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.
Follow Up Appointments
Patrick Mahomes II | Right patella dislocation | Week 7 | 3-6 Weeks | Week 9+ Return | Doubtful Week 9
Mahomes' recovery from a patellar dislocation is progressing blindly quickly. Mahomes was cleared to participate in light individual drills just seven days after his injury and the Chiefs didn't officially rule him out of last week's game until Friday evening.
The Chiefs and Mahomes, after seeking multiple opinions to confirm that an MRI study showed only minimal damage to the ligament stabilizing his kneecap, are clearly comfortable accelerating this rehab. Even the best-case scenario seemed to be a four-week recovery initially. But there were reports Sunday that Mahomes is likely to push to play this week.
Whether that's in Mahomes' best interest is a valid question.
Without knowing the precise findings on Mahomes' MRI and examining the stability of his knee, it's not possible to accurately predict Mahomes' risk of reinjury. However, that risk is clearly not zero. Even though the MRI didn't show a high-grade injury to the ligament holding Mahomes' kneecap in place, the kneecap would not have dislocated without some damage to the ligament.
On Sunday, Ian Rapoport reported the Chiefs believe Mahomes has "naturally loose ligaments." The implication is that looseness stretched enough to allow the kneecap to dislocate without tearing the ligament or other supporting structures. I'll spare you a long anatomic discussion about joint hypermobility but Rapoport's implication isn't all positive here.
If Mahomes has a condition in which his stabilizing ligament is looser than most, it may allow him to heal more quickly. But it also means he'll always have a higher risk of another dislocation.
Expect Mahomes to return to practice this week. If his knee exam is stable and Mahomes feels no looseness when his knee is stressed, there's a chance he'll be cleared to play this week. More likely, the Chiefs remain cautious and look to return Mahomes in Week 10.
Alvin Kamara | Right high ankle sprain / Left MCL sprain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Bye Week 9
The Saints returned Kamara to two limited practices last week. However, with Latavius Murray capable and healthy and a bye this week, New Orleans -- smartly -- chose to rest Kamara rather than risk aggravation of his high ankle sprain. Expect Kamara to return to a full practice and play in Week 10.
Davante Adams | Right big toe sprain | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 9
Adams continues to improve and was reportedly working on deciding on what shoes and orthotic inserts he was most comfortable with during individual work last week. On Sunday morning, Adam Schefter reported Adams would likely return this week. Watch for a reassuring return to practice on Wednesday. If he responds well to football-related activity, he should be quickly cleared for contact.
David Johnson | Left ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 9
The Cardinals told reporters Johnson was a game-time decision but he had very little chance to play after managing just three snaps in Week 7 and not participating in any practice reps last week. Reports on Sunday also suggested that Johnson may not be healthy enough to play on Thursday night either. Unless Johnson is limited or better in Tuesday's practice, expect him to miss another week.
Cam Newton | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 9
It's still unclear how close Newton may be to returning. Asked how he was feeling this weekend, Newton would only say, "Good." When reporters asked about Newton's progress, Ron Rivera said, "Still rehabbing."
The Panthers haven't cleared Newton to return to individual drills yet. It's unlikely Newton would go from rehabbing to full practice to returning to play within seven days. But the Panthers are now 4-3, three games behind New Orleans in the NFC South, and stuck among seven teams between three and five wins in the NFC. If Newton is close to full strength, expect him to fast-track his rehab over the next ten days.
Monday Update: Rivera told reporters today Newton would remain in rehab and ruled him out of this week's game.
A.J. Green | Left ankle surgery | Late July | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9
Green has intermittently practiced for three weeks and looked more comfortable in individual drills last week. Green told reporters he's targeting Week 10 for his return, looking to minimize his risk of a reconditioning injury. Look for Green to increase his participation over the next two weeks. If Green practices in full, you can count on his return.
Adam Thielen | Right hamstring strain | Week 7 | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 9
Thielen's hamstring strain was reportedly low grade but the short week of practice leading into last Thursday night's game wasn't enough to allow him to rehab and return. Multiple reports have Thielen likely to return this week.
Matt Ryan | Right high ankle sprain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Bye Week 9
Ryan attempted a limited Friday practice in hopes of continuing his 150+ consecutive game streak but wasn't close to playing. The Falcons have a bye in Week 9 and Ryan should have a good chance to return to practice in ten days and return in Week 10.
Injury Rounds
Joe Flacco | Cervical disc herniation | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 9
News broke Monday that Flacco is dealing with a cervical disc herniation and will not play. There was no previous report of neck discomfort but it's likely Flacco has been playing through pain or weakness for some time. Flacco will reportedly rehab through the bye week then be re-evaluated. It's possible injured reserve will be necessary if Flacco doesn't respond to treatment.
Flacco missed much of the 2017 preseason with a disc herniation after feeling pain while weight lifting. It's most likely that injury was lower in Flacco's spine -- it was reported as a back condition -- but the level of Flacco's injury was never specifically reported.
Prepare for Flacco to miss multiple weeks. Reports on Drew Lock's return from a preseason thumb injury weren't promising last week. If Lock is closer to returning after the bye, Flacco's chances of finishing the season on injured reserve may increase substantially.
Chase Edmonds | Left hamstring strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 9
Edmonds strained his left hamstring and needed assistance coming off the field. He told reporters he was "hopeful" he would be able to recover in time for Arizona's Thursday night game. The Cardinals will re-evaluate Edmonds on Monday but he's unlikely to play this week.
Monday Update: Tom Pelissero reports Edmonds is likely to miss a "few weeks," suggesting the hamstring strain is more than a low-grade injury. Expect a minimum 3-4 week recovery.
Matt Breida | Left ankle sprain | Week 8 | Awaiting Information | Probable Week 9
Breida turned his left ankle on the final play of the first half and didn't return. Breida's injury is consistent with a low ankle sprain. While there wasn't a violent mechanism of injury, the Niners have a quick turnaround to a road Thursday night game in Arizona. Breida routinely plays through injury, however, and there was little incentive to use him in a blowout win over Carolina while Tevin Coleman was dominating. Watch for a concerning Monday report but tentatively expect Breida to be available this week.
Miles Sanders | Left shoulder injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 9
Sanders did not return after a shoulder injury. He told reporters x-rays were negative and he expected to play this week. I'll update Monday with more information.
Monday Update: Mike Garafolo reported Sanders had an MRI on Monday that showed no significant damage. Sanders remains hopeful to play this week.
Fast Track News and Notes
***The Giants continue to deliberately and carefully advance Sterling Shepard through the exercise protocol as he recovers from his second concussion in the first few weeks of 2019. Shepard was hoping to be cleared for last week's game and believes he's ready to return.
***Dede Westbrook continued to try to play through shoulder and neck injuries on Sunday but was ruled out early. The Jaguars play in London this week, then have a bye in Week 10. I've listed Westbrook questionable for now but he could easily trend doubtful by midweek.
***Case Keenum is in concussion protocol after Thursday night's head injury. He'll have ten days to progress through the exercise protocol. Washington has a bye in Week 10.
Designated to Return by Team
- Green Bay (1): TE Jace Sternberger (W7)
- New England (1): WR N'Keal Harry (W7)
- New York Giants (1): DB Sam Beal (W7)
- Oakland (1): DB Isaiah Johnson (W7)
- Jacksonville (1): QB Nick Foles (W8)
- Kansas City (1): QB Chad Henne (W8)
- Tennessee (1): PK Ryan Succop (W8)
- Cleveland (1): OL Drew Forbes (W8)
- Washington (1): Derrius Guice (W9)
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 | Right patella dislocation | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
| Cam Newton | Car | Left Lisfranc sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Out Week 9 |
| Matt Ryan | Atl | Right high ankle sprain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10 Return | Bye Week 9 |
| Sam Darnold | NYJ | Left thumb sprain | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 Return | Probable Week 9 |
| Joe Flacco | Den | Cervical disc herniation | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ Return | Out Week 9 |
| Case Keenum | Was | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
|
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
|
NO
|
Right high ankle sprain / Left MCL sprain
|
Week 6
|
Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | Bye Week 9 | |
|
Ari
|
Left ankle injury
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Week 6
|
Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 | |
|
Ari
|
Left hamstring strain
|
Week 8
|
Week-to-Week | Week 12+ Return | Out Week 9 | |
|
Ari
|
Hamstring strain
|
Week 6
|
Injured reserve | Injured reserve | Doubtful 2019 return | |
|
SF
|
Left ankle sprain
|
Week 8
|
Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Probable Week 9 | |
|
Jeff Wilson
|
SF
|
Stinger
|
Week 8
|
Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
|
Phi
|
Left shoulder injury |
Week 8
|
Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Probable Week 9 | |
|
Phi
|
Quad injury
|
Week 5
|
Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 | |
|
Den
|
Shoulder injury
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Week 8
|
Day-to-Day | Week 9 Return | Probable Week 9 | |
|
LAR
|
Ankle injury
|
Week 6
|
Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 | |
|
Pit
|
Left knee arthroscopic surgery
|
Week 5
|
3-4 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | MNF | |
|
Was
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Toe injury
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Week 6
|
Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 | |
|
Atl
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Concussion
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Week 7
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Concussion protocol | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 | |
|
LAC
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Calf injury
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Week 3
|
Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 | |
|
Cle
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Core abdominal muscle repair
|
PS Week 4
|
4-6 Weeks | Week 10 Return | Suspended eight games | |
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Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
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||||||
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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 9 Return | Probable Week 9 |
| Adam Thielen | Min | Right hamstring strain | Week 7 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 Return | Probable Week 9 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Left ankle injury | Late July | 6-8 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Concussion | Week 5 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Dede Westbrook | Jac | Shoulder / neck injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Marqise Lee | Jac | Shoulder injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| DeSean Jackson | Phi | Groin injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Doubtful Week 8 |
| Brandin Cooks | LAR | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
| Marquise Brown | Bal | Ankle injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9 Return | Probable Week 9 |
| Will Fuller | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ Return | Out Week 9 |
| Tre'Quan Smith | NO | Left high ankle sprain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
| James Washington | Pit | Shoulder injury | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | MNF |
|
Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Jared Cook | NO | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
| Delanie Walker | Ten | Ankle injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| O.J. Howard | TB | Hamstring strain | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Matt LaCosse | NE | Knee injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Ryan Izzo | NE | Concussion | Week 6 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Chris Herndon | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Vernon Davis | Was | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Jeff Heuerman | Den | Knee injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
|
Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Joe Staley | SF | Left fibula fracture | Week 2 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Mike McGlinchey | SF | Right knee arthroscopic surgery | Week 5 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
| Laremy Tunsil | Hou | Shoulder injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Brian Bulaga | GB | Hand injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9 Return | Probable Week 9 |
| Russell Okung | LAC | Calf injury | Week 8 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Jason Peters | Phi | Knee injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Eric Fisher | KC | Core abdominal muscle repair | Week 2 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Cordy Glenn | Cin | Concussion | PS Week 2 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
| Greg Little | Car | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Cody Ford | Buf | Left elbow injury | Week 8 | Awaiting Information | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Kelvin Beachum | NYJ | Ankle sprain | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Ja'Wuan James | Den | Left knee injury | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 11+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
| Tytus Howard | Hou | Left MCL sprain | Week 6 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 11+ Return | Out Week 9 |
|
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Shaq Mason | NE | Ankle injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Andrew Wylie | KC | Left ankle sprain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| James Carpenter | Atl | Knee injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
| Alex Cappa | TB | Left arm fracture | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
| Rodger Saffold | Ten | Concussion | Week 8 | Concussion protocol | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| John Miller | Cin | Groin injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| Justin Britt | Sea | Left ACL tear | Week 8 | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Rodney Hudson | Oak | Left high ankle sprain | Week 8 | Awaiting Information | Week 10+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
| Ryan Kalil | NYJ | Knee injury | Week 8 | Awaiting Information | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Daniel Kilgore | Mia | Knee injury | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 8+ Return | MNF |
| Greg Mancz | Hou | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 11+ Return | Doubtful Week 9 |
|
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
|
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
| J.J. Watt | Hou | Left pectoral tendon tear | Week 8 | Injured reserve (exp) | IR (exp) | 2020 return |
| Frank Clark | KC | Neck injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9+ Return | Questionable Week 9 |
| Robert Quinn | Dal | Rib injury | Week 7 | Week-to-Week | Week 9 Return | Probable Week 9 |
| Clay Matthews | LAR | Jaw fracture | Week 5 | 4-6 Weeks | Week 10+ Return | Bye Week 9 |
| Carl Lawson | Cin | Hamstring strain | ||||
