Monday Injury Rounds: Week 14

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 14 Jene Bramel Published 12/05/2021

Injury Rounds

Adam Thielen | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14

Thielen was unable to return after a high ankle sprain. These injuries are usually worse 24-48 hours after the sprain occurs. With the Vikings playing Thursday night, expect Thielen to be out at least one game. An MRI and follow up exam on Monday will define whether Thielen is likely to miss even more time.

Elijah Mitchell | Concussion protocol | Doubtful Week 14
Jeff Wilson | Chronic knee condition | Questionable Week 14

Monday update: Mitchell left Sunday's game for a head injury evaluation and was cleared to return. On Monday he reported symptoms and was placed in concussion protocol. It's unlikely a player will be cleared to return within six days when reporting symptoms 24 hours after the event. Prepare for Mitchell to be inactive this week.

Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wilson's knee flared up during Sunday's game. He said Wilson would rest for "a couple days" before re-evaluation. He's questionable at best to play this week.

Logan Thomas | Left ACL / MCL injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14

Thomas was hit directly on the left knee while attempting a trap block on a lineman. Adam Schefter reported Washington "fears an ACL/MCL injury" and will confirm with an MRI on Monday. The examination is rarely misleading in these injuries. Expect Thomas to be moved to injured reserve this week.

Monday update: Thomas' MRI did not show an ACL injury. Washington did not discuss specifics but reports suggest Thomas could return this year.

Follow Up Appointments

Dalvin Cook | Left shoulder dislocation | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14

Cook continues to rehab and recover from his most recent shoulder dislocation. There were conflicting reports about how much damage an MRI showed early last week but the finer details won't change the immediate prognosis. With the Vikings facing a short week, Cook has little chance of being cleared for contact by Thursday night.

If Cook recovers enough strength, stability, and range of motion in the next week, there's an outside chance he will return in Week 15.

Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 14

Kamara was likely very close to returning last Thursday night. A full week of individual drills was reassuring for his recovery and reconditioning process. Ultimately, the Saints' medical staff chose to rest him the additional ten days. Unless there was an unreported late-week setback during practice last week, expect Kamara back -- and likely ready for a full workload -- this week.

Darren Waller | Left iliotibial band strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 14

There are no recent NFL player comps for IT band injuries. This isn't a structural issue and even a higher-grade injury isn't likely to require extensive treatment. It's likely Waller is dealing with a sprained knee ligament or the back condition he was also listed with last week was a bigger factor than expected.

The Raiders have yet to discuss Waller's injury and it's worrisome that Waller was not seen in practice or on the rehab field last week.

I'll update with new details -- if available -- on Monday. If the Raiders remain silent on Waller, watch for Wednesday practice participation. A DNP would put Waller at obvious risk of missing another week.

DAndre Swift | Right AC sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14

Swift may prove to be more probable than doubtful by the end of the week. Unfortunately, the tone of the team's comments after Swift aggravated his shoulder sprain in Week 12 suggest he'll need multiple weeks to recover. A limited Wednesday practice would be an indication the Lions are willing to consider returning him to play.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Tee Higgins returned to the game after an ankle sprain. He was limping at times but was moving better after a few snaps and told reporters he expected to be ready to play this week. Video did not show evidence of a high ankle sprain and it's reasonable to consider Higgins probable for Week 14.

***Justin Fields made progress in his recovery from cracked ribs last week but was not cleared to play. Expect him to return this week.

***Daniel Jones has not been cleared for contact after a neck injury suffered in Week 12. Although he has been participating in non-contact practice drills, there are reports he still needs multiple weeks to recover and may see a specialist for further evaluation. He's doubtful again this week. Backup Mike Glennon sustained a concussion and also may not be cleared to play.

***Alex Collins has been on the injury report with groin and abdominal conditions in recent weeks. It's an ominous combination suggestive of a core muscle condition. The Seahawks signed and promoted Adrian Peterson last week and Collins was not cleared to play. Prepare for news that Collins needs surgery and/or is placed on injured reserve.

***The Saints plan to allow Taysom Hill to play through a tendon rupture on the third finger on his throwing hand. He'll need a splint to support the digit and may have difficulty controlling the accuracy of his passes.

Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI

Chase Edmonds | Left high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable

Kliff Kingsbury mentioned Edmonds' eligibility to return during a press conference last week but did not speculate on whether Edmonds would be game-ready immediately. Local writers say the team is "hopeful" Edmonds can return. If Edmonds is designated to return early in the week, watch Kingsbury's comments carefully for clues on potential usage.

Calvin Ridley | Behavioral health recovery | Eligible Week 12 - Remains on NFI | Doubtful

The Falcons have not updated Ridley's status since the decision to place him on the Non-Football Injury list. It's unknown how close Ridley is to returning or whether his conditioning is sufficient to allow him to return immediately when ready. Hopefully, Ridley is getting the care he needs.

Julio Jones | Hamstring strain | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable

Jones has been battling a hamstring strain since the preseason. The Titans moved Jones to injured reserve in the hopes that a full month of rehab would allow him to be healthy enough to be effective in the final weeks of the regular season. It's possible Jones will return after Tennessee's Week 13 bye. The team has yet to address Jones' status.

Monday update: Jones was designated to return on Monday and will return if he has no setbacks during practice this week.

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

Local reports clarified Fuller's extended absence from a finger injury. Fuller's finger was reportedly "shattered" and required extended time to regain stability after surgery. Although he's progressing, he remains doubtful to return this week.

Sam Darnold | Right scapula fracture | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable

Matt Rhule said Darnold began throwing during Carolina's bye week. The team expects to evaluate him early this week and decide whether he's ready to play. It's unlikely he'll be cleared for contact yet but watch for indications he's close to returning.

Injured Players by Position

Quarterbacks
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W14 Availability
Aaron Rodgers GB Toe fracture Week 10 Day-to-Day Week 14 return Probable
Jalen Hurts Phi Left ankle sprain Week 11 Day-to-Day Week 15 return Bye
Joe Burrow Cin Right fifth finger dislocation Week 13 Day-to-Day Week 14 return Probable
Daniel Jones NYG Neck injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Doubtful
Mike Glennon NYG Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 14+ return Questionable
Justin Fields Chi Rib injury Week 11 Day-to-Day Week 14+ return Probable
Taysom Hill NO Right third finger tendon injury Week 13 Day-to-Day Week 14 return Probable
Tyrod Taylor Hou Left wrist injury Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Doubtful
Jordan Love GB COVID+ Dec 6 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
-
Sam Darnold Car Right scapula fracture Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 14 Week 14+ return Questionable
Running Backs
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W14 Availability
Dalvin Cook Min Left shoulder dislocation Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Doubtful
Alvin Kamara NO Left MCL sprain Week 9 Week-to-Week Week 14 return Probable
Elijah Mitchell SF Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 14+ return Questionable
Jeff Wilson SF Chronic knee condition Week 13 Day-to-Day Week 14+ return Questionable
DAndre Swift Det Aggravated right shoulder sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Doubtful
Darrell Henderson LAR Quad injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Damien Harris NE Hamstring strain Week 13 Awaiting reports Week 14+ return Questionable
Miles Sanders Phi Aggravated right ankle sprain Week 12 Day-to-Day Week 15 return Bye
Jordan Howard Phi Right knee injury Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 15 return Bye
Josh Jacobs LV Chronic ankle condition Chronic Day-to-Day Week 14 return Probable
Kenyan Drake LV Right fibula fracture Week 13 IR (expected) 2022 return IR
Jalen Richard LV COVID+ Dec 5 COVID-reserve Week 16 return Doubtful
Melvin Gordon Den Shoulder / Hip injuries Chronic Day-to-Day Week 14+ return Questionable
Alex Collins Sea Abdominal strain Chronic Week-to-Week Week 14++ return Questionable
David Johnson Hou Thigh injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
J.D. McKissic Was Concussion Week 12 Concussion protocol Week 14+ return Questionable
Phillip Lindsay Mia Ankle injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Bye
Jeremy McNichols Ten Concussion Week 10 Concussion protocol Week 14+ return Questionable
Damien Williams Chi Calf injury Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Doubtful
-
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 Questionable
Michael Carter NYJ Left high ankle sprain Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 15 Week 15+ return IR
Trey Sermon SF Ankle injury Week 12 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ return IR
Tarik Cohen Chi Right ACL reconstruction Sep-2020 Reserve - PUP Week 14+ return PUP
Malcolm Brown Mia Quad injury Week 7 IR - Eligible Week 11 Week 13++ return IR
Wide Receivers Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W14 Availability
Deebo Samuel SF Groin strain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Adam Thielen Min Left high ankle sprain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Doubtful
Keenan Allen LAC COVID+ Dec 6 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Tee Higgins Cin Right ankle sprain Week 13 Day-to-Day Week 14 return Probable
Antonio Brown TB Ankle injury [suspended] Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 16+ return Suspended
Sterling Shepard NYG Quad strain Week 8 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Kadarius Toney NYG Quad / Oblique strains Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Kenny Golladay NYG Rib injury Week 13 Awaiting reports Week 14+ return Questionable
Allen Robinson Chi Hamstring strain Week 10 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Marquise Goodwin Chi Foot injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Cedrick Wilson Dal Shoulder injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
Anthony Schwartz Cle Concussion Week 10 Concussion protocol Week 14+ return Questionable
Corey Davis NYJ Aggravated core muscle strain Week 13 IR (expected) 2022 return IR
Randall Cobb GB Groin strain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14+ return Questionable
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A.J. Brown Ten Right chest wall injury Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ return IR
Julio Jones Ten Hamstring strain Chronic IR - Eligible Week 14 Week 14 return Questionable
Marcus Johnson Ten Hamstring strain Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ return IR
Calvin Ridley Atl Behavioral health Week 9 NFI - Eligible Week 12 Week 13+ return Doubtful
Will Fuller Mia Finger fracture Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 13+ return Doubtful
Quintez Cephus Det Left clavicle fixation Week 5 IR - Eligible Week 10 Late 2021 return IR
Danny Amendola Hou Knee surgery Week 12 IR - Eligible Week 16 2022 return IR
Dante Pettis NYG Shoulder injury Week 9 IR - Eligible Week 13 Week 13+ return IR
Tight Ends Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W14 Availability
Darren Waller LV Left iliotibial band strain Week 12 Day-to-Day Week 14+ return Questionable
Logan Thomas Was Left knee injury Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Doubtful
Ricky Seals-Jones Was Hip injury Week 10 Day-to-Day Week 14 return Probable
Harrison Bryant Cle High ankle sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 14++ return Doubtful
Adam Shaheen Mia Knee injury Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Bye
-
Dan Arnold Jac MCL sprain Week 12 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ return IR
Eric Ebron Pit Meniscus tear Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 15 Week 15++ return IR
Adam Trautman NO Left MCL sprain Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 15 Week 15++ return IR
Blake Jarwin Dal Hip injury / COVID+ (Nov 26) Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 12 Week 14+ return Doubtful
Kaden Smith NYG Knee injury Chronic IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ 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
Christian McCaffrey Car Left ankle injury Nov-2021 IR - Week 13 2022 2022 return
Cam Akers LAR Right Achilles repair Jul-2021 Reserve - NFI Week 7 2022 return
Photos provided by Imagn Images
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