Injury Rounds
Christian McCaffrey | Left hamstring strain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 4
McCaffrey did not return to Thursday night's game after suffering a hamstring strain. He was immediately ruled out and video of the injury seemed to show a ripple in the muscle at the moment of injury. Neither is a reassuring sign.
Matt Rhule told reporters McCaffrey was likely to miss time but he didn't suffer a "super severe hamstring pull." Recovery estimates vary from "a couple weeks" to "a few weeks" with injured reserve remaining a possibility. Although Jason La Canfora reported a "0.5-grade" hamstring strain -- which isn't a legitimate diagnosis -- every other report suggests McCaffrey is dealing with more than a low-grade injury.
Carolina can wait until Saturday afternoon to move McCaffrey to the injured reserve list and still have him eligible to return in Week 7. Expect them to take as much time to observe and re-evaluate McCaffrey's early recovery before making a decision on injured reserve.
Expect McCaffrey to miss at least two weeks with 3-4+ weeks easily within the range of possibility.
Monday Update: Rhule told reporters the Panthers were not planning to use injured reserve for McCaffrey. That suggests the Panthers believe McCaffrey will miss fewer than three games. It's still difficulty to see McCaffrey returning this week. Week 5 remains a very optimistic target.
Tyler Lockett | Left leg injury | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 4
Lockett had his left foot trapped underneath him during a fourth-quarter tackle and twisted his knee and ankle. This type of stress to the lower leg can result in high ankle sprains, MCL sprains, and meniscus injuries. Lockett grabbed at his knee immediately and would later return. Pete Carroll told reporters Lockett was okay after the game.
While his return is reassuring, high ankle sprains and MCL sprains can stiffen and swell overnight. Hopefully, the news on Monday remains optimistic and Lockett can return to full strength in Week 4.
A.J. Brown | Hamstring strain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 4
Brown did not look comfortable at the end of a long route from the slot early in the first quarter and did not return. Brown didn't pull up on the route and television replays did not provide a clear view of an injury. But it's worrisome when a player returns to the field in street clothes after halftime.
Even a low-grade injury could require 10-14 days for recovery. I'll update with Monday information when available but prepare for Brown to be out this week.
Monday Update: Adam Schefter tweeted Brown is likely to be considered week-to-week. There are no current reports on whether injured reserve will be necessary. But Brown is very likely to be available this week.
James White | Right hip injury | Awaiting details | Out Week 4
White had his right knee driven into the ground with his hip flexed. It's the same mechanism that caused hip joint injuries suffered by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa in recent years. This often pushes the upper leg bone out of the hip socket briefly, tearing the hip labrum, and sometimes fracturing the inside of the hip socket.
The best-case scenario is a multiple-week absence and late-season return. Many of these injuries require season-ending surgery. The Patriots will evaluate White further on Monday. Expect more clarity on White early this week. Injured reserve is likely.
Monday Update: Ian Rapoport tweeted White did suffer a hip subluxation and is undergoing further testing.
Follow Up Appointments
Dalvin Cook | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 4
High ankle sprains -- regardless of grade -- are difficult injuries to recover from in seven days. It appeared Cook avoided significant swelling and stiffness after he was cleared to talk to the media last Wednesday and strongly hinted he would play. But Cook was not able to practice and never reached the necessary rehab goals to be cleared to play.
Cook isn't likely to have a 3-4 week injury, but consider him questionable until he can handle football-related activity on consecutive days.
Elijah Mitchell | Right shoulder injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Doubtful Week 4
Mitchell returned to the game after suffering a stinger in Week 2. By midweek, Mitchell was not cleared to return to practice and Kyle Shanahan told reporters the injury was "more than a stinger."
While the Niners never provided more detail on Mitchell's injury, "more than a stinger" could be concerning. Nerve injuries with symptoms persisting longer than a few minutes often linger for weeks. It's not certain that Mitchell's stinger-like symptoms recurred this week, but Shanahan's comments suggest a longer-term injury.
Mitchell was able to return to a limited practice on Friday. Hopefully, his symptoms are improving and he'll be cleared to return this week.
Monday Update: Shanahan told reporters he was hopeful Mitchell would return to practice this week. That does not sound promising.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Unfortunately, the Steelers provided no detail on Diontae Johnson's knee injury last week. While it's not believed to be a long-term injury and Pittsburgh did not use the short-term injured reserve option, it's still unclear whether Johnson is likely to return in Week 4. Practice participation on Wednesday may be our next data point.
***Darrell Henderson was unable to return from a Week 2 injury to his rib cartilage. These injuries are difficult to manage, even with pain-killing injections and protective padding. Henderson has a better chance to return in Week 4 but should be considered doubtful until he's able to practice.
***The Raiders held Josh Jacobs out of practice again last week. Since Las Vegas did not move Jacobs to injured reserve -- which would have kept him down three games -- it's likely they are targeting the Week 4 divisional matchup with the Chargers on Monday night for his return. Watch Wednesday's practice participation for confirmation Jacobs is preparing to play.
***JuJu Smith-Schuster will be evaluated on Monday after leaving with a rib injury. Location and severity will determine whether Smith-Schuster will be able to play through the injury. Expect limited practice and a questionable tag at best.
***Giovani Bernard hyperextended his left knee after a hit on his touchdown run. Bruce Arians said Bernard was "fine" but he'll likely require additional evaluation early this week. Monday Update: Bernard reportedly has a low-grade MCL sprain and is considered day-to-day.
Eligible to Return from Injured Reserve
Curtis Samuel | Groin strain | Eligible Week 4 - Currently on IR | Doubtful Week 4 | Target Week 5+
Sep 26: Ron Rivera would not commit to Samuel returning to practice this week. Expect Samuel to need at least one week of reconditioning before returning from a higher-grade groin strain. If he's done more in rehab than Rivera suggests, he could return to practice this week and play a limited role.
Rashod Bateman | Core abdominal muscle repair | Eligible Week 4 - Currently on IR | Doubtful Week 4 | Target Week 5+
Sep 26: Bateman is now six weeks from surgery to repair a core abdominal muscle. Last week, John Harbaugh said "We'll see," when asked whether Bateman would be ready. Beat writers believe Week 5-6 to be a more likely return date than Week 4.
TreQuan Smith | Aggravated hamstring strain | Eligible Week 4 - Currently on IR | Doubtful Week 4 | Target = Week 5+
Sep 26: In Week 1, Smith aggravated a hamstring strain that limited in for weeks during training camp. The Saints have not updated his condition but he's unlikely to return in Week 4.
Jerry Jeudy | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Target = Week 7+
Sep 26: Jeudy suffered a significant sprain in Week 1. Although x-rays did not show a broken bone and surgery was not necessary, Jeudy is likely to need 4-6 weeks to fully recover. The Broncos travel to Cleveland for a Thursday night game in Week 7. That's likely the best-case scenario for Jeudy but don't be surprised if he's held out until the following week.
Michael Gallup | Calf strain | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Target Week 5+
Sep 26: Gallup continues rehab and is expected back shortly after he's eligible to return.
Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Target = Week 10+
Sep 26: Fitzpatrick chose not to have surgery to address a likely tear in his hip labrum. He's expected to be out at least 6-8 weeks.
Injured Players by Position
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Quarterbacks
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W4 Availability
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| Andy Dalton | Chi | Left knee bone bruise | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Tua Tagovailoa | Mia | Left rib contusions | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 6 return | IR |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | Was | Right hip subluxation | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 5 | Week 10+ return | IR |
| Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 6+ return | IR |
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Running Backs
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W4 Availability
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| Christian McCaffrey | Car | Left hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ return | Doubtful |
| Dalvin Cook | Min | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Rib cartilage injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Josh Jacobs | LV | Toe / ankle injuries | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Elijah Mitchell | SF | Right shoulder injury | Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
| James White | NE | Right hip injury | Week 3 | Awaiting details | Week 7++ return | Out |
| Giovani Bernard | TB | Left MCL sprain | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Rashaad Penny | Sea | Calf strain | Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| JaMycal Hasty | SF | Left high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 7 | Week 7+ return | IR |
| Jeff Wilson | SF | Meniscus repair | May-2021 | Reserve - PUP | Week 7++ return | PUP |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 7+ return | PUP |
| Jalen Richard | LV | Left foot injury | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4++ return | IR |
| Darrynton Evans | Ten | Knee injury | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | IR |
| Anthony McFarland | Pit | Undisclosed | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | IR |
| Mike Boone | Den | Quad strain | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
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Wide Receivers Injured
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W4 Availability
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| Tyler Lockett | Sea | Left knee injury | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 4 return | Probable |
| Dee Eskridge | Sea | Concussion | Week 1 | Concussion protocol | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| A.J. Brown | Ten | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ return | Doubtful |
| Diontae Johnson | Pit | Right knee injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | Pit | Rib injury | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Tee Higgins | Cin | Left shoulder injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | COVID+ | Sep 22 | Day-to-Day | Week 4 return | Probable |
| Scott Miller | TB | Toe sprain | Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week 5+ return | Doubtful |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Right hamstring strain | Week 3 | Awaiting detail | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Darius Slayton | NYG | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Awaiting detail | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| K.J. Hamler | Den | Left ACL tear | Week 3 | Season-ending | 2022 return | IR likely |
| Russell Gage | Atl | Right ankle injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | GB | Hamstring strain | Week 3 | Awaiting detail | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Elijah Moore | NYJ | Concussion | Week 3 | Concussion protocol | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| Jamison Crowder | NYJ | Aggravated groin strain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4++ return | Doubtful |
| Danny Amendola | Hou | Hamstring strain | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4++ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Michael Thomas | NO | Syndesmosis/deltoid repair | Jun-2021 | Reserve-PUP | Week 7+ return | PUP |
| TreQuan Smith | NO | Hamstring strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
| Jerry Jeudy | Den | Right high ankle sprain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 5 | Week 7+ return | IR |
| Jarvis Landry | Cle | MCL sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 6 return | IR |
| Curtis Samuel | Was | Groin strain | Jun-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
| Michael Gallup | Dal | Calf strain | Week 1 | IR - Eligible Week 5 | Week 5+ return | IR |
| Rashod Bateman | Bal | Core abdominal muscle repair | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 5+ return | IR |
| Miles Boykin | Bal | Hamstring strain | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 5+ return | IR |
| T.Y. Hilton | Ind | Cervical microdiscectomy | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 10+ return | IR |
| Nico Collins | Hou | Shoulder injury | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 6+ return | IR |
| NKeal Harry | NE | Left shoulder injury | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
| John Ross | NYG | Hamstring strain | Aug-2021 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4++ return | IR |
| Tyrell Williams | Det | Concussion | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 6+ return | IR |
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Tight Ends Injured
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Player
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Current Status
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FBG Expectation
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W4 Availability
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| Rob Gronkowski | TB | Rib injury | Week 3 | Day-to-Day | Week 4 return | Probable |
| Anthony Firkser | Ten | Left knee injury | Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week 4+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| James OShaughnessy | Jac | Right high ankle sprain | Week 2 | IR - Eligible Week 6 | Week 6+ return | IR |
| Nick Boyle | Bal | Knee injury | Nov-2020 | IR - Eligible Week 4 | Week 4+ return | Doubtful |
Injured Players Not Expected to Return in 2021
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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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Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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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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Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| 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
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Team
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Injury
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Date
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Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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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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Current Status
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Eligible to Return |
FBG Return Target
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| Irv Smith | Min | Meniscus repair | Sep-2021 | IR - Preseason | Week 4 | 2022 return |
| 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