Monday Injury Rounds: Week 11

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 11 Jene Bramel Published 11/14/2021

Injury Rounds

Aaron Jones | Right knee injury | Awaiting information | Doubtful Week 11

Initial reports Sunday night suggest Jones suffered an MCL sprain.

Return from an MCL sprain is tricky to predict. Recovery timetables are often in the 1-4 week range for low or mid-grade injuries. Some players have swelling and stiffness limiting range of motion. Others feel looseness in the joint and aren't comfortable playing despite relatively minimal pain and swelling.

Video did not show an obvious MCL injury and Jones showed more discomfort than what might be expected with a low-grade MCL sprain. The physical exam is generally straightforward with knee injuries and there's a good chance an MRI will confirm a short-term injury.

The Packers have a Week 13 bye. Unless Jones has a very minor injury with a reassuring MRI, it's unlikely he'll return until Week 14.

I'll update further after the imaging results are reported.

Monday update: An MRI showed Jones suffered a "mild" MCL sprain. The early timetable is 1-2 weeks. Prepare for Jones to be out until Week 14.

Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 11

Kamara battled through an MCL sprain in the second half of his Week 9 game. As frequently occurs with MCL injuries, Kamara had more discomfort the day following the game and never recovered enough to be cleared to play.

The Saints did not move Kamara to injured reserve last week. In most cases, that's a reassuring indication that the team feels a player can safely recover and miss less than three weeks of action. It's even more reassuring in Kamara's case as New Orleans has two consecutive Thursday night games in Week 12 and 13.

Still, it's too soon to presume Kamara will be ready to return this week. Local beat writers were expressing concern about Kamara's status even before his missed Wednesday practice last week. Watch for similar clues early this week.

Cordarrelle Patterson | Right high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 11

Monday update: The Falcons suggested Patterson could have returned to Sunday's game. Upon further evaluation on Monday, Patterson is considered week-to-week. Video suggests a high ankle sprain. There's no chance Patterson recovers in time for Thursday night's game against the Patriots. Week 13 is the earliest reasonable expectation.

Follow Up Appointments

Kyler Murray | Left ankle injury | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 11

Murray reportedly was close to playing on Sunday but the Cardinals elected to be cautious and limit the risk of aggravation and a longer-term absence. It's reassuring Murray is close. The Cardinals have a Week 12 bye. If Murray isn't close to recovering, Arizona could choose to extend the period of caution through next week's game and the following week's bye.

Jay Glazer initially reported a 1-3 week recovery timetable and Murray has now missed a little over two weeks. When asked if the team was thinking ahead to a divisional matchup against Seattle in Week 11 and prioritizing Murray's health for that game, Kliff Kingsbury said that had been in consideration.

Consider Murray to the probable side of questionable for now. If he's not back to practice on Wednesday, it will be concerning.

Monday update: Kingsbury told reporters "it's going to be close" when asked whether Murray would be able to return this week.

Saquon Barkley | Left ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 11

Barkley was unable to practice before New York's Week 9 game while in COVID protocols. Based on local observations of his early bye week practices, his ankle would likely have prevented him from playing anyway.

If Barkley returns to practice on Wednesday and responds well enough to work out again on Thursday, he'll have a good chance to return. It's still too soon to know whether he'll have a limited or full workload if he does return.

Monday update: Barkley was reportedly moving well in a Monday workout. He is trending toward a Week 11 return.

Rob Gronkowski | Back injury | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 11

Initial reports suggested Gronkowski left the game in Week 8 with back spasms. It was reasonable to assume Gronkowski would recover through the bye and play in Week 10. Unfortunately, the report of back spasms was only part of the story.

Gronkowski has a long history of disc issues, including multiple surgeries to address herniations and inflammation around his spine. His inability to practice and play two weeks after leaving a game is suspicious for another flare. Bruce Arians told reporters this week "is a better timeframe" for Gronkowski but week-to-week is still a better expectation.

Fast Track News and Notes

***DeAndre Hopkins has yet to practice, two-and-a-half weeks after aggravating a hamstring strain. The Cardinals are hopeful he'll return for this week's divisional game in Seattle but it's possible Hopkins' absence will extend through their Week 12 bye.

***Antonio Brown did not look close to recovering from an ankle sprain in rehab video from last week. An Instagram note from his trainer implied the injury is a deltoid ligament sprain. That's a difficult injury to rehab and is likely the reason Brown is not yet close to full strength.

***Baker Mayfield suffered a mild right knee hyperextension and bruise. He did not return but the Browns are hopeful he'll avoid swelling and stiffness that would threaten his Week 11 availability.

***Zach Wilson will likely be cleared to return to contact this week. The Jets will need to decide whether they prefer Wilson or Mike White in Week 11.

Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI

Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Right MCL sprain | Designated to return Week 10 | Questionable Week 11

Late last week, Andy Reid told reporters "it would be a stretch" for Edwards-Helaire to play on Sunday night and the Chiefs chose not to move him to the active roster. It's likely Edwards-Helaire will return to a limited role this week. If there are any concerns in practice this week, however, the Chiefs may elect to keep him on injured reserve through their Week 12 bye.

Monday update: Reid said Edwards-Helaire has a "pretty good chance to play" but that's far from confirmation the Chiefs will clear him before the bye.

Chris Carson | Cervical neck condition | Designated to return Week 10 | Doubtful Week 11

Carson was designated to return from injured reserve and practiced last week. Pete Carroll said Carson was "dying to play" after "two good, hard days" of practice but the team wasn't comfortable returning him to the active roster. General manager John Schneider said the team would continue to be "very, very careful" with Carson's return. The Seahawks are hopeful Carson can return this week.

Monday update: Carroll said the Seahawks would "revisit" Carson's situation on Wednesday. That's considerably less optimistic than their previous statements. It seems highly unlikely Carson plays this week.

Miles Sanders | Left ankle sprain | Eligible Week 11 | Doubtful Week 11

Sanders has not been in a walking boot for over a week. The Eagles have yet to update his condition or status. If they designate him to return early enough to practice on Wednesday, he could return to a limited role this week. Watch the early-week transactions for clues on his availability.

Kareem Hunt | Left calf strain | Eligible Week 10 | Target Week 12++

Players can return from injured reserve after three weeks but Hunt's calf strain is a longer-term, higher-grade injury. Kevin Stefanski ruled Hunt out early last week, despite the team knowing they'd be missing multiple backs due to COVID protocols. Hunt remains at least 1-2 weeks away from returning and may not be cleared until after Cleveland's Week 13 bye.

Logan Thomas | Right hamstring strain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 12+

Thomas was sore after rehab early last week and was "just not ready to be on the football field" according to Ron Rivera. Washington has yet to designate him to return. Thomas is at least one week from returning.

Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Questionable Week 11

Fuller doesn't appear close to returning according to local beat writers. He's doubtful to be activated this week.

Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Remains on IR | 2022 return

An MRI showed Fitzpatrick's hip was not recovering quickly enough and he's unlikely to return this season. This isn't surprising. Fitzpatrick's only hope of returning in 2021 was to rehab without surgery but that was more optimism than expectation.

Injured Players by Position

Quarterbacks
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W10 Availability
Kyler Murray Ari Left ankle injury Week 8 Day-to-Day Week 11+ return Questionable
Colt McCoy Ari Pectoral strain Week 10 Day-to-Day Week 11+ return Questionable
Baker Mayfield Cle Right knee contusion Week 10 Day-to-Day Week 11 return Probable
Ben Roethlisberger Pit COVID+ Nov 13 Day-to-Day Week 12 return Doubtful
Jared Goff Det Oblique strain Week 10 Day-to-Day Week 11 return Questionable
Zach Wilson NYJ Right PCL sprain Week 7 Day-to-Day Week 11 return Probable
Drew Lock Den COVID+ Nov 7 Day-to-Day Week 12 return Bye
-
Sam Darnold Car Right scapula fracture Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 14 Week 14++ return IR
Running Backs
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W10 Availability
Aaron Jones GB Right MCL sprain Week 10 Awaiting information Week 14+ return Doubtful
Alvin Kamara NO Left MCL sprain Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
Nick Chubb Cle COVID+ Nov 9 Day-to-Day Week 11 return Probable
Saquon Barkley NYG Left ankle injury Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
Devontae Booker NYG Hip injury Week 9 Day-to-Day Week 11 return Probable
Cordarrelle Patterson Atl Right high ankle sprain Week 10 Week-to-Week Week 13+ return Doubtful
Damien Harris NE Concussion Week 9 Concussion protocol Week 12+ return Doubtful
Latavius Murray Bal Left ankle injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
JaMycal Hasty SF Ankle injury Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 12+ return Doubtful
Jamaal Williams Det Hip injury Week 7 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
Jermar Jefferson Det Left high ankle sprain Week 10 Week-to-Week Week 13+ return Doubtful
Justin Jackson LAC Groin strain Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
-
Derrick Henry Ten Fifth metatarsal fracture Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 12 Week 17+ return IR
Chase Edmonds Ari Left high ankle sprain Week 9 IR - Eligible Week 14 Week 14+ return IR
Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC Right MCL sprain Week 5 IR - DTR Week 10 Week 11+ return Questionable
Chris Carson Sea Cervical neck condition Chronic IR - DTR Week 10 Week 12+ return Doubtful
Miles Sanders Phi Left ankle sprain Week 7 IR - Eligible Week 11 Week 11+ return Doubtful
Kareem Hunt Cle Left calf strain Week 6 IR - Eligible Week 10 Week 11++ return Doubtful
Tarik Cohen Chi Right ACL reconstruction Sep-2020 Reserve - PUP Week 12++ return PUP
Malcolm Brown Mia Quad injury Week 7 IR _ Eligible Week 11 Week 11+ return IR
Wide Receivers Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W10 Availability
DeAndre Hopkins Ari Hamstring strain Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
Antonio Brown TB Ankle injury Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 12+ return Doubtful
Chase Claypool Pit Toe injury Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 11++ return Doubtful
Sterling Shepard NYG Quad strain Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 12+ return Doubtful
Curtis Samuel Was Aggravated groin strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 12++ return Doubtful
Denzel Mims NYJ COVID+ Nov 9 Day-to-Day Week 11 return Probable
-
Calvin Ridley Atl Behavioral health Week 9 NFI - Eligible Week 12 Week 12+ return NFI
Julio Jones Ten Hamstring strain Chronic IR - Eligible Week 14 Week 14+ return IR
Will Fuller Mia Finger fracture Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 11+ return Doubtful
DeVante Parker Mia Hamstring strain Chronic IR - Eligible Week 12 Week 12+ return IR
Quintez Cephus Det Left clavicle fixation Week 5 IR - Eligible Week 10 Late 2021 return IR
Dante Pettis NYG Shoulder injury Week 9 IR - Eligible Week 13 Week 13+ return IR
Scott Miller TB Toe sprain Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 7 Week 11+ return Questionable
Tight Ends Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W10 Availability
Rob Gronkowski TB Back spasms Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
Dallas Goedert Phi Concussion Week 10 Concussion protocol Week 11+ return Questionable
Ricky Seals-Jones Was Hip injury Week 10 Day-to-Day Week 11+ return Questionable
Jonnu Smith NE Shoulder injury Chronic Week-to-Week Week 11+ return Questionable
-
Logan Thomas Was Right hamstring strain Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 12+ return Doubtful
Blake Jarwin Dal Hip injury Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 12 Week 12+ return IR
James OShaughnessy Jac Right high ankle sprain Week 2 IR - Eligible Week 6 Week 11+ return IR

Injured Players Not Expected to Return in 2021

Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
 Eligible to Return
FBG Return Target
Jameis Winston NO Left ACL / MCL injury Nov-2021 IR - Week 8 Week 12 2022 return
Ryan Fitzpatrick Was Right hip subluxation Sep-2021 IR - Week 1 Week 5 2022 return
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
 Eligible to Return
FBG Return Target
Cam Akers LAR Right Achilles repair Jul-2021 Reserve - NFI Week 7 2022 return
J.K. Dobbins Bal Left ACL reconstruction+ Aug-2021 IR - Aug 2021 2022 2022 return
Gus Edwards Bal ACL reconstruction Sep-2021 IR - Week 1 Week 4 2022 return
Justice Hill Bal Achilles repair Sep-2021 IR - Week 1 Week 4 2022 return
Raheem Mostert SF Knee microfracture surgery Sep-2021 IR - Week 2 Week 5 2022 return
Travis Etienne Jac Left Lisfranc repair Aug-2021 IR - Aug 2021 2022 2022 return
James White NE Right hip injury Sep-2021 IR - Sep 2021 Week 7 2022 return
Darrynton Evans Ten Knee injury Oct-2021 IR - Oct 2021 2022 2022 return
Kylin Hill GB Right ACL tear Nov-2021 IR - Week 8 Week 12 2022 return
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
 Eligible to Return
FBG Return Target
Robert Woods LAR ACL tear Nov-2021 IR (expected) Week 14 2022 return
Michael Thomas NO Syndesmosis/deltoid repair Jun-2021 Reserve-PUP Week 7 2022 return
JuJu Smith-Schuster Pit Right shoulder labrum repair Oct-2021 IR - Week 5 Week 10 2022 return
D.J. Chark Jac Left ankle fracture Oct-2021 IR - Week 4 Week 9 2022 return
Parris Campbell Ind Left foot surgery Oct-2021 IR - Week 6 Week 10 2022 return
K.J. Hamler Den Left ACL tear Sep-2021 IR - Week 3 Week 7 2022 return
Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
 Eligible to Return
FBG Return Target
Irv Smith Min Meniscus repair Sep-2021 IR - Preseason Week 4 2022 return
Robert Tonyan Jr GB Right ACL tear Photos provided by Imagn Images
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