Monday Injury Rounds: Week 9

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 9 Jene Bramel Published 10/27/2019

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

Injured Players on Active Roster

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Tags:
Injuries Johnathan Abram Davante Adams Nasir Adderley Robert Alford Zach Allen Henry Anderson Alex Anzalone Michael Badgley Sam Beal Travis Benjamin Matt Breida Malcolm Brown Marquise Brown Bryce Callahan Maurice Canady Bradley Chubb Frank Clark Corey Clement Tevin Coleman Ryan Connelly Brandin Cooks Jared Cook Mike Daniels Sam Darnold Sean Davis Darqueze Dennard Pierre Desir Will Dissly Chase Edmonds Justin Evans Joe Flacco Nick Foles Royce Freeman Kendall Fuller Will Fuller V Blaine Gabbert Tashaun Gipson Sr Josh Gordon A.J. Green Ronnie Harrison Jr. D.J. Hayden Chad Henne Chris Herndon Akiem Hicks O.J. Howard Xavien Howard Kareem Hunt Ryan Izzo Adoree' Jackson DeSean Jackson Justin Jackson Malik Jackson Derwin James Jr. Quinton Jefferson Tony Jefferson David Johnson John Johnson III Kerryon Johnson Lonnie Johnson Jr. Chris Jones Justin Jones Alvin Kamara Case Keenum Christian Kirksey Dre Kirkpatrick Micah Kiser Matt LaCosse Carl Lawson Marquel Lee Tyquan Lewis Drew Lock Avonte Maddox Patrick Mahomes II Jerick McKinnon Pernell McPhee C.J. Mosley Latavius Murray Keanu Neal Cam Newton David Njoku Robert Nkemdiche Patrick Onwuasor Will Parks Adrian Phillips Harrison Phillips Robert Quinn Damarious Randall Bradley Roby Ben Roethlisberger John Ross Matt Ryan Jaylen Samuels Miles Sanders Sterling Shepard Trevor Siemian Darius Slay Ito Smith Jimmy Smith Equanimeous St. Brown Jace Sternberger Ryan Succop Geoff Swaim Trent Taylor Adam Thielen Jordan Thomas Desmond Trufant Kemoko Turay Leighton Vander Esch Jason Verrett Tracy Walker III Kahale Warring James Washington J.J. Watt Dede Westbrook Avery Williamson Khari Willis Quincy Williams Jeff Wilson Jr. Ahkello Witherspoon Tavon Young
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Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
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
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
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
Toe injury
Week 6
 Week-to-Week Week 9+ Return Questionable Week 9
Atl
Concussion
Week 7
 Concussion protocol Week 10+ Return Bye Week 9
LAC
Calf injury
Week 3
 Week-to-Week Week 9+ Return Questionable Week 9
Cle
Core abdominal muscle repair
PS Week 4
 4-6 Weeks Week 10 Return Suspended eight games
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
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
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