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 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 open and players have been in action for roughly a week, we've got a clearer picture about who is progressing well in their rehabs (for example, Eddie Lacy), which players are struggling to get healthy (ie. Percy Harvin) - and there has been a rash of significant new injuries to high-profile players like Jeremy Maclin, Jordy Nelson and Dennis Pitta. Find below the skill-position injury recap reflecting the latest developments during the first week of training camps.
Quarterbacks
BUF: Kevin Kolb was signed to a one-year free agent deal during the offseason - he has apparently recovered from his ribs/sternum injury that wrecked his 2012 season in Arizona. Kolb was finally placed on IR December 12, 2012 after missing most of the season - his ribs weren't healing properly according to Kolb's comments on December 6, 2012: "Whenever the cartilage broke, (the ribs) are laying underneath my sternum. That's how they are trying to heal, rather than healing where it's butted up straight against it like a normal cracked rib, flush with each other." On July 3, 2013 Kolb stated "Here we’re both getting reps and we’re all working at it," regarding his ongoing duel to start with first-round selection E.J. Manuel. Kolb appears to be oer his ribs injury entering training camp. Kolb did bang up his left knee during the first week of training camp after slipping on a wet mat near the main practice field, but that knee injury is not considered serious as of August 5, 2013. Kolb was described as "day-to-day" on August 3. Kolb did not participate in the team's scrimmage Monday, August 5, because of a death in his family.
DAL: Tony Romo had a cyst removed from his back in late April - he will miss some OTAs, but he is expected to be fine for training camp. As of June 17, Romo was expected to be fully recovered from his back surgery sometime in the following week and he planned to throw some passes to the remaining players at the team's facility. As of July 8, Romo has reportedly been rehabbing and throwing daily. Romo showed up slightly out of condition at training camp and was held out of the Hall of Fame game, but the Cowboys expected to ease Romo into practices while he got his conditioning back into top form in any case - Romo is expected to be fine for regular season. As of August 5, Romo is expected to appear in the second preseason game on August 9.
DEN: Peyton Manning's passes are reportedly stronger and have more zip during OTAs so far this year - it appears that he is continuing to move back towards his top form as his recovery from multiple neck surgeries recedes into the rear-view mirror. No setbacks have been reported during the first week of training camp.
HOU: Matt Schaub may have battled through an undisclosed injury during the closing weeks of the 2012 season, but there has been no official confirmation of this from the Texans - Schaub was never listed on the official injury report during the final month of the season. There has been no further reports of an injury issue for Schaub since the start of training camp.
MIN: Christian Ponder had an MRI on his right elbow/upper arm after the season because his bruised triceps was bothering him. On June 3, 2013 it was reported that he appears 100% healthy with good velocity on his passes during OTAs. The triceps issue appears to be a thing of the past, though Ponder's consistency passing during OTAs was criticized in the local press. Ponder continues to be criticized for his passing during training camp, with a poor 4/12 passing performance on Monday, July 29.
PHI: Michael Vick missed time at the end of the 2012 season due to a concussion/getting demoted while the Eagles struggled. He did play in week 17, though, and after working out a new, restructured contract with the team he's in the mix to be the starting quarterback. Vick does face a training camp challenge from Nick Foles for the top job, though - it will likely not be until the end of the preseason before we know which player starts for the new-look Eagles. Vick opened training camp playing with the first team.
PHI: Nick Foles wound up on IR to end the season last year, due to fractures in his hand. However, the recovery time from the injury was said to be in weeks, not months, and he split reps with Michael Vick at the recent Eagles' OTA/mini-camp. Foles is locked in a training camp duel with Vick for the starting job in Philadelphia.
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.
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.
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 incrementally 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.
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.
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.
ATL: Steven Jackson may be limited in preseason as the coaching staff doesn't feel that he needs a lot of repetitions, according to reports on July 6, 2013. Jackson is not injured, the team is simply planning to limit the contact he receives in games that don't count.
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,".
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.
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.
CHI: Michael Bush was placed on IR December 18, 2012 due to injured ribs. He should be ready for training camp having had months to rehab his ribs. As of July 5, 2013 Bush was said to be fully healed from both rib and shoulder injuries he dealt with last season. He is expected to be back as the short-yardage/goal-line option for the Bears during 2013.
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 wa placed on the active/PUP list on July 24.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DEN: Ronnie Hillman discussed his injury struggles during 2012 on July 1, 2013: "I think I never really recovered (from a pulled hamstring), but I got healthier than what it was. I'm healthy now, so all I can do is look forward to it now." Hillman also said the team is working with him to protect his hamstrings better. "I do a lot more stretching than I usually do. Getting with the trainers and the weightlifting coaches, they work with me a lot more on my flexibility. They get more on me about stretching after practice and stuff." Hillman has been running with the first team during training camp and was listed as the #1 running back on the team's initial depth chart.
Ex-DEN: Willis McGahee was expected to participate in the AFC Championship game last January (if the Broncos had made it that far) - he spent the last 1/3 of the season recovering from a torn right MCL/knee surgery and a compression fracture in the same leg. As of February 22, 2013 Broncos team president John Elway would only say that the team was 'still evaluating' McGahee as he continued his recovery from the leg injury - and the team drafted Montee Ball in April providing the Broncos with another 'big back' option. McGahee has since been released (June 13) and hasn't caught on with another team.
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.
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."
GB: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HOU: Ben Tate said his groin tightened up Friday, August 2, and he left practice early. He hoped to return to practice Sunday, August 4, after the off day, but he didn't make it on the field. As of August 6 there is no word on when Tate may rejoin practice sessions.
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.
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.
IND: 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. The signing of Ahmad Bradshaw could mean that Carter will be a casualty when the team cuts down to the final 53-man roster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NE: Brandon Bolden did not participate in the team's offseason program because of a sprained ankle he suffered while working out in the offseason. He is scheduled to meet with team doctors on July 15, and he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Bolden has fully participated since the start of training camp.
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.
NE: Shane Vereen (undisclosed) was in uniform for the team's scrimmage Saturday, August 3, but did not participate in the scrimmage after suffering an undisclosed injury Friday, August 2.
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.
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.
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, and he appears to be a long shot to play at the start of regular season.
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."
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.
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.
PHI: As of August 6, LeSean McCoy is dealing with a knee injury and is considered day-to-day at this point. He may miss the preseason opener later in the week.
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.
SD: Ryan Mathews broke his collarbone (again) in week 15 against the Carolina Panthers - he has broken both sides of the collarbone entering the 2013 preseason. He is expected to be ready for full participation in the team's offseason program and preseason/training camp - new Chargers' GM Tom Telesco said on May 3 (a conference call with season ticket holders) that he believes in Mathews and expects "big things" during 2013. It remains to be seen if Mathews can live up to the GM's expectations, but the team hasn't picked up another starting-caliber back so as long as Mathews can stay healthy he should have a lot of work during 2013. On June 13, Mathews stated that he's been an "average" running back so far in his NFL career - reports of heavy involvement in late-night clubbing scenes that surfaced at the beginning of July may help explain some of Mathews' struggles. Rumors of an arrest at a club were unfounded, but local reports maintain that Mathews is frequenting bars and nightclubs. As of the first week of camp, the Chargers appear to be implementing a running-back-by-committee with Danny Woodhead expected to handle passing-down duties.
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.
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.
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.
Wide Receivers
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.
BAL: Jacoby Jones underwent an arthroscopic cleanup procedure on one of his knees after the Super Bowl, but he is expected to be 100% healthy for the team's practices during the preseason (he was on 'Dancing with the Stars' shortly after the procedure). On June 13, Jones was named a starter "for now", but he faces challenges from Tandon Doss and other younger receivers - wide receivers coach Jim Hostler said "All of those guys are battling for that second, third and fourth spot. And it's all real close." On July 25 Jones passed his conditioning test and was removed from the non-football injury list. He is paticipating in training camp.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CIN: As of August 4, Andrew Hawkins' sprained ankle was improving but he still hasn't established a time table for returning to practices.
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.
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).
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.
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.
DAL: Danny Coale (knee injury/surgery) did not participate in practice Monday, July 22. As of July 24 he was reportedly dealing with swelling and pain in the surgically repaired joint.
DAL: As of August 3, Terrance Williams has been diagnosed with a concussion and he missed the Hall of Fame Game as a result.
DET: Ryan Broyles suffered a torn right ACL on December 2, 2013, and underwent reconstructive knee surgery on December 7, 2012. As of May 29, 2013 the team stated that Broyles was making good progress in his rehabilitation, but the team hasn't set a return date for Broyles just yet. Broyles did participate in individual drills during the Lions late May OTAs. A report on the Lions' website (July 2) indicated that Broyles is "way ahead of schedule" in his return from the torn right ACL. Local reports on August 4, 2013 indicated that Broyles has been very impressive in training camp and that he appears fully recovered from his knee injuries/surgeries as of early August.
DET: Nate Burleson was placed on IR October 24, 2013 due to a broken leg. He was able to come to an agreement with the team on a restructured contract as of February 21, 2013, and he has been reported to be well ahead of the usual timetable for recovering from his injury. As of May 22, he was fully participating in OTAs, and is considered a favorite to be the #2 wide receiver across from Calvin Johnson during 2013. However, the fast healing Ryan Broyles may challenge Burleson for playing time in training camp. As of July 1, Burleson was expected to participate fully in training camp despite an admission from coach Jim Schwartz that Burleson wasn't yet 100% healed.
GB: Jordy Nelson suffered from a pulled hamstring and a sprained ankle during 2012, missing four games and playing in parts of others. However, he is reportedly healed up from those nagging injuries entering the summer practice sessions (as of May 30, 2013). Unfortunately, Nelson sat out of practice on Friday, August 2, due to a "banged up" knee. On August 6, it was reported by Adam Schefter that Nelson had knee surgery on Monday August 5, and Nelson is expected to be out 4-6 weeks as a result. Footballguys.com's resident MD, Jene Bramel, indicates that this injury could be a flare-up of a chronic nerve issue that Nelson has dealt with since college - he cautions that nerve conditions can be tricky to repair surgically.
HOU: DeVier Posey suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the Texans' playoff game in January - he had surgery to repair the injury on January 19, 2013. Head coach Gary Kubiak has spoken about Posey as being a possible contributor to the offense by mid-season - on June 4, Kubiak said "How early is the question. We’re making a decision on him at the end of camp because of the PUP and those type of things." Most observers expect Posey to start the season on the PUP list, making him undraftable in redraft fantasy leagues. On July 25 Posey was placed on the PUP/active list to open training camp.
IND: As of May 29, Darrius Heyward-Bey was sitting out of his new team's OTAs due to a sore hamstring - the team reportedly considered the injury minor, but was acting out of an abundance of caution by holding Heyward-Bey out. He is expected to be in the mix as the third wide receiver in Indianapolis this year, according to reports on June 16. Unfortunately, Heyward-Bey suffered a left knee sprain on August 4 that was reported on August 5 to be a MCL sprain that will cost him multiple weeks of practices. T.Y. Hilton moves into the starting spot across from Reggie Wayne as a result of this injury, and Hilton may keep the job even when Heyward-Bey is healthy enough to practice again.
JAX: Justin Blackmon (groin) said in mid-June that he is still dealing with a left groin injury. Blackmon appeared to have some issues during practice Wednesday, June 12. Blackmon is going to miss the first four regular-season games due to a substance-abuse related suspension - he should have time to get fully healed from the groin injury/corrective surgery on the groin injury that was performed near the end of June. Blackmon may miss some of training camp due to the groin surgery/his ongoing rehab. He was placed on PUP July 23; head coach Gus Bradley said on July 31 that Blackmon was "making strides" - the team hopes Blackmon can play in some of the preseason games before his four-game suspension starts in September, but no time-table for Blackmon's return to action was set by Bradley.
EX-JAX: Free-agent WR Laurent Robinson (Jaguars) said on July 16 that he's symptom-free after his concussion-marred 2012. He was scheduled to work out for the New Orleans Saints on Monday, August 5.
JAX: Cecil Shorts was placed on IR for the final week of the 2012 season after suffering his second concussion in three weeks during December. Shorts was subsequently cleared for football activities on January 25, 2013. However, due to the league's heightened sensitivity to concussions (especially players with a history of concussions), the series of concussions Shorts sustained last December is an item to keep in mind when drafting this season. Shorts planned on working out with Larry Fitzgerald this summer according to reports on June 6, 2013. Shorts opened training camp by catching 10 passes and has looked good in sessions the first week - he looks ready to go as of early August.
JAX: Mohamed Massaquoi managed to play in just nine games last season, and he landed on IR December 24, 2012 due to a knee injury. He was subsequently signed by Jacksonville on April 5, 2013 - presumably his knee is back to 100% healthy entering preseason. However, it is worth remembering that Massaquoi hasn't played a full slate of 16 games per season over the past three years. He is reportedly (May 1) expected to start across from Cecil Shorts while Justin Blackmon serves his four-game suspension to start the season. However, during the first week of training camp Massaquoi has been up-and-down in consistency and he may be opening the door to other receivers to challenge him for keeping Blackmon's spot warm during the first four weeks of regular season.
KC: Donnie Avery has missed most of the early June OTAs due to a high ankle sprain. He was expected to recover in time for training camp. Avery has struggled with drops in training camp and is listed as a backup on the first K.C. depth chart (August 4).
KC: Jonathan Baldwin suffered a hand injury during practice Saturday, August 3, but was able to continue practicing.
KC: Dexter McCluster suffered a hamstring injury during mid-May OTAs, but he did return to practice on May 30, 2013. As of early June, the hamstring issue appears to have been a mild injury. As of July 28, Kansas City's OC Doug Pederson is "determined" to find ways to get the footabll into McCluster's hands - he is good to go for the slate of preseason games.
MIA: Brian Hartline has a calf injury and missed practice on August 2 and the Hall of Fame Game August 4 as a result.
MIA: Mike Wallace has battled a groin injury since training camp started, and he was held out of practice on August 2 and the Hall of Fame game August 4 as a result.
MIN: Greg Childs was not cleared to practice as of June 16 as he continues to recover from patellar tendon injuries to both of his knees. His status for the start of training camp is unknown due to his lack of practicing during OTAs. Childs is on the PUP list as of training camp, and he may stay there once regular season rolls around.
NE: Despite missing 20 games for the Rams over the past two years due to injury (the most recent problem was a heel injury that limited Danny Amendola at the end of the 2012 season), Amendola was signed to a five year contract with $10 million guaranteed by the Patriots on March 15, 2013. We'll see if the $2.5 million in per-game roster bonuses contained in the deal help Amendola play through the nagging injuries that often sidelined him while in St. Louis. A report on June 11 indicated that Amendola was building good chemistry with Tom Brady during OTAs; so far, so good. On August 5, head coach Bill Belichick said Danny Amendola has "become a very dependable player for us." Amendola has stood out as the best receiver on the team since OTAs and that is continuing during training camp.
NE: Julian Edelman was reported in April, 2013 to be fully healed from a broken foot suffered during December 2012. However, he re-injured the foot on May 7, 2013 and has been wearing a walking boot since then. As of May 31, 2013, Edelman has a one-year, no-guaranteed-money contract for 2013 and he's missing time in OTAs due to his latest injury. Reports on June 24 indicated that Edelman has a good shot at the 53-man roster, but only if he can stay healthy during 2013. Edelman was cleared for practice August 1 and has been running with the first and second teams since August 2.
Ex-NE: Donald Jones (signed by New England March 15, 2013) was placed on the non-football injury list by the Bills (his former team) on December 18, 2012. In the course of announcing they weren't going to re-sign him (February 7, 2013) the team said his illness was "a medical condition that he's had since college". Neither Jones nor the team have given specifics about what the medical condition he's struggled with actually is. He was waived by New England on July 19 and is still looking for another job.
NO: Marques Colston (foot injury) was removed from the physically unable to perform list and returned to practice for the first time since training camp began Monday, August 5.
NO: Nick Toon was placed on IR August 31, 2012 due to a nagging foot injury that dated back to his days in college (two left foot surgeries have been performed to correct the injury). He is expected to fight for a backup roster spot in New Orleans this year, though - he said on April 12, 2013 that he is ready to go for 2013. As of June 9, reports out of New Orleans indicated that Toon looked comfortable in the team's offense despite sitting out last season. Toon has created a lot of buzz during training camp - on July 30 members of the local press stated that Toon has consistently stood out during practice sessions.
NYG: Hakeem Nicks struggled to stay healthy during 2012 due to a left knee injury, which he finally had arthroscopically repaired in February of this year. "I think not having Hakeem 100 percent for most of the season, really the last 10 weeks, can hurt," Eli Manning said on January 4, 2013. "And he's out there playing hurt, and you love that toughness about it, that he wants to be out there. But it just made it tough when you're starting a receiver who's gotta win one-on-one matchups and your deep threat and your playmaker all of a sudden kinda isn’t making the deep plays and the big plays. It can be tough to adjust to that. And I think just our timing was off." Nicks has avoided participating in voluntary OTAs so far this year, so the stability of the knee is still to be determined. On June 11 he was partially participating in a mandatory OTA - he is reportedly expected to be limited until training camp kicks off. On June 27, Nicks said he will be ready for training camp. Nicks said he has been running full routes. Nicks was working with Eli Manning after the end of OTAs to help sharpen Nicks' game after he missed practice sessions earlier in the offseason. Early in camp Nicks strained his groin, leading to partial participation in the first week of training camp. On August 6, Nicks stated that his recent groin injury is 100% healed and that he anticipates practicing on August 7.
NYJ: Clyde Gates was knocked out of the final game of the 2012 season due to a head injury - he had missed time earlier in the year due to a concussion, so there is a troubling pattern emerging for this player, especially given the NFL's high level of sensitivity to concussions/post-concussion after-effects in recent years. Players who have suffered one concussion are often more susceptible to repeat injuries of this type. Reports on August 5 indicated that Gates has been "one of the stars" of training camp so far.
NYJ: Stephen Hill had surgery to repair a LCL injury to his right knee on December 21, 2012. He has participated in the recent OTAs during early June, but the teams' medical staff pulled him out on June 5, 2013. "I was (expected to be cleared by now)," Hill said Wednesday, June 5. 'I was going through some team workouts. At first it kind of swelled up on me a little bit and (the trainer) was like, "we don't need this to happen at all.'' The team hopes Hill can participate in the mid-June minicamp, but the knee is clearly not 100% as of June 5. Hill did participate in the mid-June minicamp, but struggled with drops and inconsistency. According to a report on July 12, Hill has not had any setbacks with a knee issue, but the team will likely ease Hill into training camp when practice begins by monitoring his snaps. A local report on July 28 indicated that Hill was having a "nice" training camp. He appears to be set for the slate of preseason games.
NYJ: Jets head coach Rex Ryan said on June 5, 2013 that there is a chance that Santonio Holmes (foot/Lisfranc injury) could start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Holmes has had two surgeries on the Lisfranc injury since week four of the 2012 season, and he is looking iffy for at least part of training camp as of early June. On June 16, Holmes indicated he hopes to be ready for the start of training camp. However, speculation is that Holmes may not be ready for camp because he had not started running or cutting as of June 15. Holmes said on June 17 that his foot injury was diagnosed as a Grade 4 injury (the most serious kind), meaning a muscle tear and joint separation in his mid-foot. He had screws and a plate removed in a March surgical procedure, but he will have two screws in the foot permanently. On August 5, Holmes was reportedly expecting to miss at least the first four games of regular season - he may wind up on the PUP list and sit out the first six. Holmes is looking like a very risky fantasy wide receiver as of August 6, 2013.
OAK: Jacoby Ford had Lisfranc surgery on his left foot on September 12, 2012 and was subsequently placed on IR. He was out of his walking boot on December 4, 2012 and as of April 18, 2013 was reported to be 100% healed from his most recent Lisfranc fracture (Ford has suffered two such injuries so far in his short NFL career). On August 5, Ford was reported to be agile and impressive at training camp - he appears to be 100% healthy entering the slate of preseason games.
OAK: As of June 11, Joshua Cribbs was not participating in OTAs - he is recovering from a knee injury and may not be in practice sessions until training camp. As of August 3, Cribbs was participating in training camp sessions: "It feels great. I'm still knocking off the dust, running around trying to get 100 percent, but it feels great to just be out here with the guys, sweat with them, work out with them, knowing that I'm working out and earning my paycheck just like anybody else."
PHI: Arrelious Benn realizes he needs to stay healthier if he's going to have a chance at a roster spot with the Eagles - he stated on March 22: "I'll be honest with you, I don't like my career (to this point). I got to stay healthy. I haven't stayed healthy... And when I was healthy and out there, I made plays, and I was consistent." We'll see if the change of scenery helps Benn play more consistently during 2013. He landed on IR November 22, 2012 due to a MCL sprain that nagged him throughout the 2012 season and also a shoulder injury suffered early in the season. Benn was temporarily sidelined by the knee injury on July 31, but began to practice on August 5 - he ran with the third team on Sunday. Unfortunately, Benn was diagnosed with a torn left ACL (this is a reinjury - he orignally tore it during 2010) on August 6 - his season is over, and his career may be in jeopardy.
PHI: DeSean Jackson landed on IR November 27, 2012 due to two fractured ribs suffered in the Monday Night Football game on November 26, 2012. He has been participating in spring OTAs so far, though, and as of early June he appears to be fully recovered from the ribs' injuries. He was briefly demoted to second string in a motivational move, but rejoined the starting lineup shortly thereafter, according to reports out of Philadelphia. With Jeremy Maclin out for 2013, Jackson is now the clear-cut #1 wide receiver for the Eagles heading into the slate of preseason games.
PHI: Jeremy Maclin has been lost for the season due to a torn right ACL - he was placed on IR July 31.
SD: Danario Alexander was diagnosed with a torn right ACL on August 6, 2013 - he is done for the season. His previous knee injuries were to his left knee (five surgeries performed on the left knee), so now both of Alexander's knees have been seriously injured during his NFL career.
SD: Keenan Allen fully participated at the May 10, 2013 Chargers rookie minicamp - it appears that he is almost fully recovered from a left PCL tear suffered in October 2012. On April 26, 2013 Allen referred to the knee as "90%" healed - he appears to be on pace to fully participate in training camp later this summer. Allen is fully participating in the Raiders'
