Monday Injury Rounds: Week 15

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 15 Jene Bramel Published 12/12/2021

Injury Rounds

Lamar Jackson | Right ankle injury | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 15

Jackson was run down outside the pocket by a defender and injured his right ankle. He was carted to the locker room and did not return.

There were varying reports on Jackson's injury after the game. Dianna Russini tweeted the Ravens are expecting it to be a low ankle sprain. Local writer Jeff Zrebiec tweeted the team is concerned about a high ankle sprain. John Harbaugh wouldn't even commit to Jackson having further testing on Monday, saying the team wanted to evaluate further on Monday.

Broadcast angles do not clearly show how the ankle was injured. Despite Harbaugh's comments, Jackson will absolutely have an MRI on Monday. However, it is reasonable for the team to need more time to evaluate Jackson's injury. Pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion are commonly worse 24 hours after an ankle injury.

If Jackson has a high ankle sprain, it's likely he'll need a week or more to recover. Should he try to play through the injury, he will not be as dynamic in the running game. If it is a low ankle injury, it's possible he will be able to recover in time to be productive this week.

I'll update with more details as they are reported.

Monday update: John Harbaugh said Jackson did not have a high ankle sprain. That doesn't guarantee a minor ankle injury but it's reassuring to hear. Harbaugh wouldn't commit to Jackson as the starting quarterback but the team sounds hopeful Jackson will be available. Expect limited practice and a late-week decision.

Austin Ekeler | Left ankle injury | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 15

Ekeler left the game after his lower leg was landed on while being tackled and did not return.

Former team physicians David Chao and Matthew Provencher are now respected injury analysts and both speculated Ekeler suffered a high ankle sprain after viewing video. Replay angles did show Ekeler's ankle moving in a direction typical of a high ankle sprain. However, his lower leg was moving in the same direction -- which is not always typical of a high ankle sprain -- and his foot was not planted in the ground when the injury occurred.

Brandon Staley told reporters after the game Ekeler was "fine" and could have returned to the game if needed. It's difficult to trust coaches are giving accurate injury reports but Staley's tone is reassuring.

Ekeler has been on the injury report with an ankle condition at times over the past month and it's possible he tweaked an earlier injury. Regardless of Ekeler's specific diagnosis, he'll face a tough turnaround to get ready for Thursday night's game against Kansas City.

Ultimately, Ekeler's availability will depend on how the injury develops overnight. If he has any swelling or stiffness on Monday, he's unlikely to practice much this week. There's room for optimism here but prepare contingencies for Thursday night.

Monday update: Staley told reporters Ekeler did aggravate a previous injury and is expected back at practice later this week. Ekeler will still need a smooth recovery to be ready for Thursday night's game but the Monday reports are optimistic.

Josh Allen | Left foot injury | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 15

Allen battled through the second half on an injury that's been described as a toe, foot, or ankle injury. He was in a walking boot during the press conference and told reporters he "finished the game on it, so I don't think it's going to be a big deal." Expect limited practices this week. It's unlikely Allen will miss this week's game but it's too early to know how much the injury will affect him as a rushing threat.

Sunday update: Chris Mortensen is reporting Allen will have an MRI on his foot on Monday. He describes the Bills as "hopeful" Allen will play this week but anticipates the Bills may give Mitchell Trubisky practice reps throughout the week.

Monday update: Ian Rapoport reports Allen is believed to have a "mild case of turf toe" and multiple reports later in the day described the injury as a foot sprain. The Bills believe Allen is day-to-day and should be able to play. Toe sprains are painful injuries. Even if Allen is able to play, he's likely to be limited as a runner.

Kareem Hunt | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 15

Hunt was hit low after a pass reception and could not return.

Television angles are highly suspicious for a high ankle sprain. Unfortunately, Hunt was fully bearing weight on his foot when hit, and his ankle recoiled in the air afterward. That generally leads to a higher-grade sprain. As always, swelling and stiffness and Monday will define the injury further.

The Browns play on Saturday afternoon and Hunt will struggle to recover in time to play. Consider him doubtful unless there are very reassuring Monday and Wednesday updates.

Monday update: Hunt is considered week-to-week and unlikely to play. He is ineligible to go on injured reserve a second time this season and return to the active roster. Prepare for a multiple-week absence.

Follow Up Appointments

Notes on COVID-reserve

Players who test positive for COVID must isolate for ten days unless they test negative on two consecutive days. While that's possible, it's been relatively rare to see a player -- vaccinated or not -- return sooner than ten days. It's also usually unclear whether a player is symptomatic and at risk of conditioning issues that will prolong their return.

This week's review currently includes eleven offensive players in varying stages of COVID recovery. I'm listing each player doubtful if their ten-day isolation period extends through their game this week, but any of them could return to play.

Most, if not all, teams are in enhanced testing protocols due to team or community spread and are testing more frequently than once weekly. Prepare your roster to be as flexible as possible in the coming month. Many more positive tests are coming.

Monday update: 36 players tested positive and were added to COVID-reserve today. Make sure you're planning your playoff rosters with contingencies in place when possible.

Elijah Mitchell | Concussion protocol | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 15

Mitchell had little chance to advance through the concussion protocol last week after reporting symptoms on Monday. He did not return to practice.

It's possible Mitchell can progress quickly through the exercise stages this week and play on Sunday. However, the Niners sent Mitchell for an MRI of his knee after he experienced "irritation" in last week's game. The MRI did not show any concerning structural issues and there are no indications Mitchell needs extended rest.

Wednesday's practice report will better define Mitchell's status and potential workload.

Damien Harris | Hamstring strain | Awaiting reports | Doubtful Week 15

Harris injured his hamstring on a long touchdown run last Monday night. Though he tried to return after halftime, he struggled on another long run and was ruled out.

The Patriots have yet to discuss Harris' status and likely won't. The bye week likely helped Harris' recovery but New England has a road game on Saturday night compressing their practice schedule. Tuesday's injury report will be informative but assume Harris is on the doubtful side of questionable until there's evidence otherwise.

Tony Pollard | Left plantar fascia injury | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 15

Pollard suffered a plantar fascia injury on his long touchdown run in Week 13. He was unable to practice this week and did not play.

The plantar fascia is a long band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It's common to hear that a fully torn plantar fascia is an easier recovery. While that's true -- a partial tear heals slowly and remains painful -- a complete tear of the structure doesn't imply an immediate return to play and production.

Most reports suggest Pollard's injury is a partial tear and he was not likely close to playing in Week 14. With additional healing time, it's possible Pollard can return to his pre-injury form as soon as this week. More likely, he'll be limited in practice and questionable again this week.

Fast Track News and Notes

***DAndre Swift doesn't appear close to returning from a shoulder sprain. He hasn't practiced since aggravating the injury on Thanksgiving Day. Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Swift could be placed on injured reserve if he doesn't show improvement soon. Monday update: Dan Campbell told reporters the Lions are hopeful to have Swift back this week.

***Taylor Heinicke injured his left knee and did not return. Video did not appear concerning for a major injury and Heinicke admitted to being more concerned than injured after the game. He also hinted at some elbow discomfort. Washington will re-evaluate him through mid-week.

Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI

Chase Edmonds | Left high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 14 | Probable Week 15

Edmonds may be returned to the active roster on Monday. If not, he's very likely to return this week.

Calvin Ridley | Behavioral health recovery | Eligible Week 12 - Remains on NFI | Doubtful to return in 2021

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.

Michael Carter | Left high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 15 | Questionable Week 15

Robert Saleh told reporters Carter's high ankle sprain was low grade after the injury in Week 11. If that's accurate, four weeks should be enough recovery time and it's possible the Jets will designate Carter to return to practice early this week. Monday update: Saleh said the Jets expect to have Carter return to play this week.

Malcolm Brown | Quad injury | Eligible Week 13 | Questionable Week 15

Brown will reportedly return to practice this week. Miami's top three backs on currently on COVID-reserve. Brown may immediately see a sizable workload if he's in playing condition.

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. Monday update: Brian Flores said Fuller would not return to practice this week.

Sam Darnold | Right scapula fracture | Eligible Week 14 | Doubtful Week 15

Matt Rhule said Darnold began throwing during Carolina's bye week but has yet to update his condition further. It remains unclear when Darnold will be designated to return or cleared for contact.

Injured Players by Position

Quarterbacks
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W15 Availability
Lamar Jackson Bal Right ankle injury Week 14 Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Questionable
Josh Allen Buf Left foot injury Week 14 Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Probable
Jalen Hurts Phi Left ankle sprain Week 11 Day-to-Day Week 15 return Probable
Daniel Jones NYG Neck injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 15++ return Doubtful
Taylor Heinicke Was Left knee injury Week 14 Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Questionable
Jordan Love GB COVID+ Dec 6 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Probable
-
Sam Darnold Car Right scapula fracture Week 8 IR - Eligible Week 14 Week 15++ return Doubtful
Running Backs
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W15 Availability
Austin Ekeler LAC Left ankle injury Week 14 Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Questionable
Elijah Mitchell SF Concussion / Knee inflammation Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 15+ return Questionable
DAndre Swift Det Aggravated right shoulder sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 15++ return Doubtful
Jamaal Williams Det COVID+ Dec 10 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Darrell Henderson LAR COVID+ Dec 11 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Damien Harris NE Hamstring strain Week 13 Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Questionable
Miles Sanders Phi Aggravated right ankle sprain Week 12 Day-to-Day Week 15 return Probable
Jordan Howard Phi Right knee injury Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
Kareem Hunt Cle Left high ankle sprain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ return Doubtful
Myles Gaskin Mia COVID+ Dec 10 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Salvon Ahmed Mia COVID+ Dec 12 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Phillip Lindsay Mia Ankle injury / COVID+ Dec 13 COVID-reserve Week 16+ return Doubtful
Tony Pollard Dal Left plantar fascia strain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
David Johnson Hou COVID+ Dec 12 Active roster Dec 13 Week 15 return Probable
Alexander Mattison Min COVID+ Dec 13 COVID-reserve Week 16+ return Doubtful
J.D. McKissic Was Concussion Week 12 Concussion protocol Week 15+ return Questionable
Rex Burkhead Hou Groin injury Week 14 Awaiting reports Week 15++ return Doubtful
Mark Ingram NO COVID+ Dec 8 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Questionable
Ty Montgomery NO COVID+ Dec 9 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Tevin Coleman NYJ Concussion Week 13 Concussion protocol Week 15+ return Questionable
Giovani Bernard TB Right hip strain / MCL sprain Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16++ return Doubtful
Mike Boone Den COVID+ Dec 10 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Doubtful
Travis Homer Sea Calf / Hamstring strain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
Jalen Richard LV COVID+ Dec 5 COVID-reserve Week 15+ 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 MNF
Michael Carter NYJ Left high ankle sprain Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 15 Week 15+ return Questionable
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 15+ return Questionable
Wide Receivers Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W15 Availability
Adam Thielen Min Left high ankle sprain Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
Keenan Allen LAC COVID+ Dec 6 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Questionable
Terry McLaurin Was Concussion Week 14 Concussion protocol Week 15+ return Questionable
D.J. Moore Car Right knee / ankle injury Week 14 Awaiting reports Week 15+ return Questionable
Antonio Brown TB Ankle injury [suspended] Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 16+ return Suspended
Kadarius Toney NYG Oblique strain / COVID+ Dec 13 COVID-reserve Week 16+ return Doubtful
Emmanuel Sanders Buf Knee injury Week 14 Week-to-Week Week 16+ return Doubtful
Marquise Goodwin Chi Foot injury Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
Quez Watkins Phi COVID+ Dec 13 COVID-reserve Week 16+ return Doubtful
Anthony Schwartz Cle Concussion Week 10 Concussion protocol Week 15+ return Questionable
-
A.J. Brown Ten Right chest wall injury Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ return IR
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 2022 return Doubtful
Elijah Moore NYJ Quad strain Week 13 IR - Eligible Week 16 Week 16+ return IR
Corey Davis NYJ Core muscle surgery Week 14 IR - Eligible Week 17 2022 return IR
Will Fuller Mia Finger fracture Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 13+ return Doubtful
Randall Cobb GB Core muscle surgery Week 14 IR - Eligible Week 17 Week 17+ return IR
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
W15 Availability
Darren Waller LV Left iliotibial band strain Week 12 Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Questionable
T.J. Hockenson Det Hand injury Week 13 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
Tyler Higbee LAR COVID+ Dec 13 COVID-reserve Week 16+ return Doubtful
David Njoku Cle COVID+ Dec 7 COVID-reserve Week 15+ return Questionable
Harrison Bryant Cle High ankle sprain Week 12 Week-to-Week Week 16+ return Doubtful
Adam Shaheen Mia Knee injury Week 11 Week-to-Week Week 15+ return Questionable
Nick Boyle Bal Chronic knee condition Chronic Day-to-Day Week 15+ return Questionable
-
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 Doubtful
Adam Trautman NO Left MCL sprain Week 11 IR - Eligible Week 15 Week 15++ return Doubtful
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

Photos provided by Imagn Images
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Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR