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Injury Rounds

Lamar Jackson | Illness | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 12

Jackson is reportedly suffering from an upper respiratory illness that infected multiple Baltimore players last week. Jackson had difficulty staying hydrated, worsened through the weekend, and was not healthy enough to play.

It's not clear what Jackson is fighting but it's notable that Jackson has been on the injury report with illness frequently this season. Although Jackson tested negative for COVID last week, it's possible he is dealing with long COVID symptoms after testing twice testing positive for COVID in the past 12 months. Hopefully, Jackson recovers quickly this week and returns to play.

A.J. Brown | Right chest injury | Awaiting information | Questionable Week 12

Brown was hit on the outside of the right shoulder and immediately grabbed for his upper chest on the sideline. He did not return to the game. The Titans have yet to discuss Brown's injury but his reaction was concerning.

The hit was not a classic mechanism for a collarbone fracture. While only one angle was shown on the television broadcast, Brown looked to reach for the area between his collarbone and sternum. That's suspicious for a sternoclavicular sprain, which can be a 2-4 week injury. Hopefully, Brown's injury is not significant and Monday's update will be reassuring. But Brown may have an injury that will keep him out through Tennessee's Week 13 bye.

Monday update: Brown's x-rays did not show a serious injury but the Titans are awaiting further testing.

Aaron Rodgers | Toe injury | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 12

Rodgers told reporters his injury is "a little worse than turf toe" and he expects to be limited in practice again this week. That likely means Rodgers is dealing with an injury to the plantar plate ligaments that connect the toe joint to the middle of his foot. These injuries often require surgery but quarterbacks -- most recently Patrick Mahomes II -- have played through them in previous seasons.

Rodgers is not expected to miss game time but is looking forward to Green Bay's Week 13 bye to rest and rehab.

Justin Fields | Left rib injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12

Fields did not return after suffering a rib injury. He was taken to the hospital for further imaging of his ribs and spleen.

It's not yet known whether Fields has a spleen injury but the need for more evaluation suggests a painful and limiting injury. If Fields does have a bruised or lacerated spleen, he will miss multiple weeks. Even if his spleen is unaffected, he's very unlikely to be ready to travel to Detroit for the early afternoon Thanksgiving Day game.

Monday update: Ian Rapoport tweeted that Andy Dalton is expected to start for Chicago on Thursday.

Michael Carter | Left high ankle sprain | Awaiting information | Doubtful Week 12

Carter's left ankle was trapped underneath a defender early in the third quarter and he did not return. Video showed evidence of a high ankle sprain.

Expect Carter to have an MRI to further evaluate the injury on Monday. He's likely to miss multiple weeks.

Monday update: Adam Schefter reported Carter suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.

Follow Up Appointments

Kyler Murray | Left high ankle sprain | Day-to-Day | Bye Week 12

The Cardinals elected to remain cautious with Murray again in Week 11, declaring him inactive despite a full week of limited practices. Arizona has a bye in Week 12. Expect Murray to return in Week 13.

Aaron Jones | Right MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12
Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 12

MCL sprains are difficult to predict. Relatively low-grade injuries can require more time to rehab than originally expected as players work to recover from swelling and stiffness or feelings of looseness in the joint.

Kamara is two weeks into his rehab from a Week 9 sprain and was unable to practice after a brief practice evaluation last Wednesday. The Saints play Thursday night, compressing their practice schedule and evaluation periods. If Kamara isn't significantly better on Monday, it'll be difficult for him to earn clearance to play. Early week practice participation will be informative.

Jones was unable to practice after his MCL injury in Week 10. The Packers are conservative with injuries, a strong option with A.J. Dillon, and have a Week 13 bye. It's unlikely Jones will return until Week 14 -- and it could be longer if his recovery does not progress smoothly.

Fast Track News and Notes

***Dallas will be without both Amari Cooper (unvaccinated COVID+) and CeeDee Lamb (concussion) on Thursday. Cooper must isolate a full ten days from his positive test and will not be eligible to return in time for Thursday's game. It's been years since a player has cleared concussion protocol in time to play a Thursday game. Expect Lamb to be declared out.

***Marquise Brown tested his thigh injury during Friday's practice and was ruled out. Local writers suggested Brown's injury is a hamstring strain, a frequent occurrence for Brown in his career. It's an injury that would have him questionable at best again this week.

***Elijah Mitchell had surgery to fixate a fracture in his right third finger early last week. While the Niners were publicly optimistic throughout the week, there was little chance Mitchell would be cleared to play. It's possible Mitchell can return this week but he'll have to prove he can secure the ball, pass-protect when asked, and catch the ball if needed. He's questionable at best for Week 12.

***Jordan Howard was hit on the front of the knee and did not return. Video was more consistent with a bruise but a ligament injury can't be ruled out. I'll update after Monday's press conference. Monday update: Howard reportedly has a knee sprain and expected to miss this week's game.

***Jared Goff was unable to practice due to an oblique muscle injury in his side. With a short week ahead, Goff is likely again on the doubtful side of questionable.

***Jamal Agnew had his right hip driven backward during a knee hyperextension event. It's a mechanism that usually injures the hip socket and labrum. It's likely Agnew will miss multiple weeks and he may have a season-threatening injury. Monday update: The Jaguars moved Agnew to injured reserve. His injury is season-ending.

Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI

Chris Carson | Cervical neck condition | Designated to return Week 10 | 2022 return

Carson will have season-ending neck surgery after his condition did not respond to rest and rehab. It's possible the condition will be career-ending.

Kareem Hunt | Left calf strain | Eligible Week 10 | Target Week 14

Kevin Stefanski told reporters Hunt was progressing last week but ruled him out early in the week. Hunt has yet to be designated to return from injured reserve. Don't expect to see him back until after Cleveland's Week 13 bye. Monday update: Stefanski said Hunt would return to practice this week and has a chance to return this week.

Logan Thomas | Right hamstring strain | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 12+

Thomas was sore after rehab early two weeks ago and was "just not ready to be on the football field" according to Ron Rivera. Washington has yet to designate him to return. If he's returned to practice early this week, he'll have a chance to play.

Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Target Week 12+

Fuller was said to be trending in the right direction two weeks ago but has yet to be designated to return to practice after a Week 4 finger fracture. It's now been nearly two months since Fuller has practiced, an odd timeline for a finger injury.

Injured Players by Position

Injured Players Not Expected to Return in 2021