This article covers the known ongoing injury issues/new injury issues for fantasy-relevant players at the offensive skill postions - QB, RB, WR, TE, PK - among all 32 NFL teams. Player comments and coaches' statements regarding the status of the injuries are included when relevant.
Please note that not every camp body at the various training camps will be included in this report - only skill position players expected to make the final 53-man rosters of the NFL teams or players with a reasonable chance to make the final 53-man rosters will be covered. Sixth-string tight ends will likely not appear among the players listed below (as one example). The information in this report is current through August 3, 2015.
For a more indepth examination of the various injuries listed below, I commend to everyone Dr. Jene Bramel's Second Opinion columns which delve into the mechanisms of the various injuries and probable outcomes/rehab courses. His catalogue of work is HERE, and it is an invaluable resource regarding NFL injuries available here at Footballguys.com.
Without further ado:
Quarterbacks
Blake Bortles, JAX - Jaguars GM David Caldwell said on July 2, 2015 that Bortles suffered from "dead arm" as a rookie. Bortles spent time late in the season on the injury report with a shoulder issue, and presumably that contributed to his lack of ability to throw the ball properly. Bortles has spent time over the offseason working to refine his passing mechanics.
Sam Bradford, PHI - Bradford tore his ACL during the 2014 season and was traded to Philadelphia during the offseason - he stated on March 11 that he expects to be ready to practice as of the start of training camp later this summer. Bradford was cleared for 11-on-11 drills Sunday, August 2, and head coach Chip Kelly told reporters the quarterback doesn't have any restrictions on his practice participation.
Derek Carr, OAK - Carr (finger injury) said he felt 100 percent in his return to practice Tuesday, June 10. He is expected to participate in training camp despite the ding to his ring finger.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, NYJ - Fitzpatick is expected to be ready for the start of training camp as of March 19, 2015, and he participated in OTAs during May - his fractured leg (tibia) seems to be healed and he's good to go for training camp.
Nick Foles, STL - Foles suffered a broken collarbone during the 2014 season (Week Nine of the season) - he is expected to be fully healed for the Rams' OTAs/offseason program.
Robert Griffin III III, WAS - Griffin dislocated his left ankle in Week 2 during 2014 and missed nearly two months. He returned for three games, but never seemed to be on the same level physically - he stated after the season (January 29) "Last year I wasn't healthy, and it sucked, there's no other way to say it." There have been mixed reports about Griffin during OTAs - some say he's made progress, while others indicated that "he's done" - time will tell this tale, but Griffin isn't on a lot of "must-own" lists entering 2015 after the struggles of recent campaigns.
Carson Palmer, ARI - As of March 5, 2015 Palmer was reported to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL in his knee - the second such tear of his career - and he expects to be ready for the start of training camp. On June 9, Palmer was cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills with his teammates - Palmer commented regarding his recovery: "I feel great," he said. "I probably never worked this hard in my life and I've always worked hard. I feel as fast as I've ever been, as quick as I've ever been, I'm stronger than I've ever been just because I've been going since late November." On July 16 he stated that he's "not even thinking about" his surgically-repaired left knee. "I’m still rehabbing just to be on the safe side of things, but I don’t need to be at rehab," Palmer said. "I’m full go in the weight room, full go on the field, and until it’s brought up, I haven’t thought about what I’m not doing because I’m doing everything I was doing."
Tony Romo, DAL - Romo struggled with his lower back at times during 2014, and has reportedly given up all other sports (including golf) during the offseason in a bid to keep his back healthy for the upcoming 2015 campaign. Romo has not needed surgery this offseason and enters training camp healthy, a nice change from 2014. He didn't miss a single OTA or mini-camp session earlier in the summer - Romo is good to go on the eve of training camp.
Drew Stanton, ARI - Stanton is expected to participate in OTAs (taking a majority of the first-team snaps with Carson Palmer sidelined due to an ACL reconstruction/ongoing rehabilitation) with no restrictions - his injured knee has healed without further surgery. He was reported to have no limitations as of April 22, 2015.
Running Backs
Jay Ajayi - Ajayi reportedly enters his rookie season with bone-on-bone contact in his right knee - while not technically injured, that condition requires pain management/drainage techniques and doesn't set Ajayi up for a long NFL career. We'll see how the knee responds to the pounding of NFL training camp. Reports on August 3 indicated that Ajayi has underwhelmed observers early in the Dolphins' training camp.
Joique Bell, DET - Bell has sat out the late May/early June OTAs as he recoveres from offseason Achilles' and knee surgeries - in February the expectation was that Bell would be ready for OTAs after "clean up" surgeries were performed in late January, but that has not turned out to be the case. He opened camp on the active/PUP list and the current word is the team plans to bring him along slowly during training camp as he works his way back to 100% healthy. He is not taking part in practice sessions as of July 29. On August 4, Bell stated that he doesn't know when he'll resume practicing. "Coach Caldwell has a better idea of when I might get back as far as the evaluation of my injuries." Meanwhile, Caldwell is on record as saying, "Sometimes, you don't know" when asked to place a timetable on Bell's return to practice.
LeVeon Bell, PIT - Bell is said to be getting close to 100 percent healthy as of April 23, 2015 - he missed the final game of the season due to a reported knee "sprain", but if it has taken four months to heal the injury must have been fairly significant. In any case, he'll miss the first two regular season games of 2015 due to a drug-and-DUI-related NFL suspension. Bell started training camp on the active roster and looked healthy in back-to-back practices, so any concerns about the knee "sprain" are receding.
LeGarrette Blount, NE - Blount failed his conditioning test when camp opened - he'll have to satisfy the coaches that he's ready for the rigors of training camp before he is allowed to participate fully. Also, Blount is suspended for the first game of the season due to the same incident that netted Le'Veon Bell a two-game suspension. He did participate in practice on Saturday, August 1.
Reggie Bush, SF - Though Bush was nicked an dinged up a lot while playing with the Lions last year (only 11 appearances, some partial), he has consistently impressed since signing with the 49ers according to multiple reports out of California. He is expected to be at full go for training camp.
Jamaal Charles, KC - Charles missed just one game during 2014 but revealed in April 2015 that he was slowed by ankle, knee and hamstring issues. "I was frustrated more last season than I’ve ever been because of all of those injuries," he stated. "I was frustrated because I didn’t feel my body was right the whole season." Charles is reportedly past the nagging issues that dogged his 2014 season.
David Cobb, TEN - Cobb suffered a broken finger in the Saturday, August 1 training camp practice.
He returned to practice on Sunday, August 2, however. He'll receive treatment from the trainers as necessary, but this doesn't sound like a major injury concern as of the first week in August.
Andre Ellington, ARI - Ellington reportedly looked 100% healthy at OTAs on June 8, 2015 - he struggled with foot injuries, ankle dings, and a hip injury during 2014 (and had surgery to correct a sports hernia after going on IR in early December, 2014). On May 10, Ellington stated: "It's like night and day. During the season I was limited on some cuts going to the right, pushing off my left foot. I'm close to doing a lot of things I've done in the past. Just (this week) I was able to do all my cuts and put a lot more pressure on my foot." Reports on June 15 indicated that Ellington is considered the "linchpin" of the Cardinals' rushing attack. However, as of Monday, August 3 Ellington missed practice due to a tightened hamstring - the injury is not considered serious at this time, according to head coach Bruce Arians.
Arian Foster, HOU - Foster finished 2014 by exiting the week 17 game with knee and hamstring dings, but he's fully participated during OTAs and is entering training camp healthy. However, reports on August 4 indicated that Foster suffered a potentially serious groin injury during the first full-pads practice of camp on Monday, August 3. The latest news out of Houston as of late evening, August 4 is that Foster is out for up to half the season (potentially even more time) and will need surgery to repair the injury. There is no exact time frame for recovery from this injury until the surgeons do their work and discover how extensive the injury may be, but Foster is definitely out for an extended period of time according to our best information as of August 4.
Todd Gurley, STL - Gurley began training camp on the active roster, not PUP, an encouraging sign that his ACL rehab is progressing well. As of July 28 the team website indicated that it is a "possibility" that Gurley would start during week 1, regular season. Fantasy owners considering Gurley should monitor his practice participation/lack thereof during the upcoming training camp.
Kendall Hunter, SF - Hunter missed all of 2014 due to an ACL tear suffered on the first day of training camp last summer. He is reportedly in great shape now, though, and appears to have fully rehabbed the injured knee. He's expected to fully participate in the 2015 training camp/preseason.
Carlos Hyde, SF - Hyde opened training camp on the NFI list for one day due to a minor calf injury (July 28), but he was removed from the list on July 29 and should be fine to participate in training camp.
Rashad Jennings, NYG - Jennings did play in the season finale, but he was impacted by both knee and ankle injuries during the 2014 season - he was nicked up a lot and only appeared in 11 games for the Giants last season. Keep an eye on him during training camp in case new, nagging injuries pop up.
David Johnson, ARI - As of August 3, Johnson is considered day-to-day due to a hamstring injury of unspecified severity.
Duke Johnson Jr, CLE - Johnson suffered a hamstring injury during practice on Saturday, August 1. Head coach Mike Pettine said on Sunday, August 2 that Johnson's injury will keep him out "a little while" - he's missing valuable training camp reps approaching his rookie season.
Matt Jones, WAS - Jones is considered day-to-day with a sore knee.
Darren McFadden, DAL - McFadden sat out of OTAs in early June to a hamstring strain - no surprise to fantasy owners who have watched his fragility manifest often during the Oakland years. We'll have to watch and see if the hamstring issue extends into training camp, as there is no word on the severity of the hamstring injury. He did participate in sessions later in June, and is said to be healthy as training camp opens - but Dallas owner Jerry Jones endorsed Joseph Randle as the team's new work-horse back on July 29 as the Cowboys cranked up the 2015 training camp.
Stevan Ridley, NYJ - Ridley opened training camp July 29 on the active/PUP list - as expected after Ridley got in only limited work at OTAs. Ridley remains a candidate for reserve/PUP, which would cost him the first six games of regular season.
Antone Smith, ATL - Smith resumed practicing on June 2 after rehabbing a broken leg suffered at mid-season during 2014 - he is expected to be full go for training camp in July/August.
Robert Turbin, SEA - Turbin had an offseason hip surgery - on June 1 reports stated that Turbin might miss the bulk of training camp/preseason due to the rehab process, and additional reports on July 6 indicated that he might miss week 1 of regular season as well. It doesn't sound like Turbin's rehab is going great as of the eve of training camp.
Terrance West, CLE - West suffered a calf injury during practice on Saturday, August 1, and will likely miss a few days of training camp as a result. Reports on August 3 indicated that the coaches are not happy with west's approach to practicing/conditioning and that he looks "chunky" at training camp to some observers.
Ryan Williams, DAL - Williams sat out of practices during the Cowboys' June OTAs due to swelling and pain in his surgically repaired knee. He was placed on I/R July 28 - his season is over (also likely that his NFL career is finished).
Danny Woodhead, SD - Woodhead (ankle and leg injuries) is healthy, according to head coach Mike McCoy. “He looks the way (he did) the snap before he went down (in Week 3),” McCoy said Monday, June 8. Woodhead is reportedly past his 2014 injuries and expected to play a key role on third downs for the Chargers.
Wide Receivers
Jared Abbrederis, GB - Abbrederis suffered a torn right ACL on August 1, 2014 and spent his rookie season on IR. He is expected to be full go for training camp after fully participating in the Packers' late May OTAs (despite an erroneous report that said he had sat out).
Odell Beckham Jr NYG - Beckham said on July 22 that his right hamstring "feels a lot better" after he missed most of offseason workouts due to a pull. We'll see how the hamstrings respond to the rigors of training camp (a left hamstring pull cost him training camp and most of September during 2014).
Kelvin Benjamin, CAR - Benjamin suffered a strained hamstring during May, and as of June 8 he's been sitting out of OTA practices. Head coach Ron Rivera indicated on June 8 that he expects Benjamin back in the mix during the second week of June. Rivera reiterated on July 23 that he expects Benjamin to be full go once training camp opens up despite the sore hamstrings earlier in the summer.
Jaron Brown, ARI - Brown was participating in early June OTAs without any issues with his fracture shoulder. As of June 2 he appears to have fully healed (the shoulder blade didn't require a surgical repair).
Martavis Bryant, PIT - Bryant may miss the Hall of Fame game on August 9 due to a procedure to clean up an elbow infection. Currently, the infection isn't considered a major concern, but he is missing time to begin training camp.
Marques Colston, NO - Colston was placed on active/PUP to begin training camp on July 28, due to an undisclosed injury. Right now, reports are that the injury is a minor concern and that Colston will be back on the practice field soon.
Chris Conley, KC - Conley exited the Wednesday, July 29 training camp practice with a strained knee. He may be absent up to a week while he rehabs the injury with trainers.
Brandin Cooks, NO - Cooks is reportedly past the thumb injury that derailed his rookie season - he is widely expected to be the lead target at wide receiver in New Orleans this year. Monitor his practice participation during training camp just in case the thumb is dinged up again.
Victor Cruz, NYG - Cruz enters training camp rehabbing his knee due to a torn patellar tendon - as of July 7, he was reportedly expecting to fully participate in training camp. On July 28, teammate Prince Amukamara stated: "I'm telling you, this guy looked fab... I'm telling you. Remember that I said this. This guy looks faster now than he did before."
Bruce Ellington, SF - Ellington struggled through a late-season hamstring injury during December 2014.
Mike Evans, TB - Evans suffered a hamstring tweak during OTAs, but is expected to participate fully in training camp.
A.J. Green, CIN - Green had a concussion hamper him during the wild card round of the playoffs, and was out for the playoff game as he didn't exit the concussion protocols in time for the game. He is healthy for the beginning of training camp. Once a player suffers a concussion, however, they tend to become more prone to repeat brain traumas, something to consider when looking at Green as a fantasy option.
Dorial Green-Beckham, TEN - Green-Beckham missed the offseason program due to a hamstring injury. He's expected to participate during training camp.
DeAndre Hopkins, HOU - Hopkins sat out 2015 OTAs after February surgery to repair a torn ligament in his wrist. As of August 3, Hopkins is participating in Texans' training camp - we'll see how the wrist holds up under the rigors of practicing.
Alshon Jeffery, CHI - Jeffery did not participate in practice Monday, August 3, because he suffered a sprained AC joint in his shoulder over the weekend. He'll be evaluated further to determine the severity of the AC joint injury.
Calvin Johnson, DET - Johnson was hampered by an ankle injury for much of 2014, but avoided offseason ankle surgery. He participated in the early June minicamp with the Lions and looks good to go for training camp. He's full go as of the opening of training camp, on July 29.
Marvin Jones, CIN - Jones stated on July 20 that the 2014 surgery to remove bone chips in his foot/ankle region was a complete success. "We looked at it, got it fixed, and it’s not there anymore," said Jones. "It was an unfortunate situation, but it’s behind me." Jones figures to start across from A.J. Green again this year.
Brandon LaFell, NE - LaFell opened training camp on the active/PUP list due to an undisclosed injury. He had previously worn a protective boot on one foot during OTAs, so this move may be related to a (hopefully minor) foot problem. As usual, the Patriots didn't enlighten anyone about the specific reason why LaFell was placed on PUP.
Marqise Lee, JAX - After missing OTAs with a knee injury, Lee has been "noticeably inconsistent" at training camp, according to local reports on August 1. Lee has struggled with his conditioning, and he's also had drop issues reported.
Louis Murphy, TB - Murphy went on IR December 14, 2014, due to an ankle injury. However, he was re-signed to a three-year contract extension before the season was out - it appears that the ankle injury was relatively minor.
Jordy Nelson, GB - Nelson had a "clean-up" surgery on his hip during the offseason. Nelson was expected to be fine as of March 25, but sat out of the Packers' late May OTAs as he continues to recover from the procedure. When asked on May 28 if he had a timetable to return to practices, Nelson responded "Not necessarily. We're just going to continue to progress going forward." Nelson is expected to be ready for the opening of training camp according to the most recent reports, and on July 29 he avoided being placed on the active/PUP list as the Packers opened their training camp. Reports on July 29 indicated that he should be fully participating in practice sessions within a couple of weeks.
DeVante Parker, MIA - Parker (foot injury/corrective surgery on June 5) might be limited for the start of training camp, QB Ryan Tannehill hinted Monday, June 8. Reports on June 9 indicated that Parker's timetable to return from the surgery is 8-12 weeks - he might be ready for Week One of regular season, but he will have missed all of training camp/preseason if the latter timeframe is how this injury progresses. Parker opened training camp (July 29) on the active/PUP list, as expected. We'll see how soon he is able to get involved in training camp (or not). As of August 4, Parker is estimated to be three-to-four weeks away from being able to practice, according to local sources.
Breshad Perriman, BUF - As of August 2, Perriman (knee) may take more time than the team initially hoped he'd need to recover from a bruised knee. The injury is still not regarded as long-term at this point, but the rookie is missing valuable training camp reps. As of August 3, Perriman (knee) has missed four straight practices.
Brian Quick, STL - Quick enters training camp rehabbing from an extensive shoulder surgery after tearing his rotator cuff at the end of October, 2014. Quick's surgery was reportedly major, repairing three torn ligaments as well as his rotator cuff. He took part in individual drills during OTAs and as of July 11 reports indicated that the Rams are hopeful he can play when regular season opens.
Devin Smith, NYJ - Smith's specific injury is three fractured ribs and a partially punctured lung, according to reports on August 2. He'll be out four-to-six weeks healing from the injuries, which means he may not be ready to play until mid-to-late September.
Rod Streater, OAK - The Raiders placed WR Rod Streater on the active/NFI list to open training camp on July 31. He was reported to be past his fractured foot during OTAs, so the reason for his placement on NFI is unclear. There is speculation that he failed his conditioning test to open camp, but that hasn't been confirmed by the team.
Sammy Watkins, BUF - Watkins told reporters he was 100% healthy (presumably past his hip injury) when he arrived at camp on July 29. He acknowledged the coaches may decide to limit his reps early and he’ll need to see how his body responds when he begins football-related activity at full speed. He should start camp on the active roster.
Wes Welker, FA - Welker was cleared to resume football activities on April 30, according to Dr. Stanley Herring, the Seahawks' team doctor and a member of the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee. Welker remains an unsigned free agent after being released by the Broncos.
Kevin White, CHI - White opened training camp on the active/PUP list due to an ongoing shin issue that limited him during OTAs/sidelined him during minicamp. As a rookie playing for John Fox, White's path to a starting gig was already obstructed - missing time during training camp won't help his cause. White is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list as of August 3, and there is no timetable for his return, according to head coach John Fox. Fox said he considers White's status as day-to-day.
Roddy White, ATL - White battled nagging knee and ankle injuries during 2014, which affected his speed and burst. He is 33 years old and looks to be on the downside of his career as rebounding from the daily grind in the NFL becomes increasingly difficult the older a player is - White sat out portions of June mini-camp due to his balky knee while rookie receiver Justin Hardy got some work with the first team.
Tight Ends
Dwayne Allen, IND - Allen missed the Colts offseason conditioning program due to an ankle injury/ongoing rehab of said injury. Allen played through a high-ankle sprain late in 2014, and was trying to get the ankle fully healthy in time for training camp, according to early June reports.
Jace Amaro, NYJ - Amaro hurt his back during 2015 OTAs and missed minicamp. He is expected to practice/participate during training camp.
Jordan Cameron, MIA - Cameron had a shoulder injury and a concussion limit him during 2014 (10 games appeared in), but he finished the year on the field and was signed to be the lead tight end by the Dolphins during the offseason - he appears to be past last year's injury woes.
Larry Donnell, NYG - Donnell has shed his walking boot as of July 26 after dealing with Achilles' tendinitis earlier this spring. He is expected to be at full go during training camp.
Tyler Eifert, CIN - Eifert was cleared to practice at the opening of training camp on July 30 - he seems to be past his most recent shoulder/elbow injuries and the associated rehabs. Now the question becomes can he stay healthy during preseason? Stay tuned...
Joseph Fauria, DET - Fauria missed June OTAs due to a lingering ankle injury dating back to September, 2014, that he opted to not have corrected via surgery.
C.J. Fiedorowicz - Fiedorowicz (knee surgery) practiced without restrictions at OTAs. Fiedorowicz has reportedly fully recovered from his January knee scope.
Garrett Graham, HOU - Graham was held out of the week 17 season-finale game in 2014 due to an ankle injury, and missed other games during December as well. We'll see if he can be effective as training camp gets under way for the Texans this week.
Josh Hill, NO - Hill (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Monday, August 3, but was present at practice.
Vance McDonald, SF - McDonald ended the 2014 season on IR (December 9) due to a back injury - at the time the injury wasn't considered major. He is reportedly on the roster bubble entering the 2015 training camp.
Tony Moeaki, ATL - Moeaki struggled to stay on the field for the Seahawks during 2014, battling calf and shoulder injuries (he eventually made eight catches in six games played). He was brought in to compete for a slot on the Falcons' roster slot on March 19, 2015, after he wound up his Seahawks stint with zero catches in the Super Bowl on February 1, 2015. Moeaki was healthy as of June 25 according to reports and is expected to enter training camp ready to compete with Jacob Tamme.
Troy Niklas, ARI - Niklas had multiple high-ankle sprains during the 2014 season, and eventually had ankle surgery (after being sent to IR in Week 11, 2014). As of April 21, 2015 he was cleared for all football activities. He is expected to start for the team after John Carlson retired during the offseason. However, he required another ankle "procedure" on June 11 after re-injuring his ankle during mini-camp (June 10 reports).
Dennis Pitta, BAL - Pitta began training camp on active/PUP despite his ongoing rehab of his surgically-repaired hip - he's dislocated the hip twice over the past two seasons and seems to be a long-shot to actually play during 2015.
Jordan Reed, WAS - Reed played in 11 games for the Redskins last season, but suffered from knee discomfort during OTAs and had a "procedure" in June - that turned out to be a stem cell shot to his knee and not an arthroscopic procedure, though. As of July 11 he was reported to be on track for training camp, and on July 29 reports out of Washington indicated that Reed was fully cleared for the start of training camp. Now Reed just needs to stay healthy and beat back a challenge from teammate Niles Paul.
Kyle Rudolph, MIN - Rudolph battled ankle and knee injuries during December, 2014, and didn't manage a catch when active during week 17. We'll see if more nagging problems crop up for him during August - he hasn't been very durable so far during his career.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TB - Seferian-Jenkins had foot, andkle and back issues during his rookie season, limiting him to nine games played and only 21 receptions, but he was reportedly "uncoverable" during OTAs and is said to be 100% healthy entering the 2015 training camp.
Craig Stevens, TEN - Stevens was placed on IR October 8, 2014 due to a quadriceps tendon injury/surgery. We'll see how well his rehab went as training camp progresses.
Julius Thomas, JAX - Thomas played through an ankle injury to close 2014, then received a huge contract from Jacksonville during offseason - presumably, the ankle passed examinations before the team signed Thomas.
Place Kickers
Dan Carpenter, BUF - As of early April, Carpenter was recovering from an unspecified offseason surgery. We'll see how effective he is during training camp.
Robbie Gould was hampered by a quad injury at the end of the 2014 season, leaving the Bears to start replacement Jay Feely in December. We'll see if Gould is healthy during preseason.
Caleb Sturgis, MIA - Sturgis (quad injury) was a full participant for the start of training camp on July 30. Sturgis suffered the left quad injury at a team-organized kickball event earlier during the summer. He looks good to go as of August 2.
