Monday Injury Rounds: Week 6

Jene Bramel's Monday Injury Rounds: Week 6 Jene Bramel Published 10/10/2022

Injury Rounds

Tyreek Hill | Left foot injury | Awaiting information | Questionable Week 6

Hill did not return after being "stepped on pretty hard," per Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins did not provide any additional specifics, but Hill left the locker room in a walking boot.

A walking boot doesn't necessarily mean a player has a serious injury. It may just be a precautionary move to limit swelling and relieve pain. Video replays were not conclusive. Hill will be evaluated further on Monday. I'll update with any reports through tomorrow evening.

Russell Wilson | Right latissimus strain | Day-to-day | Probable Week 6

Wilson is reportedly playing through a strained lat muscle -- a large muscle in the back under the shoulder blade -- and elected to have an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after struggling in last Thursday night's game.

PRP injections are intended to relieve inflammation and promote healing by adding a concentrated injection of the player's own growth factors to the area of injury. Results are variable, and it's unlikely Wilson will see significant improvement this week. Dak Prescott dealt with a similar condition this preseason, and the Cowboys limited his throwing sessions for weeks.

The Broncos do not have the luxury of a preseason rest program, and Wilson has said he'll continue to play through the muscle strain. Expect limited accuracy, especially on downfield throws, while Wilson recovers.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.

Join Now

Saquon Barkley | Right shoulder sprain | Day-to-day | Probable Week 6

Barkley returned and played effectively after suffering a right shoulder sprain. These injuries can be frustrating for running backs, and Barkley may be limited in practice this week as he deals with swelling and stiffness in the shoulder. Watch for any indication he's at risk of limited snaps in Week 6.

Rashaad Penny | Left tibia fracture | Season-ending injury

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report Penny broke his lower leg. It's a season-ending injury that will require surgery, the latest unfortunate setback to Penny's career.

More Sunday injuries to monitor

Follow Up Appointments

Jonathan Taylor | Ankle sprain | Day-to-day | Probable Week 6

The Colts said Taylor's MRI was "clean" last week. It's still not clear whether that means Taylor has a very low-grade high ankle sprain or suffered only a minor low ankle sprain. Although Taylor was unable to recover in time to play last Thursday night, Frank Reich said the team was "optimistic" Taylor would return this week.

Watch practice participation for clues on Taylor's status and possible workload.

Dak Prescott | Right thumb fracture | Day-to-day | Doubtful Week 6 | Target Week 7

Prescott continues to make progress in his recovery after thumb surgery. Unfortunately, no matter how optimistic the Cowboys may be, regaining full grip strength in a surgically repaired thumb in less than a month is not realistic.

Reports on Sunday suggest Prescott will need to "make significant strides" to return in Week 6.

Kyle Pitts | Hamstring strain | Day-to-day | Questionable Week 6

Pitts told Atlanta's training staff he was more sore than usual after his Week 5 game and the Falcons held him out of practice all week. Arthur Smith told reporters the strain wasn't expected to be a long-term injury. If Pitts isn't back to practice on Wednesday, however, expect this to be a 2-4 week injury.

Tua Tagovailoa | Concussion | Week-to-week | Doubtful Week 6 | Target Week 7+

The NFL investigation into how the Miami medical staff and supporting independent neurologist handled Tagovailoa's Week 4 injury essentially retroactively diagnosed Tagovailoa with a concussion. Two head injuries within five days is a high-risk situation, and you can expect the Dolphins to be very deliberate in Tagovailoa's return to play process.

It's possible he returns in Week 6 but expect Tagavailoa to continue his slow reconditioning and recovery process with an eye toward a Week 7 (or beyond) return.

Rashod Bateman | Midfoot sprain | Week-to-week | Doubtful Week 6 | Target Week 7+

Bateman did not practice last week with a midfoot sprain. The Ravens say Bateman is day-to-day and chose not to move him to injured reserve. There are multiple variations of midfoot injuries and not all are longer-term recoveries. However, missing a critical division game against Cincinnati without practicing is an ominous sign for his availability in Week 6.

More recoveries to monitor

  • Tee Higgins | Left ankle sprain | Questionable Week 6
  • Keenan Allen | Left hamstring strain | Doubtful Week 6
  • DAndre Swift | Left shoulder sprain / left ankle sprain | Bye Week 6
  • Michael Thomas | Foot/toe injury | Probable Week 6
  • Jarvis Landry | Ankle sprain | Questionable Week 6
  • Jahan Dotson | Hamstring strain | Questionable Week 6 (Thursday night)
  • D.J. Chark | Ankle injury | Bye Week 6
  • Julio Jones | PCL sprain | Questionable Week 6
  • Jameis Winston | Spine fractures/ankle sprain | Questionable Week 6
  • Mac Jones | Left high ankle sprain | Questionable Week 6
  • Isaiah McKenzie | Concussion | Questionable Week 6
  • Dawson Knox | Foot/hamstring injuries | Questionable Week 6
  • Cameron Brate | Concussion | Questionable Week 6
  • Logan Thomas | Calf strain | Questionable Week 6

DEsignated to return from injured reserve | PUP | NFI Updates

  • Gus Edwards (RB-Bal) >> ACL reconstruction | Returned to practice Week 5 | Target return Week 8+
  • NKeal Harry (WR-Chi) >> Left high ankle sprain with ligament repair | Returned to practice Week 5 | Target return Week 7
  • Calvin Austin (WR-Pit) >> Left foot injury | Returned to practice Week 5 | Target return Week 6+

Players on injured reserve | PUP | NFI Updates

  • Elijah Mitchell (RB-SF) >> Right MCL sprain + | Eligible to return Week 6 | Target return Week 10+
  • Cordarrelle Patterson (RB-Atl) >> Arthroscopic knee surgery | Eligible to return Week 10 | Target return Week 10
  • Damien Williams (RB-Atl) >> Rib injury | Eligible to return Week 7 | Target return Week 7
  • Travis Homer (RB-Sea) >> Rib injury | Eligible to return Week 8 | Target return Week 8
  • Sammy Watkins (WR-GB) >> Hamstring strain | Eligible to return Week 7 | Target return Week 7+
  • Van Jefferson (WR-LAR) >> Knee surgery | Eligible to return Week 8 | Target return Week 8+
  • Jameson Williams (WR-Det) >> ACL reconstruction | Eligible to return Week 5 | Target return Week 10++
  • Treylon Burks (WR-Ten) >> Left toe sprain | Eligible to return Week 10 | Target return Week 10+
  • James Washington (WR-Dal) >> Left fifth metatarsal fixation | Eligible to return Week 5 | Target return Week 10+
  • Quintez Cephus (WR-Det) >> Left foot injury | Eligible to return Week 10 | Target return Week 10+

Footballguys injury coverage will return Saturday morning with analysis and Week 6 expectations for key injured players.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article