Injury Rounds
Adam Thielen | Left high ankle sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Thielen was unable to return after a high ankle sprain. These injuries are usually worse 24-48 hours after the sprain occurs. With the Vikings playing Thursday night, expect Thielen to be out at least one game. An MRI and follow up exam on Monday will define whether Thielen is likely to miss even more time.
Elijah Mitchell | Concussion protocol | Doubtful Week 14
Jeff Wilson | Chronic knee condition | Questionable Week 14
Monday update: Mitchell left Sunday's game for a head injury evaluation and was cleared to return. On Monday he reported symptoms and was placed in concussion protocol. It's unlikely a player will be cleared to return within six days when reporting symptoms 24 hours after the event. Prepare for Mitchell to be inactive this week.
Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wilson's knee flared up during Sunday's game. He said Wilson would rest for "a couple days" before re-evaluation. He's questionable at best to play this week.
Logan Thomas | Left ACL / MCL injury | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Thomas was hit directly on the left knee while attempting a trap block on a lineman. Adam Schefter reported Washington "fears an ACL/MCL injury" and will confirm with an MRI on Monday. The examination is rarely misleading in these injuries. Expect Thomas to be moved to injured reserve this week.
Monday update: Thomas' MRI did not show an ACL injury. Washington did not discuss specifics but reports suggest Thomas could return this year.
Follow Up Appointments
Dalvin Cook | Left shoulder dislocation | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Cook continues to rehab and recover from his most recent shoulder dislocation. There were conflicting reports about how much damage an MRI showed early last week but the finer details won't change the immediate prognosis. With the Vikings facing a short week, Cook has little chance of being cleared for contact by Thursday night.
If Cook recovers enough strength, stability, and range of motion in the next week, there's an outside chance he will return in Week 15.
Alvin Kamara | Left MCL sprain | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 14
Kamara was likely very close to returning last Thursday night. A full week of individual drills was reassuring for his recovery and reconditioning process. Ultimately, the Saints' medical staff chose to rest him the additional ten days. Unless there was an unreported late-week setback during practice last week, expect Kamara back -- and likely ready for a full workload -- this week.
Darren Waller | Left iliotibial band strain | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 14
There are no recent NFL player comps for IT band injuries. This isn't a structural issue and even a higher-grade injury isn't likely to require extensive treatment. It's likely Waller is dealing with a sprained knee ligament or the back condition he was also listed with last week was a bigger factor than expected.
The Raiders have yet to discuss Waller's injury and it's worrisome that Waller was not seen in practice or on the rehab field last week.
I'll update with new details -- if available -- on Monday. If the Raiders remain silent on Waller, watch for Wednesday practice participation. A DNP would put Waller at obvious risk of missing another week.
DAndre Swift | Right AC sprain | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 14
Swift may prove to be more probable than doubtful by the end of the week. Unfortunately, the tone of the team's comments after Swift aggravated his shoulder sprain in Week 12 suggest he'll need multiple weeks to recover. A limited Wednesday practice would be an indication the Lions are willing to consider returning him to play.
Fast Track News and Notes
***Tee Higgins returned to the game after an ankle sprain. He was limping at times but was moving better after a few snaps and told reporters he expected to be ready to play this week. Video did not show evidence of a high ankle sprain and it's reasonable to consider Higgins probable for Week 14.
***Justin Fields made progress in his recovery from cracked ribs last week but was not cleared to play. Expect him to return this week.
***Daniel Jones has not been cleared for contact after a neck injury suffered in Week 12. Although he has been participating in non-contact practice drills, there are reports he still needs multiple weeks to recover and may see a specialist for further evaluation. He's doubtful again this week. Backup Mike Glennon sustained a concussion and also may not be cleared to play.
***Alex Collins has been on the injury report with groin and abdominal conditions in recent weeks. It's an ominous combination suggestive of a core muscle condition. The Seahawks signed and promoted Adrian Peterson last week and Collins was not cleared to play. Prepare for news that Collins needs surgery and/or is placed on injured reserve.
***The Saints plan to allow Taysom Hill to play through a tendon rupture on the third finger on his throwing hand. He'll need a splint to support the digit and may have difficulty controlling the accuracy of his passes.
Currently on Injured Reserve / PUP / NFI
Chase Edmonds | Left high ankle sprain | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable
Kliff Kingsbury mentioned Edmonds' eligibility to return during a press conference last week but did not speculate on whether Edmonds would be game-ready immediately. Local writers say the team is "hopeful" Edmonds can return. If Edmonds is designated to return early in the week, watch Kingsbury's comments carefully for clues on potential usage.
Calvin Ridley | Behavioral health recovery | Eligible Week 12 - Remains on NFI | Doubtful
The Falcons have not updated Ridley's status since the decision to place him on the Non-Football Injury list. It's unknown how close Ridley is to returning or whether his conditioning is sufficient to allow him to return immediately when ready. Hopefully, Ridley is getting the care he needs.
Julio Jones | Hamstring strain | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable
Jones has been battling a hamstring strain since the preseason. The Titans moved Jones to injured reserve in the hopes that a full month of rehab would allow him to be healthy enough to be effective in the final weeks of the regular season. It's possible Jones will return after Tennessee's Week 13 bye. The team has yet to address Jones' status.
Monday update: Jones was designated to return on Monday and will return if he has no setbacks during practice this week.
Will Fuller | Finger fracture | Eligible Week 8 - Remains on IR | Doubtful
Local reports clarified Fuller's extended absence from a finger injury. Fuller's finger was reportedly "shattered" and required extended time to regain stability after surgery. Although he's progressing, he remains doubtful to return this week.
Sam Darnold | Right scapula fracture | Eligible Week 14 | Questionable
Matt Rhule said Darnold began throwing during Carolina's bye week. The team expects to evaluate him early this week and decide whether he's ready to play. It's unlikely he'll be cleared for contact yet but watch for indications he's close to returning.
Injured Players by Position
|
Quarterbacks
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W14 Availability
|
| Aaron Rodgers | GB | Toe fracture | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Jalen Hurts | Phi | Left ankle sprain | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 15 return | Bye |
| Joe Burrow | Cin | Right fifth finger dislocation | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Daniel Jones | NYG | Neck injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Mike Glennon | NYG | Concussion | Week 13 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Justin Fields | Chi | Rib injury | Week 11 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Probable |
| Taysom Hill | NO | Right third finger tendon injury | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Tyrod Taylor | Hou | Left wrist injury | Week 13 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Jordan Love | GB | COVID+ | Dec 6 | COVID-reserve | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Sam Darnold | Car | Right scapula fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
|
Running Backs
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W14 Availability
|
| Dalvin Cook | Min | Left shoulder dislocation | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Alvin Kamara | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 9 | Week-to-Week | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Elijah Mitchell | SF | Concussion | Week 13 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Jeff Wilson | SF | Chronic knee condition | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| DAndre Swift | Det | Aggravated right shoulder sprain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Darrell Henderson | LAR | Quad injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Damien Harris | NE | Hamstring strain | Week 13 | Awaiting reports | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Miles Sanders | Phi | Aggravated right ankle sprain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 15 return | Bye |
| Jordan Howard | Phi | Right knee injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 15 return | Bye |
| Josh Jacobs | LV | Chronic ankle condition | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Kenyan Drake | LV | Right fibula fracture | Week 13 | IR (expected) | 2022 return | IR |
| Jalen Richard | LV | COVID+ | Dec 5 | COVID-reserve | Week 16 return | Doubtful |
| Melvin Gordon | Den | Shoulder / Hip injuries | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Alex Collins | Sea | Abdominal strain | Chronic | Week-to-Week | Week 14++ return | Questionable |
| David Johnson | Hou | Thigh injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| J.D. McKissic | Was | Concussion | Week 12 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Phillip Lindsay | Mia | Ankle injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Bye |
| Jeremy McNichols | Ten | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Damien Williams | Chi | Calf injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| - | ||||||
| Derrick Henry | Ten | Fifth metatarsal fracture | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 17+ return | IR |
| Chase Edmonds | Ari | Left high ankle sprain | Week 9 | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Michael Carter | NYJ | Left high ankle sprain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15+ return | IR |
| Trey Sermon | SF | Ankle injury | Week 12 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| Tarik Cohen | Chi | Right ACL reconstruction | Sep-2020 | Reserve - PUP | Week 14+ return | PUP |
| Malcolm Brown | Mia | Quad injury | Week 7 | IR - Eligible Week 11 | Week 13++ return | IR |
|
Wide Receivers Injured
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W14 Availability
|
| Deebo Samuel | SF | Groin strain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Adam Thielen | Min | Left high ankle sprain | Week 13 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Keenan Allen | LAC | COVID+ | Dec 6 | COVID-reserve | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Tee Higgins | Cin | Right ankle sprain | Week 13 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Antonio Brown | TB | Ankle injury [suspended] | Week 6 | Week-to-Week | Week 16+ return | Suspended |
| Sterling Shepard | NYG | Quad strain | Week 8 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Kadarius Toney | NYG | Quad / Oblique strains | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Kenny Golladay | NYG | Rib injury | Week 13 | Awaiting reports | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Allen Robinson | Chi | Hamstring strain | Week 10 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Marquise Goodwin | Chi | Foot injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Cedrick Wilson | Dal | Shoulder injury | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Anthony Schwartz | Cle | Concussion | Week 10 | Concussion protocol | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Corey Davis | NYJ | Aggravated core muscle strain | Week 13 | IR (expected) | 2022 return | IR |
| Randall Cobb | GB | Groin strain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| - | ||||||
| A.J. Brown | Ten | Right chest wall injury | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| Julio Jones | Ten | Hamstring strain | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 14 | Week 14 return | Questionable |
| Marcus Johnson | Ten | Hamstring strain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| Calvin Ridley | Atl | Behavioral health | Week 9 | NFI - Eligible Week 12 | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Will Fuller | Mia | Finger fracture | Week 4 | IR - Eligible Week 8 | Week 13+ return | Doubtful |
| Quintez Cephus | Det | Left clavicle fixation | Week 5 | IR - Eligible Week 10 | Late 2021 return | IR |
| Danny Amendola | Hou | Knee surgery | Week 12 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | 2022 return | IR |
| Dante Pettis | NYG | Shoulder injury | Week 9 | IR - Eligible Week 13 | Week 13+ return | IR |
|
Tight Ends Injured
|
||||||
|
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Current Status
|
FBG Expectation
|
W14 Availability
|
| Darren Waller | LV | Left iliotibial band strain | Week 12 | Day-to-Day | Week 14+ return | Questionable |
| Logan Thomas | Was | Left knee injury | Week 13 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Doubtful |
| Ricky Seals-Jones | Was | Hip injury | Week 10 | Day-to-Day | Week 14 return | Probable |
| Harrison Bryant | Cle | High ankle sprain | Week 12 | Week-to-Week | Week 14++ return | Doubtful |
| Adam Shaheen | Mia | Knee injury | Week 11 | Week-to-Week | Week 15+ return | Bye |
| - | ||||||
| Dan Arnold | Jac | MCL sprain | Week 12 | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
| Eric Ebron | Pit | Meniscus tear | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15++ return | IR |
| Adam Trautman | NO | Left MCL sprain | Week 11 | IR - Eligible Week 15 | Week 15++ return | IR |
| Blake Jarwin | Dal | Hip injury / COVID+ (Nov 26) | Week 8 | IR - Eligible Week 12 | Week 14+ return | Doubtful |
| Kaden Smith | NYG | Knee injury | Chronic | IR - Eligible Week 16 | Week 16+ return | IR |
