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NFL: Injury Notes - Week 6
Here are the Top 20 team injury situations I'm currently monitoring closely as the weekend's NFL action approaches.
Arizona-- QBs Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton vs.'Skins: Palmer doesn't appear any closer to a return from his troublesome shoulder injury, lobbing passes instead of being able to fire them normally. He's unlikely to play against Washington. Stanton must pass concussion protocol to keep rookie Logan Thomas from making his first NFL start, so certainly be aware of who is expected to be under center before making a move in a critical contest for the Cardinals coming off their first loss.
Atlanta-- G Justin Blalock vs. Bears: The veteran hasn't missed a game the past six seasons, so you can expect to see him out there, but his back trouble is certainly an issue. He's dependable on a line short on quality numbers since center Joe Hawley joined tackles Sam Baker, Lamar Holmes aned Mike Johnson on IR this past week.
Carolina-- CBs Josh Norman and Bene Benwikere vs. Bengals: Sure, the Panthers still have Antoine Cason and Melvin White to lean on, but they'll lack cornerback depth against Cincinnati with Norman (shoulder) and Benewikere (ankle) certain to be out. Charles Johnson will likely play to aid the pass rush, but Carolina is certain to be thin in the back.
Cincinnati-- WR A.J. Green vs. Panthers: He won't play. ESPN's Coley Harvey reported that Green sighed when the latest setback occurred, a sure sign that resignation set in that it's too early in the season to compromise himself playing through foot/toe pain. Since rest is the only thing that's going to alleviate the situation, it will be interesting to see how patient Green and the Bengals will be in letting his injury heal. Mohammed Sanu is likely to emerge as Andy Dalton's top receiving target while his All-Pro sits.
Cleveland-- CB Joe Haden vs. Steelers: The Browns star corner returned to practice on Friday, increasing hopes that he'll be able to get back on the field Sunday. The Titans picked on him as he struggled with a hip injury last week, but even at less than 100 percent, he'd be an upgrade over anyone else for Cleveland as they aim to stop surging Steelers WR Antonio Brown.
Dallas-- LB Rolando McClain and Bruce Carter vs. Seahawks: McClain has rescued his career in Dallas, going from knucklehead bust to invaluable member of a defense that's thin on depth. He finally practiced Friday after resting a groin injury all week and should play against the Seahawks. His inclusion is massive given that Carter (quad) is likely to miss a second consecutive game.
Detroit-- WR Calvin Johnson and RB Reggie Bush vs. Vikings: Both missed practice all week, so they're doubtful to play in a key NFC North contest, but that falls in line with one of new head coach Jim Caldwell's goals to try and better preserve his team physically over the long haul. Big back Joique Bell passed all his concussion hurdles and practiced, so he's likely to pick up a lot of the slack.
Miami-- RB Knowshon Moreno vs. Packers: The Dolphins would love to lean on Moreno to help keep the ball out of Aaron Rodgers' hands, utilizing a similar formula that led to their Week 1 home upset of New England. He was originally expected to miss four weeks, so this would be an early return from a dislocated elbow suffered Sept. 14. The offense sputtered without him before a great effort in London against the Raiders, but it remains to be seen whether Miami risks him returning prematurely. He's practiced all week.
Minnesota-- LB Chad Greenway vs. Lions: Since it appears that excellent safety Harrison Smith (ankle) is a go, the main question mark surrounds Greenway, who is hoping to avoid missing a third straight contest due to broken ribs. He returned to practice Friday according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson, but backup Gerald Hodges took first-team reps all week.
N.Y. Giants-- LB Jon Beason vs. Eagles: While Philly's linebacker issues are still up in the air, it's looking increasingly likely that the Giants will get their starting middle LB back. Beason hasn't played since Week 2, but if he can regain his previous form, he'll give New York a significant lift.
New England-- DT Dominique Easley, LB Dont'a Hightower and CBs Brandon Browner and Devin McCourty vs. Bills: Bill Belichick puts practically everyone on the injury report, but the four defensive standouts listed here are all expected to play at Buffalo in a game that will decide who takes sole possession of first place in the AFC East.
N.Y. Jets-- WR Eric Decker and DT Sheldon Richardson vs. Broncos: You know that Decker wants to be out there against his former teammates, so expect to see him after he took last week off to give his hamstring time to heal. He still leads New York in receiving yards despite the one-game absence and has participated in enough practices this week to expect him to be out there vs. Denver.
Oakland-- LBs Nick Roach and Sio Moore vs. Chargers: The Raiders top returning tackler has been shelved for the season due to concussion issues in a decision reached on Wednesday. He led the team in tackles last season from his middle linebacker spot. Miles Burris will continue to play out of position in his place. Moore, a talented linebacker on the outside, returned to practice this week and may play on Sunday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury on Sept. 13.
Philadelphia-- LBs DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks vs. Giants: Ryans is the heart of the defense and Kendricks flies around making plays when at his best, so it was bad news when both missed practice Wednesday. Ryans recovered enough from a groin injury to participate some on Thursday, but his status isn't expected to be determined until Sunday afternoon. The outlook for Kendricks (calf) isn't as rosy, since he's already missed three straight contests and appears to be at least a week away.
Pittsburgh-- LB Ryan Shazier vs. Browns: The rookie looked impressive when healthy, but has missed the last two games with a knee injury and returned Thursday on a limited basis. Barring a surprise, he's not expected to return against Cleveland, but would likely provide a boost if he does.
San Diego-- T D.J. Fluker and C Rich Ohrnberger vs. Raiders: Although the Jets game looked easy, the Chargers did lose D.J. Fluker to an ankle injury as he toiled against a strong defensive line. He's got an outside shot to play, but has been on crutches all week. Make no mistake, his mountainous presence would be missed. Willie Smith would get the nod. Ohrnberger, originally the backup center, left San Diego to rely on veteran Doug Legursky, but he hurt his knee in the fourth against New York and is done for the year. Original starter Nick Hardwick (stingers) went on IR before after the season opener. Ohrnberger should return from a back issue, while Chris Watt will serve as the backup.
San Francisco-- TE Vernon Davis vs. Rams: He's already missed two of his team's five games with a back issue, but may play on Monday night. After returning to practice Thursday, albeit in non-contact mode, Davis may be set to contribute to an offense that can use a boost. After scoring twice in Week 1, he's been targeted six times, catching five passes for just 47 yards.
Tampa Bay-- LB Mason Foster and S Dashon Goldson vs. Ravens: The Bucs have been trying to survive without Foster (dislocated shoulder) for the last three games and Golson at New Orleans, which hasn't gone well. Both are essential pieces who are expected to return against Baltimore. Rookie Mike Evans is also likely to be back as a weapon for Mike Glennon.
Tennessee-- QB Jake Locker vs. Jaguars: Despite his awesome beard-driven powers, Charlie Whitehurst has looked like a second-string quarterback in relief of Locker these past two weeks. Although he tossed for a pair of scores against the Browns while they were reeling, the career backup couldn't get the Titans a single second-half point in Sunday's 29-28 loss. Locker gives his team their best chance of success on the road against winless Jacksonville, but failed to practice Thursday or Friday after banging his right thumb into a Cleveland defender's helmet in the second quarter, exiting for the remainder of the afternoon in a short-lived return from an injured right wrist. It's unlikely that he plays, but even if he does, his preparation has been compromised.
Washington-- LBs Perry Riley, Brian Orakpo and S Ryan Clark vs. Cardinals: All three key defensive players missed practice Thursday. Riley (knee) seems unlikely to play, robbing the defense of their top returning tackler, currently third behind Keenan Robinson and Clark. The other two veterans are likely to play hurt, but considering neither looked spry against Seattle, it's safe to say the grind is already catching up with them. They'll bring lingering ankle issues into Arizona.
Here are the Top 20 team injury situations I'm currently monitoring closely as the weekend's NFL action approaches.
Arizona-- QBs Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton vs.'Skins: Palmer doesn't appear any closer to a return from his troublesome shoulder injury, lobbing passes instead of being able to fire them normally. He's unlikely to play against Washington. Stanton must pass concussion protocol to keep rookie Logan Thomas from making his first NFL start, so certainly be aware of who is expected to be under center before making a move in a critical contest for the Cardinals coming off their first loss.
Atlanta-- G Justin Blalock vs. Bears: The veteran hasn't missed a game the past six seasons, so you can expect to see him out there, but his back trouble is certainly an issue. He's dependable on a line short on quality numbers since center Joe Hawley joined tackles Sam Baker, Lamar Holmes aned Mike Johnson on IR this past week.
Carolina-- CBs Josh Norman and Bene Benwikere vs. Bengals: Sure, the Panthers still have Antoine Cason and Melvin White to lean on, but they'll lack cornerback depth against Cincinnati with Norman (shoulder) and Benewikere (ankle) certain to be out. Charles Johnson will likely play to aid the pass rush, but Carolina is certain to be thin in the back.
Cincinnati-- WR A.J. Green vs. Panthers: He won't play. ESPN's Coley Harvey reported that Green sighed when the latest setback occurred, a sure sign that resignation set in that it's too early in the season to compromise himself playing through foot/toe pain. Since rest is the only thing that's going to alleviate the situation, it will be interesting to see how patient Green and the Bengals will be in letting his injury heal. Mohammed Sanu is likely to emerge as Andy Dalton's top receiving target while his All-Pro sits.
Cleveland-- CB Joe Haden vs. Steelers: The Browns star corner returned to practice on Friday, increasing hopes that he'll be able to get back on the field Sunday. The Titans picked on him as he struggled with a hip injury last week, but even at less than 100 percent, he'd be an upgrade over anyone else for Cleveland as they aim to stop surging Steelers WR Antonio Brown.
Dallas-- LB Rolando McClain and Bruce Carter vs. Seahawks: McClain has rescued his career in Dallas, going from knucklehead bust to invaluable member of a defense that's thin on depth. He finally practiced Friday after resting a groin injury all week and should play against the Seahawks. His inclusion is massive given that Carter (quad) is likely to miss a second consecutive game.
Detroit-- WR Calvin Johnson and RB Reggie Bush vs. Vikings: Both missed practice all week, so they're doubtful to play in a key NFC North contest, but that falls in line with one of new head coach Jim Caldwell's goals to try and better preserve his team physically over the long haul. Big back Joique Bell passed all his concussion hurdles and practiced, so he's likely to pick up a lot of the slack.
Miami-- RB Knowshon Moreno vs. Packers: The Dolphins would love to lean on Moreno to help keep the ball out of Aaron Rodgers' hands, utilizing a similar formula that led to their Week 1 home upset of New England. He was originally expected to miss four weeks, so this would be an early return from a dislocated elbow suffered Sept. 14. The offense sputtered without him before a great effort in London against the Raiders, but it remains to be seen whether Miami risks him returning prematurely. He's practiced all week.
Minnesota-- LB Chad Greenway vs. Lions: Since it appears that excellent safety Harrison Smith (ankle) is a go, the main question mark surrounds Greenway, who is hoping to avoid missing a third straight contest due to broken ribs. He returned to practice Friday according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson, but backup Gerald Hodges took first-team reps all week.
N.Y. Giants-- LB Jon Beason vs. Eagles: While Philly's linebacker issues are still up in the air, it's looking increasingly likely that the Giants will get their starting middle LB back. Beason hasn't played since Week 2, but if he can regain his previous form, he'll give New York a significant lift.
New England-- DT Dominique Easley, LB Dont'a Hightower and CBs Brandon Browner and Devin McCourty vs. Bills: Bill Belichick puts practically everyone on the injury report, but the four defensive standouts listed here are all expected to play at Buffalo in a game that will decide who takes sole possession of first place in the AFC East.
N.Y. Jets-- WR Eric Decker and DT Sheldon Richardson vs. Broncos: You know that Decker wants to be out there against his former teammates, so expect to see him after he took last week off to give his hamstring time to heal. He still leads New York in receiving yards despite the one-game absence and has participated in enough practices this week to expect him to be out there vs. Denver.
Oakland-- LBs Nick Roach and Sio Moore vs. Chargers: The Raiders top returning tackler has been shelved for the season due to concussion issues in a decision reached on Wednesday. He led the team in tackles last season from his middle linebacker spot. Miles Burris will continue to play out of position in his place. Moore, a talented linebacker on the outside, returned to practice this week and may play on Sunday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury on Sept. 13.
Philadelphia-- LBs DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks vs. Giants: Ryans is the heart of the defense and Kendricks flies around making plays when at his best, so it was bad news when both missed practice Wednesday. Ryans recovered enough from a groin injury to participate some on Thursday, but his status isn't expected to be determined until Sunday afternoon. The outlook for Kendricks (calf) isn't as rosy, since he's already missed three straight contests and appears to be at least a week away.
Pittsburgh-- LB Ryan Shazier vs. Browns: The rookie looked impressive when healthy, but has missed the last two games with a knee injury and returned Thursday on a limited basis. Barring a surprise, he's not expected to return against Cleveland, but would likely provide a boost if he does.
San Diego-- T D.J. Fluker and C Rich Ohrnberger vs. Raiders: Although the Jets game looked easy, the Chargers did lose D.J. Fluker to an ankle injury as he toiled against a strong defensive line. He's got an outside shot to play, but has been on crutches all week. Make no mistake, his mountainous presence would be missed. Willie Smith would get the nod. Ohrnberger, originally the backup center, left San Diego to rely on veteran Doug Legursky, but he hurt his knee in the fourth against New York and is done for the year. Original starter Nick Hardwick (stingers) went on IR before after the season opener. Ohrnberger should return from a back issue, while Chris Watt will serve as the backup.
San Francisco-- TE Vernon Davis vs. Rams: He's already missed two of his team's five games with a back issue, but may play on Monday night. After returning to practice Thursday, albeit in non-contact mode, Davis may be set to contribute to an offense that can use a boost. After scoring twice in Week 1, he's been targeted six times, catching five passes for just 47 yards.
Tampa Bay-- LB Mason Foster and S Dashon Goldson vs. Ravens: The Bucs have been trying to survive without Foster (dislocated shoulder) for the last three games and Golson at New Orleans, which hasn't gone well. Both are essential pieces who are expected to return against Baltimore. Rookie Mike Evans is also likely to be back as a weapon for Mike Glennon.
Tennessee-- QB Jake Locker vs. Jaguars: Despite his awesome beard-driven powers, Charlie Whitehurst has looked like a second-string quarterback in relief of Locker these past two weeks. Although he tossed for a pair of scores against the Browns while they were reeling, the career backup couldn't get the Titans a single second-half point in Sunday's 29-28 loss. Locker gives his team their best chance of success on the road against winless Jacksonville, but failed to practice Thursday or Friday after banging his right thumb into a Cleveland defender's helmet in the second quarter, exiting for the remainder of the afternoon in a short-lived return from an injured right wrist. It's unlikely that he plays, but even if he does, his preparation has been compromised.
Washington-- LBs Perry Riley, Brian Orakpo and S Ryan Clark vs. Cardinals: All three key defensive players missed practice Thursday. Riley (knee) seems unlikely to play, robbing the defense of their top returning tackler, currently third behind Keenan Robinson and Clark. The other two veterans are likely to play hurt, but considering neither looked spry against Seattle, it's safe to say the grind is already catching up with them. They'll bring lingering ankle issues into Arizona.
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