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 9:00 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 10:00 ET every Sunday morning to discuss and interpret the week's practice participation reports and breaking weekend injury news.
Injury Rounds
Alvin Kamara | Sacroiliac joint inflammation | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1
Early last week, it was reported that Kamara's missed practice time this preseason was due to a condition requiring an epidural steroid injection. That implied a disc herniation already symptomatic enough to limit Kamara's ability to perform. It was a huge red flag. Though epidural injections are common in the NFL -- they are given way more often than reported -- symptomatic disc herniations are often harbingers of degenerative spine disease and usually lead to a shortened career.
By mid-week, however, Ian Rapoport clarified Kamara's condition as inflammation in the sacroiliac joint. While it's still concerning that Kamara required an injection to calm an irritated joint, this is still much, much better for Kamara's short- and long-term outlook than an epidural injection for disc inflammation.
Rapoport's report looks accurate for now as Kamara has returned to consecutive practices without any setbacks. It's possible the Saints will limit Kamara's practice reps this week but he should be able to see a full Week 1 workload.
Monday Update: In an interview today, Kamara confirmed he experienced a "little SI [sacroiliac] flare-up." That puts concerns about a disc herniation to rest. Kamara will be full strength this week.
Ryquell Armstead | Reserve-COVID list | September 4 | Day-to-Day | Doubtful Week 1
It's difficult to interpret Ryquell Armstead's second placement on the Reserve-COVID list. Armstead was on the list for 18 days in early-mid August, a duration that suggests he may have tested positive and had a symptomatic infection.
Beat writers reported a "non-COVID illness" for Armstead on September 1. Unfortunately, the Jaguars added Armstead back to the COVID list on September 4. There seem to be two possibilities here. Either Armstead was in extended quarantine earlier this month and has more recently tested positive or he is still recovering from an earlier infection. Both possibilities make a Week 1 appearance unlikely.
Monday Update: Doug Marrone told reporters this morning it "would be awhile" before Armstead is able to play. Unfortunately, that suggests Armstead is still recovering from COVID, which could mean anything from reconditioning issues to concerns over a post-COVID heart-related illness.
Follow Up Appointments
Players who returned to practice last week and are expected to play in Week 1:
- George Kittle (hamstring)
- Allen Robinson (ankle)
- Melvin Gordon (rib)
- Cooper Kupp (ankle)
- Diontae Johnson (calf)
- Dallas Goedert (thumb)
- Denzel Mims (hamstring)
Miles Sanders | Right hamstring strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1
Adam Caplan, arguably the most plugged-in among a strong group of writers covering the Eagles, has remained optimistic on Sanders' Week 1 availability since a lower-body injury was first reported in mid-August. Most recently, Caplan reported Sanders' injury as a mild hamstring strain and cited Sanders' presence in pass-blocking drills as further evidence of the Eagles' relative lack of concern.
The Eagles kept only three running backs on their initial 53-man roster. That's the strongest indication the team expects Sanders full strength for Week 1.
Kenyan Drake | Right leg injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1
Drake returned to individual drills early last week after sparking concern the weekend prior when spotted in a walking boot. Like the Eagles, the Cardinals chose to keep just three running backs on their initial 53-man roster. Expect Drake to be full strength in Week 1.
Deebo Samuel | Fifth metatarsal fixation | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1
San Francisco added Samuel to their 53-man active roster on cutdown day. Now 10 weeks into his recovery from surgery to fix a fractured bone in his foot, Samuel should be nearing clearance for football-related activity. The inseason PUP list was never a likely consideration.
The Niners could still choose to place Samuel on the inseason injured reserve list. Teams are allowed to move an unlimited number of players to inseason injured reserve this season and may return any player to the active roster after three weeks on injured reserve. While doubtful at best for Week 1, if the Niners hold Samuel on the active roster this week, it's a strong indication he could be ready to play soon.
Mike Williams | AC (shoulder) sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1
Reports on Williams' timetable have been variable over the past week. Initially, there was hope Williams would be out a short time. Return estimates were then revised to a 2-4 week absence before recent comments from the Chargers' coaching staff seemed to leave a chance Williams could be ready for Week 1.
The Wednesday practice report will give us an indication of where Williams stands. I lean toward the doubtful side of questionable.
DAndre Swift | Leg injury | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1
Swift has missed over a week of practice with an undisclosed leg injury. The Lions added Adrian Peterson in free agency over the weekend, a move likely informed by a lack of confidence in the rookie's availability -- and the ongoing knee issues for backfield mate Kerryon Johnson.
Should Swift be active this week, he's unlikely to see anything close to a major contributing role.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Carson Wentz has not practiced in over a week. The Eagles are using hockey terms to describe injuries this preseason and describe Wentz's condition as a lower-body injury. Beat writers report Wentz's injury as a minor soft-tissue injury and he is expected to play this week.
***DeAndre Hopkins has been limited in practice for most of the preseason. The Cardinals have been adamant that Hopkins is healthy enough to play and it's a team decision to limit his practice time for precautionary reasons.
***The Cowboys are limiting Amari Cooper's practice reps as the season approaches. Mike McCarthy minimized Cooper's condition without providing specifics on the injury. There are no indications Cooper won't play in Week 1 but this bears watching.
Injured Players on Active Roster
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Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Carson Wentz | Phi | Lower body injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Joe Flacco | NYJ | Cervical spine procedure | Apr 2020 | Week-to-Week | Week 3+ Return | Out Week 1 |
| Alex Smith | Was | Right tibia fracture / infection | Nov 2018 | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Likely QB3 (inactive) |
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Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Alvin Kamara | NO | Sacroiliac joint injection | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Right hamstring strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Joe Mixon | Cin | Migraine | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Kenyan Drake | Ari | Right leg injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Melvin Gordon | Den | Rib injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| David Montgomery | Chi | Left groin strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 2+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Ryquell Armstead | Jac | COVID - reserve | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
| DAndre Swift | Det | Leg injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
| Damien Harris | NE | Finger fracture fixation | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 1+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
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Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| DeAndre Hopkins | Ari | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Allen Robinson | Chi | Ankle injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | Undisclosed | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Cooper Kupp | LAR | Ankle injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Deebo Samuel | SF | Fifth metatarsal fixation | June 2020 | Week-to-Week | Week 1++ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | SF | Left hamstring strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 1+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Diontae Johnson | Pit | Calf strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Alshon Jeffery | Phi | Right Lisfranc fixation | Dec 2019 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ Return | Out Week 1 |
| Jalen Reagor | Phi | Shoulder labrum tear | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 2+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Breshad Perriman | NYJ | Chronic knee swelling | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
| Denzel Mims | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Mike Williams | LAC | AC (shoulder) sprain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Dede Westbrook | Jac | Shoulder injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
| Tee Higgins | Cin | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
| K.J. Hamler | Den | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 1+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
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Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Dallas Goedert | Phi | Thumb fracture | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Ian Thomas | Car | Toe sprain | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1 Return | Probable Week 1 |
| Trey Burton | Ind | Calf strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 2+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
| Devin Asiasi | NE | Ankle injury | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 1+ Return | Questionable Week 1 |
| Hunter Bryant | Det | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 2+ Return | Doubtful Week 1 |
Injured Players Not on Active Roster
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Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Left ACL reconstruction + | Dec 2019 | PUP (Reserve) | Eligible W7 | Questionable 2021 return |
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Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Tyrell Williams | LVR | Shoulder labrum tear | Aug 2020 | IR (Reserve) | Ineligible 2020 | 2021 return |
| Jalen Hurd | SF | ACL reconstruction | Aug 2020 | IR (Reserve) | Ineligible 2020 | 2021 return |
| Kelvin Harmon | Was | ACL reconstruction | Jul 2020 | IR (Reserve) | Ineligible 2020 | 2021 return |
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Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Player/Team Says
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FBG Expects
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Notes
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| Josh Oliver | Jac | Foot fracture | Aug 2020 | IR (Reserve) | Ineligible 2020 | 2021 return |
COVID Opt-Outs | Cannot return until 2021 season
- Damien Williams (RB-KC)
- Albert Wilson (WR-Mia)
- Allen Hurns (WR-Mia)
- Devin Funchess (WR-GB)
- Marquise Goodwin (WR-Phi)
- Brandon Bolden (RB-NE)
- Marqise Lee (WR-NE)
- Geronimo Allison (WR-Det)
- Matt LaCosse (TE-NE)
DECIPHERING THE ALPHABET SOUP OF INJURY LISTS
Players not ready for camp practices are placed on one of two lists – Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) or Non-Football Injury/Illness (NFI).
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)
Active/PUP – Preseason only list. Once a player participates in any part of a scheduled training camp practice, they are ineligible for this list. Players can be activated from this list at any time. This list is commonly used for veterans still recovering from injury and those who fail conditioning tests before camp begins.
Reserve/PUP – Regular season only list. Players still on Active/PUP at the end of camp are eligible to move to Reserve/PUP. Players cannot practice with the team until after Week 6. Teams then have six weeks to evaluate the player before moving to the active roster or to season-ending injured reserve.
Non-Football Injury / Illness (NFI)
Active/NFI – Preseason only list. Once a player participates in any part of a scheduled training camp practice, they are ineligible for this list. Players can be activated from this list at any time. Only veterans with a non-football related injury or rookies injured before the NFL draft are eligible for this list.
Reserve/NFI – Regular season only list. Players converted from the Active/NFI list to the Reserve/NFI list are out for the entire season.
Injured Reserve – Return Designation
Each NFL team can return two players to the active roster from injured reserve. Teams are not forced to designate this player at the time of the move to injured reserve. Players designated to return can begin practicing six weeks after being placed on injured reserve and are eligible to return to the active roster eight games after being placed on injured reserve. This rule allows a team to continually evaluate the rehab and recovery of their injured players and provides roster flexibility should teams have multiple key injuries early in the season.
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the off-season.
