Monday Injury Rounds: Week 7

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 7 Jene Bramel Published 10/17/2021

Injury Rounds

Nick Chubb | Calf injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 7
Kareem Hunt | Left calf strain | 4-6 weeks | Out Week 7

Chubb was unable to practice last week with a calf injury despite playing his usual number of snaps in Week 5. The Browns did not use injured reserve for Chubb, suggesting the injury is minor. But it may be tough for Chubb to recover in time to play Thursday night, even with a relatively low-grade injury.

Hunt was carted off the field after grabbing his left calf. Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the game Hunt did not have an Achilles injury. Hunt will have an MRI on Monday but it's very unlikely he'll be able to recover in time for Thursday night's game. Injured reserve is also possible.

Monday update: Stefanski refused to rule Chubb out for Thursday night's game, telling reporters Chubb was making progress. Stefanski also said Hunt's injury will keep him out a few weeks. Expect injured reserve for Hunt. It's possible he'll be out until after Cleveland's Week 13 bye.

Antonio Gibson | Tibia stress fracture | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7

Gibson continues to deal with pain from a stress fracture in his shin. Over the past month, he had managed his usual 15-20 touches on gameday but was in and out of Sunday's game. Ron Rivera told reporters Gibson was "struggling with it" and would be re-evaluated on Monday.

This is an injury Gibson may continue to play through but is unlikely to improve without a period of rest. Washington has a Week 9 bye. It's likely the team has been trying to get Gibson to the bye week but may be forced to give him time off before then.

Follow Up Appointments

Christian McCaffrey | Left hamstring strain | Injured reserve | Target Week 9+

The McCaffrey saga took another unfortunate turn last week. A Wednesday individual workout did not go well and McCaffrey ended the week on injured reserve.

McCaffrey's injury was likely always a little more than low grade -- Jason LaCanfora's report of a Grade 0.5 strain never made sense for multiple reasons -- and it became clear from the tone of the team's press conferences ten days ago that McCaffrey was not recovering as planned.

It's hard not to read these developments as a setback. Unfortunately, aggravated strains usually require at least as much recover time as the initial injury. McCaffrey is not eligible to return until Week 9. It's possible he may be unable to rehab and recondition to a full workload until Week 10 or beyond.

Russell Wilson | Right finger fracture / Tendon rupture | Injured reserve | Target Week 10+

Wilson had surgery to address a fracture in his finger and a detached tendon. He will need 3-4 weeks of splinting before being cleared to throw and prepare to play. Now on injured reserve, Wilson is not eligible to play until Week 10. That's an optimistic time frame and he may need until the end of November to recover. The Seahawks will know more as Wilson heals.

Jimmy Garoppolo | Right calf strain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 7
Trey Lance | Left knee sprain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 7

The Niners expect Garoppolo to be healthy and ready to play. Lance's knee sprain is not expected to be a long-term issue but it's not yet clear whether he will be cleared to play. Expect Garoppolo to be San Francisco's Week 7 starter.

Monday update: Garoppolo returned to practice on Monday and did not appear limited to observers. Lance was not working out on Monday.

Chris Carson | Cervical condition | Injured reserve | Target Week 10+

The Seahawks seemed hopeful early last week but inflammation -- likely from a disc herniation in the neck -- did not sufficiently calm down with treatment and Carson was moved to injured reserve. While possible, don't count on Carson being ready when eligible in Week 10.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Dak Prescott suffered a calf strain on the final play of Sunday's game. Reports suggest a low-grade injury and the Cowboys are hopeful he'll return after the team's Week 7 bye.

***Latavius Murray suffered a left ankle injury and did not return. Video suggests a high ankle injury. The Ravens have a Week 8 bye. It's possible Murray will not return until after the bye.

***T.Y. Hilton suffered a quad strain. Frank Reich told reporters he "didn't think it's bad" but will need further evaluation on Monday. Parris Campbell was ruled out with a foot injury, a concern given his past history of a foot fracture.

***Odell Beckham (shoulder), Baker Mayfield (shoulder), and Travis Kelce (wrist) suffered injuries but continued to play.

Eligible to Return from Injured Reserve

TreQuan Smith | Aggravated hamstring strain | Eligible Week 4 - Currently on IR | Questionable Week 7 | Target = Week 7+

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.

Oct 10: Smith was not designated to return last week. It's not clear if he's progressed enough to be returned yet. We should know more on Monday.

Jerry Jeudy | Right high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 5 - Designated to return (Week 6) | Doubtful Week 7 | 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.

Oct 10: Jeudy continues to progress in his recovery from a significant high ankle injury. There's an outside chance he'll be designated to return and prepare to play in Week 6. If not, the quick turnaround to the Week 7 Thursday night game may further complicate his return timetable.

Oct 17: Jeudy was designated to return late last week. The Broncos will work to recondition him quickly. It'll be a tough turnaround to travel to Cleveland to play Thursday night.

Michael Gallup | Calf strain | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Bye Week 7 | Target Week 8

Sep 26: Gallup continues rehab and is expected back shortly after he's eligible to return.

Oct 10: Mike McCarthy has said Gallup may not return until after Dallas' Week 7 bye.

Ryan Fitzpatrick | Right hip subluxation | Eligible Week 5 - Currently on IR | Out Week 6 | 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.

Jarvis Landry | MCL sprain | Eligible Week 6 - Designated to return (Week 6) | Currently on IR | Probable Week 7 | Target = Week 7

Oct 10: The Browns have not updated Landry's status but most mid-grade MCL sprains are 3-4 week recoveries. He could return to play immediately.

Oct 17: Landry was not added to the active roster but should be available to play in Week 7.

Michael Thomas | Syndesmosis / deltoid ligament repair | Eligible Week 7 - Currently on PUP | Target = Week 8++

Oct 10: Thomas is eligible to practice and return to play after Week 6. Recovery is variable from these surgeries. While it is reasonable to expect clearance for contact in 3-4 months, most players take considerably longer to recover the strength and range of motion necessary to return to pre-injury form. Thomas could be cleared to return around Week 7 but it will likely be November before he's closer to full recovery.

Oct 17: Thomas has reportedly been rehabbing with the team but it remains unclear whether he has any chance to play immediately. Monday update: Thomas is reportedly a "few weeks away" from returning. That's not surprising. A return to form is possible but not until later in the season.

Jeff Wilson | Meniscus repair | Eligible Week 7 - Currently on PUP | Target = Week 8++

Oct 10: Recovery from meniscus repair generally requires 4-6 months of rehab. The Niners are hopeful to have him back for the second half of the season.

Injured Players by Position

Quarterbacks
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W7 Availability
Dak Prescott Dal Right calf strain Week 6 Day-to-Day Week 8 return Bye
Jimmy Garoppolo SF Right calf strain Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 7 return Probable
Trey Lance SF Left knee sprain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Doubtful
Baker Mayfield Cle Left shoulder dislocation Chronic Day-to-Day Week 7 return Probable
Taysom Hill NO Concussion Week 5 Concussion protocol Week 7+ return Questionable
-
Russell Wilson Sea Fractured finger / tendon injury Week 5 IR - Eligible Week 10 Week 10+ 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 7+ return Questionable
Running Backs
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W7 Availability
Saquon Barkley NYG Left ankle injury Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Nick Chubb Cle Calf injury Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Kareem Hunt Cle Left calf strain Week 6 4-6+ weeks Week 12+ return Out
Antonio Gibson Was Tibia stress fracture Chronic Day-to-Day Week 7+ return Questionable
Damien Williams Chi COVID+ Oct 14 Day-to-Day Week 7 return Probable
Latavius Murray Bal Left ankle injury Week 6 Awaiting information Week 9+ return Doubtful
Samaje Perine Cin COVID+ Oct 11 Day-to-Day Week 7 return Probable
Peyton Barber LV Toe sprain Week 4 Day-to-Day Week 7+ return Questionable
Darrynton Evans Ten Knee injury Aug-2021 IR - DTR Week 5 Week 7 return Probable
Anthony McFarland Pit MCL sprain Aug-2021 IR - DTR Week 5 Week 8 return Bye
-
Christian McCaffrey Car Left hamstring strain Week 3 IR - Eligible Week 9 Week 9+ return IR
Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC Right MCL sprain Week 5 IR - Eligible Week 9 Week 10+ return IR
David Montgomery Chi Left knee sprain Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 11 return IR
Chris Carson Sea Cervical neck condition Chronic IR - Eligible Week 10 Week 10+ return IR
Jeff Wilson SF Meniscus repair May-2021 Reserve - PUP Week 8++ return PUP
JaMycal Hasty SF Left high ankle sprain Week 2 IR - Eligible Week 7 Week 7 return Probable
Tarik Cohen Chi Right ACL reconstruction Sep-2020 Reserve - PUP Week 10+ return PUP
Rashaad Penny Sea Calf strain Week 1 IR - Eligible Week 7 Week 7+ return Questionable
Tony Jones NO Right ankle injury Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 9 Week 9+ return IR
Wide Receivers Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W7 Availability
Kenny Golladay NYG Knee hyperextension Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 8+ return Doubtful
Darius Slayton NYG Hamstring strain Week 3 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Kadarius Toney NYG Ankle injury Week 5 Day-to-Day Week 7+ return Questionable
Curtis Samuel Was Aggravated groin strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Doubtful
Cam Sims Was Hamstring strain Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Julio Jones Ten Hamstring strain Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 8++ return Doubtful
T.Y. Hilton Ind Right quad strain Week 6 Awaiting information Week 7+ return Questionable
Parris Campbell Ind Foot injury Week 6 Month-to-Month 2022 return Out
Sammy Watkins Bal Hamstring strain Week 5 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Doubtful
DeVante Parker Mia Hamstring strain Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Russell Gage Atl Right ankle injury Week 2 Week-to-Week Week 7 return Probable
Danny Amendola Hou Hamstring strain Week 2 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
-
Michael Thomas NO Syndesmosis/deltoid repair Jun-2021 Reserve-PUP Week 9+ return PUP
TreQuan Smith NO Hamstring strain Week 1 IR - Eligible Week 4 Week 7+ return Questionable
Jerry Jeudy Den Right high ankle sprain Week 1 IR - DTR Week 6 Week 7+ return Doubtful
Jarvis Landry Cle MCL sprain Week 2 IR - DTR Week 6 Week 7 return Probable
Will Fuller Mia Finger fracture Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 8+ return IR
Michael Gallup Dal Calf strain Week 1 IR - Eligible Week 5 Week 8 return IR / Bye
Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB Hamstring strain Week 3 IR - Eligible Week 7 Week 7+ return IR
Quintez Cephus Det Left clavicle fixation Week 5 IR - Eligible Week 10 Late 2021 return IR
Scott Miller TB Toe sprain Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 7 Week 7+ return IR
Tyrell Williams Det Concussion Week 2 IR - Eligible Week 6 Week 7++ return IR
Dee Eskridge Sea Concussion Week 1 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 8++ return IR
Tight Ends Injured
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
FBG Expectation
W7 Availability
Rob Gronkowski TB Rib injuries / Punctured lung Week 3 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Dawson Knox Buf Right hand fracture Week 6 Week-to-Week Week 8+ return Bye
Dallas Goedert Phi COVID+ Oct 12 Day-to-Day Week 7 return Probable
Tyler Kroft NYJ Back injury Week 4 Week-to-Week Week 7+ return Questionable
Jody Fortson KC Left Achilles tear Week 6 IR (expected) 2022 return IR
-
George Kittle SF Calf strain Week 1 IR - Eligible Week 9 Week 9 return IR
Logan Thomas Was Right hamstring strain Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 8+ return IR
Albert Okwuegbunam Den Hamstring strain Week 4 IR - Eligible Week 8 Week 8+ return IR
James OShaughnessy Jac Right high ankle sprain Week 2 IR - Eligible Week 6 Week 8+ return IR / Bye
Nick Boyle Bal Knee injury Nov-2020 IR - Eligible Week 4 Week 8+ 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
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
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
Player
Team
Injury
Date
Current Status
 Eligible to Return
Photos provided by Imagn Images
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