Injury Rounds
Dalvin Cook | Right high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 3
Cook labored through the second half after his right ankle was twisted in the pile and then again at the end of a carry. The second injury suggested a lower-grade high ankle sprain. Cook's foot was not stuck in the turf at the moment of injury, which likely saved him from a more serious sprain.
Still, high ankle injuries can be difficult to assess in the first hours after the injury. Mike Zimmer did not sound concerned after the game but developing swelling and stiffness over the next 24 hours will be critical to Cook's Week 3 availability. If there's any concern on Monday, expect the team to schedule an MRI to better define the injury.
Diontae Johnson | Right knee injury | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 3
Johnson injured his right knee on the final play of the game. The only video of the injury was the live television angle and the view of the injury was obscured by a teammate. Johnson was helped off the field but no replays of the injury were shown. Mike Tomlin had no updates on Johnson after the game.
The injury will hopefully prove to be minor. I'll provide more specific analysis after more details are reported.
Monday Update: Johnson reportedly did not suffer a serious injury. No specific diagnosis was reported and he is considered day-to-day and questionable for Week 3.
Carson Wentz | Right ankle injury | Awaiting MRI | Questionable Week 3
Wentz had his right foot and ankle violently rolled underneath him on a mid-fourth quarter play and could not return. The injury is not a high ankle sprain but the force applied was significant enough to worry about a multiple-week injury.
Wentz told reporters he didn't believe his ankle was broken. That likely means an in-stadium x-ray did not clearly show a broken bone. However, Wentz noted stiffness and swelling immediately and said "there was just not much stability to go out there" and finish the game. A Monday MRI will further define the injury but high-grade ligament sprains or a fracture remain possible.
It's possible Wentz could play through a limiting ankle injury from the pocket but consider him questionable at best for Week 3.
Monday Update: Frank Reich told reporters Wentz injured both ankles. His Week 3 status remains unclear.
DK Metcalf | Left knee injury | Awaiting details | Probable Week 3
Metcalf hobbled through the end of the fourth quarter and overtime with a knee injury. Video did not show a significant injury event and it's most likely Metcalf suffered a bruised knee. Pete Carroll said Metcalf "banged" his knee after the game but did not provide additional detail. I'll update with more detail on Monday.
Monday Update: Pete Carroll did not express concern for Metcalf, who "felt fine" in the locker room on Monday.
Baker Mayfield | Left shoulder subluxation | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 3
Mayfield told reporters his shoulder "popped out and popped back in" on a tackle attempt. He returned to play with a shoulder harness and did not miss an offensive snap. These shoulder injuries involve damage to the stabilizing structures around the shoulder joint and usually require surgery to prevent the injury from happening again.
If this was Mayfield's throwing shoulder, it would be a multiple-week and possibly season-threatening injury. Fortunately, Mayfield should be able to play through the injury and postpone surgery until after the season if needed. Expect him to start in Week 3.
Tua Tagovailoa | Rib injury | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 3
Tagovailoa was sacked twice in three plays during the Dolphins' opening series and slammed to the turf to end the team's second series. He was unable to return and was carted into the locker room, where x-rays did not show any broken ribs.
Brian Flores did not provide any details on Tagovailoa's condition after the game. Although Flores is hopeful Tagovailoa can return, further testing and evaluation on Monday will determine whether Tagovailoa can travel to Las Vegas for Week 3. Mobility and throwing velocity/accuracy are likely to be affected and Miami's offensive line struggles may also influence the team's decision.
Consider Tagovailoa doubtful for Week 3.
Monday Update: Tagovailoa's MRI did not show any significant cartilage injuries. Pain control and range of motion will remain issues this week. If the Dolphins can limit his pain on game day, Tagovailoa may try to play in Week 4.
Follow Up Appointments
Josh Jacobs | Toe / Ankle injuries | Week 1 | Questionable Week 3
Jacobs has been dealing with a chronically painful toe condition since training camp and added an ankle sprain to his list of limitations during last Monday night's game. The Raiders commonly manage Jacobs' practice reps during the week, but it was notable to see him miss both Thursday and Friday practices.
The combination of two lower leg injuries could delay Jacobs recovery. Though he has established a pattern of playing through injuries in his young career, it's possible the Raiders give Jacobs another week off to heal.
Monday Update: Jon Gruden told reporters Jacobs was "very questionable" to return this week.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Amari Cooper was hit in the ribs late in the game. He did not appear significantly injured on the sideline. Mike McCarthy did not have an update from the medical staff after the game.
***Jarvis Landry suffered a sprained MCL on the second play of the game and did not return. Recovery from MCL sprains varies from 1-4 weeks depending on stability and swelling. The Browns will know more after a Monday MRI. Monday Update: Landry has a mid-grade sprain and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
***Elijah Mitchell left briefly with a right arm/shoulder stinger and returned. Players cleared to return from these nerve injuries rarely have longer-term injuries. Expect Mitchell to play in Week 3 but a recurrence next week could mean a longer absence. Video of JaMycal Hasty's ankle injury is suspicious for a high ankle sprain and he's doubtful to play in Week 3. Trey Sermon is in concussion protocol.
***Darrell Henderson left in the second half with a rib injury. Sean McVay did not provide details on the injury in his post-game press conference. I'll update with more detail on Monday. Monday Update: Henderson has a rib cartilage injury and is questionable for Week 3.
***Odell Beckham could be back next week but it's still unclear what the final hurdle in his recovery from ACL surgery may be and why he's been uncomfortable returning to play.
***Andy Dalton suffered a non-contact injury to his left knee running out of bounds. The Bears do not believe Dalton injured his ACL and he was preparing to re-enter the game if needed. But video of his injury is suspicious for an ACL tear. A meniscus injury is also possible. Either injury could be season-threatening. Further tests are planned. Monday Update: Dalton's MRI showed a bone bruise in the knee. He's week-to-week and doubtful for Week 3.
***Tyrod Taylor has a hamstring strain and is not expected to play in Week 3. If a Monday MRI shows a higher-grade strain, Taylor could miss multiple weeks.
Injured Players on Active Roster
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Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W3 Availability
|
| Baker Mayfield | Cle | Left shoulder subluxation | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3 return | Probable |
| Derek Carr | LV | Right ankle injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3 return | Probable |
| Carson Wentz | Ind | Right ankle injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Mia | Left rib contusions | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Andy Dalton | Chi | Left knee bone bruise | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Out |
| Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Out |
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Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W3 Availability
|
| Dalvin Cook | Min | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Rib cartilage injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Josh Jacobs | LV | Toe / ankle injuries | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 3++ return | Doubtful |
| Elijah Mitchell | SF | Right arm stinger | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3 return | Probable |
| Trey Sermon | SF | Concussion | Week 2 | Concussion protocol | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| JaMycal Hasty | SF | Left ankle sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Out |
| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Calf strain | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
|
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
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||||||
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W3 Availability
|
| DK Metcalf | Sea | Left knee injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3 return | Probable |
| Amari Cooper | Dal | Rib contusions | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3 return | Questionable |
| Diontae Johnson | Pit | Right knee injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Odell Beckham | Cle | ACL recovery | Preseason | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Jarvis Landry | Cle | MCL sprain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ return | Out |
| Laviska Shenault | Jac | Shoulder injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Nico Collins | Hou | Shoulder injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 6+ return | Out |
| Anthony Miller | Hou | Right shoulder subluxation | Aug 14 | Week-to-Week | Week 3+ return | Doubtful |
| Danny Amendola | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | Awaiting details | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Jamison Crowder | NYJ | Aggravated groin strain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
| Parris Campbell | Ind | Abdominal injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Dee Eskridge | Sea | Concussion | Week 1 | Concussion protocol | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
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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
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W3 Availability
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| Evan Engram | NYG | Left calf strain | Aug 29 | Week-to-Week | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| Zach Ertz | Phi | COVID+ | Sep 20 | COVID-reserve | Day-to-Day | Questionable |
| Anthony Firkser | Ten | Left knee injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 3+ return | Questionable |
| James OShaughnessy | Jac | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | Awaiting details | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
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
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Ryan Fitzpatrick | Was | Right hip subluxation | Week 1 | IR - Week 2 | Week 5 | Week 10+ |
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Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Jeff Wilson | SF | Meniscus repair | May-2021 | Reserve - PUP | Week 7 | Week 7+ |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 7 | Week 7+ |
| Darrynton Evans | Ten | Knee injury | Aug-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| Anthony McFarland | Pit | Undisclosed | Aug-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| Jalen Richard | LV | Left foot injury | Aug-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4++ |
| Mike Boone | Den | Quad strain | Aug-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| 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 | Not Eligible in 2021 | 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 | Not Eligible in 2021 | 2022 return |
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Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
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Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
|
| Michael Thomas | NO | Syndesmosis/deltoid repair | Jun-2021 | Reserve - PUP | Week 7 | Week 9++ |
| TreQuan Smith | NO | Hamstring strain | Week 1 | IR - Week 1 | Week 4 | Week 4++ |
| Jerry Jeudy | Den | Right high ankle sprain | Week 1 | IR - Week 2 | Week 5 | Week 7+ |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | Groin strain | Jun-2021 | IR - Week 1 | Week 4 | Week 4++ |
| T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Cervical microdiscectomy | Aug 31 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 10+ |
| Michael Gallup | Dal | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - Week 2 | Week 5 | Week 5++ |
| Rashod Bateman | Bal | Core abdominal muscle repair | Aug 13 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| Miles Boykin | Bal | Hamstring strain | Aug 2 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| NKeal Harry | NE | Left shoulder injury | Aug 19 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| John Ross | NYG | Hamstring strain | Aug-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
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Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
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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 |
| Nick Boyle | Bal | Knee injury | Nov-2020 | IR - Week 1 | Week 4 | Week 4+ |
| Dalton Keene | NE | Meniscus repair | Jul-2021 | IR - Aug 2021 | Not Eligible in 2021 | 2022 return |
INSEASON INJURY COVERAGE
My writing and podcast schedule will include:
Monday Injury Rounds > Published 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 at 10:00 ET every Sunday morning to discuss and interpret the week's practice participation reports and breaking weekend injury news.
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 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.
Injured Reserve – Return Designation
Each NFL team can return an unlimited number of 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 and are eligible to return after missing three games. 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.