Inseason injury coverage
Footballguys will again provide comprehensive injury coverage during the regular season.
My writing and podcast schedule will include:
Monday Injury Rounds > Published as soon as complete 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 900 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 and Matt Waldman at 1000 ET every Sunday morning to discuss and interpret the week's practice participation reports and breaking weekend injury news.
Injury Rounds
Patrick Mahomes II | Aggravated left high ankle sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 6
The Chiefs struggled to protect Mahomes Sunday night and there were multiple instances when his ankle was stressed as the pocket collapsed. Mahomes had his ankle re-taped in the locker room at halftime. Unfortunately, taping does not add much stability to a high ankle sprain and Mahomes was limited in the pocket and limping for much of the second half.
Quarterbacks frequently play through high ankle sprains as teams find ways to support them in the pocket. Mahomes may have more swelling and stiffness on Monday and have his practice time limited through the week. But television replays did not show a violent injury event that's likely to keep him from playing next week.
Sterling Shepard | Concussion | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 6
Shepard reported concussion symptoms to the medical staff on Monday and was placed in concussion protocol for the second time this season. The Giants play Thursday night, leaving little time for Shepard to clear protocol this week. Shepard could miss additional games with the Giants likely to take extended time to advance Shepard through the protocol's stages given the short length of time between his two 2019 concussions.
Follow Up Appointments
Saquon Barkley | Right high ankle sprain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 6
Within 24 hours of Barkley's high ankle sprain, local and national reports had his expected return timetable at 4-8 weeks. While the eight week end of the timetable didn't seem likely -- Barkley was evaluated by specialists and told surgery was unnecessary -- the consensus was Barkley's return would be closer to six weeks than four weeks.
But Barkley has consistently told reporters he heals quickly and has already returned to limited individual practice. He has clearly targeted this Thursday night's game against New England as his preferred return date. Even if Barkley's injury was never serious enough to warrant a 6+ week rehab, returning in less than three weeks is a big ask.
If Barkley and the medical team decide the ankle is stable enough to play without a high risk of aggravation, we'll likely know by Tuesday or Wednesday's practice. I'm giving Barkley the benefit of the doubt and projecting him questionable for now.
Tyreek Hill | Right sternoclavicular dislocation | Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 6
The closest prior NFL comparison for Hill's injury is Danny Amendola's 2002 injury. Amendola was cleared to return in five weeks. Others with similar injuries to the same joint also returned in 4-6 weeks.
Hill's rehab has progressed smoothly. He needed a sling for comfort only briefly and has been seen catching passes for two weeks now. That suggests Hill may have returned to full range of motion without pain. But it does not guarantee his sternoclavicular joint is stable enough to be cleared for contact. The Chiefs will re-evaluate Hill early this week. If they clear him to return to a full practice -- and I think that's possible, if not likely -- he should be in condition and ready to see a full workload immediately in Week 6.
Drew Brees | Right thumb ligament repair | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return
The surgical procedure Brees had allowed for immediate range of motion and he's taken full advantage during his rehab. Last week, video showed Brees gripping and throwing a football three weeks after surgery. While that's reassuring, it doesn't mean Brees will shave multiple weeks off the original 6-8 week timetable. It does put the lower end of the timetable in play, however, and it's now possible Brees will play before the Saints' Week 9 bye.
Hunter Henry | Left tibial plateau fracture | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 6
Henry was given a 4-6 week timetable after his Week 1 diagnosis. He was running sprints and reconditioning in a knee brace last week but has not been cleared to return to individual drills. The Chargers haven't updated Henry's timetable but expect him to increase his practice participation this week. If his knee responds well, he may return as early as this week.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Mason Rudolph was released after a brief period of observation in a local hospital after sustaining a concussion. He may have difficulty progressing through the return-to-play protocol in time to play this week.
***Sammy Watkins suffered a hamstring strain early in the first quarter Sunday night. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.
***Sam Darnold continues to recover from a viral illness and enlarged spleen. Multiple follow up tests last week did not show enough improvement to clear Darnold for contact. He'll have another set of tests early this week.
***Wayne Gallman sustained a concussion. While there have been limited instances when players who suffered a Sunday concussion were cleared to play on Thursday night, it's rare and unlikely. Expect Gallman to be inactive Thursday.
Injured Players on Active Roster
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Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Patrick Mahomes II | KC | Left high ankle sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Drew Brees | NO | Right thumb ligament repair | Week 2 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 8+ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Cam Newton | Car | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Matthew Stafford | Det | Back / hip condition | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Mitchell Trubisky | Chi | Left shoulder dislocation | Week 4 | 2-3 Weeks | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Sam Darnold | NYJ | Mononucleosis | Week 1 | 3-4 Weeks | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Mason Rudolph | Pit | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
|
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
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|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
NYG
|
Right high ankle sprain
|
Week 3
|
4-8 Weeks | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 | |
|
NYG
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Concussion
|
Week 5
|
Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 | |
|
Ari
|
Back injury
|
Week 5
|
Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Probable Week 6 | |
|
Buf
|
Left hamstring strain
|
Week 2
|
Week-to-Week | Week 7 Return | Bye Week 6 | |
|
GB
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Concussion
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Week 4
|
Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 | |
|
NE
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Foot injury
|
Week 3
|
Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 | |
|
LAC
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Calf injury
|
Week 3
|
Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 | |
|
Phi
|
Quad injury |
Week 5
|
Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 | |
|
Cle
|
Core abdominal muscle repair
|
PS Week 4
|
4-6 Weeks | Week 10 Return | Suspended eight games | |
|
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Davante Adams | GB | Right toe sprain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Tyreek Hill | KC | Right sternoclavicular dislocation | Week 1 | 5-6 Weeks | Week 6+ Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Sammy Watkins | KC | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Left ankle injury | Late July | 6-8 Weeks | Week 8+ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 7++ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Brandin Cooks | LAR | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| DeSean Jackson | Phi | Groin injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Tyrell Williams | Oak | Foot injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Marquise Brown | Bal | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Christian Kirk | Ari | Right high ankle sprain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Damiere Byrd | Ari | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Kenny Stills | Hou | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Albert Wilson | Mia | Aggravated calf strain | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Phillip Dorsett | NE | Hamstring injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Taylor Gabriel | Chi | Concussion | Week 3 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Rashard Higgins | Cle | Knee injury | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Danny Amendola | Det | Chest injury | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Parris Campbell | Ind | Abdominal injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| James Washington | Pit | Shoulder injury | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Robert Foster | Buf | Groin injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Allen Hurns | Mia | Concussion | Week 3 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
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Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
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Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Hunter Henry | LAC | Left tibial plateau fracture | Week 1 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| T.J. Hockenson | Det | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| James O'Shaughnessy | Jac | Left ACL tear | Week 5 | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Jordan Reed | Was | Concussion | PS Week 3 | Concussion protocol | Indefinite | Out Week 6 |
| Vernon Davis | Was | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Tyler Kroft | Buf | Left ankle injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Josh Oliver | Jac | Hamstring strain | August | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
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Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
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Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Tyron Smith | Dal | Right high ankle sprain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| La'El Collins | Dal | Left MCL sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Joe Staley | SF | Left fibula fracture | Week 2 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Eric Fisher | KC | Core abdominal muscle repair | Week 2 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 7+ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Cordy Glenn | Cin | Concussion | PS Week 2 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Andre Smith | Cin | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Greg Little | Car | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Cody Ford | Buf | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Demar Dotson | TB | Calf / hamstring injuries | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Ja'Wuan James | Den | Left knee sprain | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Jesse Davis | Mia | Right elbow injury | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
|
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Trai Turner | Car | Ankle injury | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Gabe Jackson | Oak | Left MCL sprain | PS Week 1 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Brandon Scherff | Was | Ankle injury | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Andrew Wylie | KC | Left ankle sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Ethan Pocic | Sea | Neck injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| D.J. Fluker | Sea | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Jamon Brown | Atl | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Alex Cappa | TB | Fractured arm | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | IR (exp) | Out Week 6 |
| Kelechi Osemele | NYJ | Shoulder / knee injuries | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Kevin Pamphile | Ten | Left knee injury | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
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Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Mike Pouncey | LAC | Neck injury | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Corey Linsley | GB | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Mitch Morse | Buf | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
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Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
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Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Melvin Ingram III | LAC | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Clay Matthews | LAR | Jaw fracture | Week 5 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 6 |
| Clelin Ferrell | Oak | Concussion | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Alex Okafor | KC | Hip injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Trey Hendrickson | NO | Neck injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Cameron Wake | Ten | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Kemoko Turay | Ind | Right ankle fracture / dislocation | Week 5 | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
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