to be fine for the upcoming OTAs/training camp.
STL: On April 23, 2014 Chris Givens revealed that a nagging ankle injury dogged him for most of last season (though he did appear in all 16 games).
STL: On May 12 the NFL suspended Stedman Bailey for four games for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy. He won't play until week six of the 2014 season.
STL: Kenny Britt battled knee problems throughout the 2013 season and only managed 11/96/0 receiving - he was also in the doghouse in Tennessee for multiple off-field issues. We'll see if he can heal up and play better/keep his nose clean in St. Louis.
TB: Rookie Mike Evans suffered a hamstring pull in late-May OTAs. Head coach Lovie Smith indicated on May 27 that Evans was improving - he should be fine for training camp unless Evans suffers a setback.
TB: Vincent Jackson suffered a hamstring pull during late-May OTAs. Head coach Lovie Smith indicated on May 27 that the team will be cautious in their approach to Jackson's rehab - he may be limited until training camp.
WAS: Leonard Hankerson ended 2013 on IR due to torn left LCL and ACL knee ligaments - he had corrective surgery on November 21 and is expected to miss 7-9 months due to the injury. His availability for Week One of the 2014 regular season is up in the air.
WAS: DeSean Jackson suffered a hamstring injury during early June OTAs and as of June 6, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said he is unsure if Jackson will participate in practice during June 9-14. The team does not want to rush him back and make the hamstring injury worse.
Tight End
BAL: Owen Daniels suffered a broken leg last October, but is now 100% healthy and was signed to a one-year deal by the Ravens in March.
BAL: On June 7, 2014 Dennis Pitta (hip injury during 2013) said he is feeling healthy but indicated he has things to work out before being 100 percent. 'I feel good. I feel really healthy. I feel 100 percent,' Pitta said. 'But there are still things that I work through. I would say I’m on my way to getting all the way back.'
CIN: Tyler Eifert was limited during the 2013 playoffs due to a shoulder injury (and also had a neck issue late in the season) - his status for training camp is not clear as of mid-May.
HOU: Garrett Graham ended the 2013 season sidelined due to a hamstring injury, but he was re-signed to a three-year deal in March - presumably the injury is not a concern heading into 2014.
IND: Dwayne Allen had hip surgery in early October, 2013. He stated in January of this year that the repair was more intensive than expected. As of April 24 he received full medical clearance and is set for OTAs/training camp. Reports on June 6 indicated that Allen is running at full speed at organized team activities. Colts' LB Erik Walden said Allen still had his burst and speed.
KC: Travis Kelce is reportedly progressing well after undergoing micro-fracture surgery on his knee last October. As of April 21, 2014 he was participating in the Chiefs' offseason conditioning program and appears set to participate in training camp.
NE: Rob Gronkowski tore the ACL and MCL in his knee during Week 14 of the 2013 season, and had corrective surgery on January 9, 2014. As of April 29, Gronkowski was unwilling to project a time frame for his return to the field - his status for the start of the 2014 season is up in the air. Gronkowski worked out on the side of the field at practice Friday, May 30.
NFL: Free agent TE Jermichael Finley (neck surgery/rehab and concussion issues) has been given full medical clearance as of May 29, 2014 by his doctor, according to his agent, Blake Baratz. Finley has negotiated with several teams since his clearance.
OAK: David Ausberry had a significant (but unspecified) shoulder injury in the second preseason game last August, and was sent to I.R. on September 23, 2013.
MIN: Kyle Rudolph fractured his left foot in week nine of the 2013 season, and was eventually placed on I.R. December 9, 2013. Rudolph has been running since February and as of April 15 is reported to be on track to fully participate in training camp.
SEA: Anthony McCoy tore his Achilles tendon in May of 2013 and spent the season on I.R. - he should be healed and well-rested by training camp 2014.
TEN: Craig Stevens sustained a concussion in Week 15 of the 2013 regular season - he should be fine for training camp, but once a player has sustained a concussion they become more susceptible to future brain traumas.
WAS: Jordan Reed saw his 2013 campaign cut short due to concussion, but he was participating in mini-camp on May 3, 2014 and should be full-go in training camp this year. On June 5, Reed admitted to hiding a concussion he suffered two weeks before the second one that ended his season. 'I think I had had a concussion two weeks before, but I didn't tell nobody so when I took a shot to the side of my head against the Philadelphia Eagles it made it worse. I was in a bad spot for a long time. I didn't know if they would ever go away, but I'm past it now.'
Place Kicker
No injuries of note as of June 8, 2014