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
Dak Prescott | Right ankle fracture / dislocation | Season-ending injury
Prescott suffered a gruesome ankle injury with a visible deformity on a second-half run. The need for an air splint after the injury was treated on the field suggested an unstable injury and Prescott was taken to the hospital immediately for surgery.
Mike Ryan -- former NFL athletic trainer, now NBC analyst -- noted the Cowboys' medical staff used gauze when addressing Prescott's injury, which raises the possibility of an open fracture. Although Prescott won't have as many complicating field factors (i.e. grass and dirt, wet field) as Alex Smith had with his leg fracture, an open fracture requires careful treatment to limit the risk of infection.
Prescott's season is over but this is not likely to be a career-threatening injury. Expect Prescott to return in 2021.
Sunday Update: Multiple reports now suggest Prescott did suffer an open ankle fracture. He'll have the injury irrigated and explored to lower the risk of infection as much as possible. Surgeons will stabilize the fracture. Expect Prescott to be observed until the risk of infection is minimal before beginning his rehab.
An immediately recognized and treated open fracture helps lower the risk of infection. Alex Smith's injury will be referenced as a high-risk comparison but was complicated by a grass/dirt/wet field. Prescott's injury and repair should not have as many environmental risks. If Prescott gets through the few days after surgery without any complications, he has an excellent chance to be ready for 2021.
Monday Update: Prescott's surgery reportedly went smoothly. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital within 48 hours. That's an excellent prognostic factor and suggests a smooth fixation and low risk for infection. Prescott was given a 4-6 month recovery timetable but it's doubtful he'll be cleared to return before training camp next summer.
Dalvin Cook | Left groin strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 6
Cook left Sunday night's game after an awkward step that left him grabbing at the inside of his left thigh. Expect further evaluation on Monday. I'll update with a recovery timetable when more details are reported. Cook is in danger of missing Week 6. If Cook's injury is anything more than low-grade, the Vikings may choose to rest him through their Week 7 bye.
Monday Update: Cook's MRI reportedly "went well" according to Mike Zimmer who told reporters the team would continue to evaluate Cook during the week. If Cook isn't practicing early this week, prepare for him to remain out until Week 8.
Sammy Watkins | Right hamstring strain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 6
Watkins pulled up on a second-quarter route and was ruled out with a hamstring strain. Watkins grabbed low on his hamstring and was able to bear little weight on the injury as he left the field. While it's difficult to speculate on the severity of a soft-tissue strain by video alone, those observations usually portend a multiple-week injury. Watkins is unlikely to play this week.
Monday Update: Watkins is expected to miss at least two weeks with his hamstring injury.
Follow Up Appointments
Michael Thomas | Left high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Bye Week 6
Thomas was considered a game-time decision on Sunday morning but looked to be trending toward playing on Monday night before the team ruled him out for disciplinary reasons. The Saints have a bye this week, giving Thomas additional time to recover. If he was close to playing on Monday night, he should be full strength in Week 7.
Davante Adams | Hamstring strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 6
Adams was close to playing last Monday night and was disappointed the Packers chose to remain cautious. After a bye week to continue reconditioning and recovery, Adams is likely to practice this week and return to a full and productive workload this week.
Julio Jones | Left hamstring strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 6
Jones did not test his hamstring injury until Friday last week. The Falcons listed him questionable but Jones never had a realistic chance to play. Jones aggravated his hamstring strain again in Week 4, after struggling through Week 2 and missing Week 3. He's repeatedly said he's not fully confident in his health but remains hopeful he'll be able to play through the injury.
Consider Jones doubtful until we hear more positivity in his media sessions and see a more reassuring week of practice.
Cam Newton | COVID - reserve | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 6
Newton reportedly has a mildly symptomatic COVID infection but continues to test positive. He will need two consecutive negative tests to return before the required 10 days of isolation for a mild infection. With the Patriots' game against Denver rescheduled to Week 6, Newton is unlikely to miss any games.
Leonard Fournette | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 6
Surprisingly, Fournette was active as an emergency back last Thursday night. Fournette did not practice last week and had little chance to play. Now two weeks removed from a high ankle sprain, the severity of Fournette's injury remains unclear. Bruce Arians was more positive early last week than immediately after the Week 3 injury. If Fournette is able to return to a full practice this week, it's a good sign he's recovered enough to be effective. More likely, he'll be limited and questionable with a limited Week 6 role at best.
Eligible to Return from Injured Reserve
Christian McCaffrey | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 6
McCaffrey's high ankle sprain was immediately considered a 4-6 week recovery. Just three weeks into his rehab, it's unlikely McCaffrey will be moved to the active roster this week. With Mike Davis an effective replacement, expect the Panthers to wait until McCaffrey is fully recovered to clear him to return.
Sterling Shepard | Toe sprain | Eligible Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 6
The Giants have not updated Shepard's condition since moving him to injured reserve. It's possible he'll be designated to return to practice this week. I'll update with any early-week news.
Tevin Coleman | Knee sprain | Eligible Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Out Week 6
Coleman is expected to need another 2-3 weeks to recover from a knee sprain. He's unlikely to return to the active roster until Week 8 at the earliest. Do not expect the Niners to start his three-week practice window this week.
Denzel Mims | Hamstring strains | Eligible Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Doubtful Week 6
Mims has not begun practicing yet and remains on injured reserve. There are reports Mims has not yet been cleared to do more than light straight-line running and the team is not sure of his timetable to return. Expect Mims to need at least one week of practice before he's moved to the active roster.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Drew Lock was close but not yet fully recovered last week and was likely to be inactive in Week 5. Lock's throwing program had progressed to allow him to participate in individual drills, however, and he's likely to be cleared for contact this week. It will surprising if he's not ready to play in Denver's rescheduled game against New England this week.
***Clearly uncomfortable in the pocket despite convincing the Niners he was ready during practice last week, Jimmy Garoppolo was shut down in the second half. Already cautious with Garoppolo once this season, expect the Niners to watch his progress carefully this week before naming him the starter.
***A.J. Green was ruled out after a first-half hamstring strain. Given Green's history of slow recovery in recent seasons, he's unlikely to play this week.
***Kyle Allen suffered an arm injury and was cleared to return. Washington elected to continue with Alex Smith due to concerns Allen may take another hit and further aggravate his injury. Ron Rivera told reporters Allen would start this week if healthy.
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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| Dak Prescott | Dal | Right ankle fracture / dislocation | Week 5 | IR (expected) | 2021 return | Season-ending injury |
| Cam Newton | NE | COVID - reserve | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Baker Mayfield | Cle | Rib injury | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | SF | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Drew Lock | Den | Right shoulder injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Sam Darnold | NYJ | Right AC sprain | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Kyle Allen | Was | Left arm injury | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
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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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| Dalvin Cook | Min | Left groin strain | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Leonard Fournette | TB | Left high ankle sprain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| LeSean McCoy | TB | Right ankle injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6++ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Carlos Hyde | Sea | Shoulder injury | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Ryquell Armstead | Jac | COVID - reserve | Sep 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
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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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| Michael Thomas | NO | Left high ankle sprain | Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week 7 Return | Bye Week 6 |
| Davante Adams | GB | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| Julio Jones | Atl | Left hamstring strain | Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Chris Godwin | TB | Right hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| A.J. Brown | Ten | Knee contusion | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ Return | Tuesday night game |
| Corey Davis | Ten | COVID - reserve | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Adam Humphries | Ten | COVID - reserve | Week 4 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| D.J. Chark | Jac | Left ankle injury | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Diontae Johnson | Pit | Back contusion | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Alshon Jeffery | Phi | Right Lisfranc fixation | Dec 2019 | Day-to-Day | Week 6 Return | Probable Week 6 |
| DeSean Jackson | Phi | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Sammy Watkins | KC | Right hamstring strain | Week 5 | Week-to-Week | Week 7++ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| A.J. Green | Cin | Hamstring strain | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Mike Williams | LAC | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ Return | Questionable MNF |
| Breshad Perriman | NYJ | Left high ankle sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Chris Hogan | NYJ | Left high ankle sprain | Week 5 | Awaiting Information | Week 7++ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Bryan Edwards | LVR | Right high ankle sprain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| K.J. Hamler | Den | Hamstring strain | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
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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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| Jared Cook | NO | Groin strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ Return | Questionable MNF |
| Noah Fant | Den | Right ankle injury | Week 4 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Tyler Eifert | Jac | Stinger | Week 5 | Day-to-Day | Week 7+ Return | Doubtful Week 6 |
| Jordan Akins | Hou | Concussion | Week 4 | Concussion protocol | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Hunter Bryant | Det | Hamstring strain | Preseason | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Marcedes Lewis | GB | Knee injury | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ Return | Questionable Week 6 |
| Josiah Deguara | GB | Left ACL tear | Week 4 | IR - expected | 2021 return | Season-ending injury |
To support players with illness and provide a roster buffer, the NFL implemented new injured reserve rules and roster exemptions for players exposed to or diagnosed with COVID.
2020 injured reserve list changes:
- Teams may return an unlimited number of players from injured reserve in 2020
- A player may return to the active roster after three weeks on injured reserve
- Teams have three weeks of practice to decide whether to activate a player designated to return
2020 COVID-related illness list and roster exemptions:
- A player diagnosed with COVID or required to quarantine after exposure to COVID may be placed on a separate exempt list
- Teams will be given a roster exemption after a player with COVID receives medical clearance to return
- Roster exemption for one week if the player was on the exempt list for less than 4 weeks
- Roster exemption for two weeks if the player was on the exempt list for 4+ weeks
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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| Christian McCaffrey | Car | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR (Week 3) | Eligible Week 6 | Probable 2020 return (W7+) |
| Nick Chubb | Cle | Right MCL sprain | Week 4 | IR (Week 5) | Eligible Week 8 | Probable 2020 return (W12+) |
| Austin Ekeler | LAC | Left hamstring strain / knee | Week 4 | IR (Week 5) | Eligible Week 9 | Probable 2020 return (W10+) |
| Tevin Coleman | SF | Knee sprain | Week 2 | IR (Week 3) | Eligible Week 6 | Probable 2020 return (W8+) |
| Sony Michel | NE | Quad strain | Week 3 | IR (Week 5) | Eligible Week 9 | Probable 2020 return (W9+) |
| Devine Ozigbo | Jac | Hamstring strain | Preseason | IR (Week 1) | Eligible Week 4 | Starting Week 3/3 practice window |
| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Left ACL reconstruction + | Dec 2019 | PUP (Reserve) | Eligible W7 | Questionable 2020 return (W8++) |
| Bryce Love | Was | Chronic knee swelling | Chronic | IR (Week 4) | Eligible W7 | Probable 2020 return (W7+) |
| Saquon Barkley | NYG | Right ACL/meniscus/MCL | Week 2 | IR | 9-12 months | 2021 return |
| Marlon Mack | Ind | Right Achilles tear | Week 1 | IR | 9-12 months | 2021 return |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL/MCL injury | Week 3 | IR | 9-12 months | 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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| Parris Campbell | Ind | Left PCL repair/MCL sprain | Week 2 | IR (Week 3) | Eligible Week 8 | Doubtful 2020 return |
| Michael Pittman | Ind | Compartment syndrome | Week 4 | IR (Week 4) | Eligible Week 8 | Probable 2020 return (W10+) |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Toe sprain | Week 2 | IR (Week 3) | Eligible Week 6 | Probable 2020 return (W6+) |
| Allen Lazard | GB | Core abd muscle repair | Week 4 | IR (Week 4) | Eligible Week 8 | Probable 2020 return (W8+) |
| Jalen Reagor | Phi | Thumb ligament repair | Week 4 | IR (Week 4) | Eligible Week 7 | Probable 2020 return (W7+) |
| Denzel Mims | NYJ | Hamstring strains | Week 2 | IR (Week 2) | Eligible Week 5 | Probable 2020 return (W7+) |
| Steven Sims Jr | Was | Toe injury | Week 3 | IR (Week 5) | Eligible Week 9 | Probable 2020 return (W9+) |
| Richie James | SF | Hamstring strain | Week 1 | IR (Week 2) | Eligible Week 5 | Starting Week 2/3 practice window |
| Courtland Sutton | Den | Left ACL/MCL tear | Week 2 | IR | 9-12 months | 2021 return |
| 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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| Dallas Goedert | Phi | Left fibula fracture | Week 3 | IR (Week 4) | Eligible Week 7 | Probable 2020 return (W7++) |
| Jordan Reed | SF | Left MCL sprain | Week 4 | IR (Week 4) | Eligible Week 7 | Questionable 2020 return (W10+) |
| O.J. Howard | TB | Right Achilles tendon repair | Mid-Oct 2020 | IR (Week 5) | 9-12 months | 2021 return |
| Blake Jarwin | Dal | Right ACL tear | Mid-Sep 2020 | IR (Week 2) | 9-12 months | 2021 return |
| C.J. Uzomah | Cin | Right Achilles tendon repair | Mid-Sep 2020 | IR (Week 2) | 9-12 months | 2021 return |
| 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)
- Photos provided by USA TODAY Sports