Key:
Position Player, Team | Injury | Projected Return to Play
RB David Montgomery, Detroit | Shoulder | Projecting Week 13 Return
David Montgomery was pulled from Sunday's game with a shoulder injury but early reports out of Detroit suggest the team was exercising caution.
#Lions’ David Montgomery says he will be ready to go on Thursday. Said it was a smart decision to rest him after the injury today.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) November 24, 2024
ESPN Detroit reporter Eric Woodyard posted on X that Montgomery plans to suit up next week.
Looking at the video of Montgomery's injury, he may have a minor AC joint sprain or shoulder contusion. Either injury could result in 1-2 games missed. Also, Detroit plays on a short week this Thursday – Thanksgiving Day. However, the Lions host Chicago, Montogomery's former team. Montgomery will likely be extra motivated to be active come Turkey Day.
QB Gardner Minshew II, Las Vegas | Shoulder | Season-Ending
During Sunday's loss to Denver, Gardner Minshew II fractured his clavicle (collarbone). Post-game reports surfaced that Minshew would miss the remainder of the season.
Raiders QB Gardner Minshew II suffered a broken collarbone, will miss rest of season. (via @rapsheet, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/tvTOOjatSI
— NFL (@NFL) November 25, 2024
Desmond Ridder has been the Raiders' primary backup but only because Aidan O'Connell has been on IR with a broken thumb. O'Connell could return in Week 13/14 so this will be a situation to monitor.
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis | Shoulder | Projecting Week 15 Return
Josh Downs appeared to injure his right shoulder Sunday. After the injury, cameras picked up Downs grabbing/pointing to the front of his shoulder/pectoral (chest) area. Falling with your arm in this position is a textbook mechanism for an AC joint sprain and typically one that can result in time missed.
Downs was able to return to the game, but as I wrote about last week with Ladd McConkey, AC joint sprains can be painful. Even when a player finishes the game they are injured in, they can still go on to miss time. Downs' managers should follow the Colts' practice this week.
Update: Per Ian Rapoport, Downs is a "long-shot to play Sunday."
TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina | Neck | Timeline TBD
Rookie TE Ja'Tavion Sanders was carted off the field after landing on his head with what looked like a cervical (neck) compression injury. It goes without saying that neck injuries are serious, and therefore Sanders was taken to a nearby hospital.
Carolina has reported that Sanders was released from the hospital, but I would expect him to miss multiple weeks as he recovers.
RB Brian Robinson Jr., Washington | Ankle | Timeline TBD
Brian Robinson Jr. injured his ankle very early in Sunday's game. He was able to return but did not look right and only played a few more snaps. Looking at Robinson's injury he may have suffered an inversion (low) ankle sprain.
I will be following Washington's injury report this week for clarification but either injury could result in time missed. Ankle sprains average 0-2 weeks missed.
RB Austin Ekeler, Washington | Concussion | Projecting Week 15 Return
Austin Ekeler was injured in the final seconds of Sunday's game with what looked like a concussion. After the game, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the injury.
Commanders RB Austin Ekeler is in the concussion protocol, per HC Dan Quinn
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) November 24, 2024
The average time missed for a concussion is 1.6 weeks with with >70% of RBs since 2017 missing at least one game. It would seem unlikely that Ekeler plays in Week 13 and with Washington on bye the following week, I am projecting a Week 15 return.
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco | Shoulder | Projecting Week 13 Return
Brock Purdy was not injured this week, but his presence on the injury report heading into Week 12 sparked a lot of conversation.
I wrote in last week's edition of Injury Roundup that: "Rarely are 49ers' QBs on the final injury report unless it a serious injury." Purdy has a potentially serious injury – a labrum tear.
Was told last night that Brock’s injury is a tricky one.
— Marco Martinez (@marco_mart1205) November 24, 2024
Was told that a few weeks ago he began dealing with elbow tightness/fatigue.
He then had the shoulder injury that was labeled to me as AC/Labrum injury. MRI was for the Labrum.
This is a tricky situation to be in for…
Purdy already had an MRI taken of his shoulder and the 49ers publicly stated they were not too concerned about the extent of the injury. Purdy tried to practice through the injury but to no avail heading into Week 12. Assuming Purdy has a small labral tear, I still think this injury can be managed and play next week.
Update: Brock Purdy was back at 49ers' practice Monday and was seen throwing. Assuming Purdy does not have another flare up/setback he appears on track to play in Week 13.
RB J.K. Dobbins, LA Chargers | Knee | Timeline TBD
J.K.Dobbins injured his left knee in the first half of Monday night's game. Dobbins went to the locker room and returned with a brace on his injured leg, but he never returned to the game. Dobbins, who has a history of left knee aliments, possibly suffered an MCL sprain or menicus injury.
JK Dobbins’ knee was seen bending inward (#valgus) force at the end of the tackle.
— Adam Hutchison (@TheRealAdam_H) November 26, 2024
Common for MCL sprains or meniscus. When minor players can play through the injury but on average they cause 4+ weeks missed for NFL RBs
Dobbins has a history of left knee injuries pic.twitter.com/CUBDjE1HXw
Both of these injuries can be played through if minor but for NFL RBs the average return to play timeline for either is 4+ weeks. I think it is promising that was not ruled out immediately following his injury as it could speak to the severity. However given his medical history, the Chargers may proceed with caution.
