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
Amari Cooper | Left quadriceps contusion | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 7
Cooper has been limited by multiple injuries this season. Last week, local writers reported a strained quad as the primary injury of concern and Cooper was unable to continue beyond the first quarter on Sunday.
Aggravated muscle strains often require additional time to rehab. While the Cowboys will work to have Cooper available for Sunday night's game against the Eagles, it will be a tough ask. Expect the Dallas Week 8 bye to factor into the team's decision-making process.
Cooper has played through plantar fasciitis and ankle soreness already this year and will get the veteran benefit of the doubt if possible. But consider him questionable at best unless he returns to practice midweek.
Monday update: Ian Rapoport reported Cooper's injury as a quad contusion. I've incorrectly assumed Cooper's injury was a quad strain. After further review of Dallas' Week 5 game against the Packers, it's clear Cooper suffered a left quad contusion. A contusion may be an easier rehab than an aggravated strain. Unfortunately, Cooper was only able to play three snaps on Sunday and was reportedly in significant pain despite a week of rehab. I'm somewhat more optimistic about Cooper's status this week but he'll need to improve significantly to be effective and play without risk of a compensatory injury.
Alvin Kamara | Left knee injury / Ankle soreness | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 7
Sean Payton told reporters Kamara experienced some ankle swelling after a late-week practice injury but was cleared to play. On the first series, Kamara had a tackler fall into his left knee. The stress on the inside of Kamara's knee is worrisome for an MCL sprain. His return to the game suggests a mild sprain but the Saints may have him evaluated further on Monday.
Todd Gurley | Left quad contusion | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7
Sean McVay told reporters the Rams were caught off-guard when Gurley was unable to practice last Wednesday. Gurley made some progress later in the week but never seemed to have a good chance to play. That's not surprising. Any alteration to Gurley's typical running gait could put stress on his arthritic left knee. As careful as Gurley and the Rams were with Gurley's offseason rehab, it's unlikely we'll see the team push Gurley through any lower-body injuries this season.
Assuming Gurley continues to make progress, there's a good chance he'll return to play this week.
Follow Up Appointments
Saquon Barkley | Right high ankle sprain | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 7
Barkley pushed to play in last Thursday night's game after rehabbing quickly through a mid-grade high ankle sprain. Barkley has already returned to individual position drills without a setback. He's likely to be cleared for contact and return to play this week.
Davante Adams | Right toe sprain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 7
Adams continues to rehab a mid-grade turf toe injury to his right foot. Early imaging studies reportedly showed Adams did not suffer a fractured bone or ligament tear severe enough to require surgery. But Adams has repeatedly described significant pain and limitation, calling his injury "major" despite a wide range of recovery estimates anywhere from 1-6 weeks.
The Green Bay medical staff leans conservative and there's little chance Adams will play until he's able to practice without limitation. To date, Adams hasn't seemed close to any position-specific individual drills. Until we see some form of limited practice, expect Adams to be out. He appears doubtful at best for Week 8.
Evan Engram | Right MCL sprain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 7
Engram sprained his right MCL last week and the short turnaround to a Thursday night game prevented him from playing. The injury is reportedly low grade and Engram has a chance to play this week. I'll update with any news after Monday's press conference.
Drew Brees | Right thumb ligament repair | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7
Brees continues to make progress in his rehab from right thumb surgery. His grip strength has improved and he expects to be throwing a regulation-size football soon. While Brees wants to "fast-track" his rehab and hit the six-week end of his recovery timetable, it's unclear whether he'll be healthy enough to play before the team's Week 9 bye.
A.J. Green | Left ankle surgery | Late July | Week-to-Week | Out Week 7
Green returned to positional drills last week, three months into his rehab after a July ankle surgery. It's been clear for weeks now that Green's surgery was more than a clean-up procedure and the Bengals were overly optimistic about Green's return. His limited practices last week were the first glimmers of hope for Green in some time.
Despite the progress to positional drills, Green told reporters he still "has a little ways to go" and remains concerned about recurrent swelling as he increases the stress on the ankle by stopping and cutting during agility work and route-running drills. Green was supposed to run routes in Baltimore on Sunday but did not. While there's been no report of a setback, his Wednesday practice participation will be telling.
At minimum, Green needs two full weeks of limited practice work before he plays. More likely, the Bengals will want Green to put in a full practice or two to prove his ankle is ready for game speed and contact. There's a slim chance Green is active in two weeks for Cincinnati's international game in London. But it's much more likely Green is targeting the home matchup against Baltimore in Week 10 after the team's Week 9 bye.
Cam Newton | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Bye Week 7
Adam Schefter reported Monday night that Newton's foot sprain has "healed well" and should be ready to practice next week. Reports through the weekend suggested the Panthers could choose to continue starting Kyle Allen even when Newton returns to full strength. If Schefter's report proves accurate and Newton's return to practice goes smoothly, Carolina may have that decision to make as soon as Week 8.
Fast Track News and Notes
***James Conner left Sunday night's game with a quad injury. I'll update with any post-game news.
***It's possible the Chiefs held Sammy Watkins out with a low-grade injury in anticipation of this week's quick turnaround to Thursday night's road game in Denver. More likely, Watkins has a higher-grade strain and will need multiple weeks to recover.
***Baker Mayfield returned after a left hip injury. He did not miss an offensive snap and will have two weeks to recover through Cleveland's bye week.
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
|
| Drew Brees | NO | Right thumb ligament repair | Week 2 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 8+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| Cam Newton | Car | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Baker Mayfield | Cle | Left hip injury | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Week 8 Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Mitchell Trubisky | Chi | Left shoulder dislocation | Week 4 | 2-3 Weeks | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Mason Rudolph | Pit | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
|
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
|
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|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
NYG
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Right high ankle sprain
|
Week 3
|
4-8 Weeks | Week 7 Return | Probable Week 7 | |
|
NYG
|
Concussion
|
Week 5
|
Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 | |
|
NO
|
Ankle / knee injuries
|
Week 6
|
Awaiting Information | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 | |
|
Pit
|
Quad injury
|
Week 6
|
Awaiting Information | Week 8 Return | Bye Week 7 | |
|
LAR
|
Quad contusion
|
Week 5
|
Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 | |
|
Buf
|
Left hamstring strain
|
Week 2
|
Week-to-Week | Week 7 Return | Probable Week 7 | |
|
NE
|
Foot injury
|
Week 3
|
Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 | |
|
Pit
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Left knee arthroscopic surgery
|
Week 5
|
3-4 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 7 | |
|
Sea
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Hamstring strain
|
Week 5
|
Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 | |
|
LAC
|
Calf injury
|
Week 3
|
Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 | |
|
Phi
|
Quad injury |
Week 5
|
Week-to-Week | Week 7++ Return | Doubtful Week 7 | |
|
Cle
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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 8++ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| Geronimo Allison | GB | Concussion | Week 6 | Concussion protocol | Week 8+ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | Left quad contusion | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Randall Cobb | Dal | Hip / back injuries | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Sammy Watkins | KC | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7++ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Left ankle injury | Late July | 6-8 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 7++ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| DeSean Jackson | Phi | Groin injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 7++ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Tyrell Williams | Oak | Foot injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Josh Gordon | NE | Left knee injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Emmanuel Sanders | Den | Knee injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Marquise Brown | Bal | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Christian Kirk | Ari | Right high ankle sprain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Deebo Samuel | SF | Quad strain | Week 6 | Awaiting Information | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Kenny Stills | Hou | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Phillip Dorsett | NE | Hamstring injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Taylor Gabriel | Chi | Concussion | Week 3 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Marqise Lee | Jac | Right ankle sprain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| Tre'Quan Smith | NO | Left high ankle sprain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Parris Campbell | Ind | Abdominal injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| James Washington | Pit | Shoulder injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Robert Foster | Buf | Groin injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
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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
|
| Evan Engram | NYG | Right MCL sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Will Dissly | Sea | Left Achilles injury | Week 6 | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Chris Herndon | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| Geoff Swaim | Jac | Concussion | Week 6 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| Vernon Davis | Was | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Tyler Kroft | Buf | Left ankle injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Josh Oliver | Jac | Hamstring strain | August | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
|
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 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| La'El Collins | Dal | Left MCL sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Joe Staley | SF | Left fibula fracture | Week 2 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| Mike McGlinchey | SF | Right knee arthroscopic surgery | Week 5 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| Jason Peters | Phi | Knee injury | Week 6 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Eric Fisher | KC | Core abdominal muscle repair | Week 2 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 8+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| Duane Brown | Sea | Biceps injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Cordy Glenn | Cin | Concussion | PS Week 2 | Concussion protocol | Week 7++ Return | Doubtful Week 7 |
| Andre Smith | Cin | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Greg Little | Car | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 8+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Kelvin Beachum | NYJ | Ankle sprain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Cody Ford | Buf | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Demar Dotson | TB | Calf / hamstring injuries | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Ja'Wuan James | Den | Left knee sprain | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Tytus Howard | Hou | Left MCL sprain | Week 6 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 11+ Return | Out Week 7 |
|
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Trai Turner | Car | Ankle injury | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Gabe Jackson | Oak | Left MCL sprain | PS Week 1 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Andrew Wylie | KC | Left ankle sprain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Kyle Long | Chi | Hip injury | Chronic | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| D.J. Fluker | Sea | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Joe Noteboom | LAR | Right ACL tear / MCL sprain | Week 6 | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Alex Cappa | TB | Fractured arm | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Bye Week 7 |
| Kelechi Osemele | NYJ | Shoulder / knee injuries | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Mitch Morse | Buf | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Greg Mancz | Hou | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
|
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Melvin Ingram III | LAC | Right hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 7+ Return | Questionable Week 7 |
| Clay Matthews | LAR | Jaw fracture | Week 5 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 7 |
| Clelin Ferrell | Oak | Concussion | Week 4 | Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
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Injuries
Johnathan Abram
Davante Adams
Nasir Adderley
Robert Alford
Zach Allen
Henry Anderson
Alex Anzalone
Michael Badgley
Saquon Barkley
Marquise Brown
Rex Burkhead
Bryce Callahan
Parris Campbell
Bradley Chubb
Corey Clement
Randall Cobb
James Conner
Ryan Connelly
Amari Cooper
Mike Daniels
Ronald Darby
Sean Davis
Darqueze Dennard
Quandre Diggs
Will Dissly
Phillip Dorsett
Carlos Dunlap
Evan Engram
Justin Evans
Clelin Ferrell
Nick Foles
Blaine Gabbert
Wayne Gallman
Josh Gordon
A.J. Green
Nate Hairston
Trey Hendrickson
Chris Herndon
Akiem Hicks
Anthony Hitchens
Malik Hooker
Xavien Howard
Kareem Hunt
Melvin Ingram III
DeSean Jackson
Donte Jackson
Justin Jackson
Malik Jackson
Derwin James Jr.
Tony Jefferson
John Johnson III
Taron Johnson
Byron Jones
Chris Jones
Alvin Kamara
Christian Kirk
Christian Kirksey
Dre Kirkpatrick
Micah Kiser
Tyler Kroft
Marquel Lee
Shaquille Leonard
Tyquan Lewis
Drew Lock
Avonte Maddox
Baker Mayfield
Jerick McKinnon
Matt Milano
Jalen Mills
C.J. Mosley
Keanu Neal
Steven Nelson
Cam Newton
David Njoku
Robert Nkemdiche
Alec Ogletree
Josh Oliver
Patrick Onwuasor
Rashaad Penny
Adrian Phillips
Harrison Phillips
Jason Pierre-Paul
Jalen Ramsey
Bradley Roby
Ben Roethlisberger
John Ross
Mason Rudolph
Deebo Samuel
Jaylen Samuels
Emmanuel Sanders
Darnell Savage
Sterling Shepard
Trevor Siemian
Jeffery Simmons
Devin Singletary
Darius Slay
Jimmy Smith
Equanimeous St. Brown
Jace Sternberger
Kenny Stills
Ryan Succop
Geoff Swaim
Trent Taylor
Jordan Thomas
Mitch Trubisky
Desmond Trufant
Kemoko Turay
Jason Verrett
Denzel Ward
Kahale Warring
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Sammy Watkins
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Ahkello Witherspoon
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