Every NFL season features it's share of injury-related storylines, and the 2013 season is no different. From the very high-profile rehabilitation of Robert Griffin III III's knee injury to the less-hyped progress (or lack thereof) of Jake Ballard from his torn ACL - suffered way back in Superbowl XLVI - the outcome of various players' injury woes will have a profound impact on the fortunes of the various NFL teams (and the fantasy owners who invest in players from those teams).
Now that training camps are over and the players are readying for regular season games, we are clear on who is progressing well in their rehabs (for example, Griffin, who will be under center for the Redskins during week one of the regular season), and which players are struggling to get healthy (ie. Jonathan Stewart, sent to PUP for six weeks by Carolina due to his ongoing struggle with his surgically repaired right heel). The final round of preseason games also yielded a number of significant injuries, including the New York Giants' Andre Brown's fractured leg, which will keep him out of action for four-to-six weeks. Find below the final preseason injury report for the offensive skill position players.
Quarterbacks
BUF: Kevin Kolb was signed to a free agent deal during the offseason. Unfortunately, Kolb suffered another concussion in a series of brain traumas during his career in the third preseason game and looks like he'll be out for an extended period of time (the team is worried the brain trauma could be career-ending) - the Bills may have to start Jeff Tuel during week one of the regular season as a result. Kolb was placed on IR August 30, ending his season and perhaps his career.
BUF: EJ Manuel will miss the remainder of the preseason after an MRI revealed swelling in his left knee, the team announced Saturday, August 17. Manuel will have a "minor" surgical procedure on the knee and the team will then re-evaluate his availability heading into the first week of regular season. On Sunday, August 18 Bills head coach Doug Marrone said he would not rule out Manuel for Week one of regular season and said he would be willing to start Manuel even if he misses a few weeks of practice. However, in the wake of Kevin Kolb's concussion, the team seems resigned to starting Jeff Tuel in week one of regular season, which indicates that Manuel won't be ready to go.
JAX: The Jaguars announced that Blaine Gabbert will be their starter as of August 19, but he was also sidelined for the rest of the season due to a hairline fracture in his throwing hand during the second preseason game. Gabbert is expected to fully recover in time for the regular season opener.
NE: Tom Brady threw a scare into fantasy owners on August 14 when he went down clutching his knee during a New England/Tampa Bay joint practice. However, the MRI indicated that the injury was minor, and Brady played Friday, August 16 (played very well, in fact, with 11/12 for 107 yards passing, one TD and zero interceptions thrown). Reports on August 20 indicated that Brady is wearing a knee brace in practice at the request of owner Robert Kraft as a precautionary move.
NYJ: Geno Smith suffered an ankle injury during the first preseason game, and has struggled in practices since. On August 14, head coach Rex Ryan indicated that Smith might sit out the second preseason game "Well, I guess, we’ll see how it goes," Ryan said. "He’s been out there practicing, working through things... but that could be a possibility [Smith missing the game]." On August 20, the team said Geno Smith will start the team’s third preseason game if his ankle is healthy enough to play. Smit has practiced sporadically since the injury. Smith did play in the third preseason game but tossed three interceptions during the game. However, the injury to Mark Sanchez's throwing arm shoulder has thrust Smith to the top of the depth chart at QB, and he is expected to start in week one for the Jets.
NYJ: Mark Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury (bruised shoulder on his throwing arm) late during the third preseason game - as of August 28 the team indicated that it was too early to tell if Sanchez would be available for week one of the regular season. Sanchez is also dealing with an infected toenail: 'They're digging a hole in Mark Sanchez's toe big enough to pull a half dollar out of it 'cause he's got some nail that's infected. He doesn't blink, he doesn't tell me,' quarterbacks coach David Lee said on August 23, pointing out how Sanchez plays through nicks he picks up. However, as the first regular season game has come near, the team consensus in New York seems to be that Geno Smith will start regardless of how healthy (or unhealthy) Sanchez may be.
PIT: Ben Roethliberger feels fully recovered from the shoulder and ribs injuries that plagued him mid-season during 2012: "I feel great. I think I ended the season healthier than I have in a long time. I know that sounds crazy because of my ribs and chest, but I played three or four games at the end of the season and I was actually getting healthy as the season was ending," Roethlisberger said on March 6, 2013. However, it was revealed on June 5, 2013 that Roethlisberger had minor surgery on his right knee Wednesday, June 5, and is expected to be healthy for the start of training camp. It was reported that Roethlisberger could have played with the injured meniscus in his right knee, but doctors recommended he have the surgery. On June 11, Roethlisberger said the recovery from surgery to repair a torn right knee meniscus is going well and that he could play this weekend if he had to. On July 26, head coach Mike Tomlin indicated that Roethlisberger had "a little discomfort" in his right knee, but Roethlisberger was participating in team drills despite the pain. Roethlisberger has played in all three preseason games and seems ready to go for the season as of August 28.
TEN: Jake Locker (Locker dislocated non-throwing-arm shoulder twice last season) said on May 21, 2013 he feels like his old self with the shoulder, and has had no issues. "I don't know a whole lot about it as far as if it's supposed to be better or stronger, but I can tell you it feels better and just the same as it did before I got hurt," Locker said. "I haven't had any problems with it. I haven't had any moments with it where, I'm like, 'Aw, man, I can feel that,' or 'it slipped a little bit.' It feels great. It feels normal and I'm excited about that." Locker completed 16/26 passes during the Titans' scrimmage on August 3, 2013, and also threw three TD passes during the session. Locker has played in all three of the Titan's preseason games as of August 28.
WAS: As of August 20, Kirk Cousins has been diagnosed with a mild foot sprain - there no damaged ligaments in the foot. The injury should be short-term, with Cousins ready for week 1 of the regular season. On Monday, August 26 he told local reporters that there was no doubt he'd be ready for week one of regular season.
WAS: Robert Griffin III III had his knee surgically repaired January 9, 2013 (torn ACL and LCL, with some damage to the medial meniscus cartilage as well). Redskins' team Dr. James Andrews has indicated that Griffin is "well ahead" of the timetable for his recovery, and head coach Mike Shanahan has also stated that Griffin is ahead of schedule - but there is still uncertainty about Griffin being ready for the start of the season, and he may get very few reps on the practice field during training camp. A report out of Washington on June 7, 2013 indicated that Griffin was limping after the practice session that day, but other reports have stressed that Griffin hasn't suffered soreness or swelling in the joint despite doing running, cutting, and throwing the football on the side of the field with the other rehabilitating players. For his part, Griffin plans to be ready for day one of training camp, but the final decision will rest with Dr. James Andrews and the Redskins' training staff. As of June 20, Griffin was able to participate in three straight days of cutting and change-of-direction drills and did not suffer any setbacks. He is expected to continue to do similar drills to get his knee stronger. He has two scheduled checkups on his knee before the start of training camp. According to a report on July 13, the Redskins have been surprised by how well Griffin has done with tests they have asked him to do. As of August 1, 2013 Griffin is taking snaps in seven-on-seven drills - as the days pass, the team incrimentally increases the number of snaps he takes (he went from eight snaps on the opening day of camp to mid-teens by the close of the first week). Griffin remains on track to start for Washington in week one of regular season. As of August 3 there has been no swelling in Griffin's surgically repaired knee. On August 12, head coach Mike Shanahan said that without a setback, he believes QB Robert Griffin III III (knee) will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. Griffin participated in drills before the preseason game Monday, August 19, against the Pittsburgh Steelers under the watchful eye of Dr. James Andrews. Griffin was then examined, and there was a discussion with the quarterback and the team on the plan for the next steps in Griffin's rehab. As of August 28, Griffin hasn't been officially cleared for Week one of the regular season, but reports on August 27 indicated that the team considers his status for week one to be full go - the final medical exam is expected to be a formality - Dr. James Andrews will conduct the exam on Thursday, August 29. Griffin was cleared to start in week one as expected - he'll be under center for the Redskins until further notice.
Running Backs
ARI: Rashard Mendenhall struggled to play on his reconstructed knee (ACL tear) during 2012, according to reports out of his new home with the Cardinals. However, he has garnered praise from head coach Bruce Arians since arriving in Arizona, and appears to be the favorite to start for the Cardinals. However, in the first week of training camp Mendenhall developed knee tendinitis and will reportedly start the second week of training camp on the sidelines resting his knee. It remains to be seen if Mendenhall will start the first preseason game on Friday, August 9. As of August 5, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said RBs Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and Ryan Williams (knee) will continue to sit out practice but are making progress. Mendenhall missed the first preseason game but participated in the second contest, with 7/32/0 rushing and one target for zero receptions. Mendenhall led the team in rushing during the third preseason game, with 6/47/0 to his credit, but experienced "looseness" in his rebuilt knee. As of August 27 he was reportedly going to be fine for week one of regular season, but the ongoing series of nagging problems with his knee is a red flag for fantasy owners.
ARI: Ryan Williams had no confidence in his surgically repaired knee (patella tendon tear/surgery during 2011) during the 2012 season. He stated on May 23, 2013 that he was scared to have the ball in his hands, and added: "I was trying to protect my leg instead of trying to protect the football. It's a scary sight being a running back and being scared to run the ball. That's something that no running back should feel." Williams' season ended in week five due to a shoulder injury that sent him to IR (he averaged under three yards a carry when on the field during 2012). He has since received more treatments for his surgically repaired knee during the first week of training camp, and was on crutches as of August 3 due to an irritation of the fatty pad under the patella tendon in question. Williams is considered questionable for the team's first preseason game. As of August 5, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said RBs Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and Ryan Williams (knee) will continue to sit out practice but are making progress. A report on August 14 indicated that Williams had a platelet rich plasma injection into his sore knee sometime early in August in an attempt to promote healing in the joint. As of August 12 Williams is considered "day-to-day" as he continues his rehabilitation. On August 19, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said Williams is not expected to play in the team's third preseason game. Arians indicated Williams needs to start playing if he wants to make the final roster. Williams did play in the third preseason game (2/10/0 rushing), but was reportedly offered for trade as of August 25. Williams did survive the cut to a 53-man roster so he is in the mix at backup running back entering week one of the regular season.
BAL: Bernard Pierce has fully recovered from the bone bruise in his knee that bothered him during the playoffs earlier this year. He's also reportedly gained 10 pounds during offseason training, and now weighs 228 pounds entering the 2013 preseason. On July 28, head coach John Harbaugh stated "I'd say the first two days of practice, he's a better player now than he was last year even at the end of the season,". However, as of August 10 Pierce was missing practice time due to a sprained left knee. He did return to practices on August 12. Pierce didn't handle the football in the second preseason game, after spraining his knee in the first preseason game. He recorded 10/7/0 rushing and 2/6/0 receiving in the third preseason game vs. Carolina. When the Ravens cut down to a 53-man roser, Pierce was the only other running back besides Ray Rice on the roster.
BUF: As of March 22, 2013 Fred Jackson was cleared to begin football activities again - "I'm on track, ready to go. I'm trying to hit the ground running and do as much as I can. I've been cleared by all the doctors so I'm ready to get back into it." Jackson spent much of 2012 on the sidelines due to LCL and MCL sprains in his right knee. As of August 2, Jackson is reportedly 10 pounds heavier than his 2012 playing weight - his role during 2013 remains up in the air according to coach Doug Marrone. Jackson posted 7/28/0 rushing in the second preseason game, and had 6/18/0 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving in the third game at Washington.
CAR: Jonathan Stewart was forced out of the Panthers' lineup from week 12 onwards during 2012 due to a left ankle injury. Corrective surgery was performed on the ankle January 19, 2013, and also had corrective surgery on his other ankle as well. Stewart was limited in the Panthers' OTAs during late May and isn't expected to get into practices until training camp. Stewart has a history of ankle and foot injury issues - fantasy owners need to watch his rehabilitation this summer carefully before investing a pick in this particular running back. Stewart was reported to not be ready for practices as of June 13. On July 11, head coach Ron Rivera said Stewart was "progressing" - Stewart started training camp on the active/PUP list but he is considered out "indefinately" as the team hasn't set a time table for his return to action. As of August 12, head coach Ron Rivera stated that Stewart's rehab is on schedule and that Stewart may be ready for the start of regular season. However, on August 21 Rivera indicated that Stewart will not play in the team's third preseason game Thursday, August 22, and the club isn't ruling out placing him on the PUP list, which would cause him to miss at least the first six weeks of the season. "At this point anything is an option," head coach Ron Rivera said. "What you're hoping is you can get him on the football field and we'll see once the doctor gets a chance to look at him." The team announced on August 27 that Stewart would start the regular season on the PUP list, meaning he'll miss at least the first six games of the season (he may be placed on IR after his time on PUP, depending on how his ankle progresses).
CIN: Bernard Scott tore his left ACL in October 2012, and watched his team draft Giovani Bernard in the April NFL draft. Though Scott received medical clearance on March 18, 2013 to begin running, cutting and doing explosive weight training, he has probably worn out his welcome in Cincinnati after a series of season-ending injuries have derailed his Bengals' career. Scott reportedly (July 10) could start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he is coming back from the torn ACL. He was placed on the active/PUP list on July 24. Sources indicated on August 8 that Scott is likely to start the regular season on the PUP list (meaning he'd miss at least the first six games of 2013). He was placed on PUP/reserve as of August 31.
CIN: Cedric Peerman missed time at the end of last season due to an ankle injury, and didn't play in the team's playoff game. However, he was resigned to a two-year deal in March, so it appears that his ankle is not a concern entering the 2013 preseason. Peerman missed some offseason workouts because of an undisclosed injury and landed on the Non-Football Injury list as of July 25 due to foot and ankle injuries he suffered during offseason activities unrelated to football. He's expected to be out 1-2 weeks as of July 25. He carried the football four times for 17 yards in the second preseason game on August 17. Peerman didn't garner a carry in the third preseason contest. He is a reserve running back on the depth chart entering regular season.
CLE: Montario Hardesty underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee August 15, 2013 and is expected to miss the first two-to-three regular season games as he rehabs from this most recent knee surgery (he's also torn the ACLs in both of his knees). Hardesty is also dealing with a dislocated right thumb. On August 27, Hardesty was placed on IR ending his 2013 season.
CLE: Browns chief executive officer Joe Banner said on August 18 that Dion Lewis (broken leg sufferd in the second preseason game August 15) is undergoing surgery Monday, August 19, to repair his fractured fibula. Banner said the team will not know if Lewis can play again this season until after the surgery. The most recent reports indicate that Lewis will go on IR - his season appears to be over. He was placed on IR August 26.
CLE: Trent Richardson had his lower right leg stepped on during organized team activities in late May. At the time, the team said he had a minor muscle strain. However, since then the team has become concerned that the injury could become a stress fracture, and head coach Rod Chudzinski confirmed on June 4 that Richardson will be held out of further practices until training camp starts in August. Footballguys.com's resident doctor, Jene Bramel, suspects that the lower right leg injury is in fact a bone bruise that could develop into a stress fracture. In any case, bone bruises can take anywhere from a few days to months to heal - this situation will be an ongoing item to watch once training camps open. Additionally, Richardson suffered multiple cracked ribs last season (week six) and played through the injury thereafter - he has indicated (April 14, 2013) that he may have 'lingering pain' from that injury going forwards, though he seemed to walk back that statement on April 16. Richardson did start practicing when training camp opened, but then he got kicked in the shin and was sidelined again. As of August 3, he is considered questionable for the first preseason game after missing practice due to the latest iteration of shin injury. Peterson was expected back at practice August 6. Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski explained on August 7 that Richardson would not play in the first preseason game but would have played if the game counted. On August 10 coach Chudzinski said he hoped that Richardson could play in the second preseason game. Richardson did play on August 15 and posted 6/33/0 rushing (5.5 yards per carry) during his time on the field. He had 7/31/0 rushing and 1/10/0 receiving during the third preseason game - Richardson looks set to be the starter on opening day.
DAL: On August 24, Lance Dunbar (foot sprain suffered August 19) said he will be out of his walking boot in a few days and hopes to be ready to play for the start of the regular season. The time-frame on his return is 3-4 weeks, so it'll be close for Dunbar to be ready by the game vs. NYG.
DAL: DeMarco Murray partially participated in practice on May 30, doing individual drills on the side of the field. He appears to be recovering from the hamstring pull that limited him earlier in the month, and is expected to be fine for practices later in the summer. On June 13, Murray (hamstring) said he felt like he was "back where [he needs] to be" and is expected to participate in minicamp workouts Thursday, June 13. As noted above, Murray missed the first few organized team activities back in May because of a slight hamstring strain. On July 10, 2013 Murray said he's "100 percent, ready to go" heading into training camp later this month. Murray, along with the other starters, sat out the Hall of Fame game on August 4 as a precautionary measure. Murray had a cameo in the second preseason game with 5/14/0 rushing at Arizona. Murray got benched after fumbling in the third preseason game, but returned in the second half and eventually posted 12/51/0 rushing with 2/14/1 receiving.
DAL: Joseph Randle (thumb injuy) said he will get the cast taken off his thumb as of the third week in June. He said at that time that he plans wear a small brace on his thumb when training camp begins. Randle played in the Hall of Fame game but was behind Lance Dunbar, who opened the game with the second stringers. Randle led the Cowboys in rushing at Arizona during the second preseason game, with 8/16/0 rushing, and added 1/-1/0 receiving during the contest. Randle also led the team in rushing during the third contest, with 16/66/0.
DEN: Knowshon Moreno had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee early this offseason after injuring it in the third quarter of the divisional playoff game. He reportedly had stem cells from his pelvis injected into the right knee in an attempt to regenerate the tissues that were damaged. As of May 20, 2013 Moreno was not medically cleared to participate in the first round of Denver organized team activities. On June 1, head coach John Fox commented on Moreno's situation saying "He's coming along. We're going to be very cautious. When the doctors give him the full-go go-ahead, he'll be doing everything." On June 11, Moreno was running routes during organized team activities as part of a program of bringing him back into practices on the field. Moreno has been practicing during training camp and appears to be healed from his arthroscopic surgery. Moreno has been nursing a bruised right knee since just before the second preseason game. He played well in the third preseason game, with 5/33/0 rushing and 3/42/0 receiving to his credit.
DET: Mikel LeShoure missed OTAs during May due to a hamstring pull, and he may not be ready to return to practices for awhile longer, according to remarks from head coach Jim Schwartz on June 4, 2013: "[It's taking] maybe a little bit longer than we would've thought... We'll get him back there soon. He's working hard, he's just not working on the field." On June 17, Leshoure commented "I've just got to get healthy. Last year I was just dealing with a lot of things, nagging injuries weren't where they needed to be coming off the first year of my injuries. I've just got to get healthy and consistency will come when you're healthy." LeShoure had one carry for zero yards in the second preseason game, and wasn't played unit late in the game - he appears to be buried on the depth chart. He ran for 5/32/0 in the third preseason game.
DET: Lions head coach Jim Schwartz indicated on August 25 that Montell Owens (unspecified knee injury) does not have a long-term injury but Schwartz would not go into any details. Owens was placed on IR/designated to return as of August 31, meaning Owens won't be eligible to return to action until November.
Ex-GB Now-NYJ: Alex Green stated on May 14, 2013 that he never fully recovered from his October 2011 ACL surgery last season: "I came back, I got close to it, but once I got close, then I had a couple setbacks. I was never really quite where I wanted to be, but I made great strides in the off-season. I'm definitely getting ready for this year." The Packers drafted Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin in the April draft, putting Green's future with the Packers in doubt. Though Green opened training camp with the first team, he is expected to be pushed behind Lacy and Franklin in short order. Green has appeared in all three preseason games to date, but was cut on cut-down weekend - then the Jets picked him up off the waiver wire.
GB: DuJuan Harris has missed training camp due to a knee injury and is on the PUP list as of August 5 - despite this, Harris was listed as the starter on the first depth chart the Packers released on August 5. Harris was activated on August 12 and was given the first carry with first team during practice on Monday, August 19. However, Harris re-injured his troublesome knee in the third preseason game and is now on IR - his season is over.
GB: Eddie Lacy's toe surgery (that caused him to fall in the April draft) is no longer a concern according to the Crimson Tide's team doctor. Dr. E. Lyle Cain Jr. said on May 10 that the "window of legitimate concern has passed." Said Cain, "If you fused it completely, it'd give you a stiff big toe and you can't push off and that's a big problem. In Eddie's case, he does not have that. His fusion does not affect his big-toe motion." On May 29, Green Bay signed Lacy to a four-year contract. Lacy posted 65 yards on eight carries in the first Green Bay scrimmage of the year - he ran for several long-gainers and looks healed from the toe surgery. However, Lacy was sidelined from practice on Wednesday, August 7 due to a hamstring injury and missed the first preseason contest. The injury is reported to be minor but fantasy owners should monitor Lacy's comeback from the injury as hamstring injuries can become nagging, recurring issues if not allowed to heal fully before a player returns to action. Lacy sat out of practice on Monday, August 12. Lacy looked powerful in the second preseason game with 8/40/0 rushing and 1/11/0 receiving at St. Louis. In the third preseason game the Seattle D limited Lacy to 8/-5/0 rushing, but given DuJuan Harris' landing on IR Lacy looks like the unchallenged starter in Green Bay entering the first game of regular season.
GB: James Starks struggled with a knee injury during 2012, and ended up playing in just six games - the Packers drafted Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin in the April draft, putting Starks future with the Packers in jeopardy. However, Starks is said to be running extremely hard during training camp, and was singled out as "outstanding" during camp by running backs coach Alex Van Pelt as of August 1. However, on August 17 Starks managed just 3/4/0 rushing at St. Lous in the second preseason game. With DuJuan Harris on IR and Alex Green released, Starks has survived cut-down weekend and is a Packer entering week one of regular season.
HOU: Arian Foster left the organized team activity on May 28, 2013 due to a strained calf. An MRI was subsequently performed. Head coach Gary Kubiak called it a "pretty good calf strain" on May 29, but asserted that Foster is "going to be fine". Foster will be getting treatment in the months leading up to training camp - he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. On June 17, Foster stated that it was "more than likely" that he'll be ready for training camp. However, Foster hasn't taken the field during training camp yet, missing practices despite head coach Gary Kubiak's expressed expectation that Foster would be in the sessions. Foster is also dealing with a sore back and isn't expected to play in the preseason opener on Friday, August 9. Head coach Kubiak reiterated on Tuesday, August 13 that Foster is "fine" - except for back tightness. On August 20, coach Kubiak said he fully expects Foster (back) to be ready for the season opener September 9 against the San Diego Chargers. Foster was unable to practice Monday, August 19. "Yes I am because I watch him work," Kubiak said. "I've been watching him. He's basically going through practices or has been since we've been in camp on his own with Jeff. Obviously, there's been a little setback as we try to get some soreness out of him. But from what I've seen, yes. It's not like he's been standing around for the last three weeks. Obviously, we want to get him back out here as quick as I can." Local observers are not so optimistic about Foster, however, and some feel that Foster is in jeopardy of missing the first regular season game. Foster finally joined practices on Friday, August 23, and has since indicated on August 26 that "Over the past couple of months, I had the chance to just train and rehab and work on my body and didn’t have all those carries in training camp. Even during camp, I got a long rest (because of the back injury). It’s usually a grind. My body feels great." On August 30, head coach Gary Kubiak said "Obviously I don't think Arian's going to be a 30-carry guy on opening night.".
IND: Ahmad Bradshaw was signed by the Colts in mid-June even as he continues to recover from offseason foot surgery. He started training camp July 23 on the PUP list. As of July 30, Bradshaw was said to be a few weeks away from practicing - he likely won't be on the field until late August. As of August 4 he wasn't expected to start practicing with the team until late August, the Colts reiterated. However, Bradshaw took handoffs in a walk-through early in August and the NFL determined that Bradshaw had practice, so he was taken off of PUP on August 12. As of August 13, Bradshaw asserted that he feel's 100% healed, and on August 13 head coach Chuck Pagano called Bradshaw an "every-down" back. It remains to be seen if Bradshaw will handle the football during preseason - the Colts are expected to be very cautious about playing Bradshaw during games that don't count. Bradshaw finally practiced in full pads on August 21, but didn't take part in team (contact) drills. He is progressing in his rehab, but his role for the Colts remains an open question. As of August 27 there are no plans for Bradshaw to take reps during the remaining preseason game.
IND: Donald Brown ended the 2012 season by landing on IR December 11, 2012 due to an ankle sprain (suspected to be a high ankle sprain). He should be fully recovered as of June, 2013 but Browns' injury history and the emergence of Vick Ballard as the lead back for the Colts has depressed Browns' fantasy outlook entering the 2013 preseason. The signing of Ahmad Bradshaw could mean that Brown will be a casualty when the team cuts down to the final 53-man roster. Brown played in the second preseason game with 6/21/0 rushing and 3/17/0 receiving to his credit. He posted 5/35/0 rushing in the third preseason game. Brown survived cut-down weekend and is a Colt entering week one of the regular season.
Ex-IND Ex-BAL: On March 26, 2013 head coach Chuck Pagano commented that Delone Carter needed to stay healthier during 2013 - then on May 23, news broke that Carter had recently undergone shoulder surgery of unspecified extent. We'll see if Carter can get healthy in time for training camp - he may be on the roster bubble this year and missing time during OTAs due to the shoulder situation isn't going to help Carter stick on the roster. Carter was traded to Baltimore on August 21 - he's posted 10/27/0 rushing during preseason so far. Carter was cut on cut-down weekend and has yet to find another team.
JAX: Justin Forsett (toe injury) is no longer wearing a walking boot and was able to jog Monday, August 5. He said he hopes to be able to play in the first preseason game. So far, he has yet to appear during preseason. As of August 26, Forsett has missed the entire preseason due to this turf toe injury - his position on the depth chart is unclear, but Forsett survived cut-down weekend and remains a Jaguar.
JAX: Maurice Jones-Drew suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his left foot during week seven of 2012. He eventually got corrective surgery (but it wasn't until the last Friday of 2012). He was reportedly out of shape at the beginning of spring organized team activities, and has only been able to run at 75% speed so far this year. On May 14, he commented "Lately, it's been one day on, a day off, two days on, a day off — it's part of the process. I'm closer than I think. I just want to take my time and make sure we do it the right way." Jones-Drew is said to be on pace to be ready for the open of training camp as of early June, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to go full speed when camp gets underway. On June 15, Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said the plan is for Jones-Drew to fully participate in practice once training camp begins. Caldwell said he is not concerned that Jones-Drew will be rusty if he comes to camp in shape. On June 25, Jones-Drew asserted that the foot "feels great". Jones-Drew has been limited in practices since the start of training camp, but has been cutting on the foot and reports that he feels great. On August 7 Jones-Drew stated "There's no pain in my foot. I'm cutting great, no swelling. It's like back to normal again." Jones-Drew was held out of the first preseason game for precautionary reasons. On August 10 the team indicated that they were not sure if Jones-Drew would play in the second exhibition. Jones-Drew did play briefly, with 3/9/0 rushing and 1/20/0 receiving during the contest. Jones-Drew had seven carries for 28 yards in the third preseason game.
KC: Jamaal Charles suffered a minor toe injury during early-June OTAs but was practicing in full again as of June 4, 2013 - X-rays showed that the injury wasn't serious and Charles' quick return to practice bears out that finding. Charles is fully participating in training camp and is reported to be a favorite target of new QB Alex Smith. However, Charles suffered a scary-looking injury during practice on August 12 - he was carted off the field due to a foot injury. On August 13, MRIs determined that Charles had not suffered a serious foot injury. However, on August 14 it was reported that Charles will likely sit out the second preseason game against the 49ers for precautionary reasons. Charles is reportedly walkning on his sprained foot but is having trouble pushing off the foot. "His ankle ligaments were fine," Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said on Tuesday, August 13. "He had some pain on the outside bone of his foot. We did an X-ray. That was negative. There's a tendon that attaches right at that spot and that's what is sore right now. That's why we call it a strain." Knile Davis is taking first team reps while Charles nurses his sore foot. Charles began practicing again on August 18 and reportedly showed "no hesitation" about running the football. However, on August 19 Charles explained: "Playing in the NFL you get weird injuries. This is one of the weird injuries I've had. It started in my foot and it traveled all the way to the top of my foot and now it's stuck in the middle of my right leg." Charles did play briefly in the third preseason game, with 2/4/0 receiving to his credit.
MIN: FB Jerome Felton underwent emergency appendectomy surgery on Wednesday, August 14 and will miss the remainder of preseason as he recovers from the procedure. Felton was hit with a three-game suspension (DUI) on August 26 so he'll have plenty of time to heal up from his appendectomy before he returns to action in week four.
MIN: Adrian Peterson had sports hernia surgery in the first week of February 2013 - he said on May 29, 2013 that he was almost 100% recovered and that he is lifting more weights than ever now. The hernia surgery appears to be a non issue heading into training camp. On June 20, Peterson reiterated that he feels great: "Feeling good, feeling strong, feeling 100 percent," Peterson said. "Ready to roll when training camp comes around." Peterson is being limited in camp for precautionary reasons and likely won't see much work during meaningless preseason games as the team saves him for the week 1 regular-season opener. As expected, Peterson has not played in the first or second preseason games. He had a cameo appearance in the third contest but wasn't handed the football (or touched by the defense).
NE: Stevan Ridley has fully recovered from the severe concussion he suffered in the AFC Championship game last January. As of May 3, 2013, Ridley commented "I thank the Lord that I'm healthy and brought me back. All I can do now is move forward from that, but it was a nice hit that I took. Just got to shake it off. Comes with the game. It was one of the worst ones that I took in my life. I'll be out here this year ready to go." Given the NFL's heightened sensitivity to concussions, a prior concussion history (such as Ridley now has) could lead to weeks off the field if he suffers a subsequent concussion during 2013. Ridley has practiced fully since the start of training camp - the only concern is reports of some issues with ball security during team drills. Ridley had 5/18/0 rushing in the second preseason game vs. Tampa Bay. He posted nine rushes for six yards at Detroit during the third preseason game.
NO: Pierre Thomas missed the final game of the 2012 season due to a knee injury - however, he is expected to be part of the mix at running back for 2013. Thomas addressed the team's plans on May 8, 2013 saying "[Coach Payton] said we've got to get back to running the ball, having 100-yard games non-stop. I can't wait. I'm excited and I know everybody else is excited." As of August 5, Thomas is listed as the Saints' first-string running back. He participated in team drills on August 13, but missed the second preseason game due to the mystery injury. Thomas scored on a 51-yard TD reception in the third preseason game and appears to be ready for the start of regular season.
NYG: Andre Brown was placed on IR/designated to return on November 26, 2012 due to a broken fibula. He didn't get back on the field as the Giants' season ended before he was eligible to return. However, Brown was re-signed to a one-year, $2.023 million contract on April 23, 2013, and is reported to be the Giant's short-yardage/goal-line back for 2013. The broken fibula appears to be a thing of the past. As of May 29, local reports indicated that Brown is penciled in as the Giants' goal-line back for the 2013 season. As of the start of training camp the coaching staff anticipates Brown running as part of the team's running-back-by-committee during the 2013 season. Brown led the Giants in rushing during the second preseason game, with 8/36/0 rushing and added 1/6/0 rushing to his performance, and he posted 7/17/0 rushing in the third exhibition contest. Unfortunately, Brown broke his leg (again) in the fourth preseason game and is out for 4-6 weeks as the new fracture heals.
NYG: Henry Hynoski (knee injury, suffered in May 2012 - a lateral plateau fracture on his left knee) hopes to be ready for Week 1 of the 2013 season. Hynoski may be a bit ahead in his rehabilitation, according to reports on July 11. As of July 30 Hynoski was not doing weight-bearing exercises on the knee, but he was removed from PUP as of August 22, 2013. He survived cut-down weekend and remains a Giant.
NYJ: Chris Ivory has missed practice time in training camp due to a hamstring injury - the injury surfaced on July 31. On August 6 head coach Rex Ryan said "Hey, he's had a hamstring," Ryan said. "When the trainers clear him, he'll be ready to roll. He's champing at the bit to get out there. He's working extremely hard." Ivory missed the first preseason game due to his ongoing hamstring issue. He returned to individual drills on Sunday, August 11 and participated fully in practice on August 12 - "He looked excellent," said Ryan. "That's one every Jets fan has been waiting to see." Ivory posted 6/13/0 rushing vs. the Jaguars in the second preseason game, and managed 8/15/0 rushing with 1/16/0 receiving in the third cross-town exhibition against the Giants.
Ex-NYJ: Joe McKnight suffered an apparent concussion on August 2, 2013, and was sidelined again on August 13 after suffering another (apparently repeat) head injury/concussion. McKnight was reported to be "wobbly" on the practice field on the 13th. On August 21, McKnight confirmed he was suffering from concussion symptoms prior to the second preseason game. McKnight was expected to play during the third preseason contest. However, he didn't appear and has since been cut.
OAK: As of April 7, 2013 Darren McFadden reported that he was 100% healthy after suffering a high-ankle sprain during the 2012 season. McFadden enters a contract season this year, so he's got a lot of incentive to stay healthy. He has reportedly looked good in the team's new blocking scheme during the first week of training camp. However, on August 18 we learned that McFadden (shoulder) was limited by a shoulder injury Sunday, during practice, but coach Dennis Allen said he does not believe the injury will keep him from playing Friday, August 23, against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy owners should note that the ding did keep McFadden out of the third exhibition, however. On August 26 coach Allen said that McFadden would "absolutely" play in week one, but McFadden's tenderness and lack of ability to play through injuries is a concern for fantasy owners who may consider drafting him for the upcoming season.
OAK: As of June 12, Latavius Murray had missed organized team workouts due to a sore foot. He'll be monitored closely to help Murray heal up in time for training camp. However, Murray hasn't practiced since the opening of training camp - there is no official word on when he may be back in action. As of August 4 Murray was still sitting out of training camp due to injury. On August 21 Murray had an ankle arthroscopically operated on - he's now expected to miss the beginning of regular season.
PHI: As of August 6, LeSean McCoy was dealing with a knee injury and was considered day-to-day. He missed the preseason opener later in the week. McCoy played in the second preseason game with 8/47/1 rushing and added 3/16/0 receiving during the game. He posted 5/9/0 rushing and 2/19/0 receiving in the third preseason game.
PHI: Bryce Brown is recovering from a tweaked ankle - as of August 26 Brown was expected to practice Tuesday, August 27. This injury appears to be minor.
Ex-PHI Now-PIT: Felix Jones had sore hamstrings limiting him in practices as of August 6. However, he played in the preseason opener on August 9 and posted 8/31/0 rushing with 1/9/0 receiving. He carried the ball 4/14/0 and had one reception for three yards in the second preseason game. Subsequently, Jones was traded to Pittsburgh - he managed 8/29/0 rushing for the Steelers in the third exhibition contest.
PIT: Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell (sore knee) said he expected to participate in practice Sunday, August 4. Bell has been impressive in training camp so far. However, on August 10 head caoch Mike Tomlin said that he hadn't seen enough of Bell during practice prior to the first preseason game, so he didn't play Bell in the preseason opener. Bell was set to resume practicing on August 12. Bell played four snaps in the second preseason game, but came out with a foot injury of unspecified magnitude. He's had an MRI, and two medical opinions, to explore the nature of the injury. As of August 21, reports indicate that Bell does have a Lisfranc injury, but that the team is hoping he can go the non-surgical route for recovery (he'll be out 6-10 weeks in that case). If Bell needs surgery to correct the injury, he'll likely be out for the 2013 season. As of August 21, it appears that Bell will not be on the field during September, 2013 (and that's the best case scenario). Since August 21 there has been back-and-forth between the team and outsiders about the exact nature of Bell's mid-foot sprain, but the fact remains he'll miss several weeks rehabbing the injury, no matter what it is called. Bell shed his walking boot on August 28 to begin rehabbing the injured ligaments in his foot.
SD: Danny Woodhead had not participated in practice since Friday, August 2, and head coach Mike McCoy did not give a specific reason for the absence. Woodhead did not play in the first preseason game. However, he returned to practice on Monday, August 12. Woodhead didn't handle the football in the second preseason game. He did play in the third exhibition, and posted 1/3/0 rushing and 2/10/0 receiving vs. Arizona.
SEA: Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Sunday, August 4, that Robert Turbin (foot injury) has been cleared by team doctors to return to the practice field. Christine Michael had been working with the second-team offense in Turbin's absence. Turbin posted 9/35/0 rushing during the second preseason game. Turbin put up 10/50/0 rushing and 4/22/0 receiving during the third preseason game.
SF: Kendall Hunter is still recovering from his November 2012 Achilles injury, but was finally removed from the PUP list on August 10 and is ready to begin participating in training camp at some level. He played in the third preseason game with 3/13/0 rushing to his credit.
SF: Marcus Lattimore was placed on the Non-football injury list as of July 20. He is expected to miss most of regular season - the team is openly talking about 2013 being a "redshirt" season for Lattimore so he isn't likely to have much value except in dynasty leagues. On August 19 the team confirmed that Lattimore will miss the entire season.
STL: Zac Stacy did not play in the second preseason game Saturday, August 17, against the Green Bay Packers. Team and league sources described Stacy has having "general soreness", but he has been seen with his right leg wrapped at some practices the previous week. He posted 5/8/0 rushing and 2/19/0 receiving at Denver during the third preseason game.
TB: Doug Martin took a knee to the helmet early during the game at New England - he posted one carry for four yards - and was held out of the rest of the contest as a precaution, but he passed his concussion test (meaning he wasn't concussed). Head coach Greg Schiano stated that Martin was fine on the plane ride home from Gillette Stadium. On August 19 Martin was cleared for participation in the non-contact portion of practice, which was a precautionary move. He appears to have avoided a serious head injury/concussion. He was held out of the third exhibition game as a precaution.
TEN: Shonn Greene "rolled" his ankle on August 24 but is expected to practice as usual going forwards - this is a minor injury concern as of August 28.
WAS: Rookie Chris Thompson still needs to heal following a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, according to a report on July 12. He was expected to receive full clearance to practice around July 5, 2013, but that move is still pending as of July 12. Thompson has reportedly developed "soreness and tightness" in his surgically repaired knee and missed at least three practices as of August 2, 2013. Roy Helu is reportedly tightening his grip on the #2 job behind Alfred Morris, leaving Thompson in fantasy limbo. Thompson played in the third preseason game, but fumbled the football, leading head coach Mike Shanahan to say: "No matter how good you are, if you fumble you can’t play,". Thompson did survive cut-down weekend and remains a Redskin as of week one regular season.
Wide Receivers
ATL: Julio Jones sat out of the first preseason game on August 8, 2013 due to tight hamstrings. On August 10, coach Mike Smith said Jones was limited during practice. Smith said he expects Jones to fully participate in the near future. As of August 13 Jones had resumed practicing and he led the team in receiving during the second preseason game with 3/55/1 - it appears the hamstrings are just fine leading into the third preseason game. Jones saw eight targets for 4/81/0 receving in the third preseason game.
ATL: Roddy White had just one target and zero receptions before sitting out the rest of the exhibition at Baltimore due to an ankle injury suffered during the contest. "I have not had a chance to speak in depth with Roddy," coach Smith said after the game. "We made a decision that Roddy was not going to come back in the ball game." An MRI on Friday, August 16 indicated that the ankle injury is "minor" - reports out of Atlanta indicate that he'd start again next week if this were regular season, but that the team is expected to hold him out of the third exhibition contest for precautionary reasons. White did miss the third preseason game. White is expected to practice as usual in preparation for week one of the regular season.
Ex-AZ: Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said on June 14 that he hopes Ryan Swope will be ready for training camp. Swope has missed some offseason workouts because of reported concussion-like symptoms. "We were very, very, very surprised about it," Arians told NFL.com on Friday, June 21. "I'm not sure what he can do, I'm not sure what the doctors are going to do at this point. I hope ... because the kid is a great talent, and it would be a shame. But having Austin Collie last year go through this same thing, it's scary." On July 25 it was announced that Swope's fifth concussion forced him to retire from professional football.
BUF: Kevin Elliott has a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season, according to head coach Doug Marrone on August 16, 2013.
BUF: Stevie Johnson strained his back during OTAs in April, and missed some of the sessions in May, but returned to participate on May 28, and reports from that session indicated that his range of motion looked good. Johnson reportedly had a slight fracture of his L-5 vertebra - "It got to the point where, 'It's got to be something more than a strain or something' because every time I sit down it's hurting," Johnson said on June 13. "Every time I stand up it's hurting. I lay down, it's hurting. I went through rehab and it wasn't helping. So I got the MRI, and it was a slight fracture." A cortisone shot and an epidural were part of his recovery. Unfortunately, Johnson suffered a strained hamstring in the first week of training camp, and reports on August 2 indicated that Johnson is now expected to miss the majority of preseason. He doesn't have a torn hamstring, according to a MRI, but the strain is considered serious. Fantasy owners want to monitor Johnson's recovery from this injury as hamstring strains can become nagging injuries if they aren't allowed to heal properly. As of August 19, Johnson is expected to play in the team's third preseason game Saturday, August 24, against the Washington Redskins. Johnson did extensive work in practice Monday, and he's reportedly anxious to test his leg. He led the team in receiving during the third preseason game, with seven targets for 4/28/0 receiving.
CAR: David Gettis landed on IR after injuring a hamstring during warmups for the final preseason game. He's done for the season.
CAR: Domenik Hixon missed the Panthers' preseason opener due to an unspecified leg injury. He has sinced missed practices and the second preseason game due to a hamstring injury, and is rumored to have suffered a setback in recovering from the hamstring injury. Hixon also sat out of the third preseason game. Hixon survived cut-down day and remains a Panther as of week one regular season.
Ex-CAR: James Shaw has been nursing a hamstring injury during the second week of training camp, and didn't catch a pass during the first preseason game, nor did he snag one in the third contest. Shaw was cut during cut-down weekend.
CHI: As of August 4, Earl Bennett was being evaluated for a possible concussion. As Bennett had a concussion last December, this re-injury could keep him out for multiple weeks if it is a serious brain injury. Bennett started missing practices on August 5 as a concussion was confirmed. He's missed all three preseason games to date. Bennett survived cut-down weekend and remains a Bear as of week one regular season.
CHI: Alshon Jeffery tweaked a hamstring during June OTAs, it was reported on June 11. The team was limiting his participation in sessions as a precautionary move. According to local reports on August 4, Jeffery has established himself as the team's #2 wide receiver during the first week of training camp, and looks set as a starter heading into the slate of preseason games. Jeffery has played during preseason but so far has just two targets to his credit. During the third preseason game Jeffery led the team in receiving with eight targets for 7/77/0 receiving.
CHI: Brandon Marshall did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 12, because the team wants to be careful with him since he is recovering from hip surgery. Marshall did practice on June 11 - the team is reportedly bringing him along easily to help facilitate his full recovery from the surgery - Marshall checked into training camp in excellent shape and is full-go for the preseason practices/games. He returned to practices July 31. Marshall led the Bears in receiving vs San Diego with 4/38/1 on five targets. During the third preseason game Marshall posted zero receptions despite having four targets during the game. Marshall's hip has been sore during preseason and there are speculations that he'd like more days off of practice than the new coaching regime allows, but bottom line is that Marshall is expected to start (and star) as usual for the Bears week one of regular season.
CIN: On August 4, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said WR A.J. Green (knee injury) will not be traveling with the team to Atlanta for joint practices and a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. The move is seen as precautionary - Green's sore knee is considered a minor concern as of early August. On August 10 coach Lewis said Green "might" practice prior to the second preseason game. As of the week of August 19, Green has been participating in 11-on-11 drills during practice and has declared his knee 100 percent healthy. Green played in the third preseason game and led the team in receiving with five targets for 3/42/0 receiving. He looks ready to rock heading into regular season.
CIN: As of August 4, Andrew Hawkins' sprained ankle was improving but he still hasn't established a time table for returning to practices. As of August 10, the team indicated that Hawkins would be in a cast on his ankle or at least ten days before the team decided what move to make with Hawkins next (perhaps IR/designated to return list?). Hawkins has avoided a cast as of August 26 but may still be placed on IR/designated to return. He was placed on IR/designated to return during cut-down weekend.
CIN: Mohamed Sanu suffered a stress fracture in his left foot that was surgically repaired in the first week of December, 2012. As of April 15, 2013 Sanu declared himself 100% recovered from the surgery, and said on May 21 that "I feel real strong and explosive. It felt great to be back out there on the field doing the things I was doing last year: running routes full speed, stopping and going, run blocking, catching balls again." A report on June 27 indicated that Sanu is the favorite to start across from A.J. Green entering training camp. Sanu was listed as the starter across from A.J. Green on August 2 - he is reportedly running well in camp and appears 100% healthy entering preseason. Sanu saw five targets for 3/36/1 receiving in the second preseason game, and added three targets for 2/16/0 in the third preseason tilt.
CLE: Davone Bess suffered a back injury that forced him out of the final three games of the 2012 season. However, he was signed by the Browns (to a three-year extension) after a trade with Miami during the 2013 NFL draft. He is currently penciled in as the #3 wide receiver behind Josh Gordon and Greg Little. A report on June 15 indicated that Bess is expected to start in Cleveland while Gordon is out on his two game substance-abuse related suspension (codeine in cough syrup led to a blown drug test, according to Gordon). Bess didn't catch a pass in the second preseason game, or the third. However, a report on August 26 indicated that Bess is Brandon Weeden's "go-to" guy for third downs entering week one of regular season.
Ex-CLE: David Nelson (knee injury) said he has been cleared to practice and he came off the Physically Unable to Perform list Friday, July 26. He finally resumed practicing with the team on August 18. Nelson didn't catch a ball in the third preseason game. He was released August 31.
DAL: Though Miles Austin played in 16 games last season, he was hampered by hip and hamstring issues during the year. During 2013, Austin is reportedly focusing on training to enhance his chances of avoiding the same issues again: 'I'm definitely strengthening my hamstrings a lot more than I have been. Doing a different routine, a couple of extra exercises each day on our leg days' he reported on May 28, 2013. As of mid June, Austin reported his hamstrings felt fine - "I feel good now." he stated on June 17. Austin hinted on July 26 that this could be his last year as a Cowboy - but the comments didn't relate to an injury issue. He sat out the Hall of Fame game with the other starters, but that move was purely precautionary. Austin snagged 2/25/0 in the second preseason game, and had 4/59/1 in the Cowboy's fourth tilt of the season (during the