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Monday Injury Rounds: Week 16

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 16
By Jene Bramel, December 15, 2019

Monday Injury Rounds: Week 16
Photo: USA Today Sports

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

Dalvin Cook | Left shoulder injury | Week 15 | Awaiting Information | Doubtful Week 16

Cook was rolled to the ground on the outside run and had his left elbow driven into the ground. He immediately grabbed the inside of his left shoulder and needed assistance off the field. The Vikings announced the injury as a shoulder condition. Mike Zimmer refused to provide an update on Cook's injury after the game.

Video replays and Cook's reaction did not narrow the possibilities much. Cook left the field hunched over and in pain, which often occurs with a shoulder dislocation. It's also possible he suffered a contusion near his shoulder joint given the force transmitted to the shoulder when he hit his elbow. Biceps muscle or tendon and pectoral muscle or tendon injuries are also on the list of possible injuries given where Cook localized his pain after the injury.

Zimmer did tell reporters this injury isn't an aggravation of his recent SC sprain. That's not surprising -- Cook's SC injury was to the right side of his chest. Though Zimmer did not reveal any additional information, expect local or national media to follow Cook's injury and status closely.

I'll update as further news is reported.

Monday Update: Mike Zimmer told reporters Cook's shoulder injury is something "he could play through" and that Cook "feels good today." Zimmer wouldn't commit to Cook playing, wouldn't discuss whether he would be able to manage a full workload, and didn't discuss specifics on Cook's injury. Dr. David Chao tweeted that he didn't see a clear injury on video and expects Cook to be able to play.

Despite the reassuring Monday notes thus far, continue to consider Cook questionable for Monday night until he practices or more detail on his injury is revealed. Video review of Alexander Mattison's injury last week was suspicious for a high ankle sprain and he's likely doubtful to return this week. If the Vikings add a running back this week, it would also raise concern about Cook's status for Monday night.

Follow Up Appointments

T.Y. Hilton | Aggravated calf strain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 15 MNF | Questionable Week 16

Hilton returned to limited practices last week and is listed questionable for Monday night's game. He told reporters a Saturday morning DNP was a scheduled off day. That explanation doesn't pass muster as Hilton hadn't practiced in over two weeks and would likely benefit from continued reconditioning. More likely, the Colts had already decided Hilton would be inactive on Monday night and gave him the weekend off.

I'm expecting Hilton to be inactive, then work to increase his practice participation in anticipation of returning in Week 16. Should Hilton play Monday night, I'll reassess his prospects in the mid-week update.

A.J. Green | Left ankle surgery | July 2019 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 16

On a local radio podcast, Bengals' color commentator Dave Lapham described Green as the best-looking Cincinnati wide receiver after watching Green on the rehab field last week. Though he has yet to return to practice, Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that the Bengals have not ruled out playing Green in Week 16 or 17. If Green returns to practice this week, it's possible he'll return before the end of the season.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Dan Quinn told reporters Calvin Ridley's injury was to his lower abdomen and would require 3-4+ weeks of rehab. It's not been specifically reported as a core muscle strain and there were no reports of surgery last week, but it's possible we'll hear those details later. Not all abdominal strains require repair, however. Regardless, Ridley should be available for OTAs.

***Alshon Jeffery did not tear his Achilles tendon. Multiple reporters described Jeffery's injury as a Lisfranc sprain early last week. Lisfranc injuries were once primarily contact injuries but are occurring more frequently without contact in recent seasons. Jeffery will have surgery to reconstruct the joint and could require as long as 6-9 months of rehab. The Eagles have moved him to injured reserve.

Designated to Return by Team

Injured Players on Active Roster

Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Matthew Stafford Det Thoracic spine fractures Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Daniel Jones NYG Right high ankle sprain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Min
Left shoulder injury
Week 15
 Day-to-Day Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
KC
Rib cartilage injury
Week 11
 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Min
Right high ankle sprain
Week 14
 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
NYJ
 Left high ankle sprain
Week 14
 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Phi
Left neck / shoulder injury
Week 9
 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Det
 Rib injury
Week 14
 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Mike Evans TB Right hamstring strain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 17 Return? Out Week 16
Chris Godwin TB Left hamstring strain Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 17 Return? Out Week 16
Scotty Miller TB Hamstring strain Week 15 Awaiting Information Week 17 Return? Doubtful Week 16
T.Y. Hilton Ind Aggravated calf strain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
JuJu Smith-Schuster Pit Left knee contusion Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
D.J. Chark Jac Left high ankle sprain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
A.J. Green Cin Left ankle surgery Late July Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Hunter Renfrow Oak Rib fracture / Pneumothorax Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Demaryius Thomas NYJ Hamstring strain Chronic Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Nelson Agholor Phi Knee injury Chronic Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Taylor Gabriel Chi Concussion Week 12 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Trey Quinn Was Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Evan Engram NYG Left foot sprain Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Rhett Ellison NYG Concussion Week 11 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Gerald Everett LAR Right knee injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Vance McDonald Pit Concussion Week 14 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Greg Olsen Car Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Luke Willson Sea Hamstring strain Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
Tackles
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Andrus Peat NO Arm injury Week 10 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Ronnie Stanley Bal Concussion Week 14 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Lane Johnson Phi Left high ankle sprain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Trent Brown Oak Pectoral injury Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Rob Havenstein LAR Meniscus injury Week 10 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Donovan Smith TB Knee injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Bobby Massie Chi High ankle sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Rick Wagner Det Knee injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Chuma Edoga NYJ MCL sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Guards
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Kevin Zeitler NYG Ankle injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Shaq Mason NE Ankle injury Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
James Carpenter Atl Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Russell Okung LAC Groin injury Week 15 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Ty Nsekhe Buf Right ankle injury Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Brandon Scherff Was Elbow / shoulder injuries Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Ron Leary Den Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Centers
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
Edge Rushers
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Jadeveon Clowney Sea Core muscle strain Chronic Week-to-Week Playoff return Doubtful Week 16
Ezekiel Ansah Sea Neck injury Chronic Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Dee Ford SF Aggravated right hamstring strain Week 14 Week-to-Week Playoff Return Out Week 16
Alex Okafor KC Pectoral strain Week 15 Awaiting Information Awaiting Information Out Week 16
Derek Barnett Phi Ankle injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Olivier Vernon Cle Knee injury Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Takk McKinley Atl Shoulder injury Recurrent Awaiting Information 2020 return Doubtful Week 16
Defensive Linemen
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Dre'Mont Jones Den High ankle sprain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Adam Gotsis Den Knee injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Linebackers
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Bobby Wagner Sea Right ankle injury Week 15 Awaiting Information Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Leighton Vander Esch Dal Cervical disc herniation Chronic Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Out Week 16
Mychal Kendricks Sea Hamstring strain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Kiko Alonso NO Quadricep strain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Haason Reddick Ari Groin injury Week 15 Awaiting Information Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Danny Trevathan Chi Left elbow dislocation Week 10 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Defensive Backs
Team
Injury
Date
Player/Team Says
FBG Expects
Notes
Jamal Adams NYJ Left high ankle sprain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Doubtful Week 16
Vonn Bell NO Knee injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Jaquiski Tartt SF Rib injury Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Quandre Diggs Sea Ankle sprain Week 15 Awaiting Information Week 16++ Return Doubtful Week 16
Jayvon Kearse Min Toe injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Jason McCourty NE Groin strain Recurrent Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Richard Sherman SF Hamstring strain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 17+ Return Out Week 16
KWuan Williams SF Concussion Week 14 Concussion protocol Week 16+ Return Questionable Week 16
Kenny Moore Ind Knee injury Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 16+ Return Question
Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports
Tags Injuries Johnathan Abram Jamal Adams Nasir Adderley Nelson Agholor Kwon Alexander Robert Alford Zach Allen Alex Anzalone Kalen Ballage Derek Barnett Sam Beal Vonn Bell Travis Benjamin Ronald Blair III Austin Bryant Bryce Callahan Parris Campbell Blake Cashman Bradley Chubb D.J. Chark Jr Corey Clement Jadeveon Clowney Ryan Connelly Dalvin Cook Marcus Davenport Jarrad Davis Sean Davis Quandre Diggs Will Dissly Josh Doctson Eric Ebron Evan Engram Justin Evans Mike Evans Gerald Everett Joe Flacco Nick Foles Dee Ford Blaine Gabbert Chris Godwin Marquise Goodwin Adam Gotsis A.J. Green Ryan Griffin Chad Henne Chris Herndon Akiem Hicks T.Y. Hilton T.J. Hockenson Chris Hogan Jordan Howard Xavien Howard DeSean Jackson Malik Jackson Myles Jack Derwin James Jr. Tony Jefferson John Johnson III Kerryon Johnson Daniel Jones D.J. Jones Marvin Jones Jr Karl Joseph Ryan Kerrigan Arden Key Christian Kirksey Dre Kirkpatrick Keith Kirkwood Micah Kiser Marquel Lee Drew Lock Alexander Mattison Bobby McCain Jason McCourty Jerick McKinnon Pernell McPhee Kenny Moore II Foster Moreau C.J. Mosley Keanu Neal Cam Newton David Njoku Emmanuel Ogbah Alex Okafor Josh Oliver Tim Patrick Rashaad Penny Jabrill Peppers Adrian Phillips Darius Phillips Harrison Phillips Brian Poole Sheldon Rankins Haason Reddick Hunter Renfrow Calvin Ridley Ben Roethlisberger John Ross Adam Shaheen Richard Sherman Trevor Siemian Ito Smith JuJu Smith-Schuster Roquan Smith Matthew Stafford Equanimeous St. Brown Jace Sternberger Kentavius Street Ryan Succop Geoff Swaim Jaquiski Tartt Auden Tate Trent Taylor Jordan Thomas Tedric Thompson Danny Trevathan Desmond Trufant Kemoko Turay Leighton Vander Esch Andrew Van Ginkel Jason Verrett Bobby Wagner Kahale Warring J.J. Watt Avery Williamson Darrel Williams Damien Williams Preston Williams Quincy Williams Xavier Williams Derek Wolfe Tavon Young

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