Updated Injury list of skill position players after the week 2 preseason MNF game on 8/18/08:
QB
Arizona's Matt Leinart missed most of 2007 due to a broken collarbone. He was reported in early May to be nearly 100% recovered and throwing well during mini-camp. It appears Leinart will be back under center during 2008. As of the end of June, Leinart was said to be improving his understanding of the 2 minute drill and looks poised to return to the driver's seat for Arizona. He passed for 7/8 for 91 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions in the first preseason game - Leinart is back in the saddle for the Cardinals. Vs. KC, Leinart hit 7/11 for 62 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions. He appears to be in great shape physically.
Arizona's Kurt Warner - who played with a torn ligament in his left elbow last year, still doesn't have a new deal with the Cardinals, though the team is said to be agreeable to working out an extension (Warner is in the last year of his old contract). The elbow doesn't seem to be an issue for either Warner or the Cardinals entering training camp. He has been fully participating in the OTAs during June and is expected to be 100% for training camp. Warner threw 6/9 for 54 yards in the 2nd preseason game vs. K.C. - Warner appears to be fine.
Atlanta's D.J. Shockley tore both his left ACL and MCL in the preseason last year, and has spent the last year rehabilitating his knee. He was medically cleared to participate in all football activities on May 28th, and is in the mix for QB 3 as of early July. Shockley played in the team's first preseason game during the second half, splitting snaps with Joey Harrington in their ongoing battle for #3 QB on the team. He also made a few throws in the team's second game.
Carolina's Jake Delhomme is recovering from Tommy-John tendon surgery on his throwing arm (right) elbow. "It feels great," Delhomme said after a rehab session this in February. "Honestly, I feel absolutely great. I have no pain whatsoever.". He was reportedly doing well in light throwing drills during organized team activities during early May - Delhomme appears to be on the road to recovery. Coach Fox spoke of Delhomme's positive presence on the field on May 30th, saying "Having him back out there, his enthusiasm, is a joy to watch for sure." Delhomme has been the starter since day 1 of training camp, but only attempted one throw in the first preseason game due to game circumstances. However, he's reportedly thrown many nice passes during training camp - his elbow appears to be 100%. Delhomme hit 9/14 for 54 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interceptions during week 2 of preseason, and threw several balls with good velocity. He looks ready to go as of mid-August.
Chicago's Rex Grossman got banged up in the 2nd preseason game: "This will be my fifth year with this coaching staff. They've seen me for four years," Grossman said after the game, with a cut below the bridge of his nose and a gauze wrap over his bruised throwing forearm. "I think they should know [about me by now]". Grossman was not impressive in the game, with 9/15 for 74 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception in his timeon the field.
Cleveland's Derek Anderson suffered a concussion and bruised right hand in the MNF game on 8/18/08 and may miss the 3rd preseason game as a result, although initial indications are that the concussion was not as serious as it might have been (Anderson didn't lose consciousness).
Houston's Matt Schaub, who underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder during the off-season, participated in drills during the team's May mini-camp. Coach Kubiak commented "As for Matt, since we're in shorts, he'll be able to do everything. If we were in pads (hitting), I'd hold him out." The team expects Schaub to be ready for the regular season. He started and played one series in the preseason opener, hitting 4/5 for 29 yards before taking a seat on the bench. Schaub was impressive during week 2 of the preseason, hitting 14/16 for 187 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions vs. New Orleans.
Indianapolis' Peyton Manning had a sudden arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee, the Colts revealed on July 14th. Manning had a a bursa sac removed from his left knee, after it started to lead to complications with infection. Manning "had been receiving conservative treatment for an inflamed bursa sac in consultation with the club's medical staff since February, 2008. This course of treatment was productive until Peyton experienced increased pain and early signs of infection." Colts' president Bill Polian said in the press conference. "The procedure was routine. The Colts' medical staff expects a full and complete return to action." Manning is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, which will cost him most, if not all, of training camp. He missed the first 2 preseason contests as expected (the Colts played in the Hall of Fame game). Manning also sat out of the team's 3rd preseason game, but is on pace for regular season according to all reports out of Indianapolis - so far, so good.
Miami's Chad Pennington admitted on July 24th that he played the majority of the 2007 season with two torn ligaments in his right ankle, suffered in the season opener against New England. Head Coach Eric Mangini commented, "He had a pretty serious ankle injury and he fought through it, worked through it. It's tough when you get banged up early and the train doesn't stop. You've got to keep going. It's something he handled really well." Pennington was in the lead for the starting role in New York before the Favre trade, and now he is the favorite to start for Miami. He played well in his first game with Miami, tossing 5/6 for 55 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions as the team's starter.
Minnesota's Tarvaris Jackson suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee (initially diagnosed as a bruise) during the second preseason game on Saturday, and will likely miss at least the week 3 preseason tune-up vs. Washington for regular season. He'll be evaluated on an ongoing basis as he seeks to heal his knee. Right now, the team is targeting week 1 of the regular season for a return to full action.
New England's Tom Brady was hobbled by a high right ankle sprain durin the Super Bowl, but Brady checked out fine in mid-March and hasn’t had any troubles with the bothersome right ankle. He addressed the situation on June 10th, and responded to a direct question about whether his ankle was limiting him by stating "Not at all," he said, adding he will be ready for training camp in six weeks. "My body feels great. My leg feels great. My mind feels great. Yeah, I'm ready." Brady took the night off during the first preseason game but the move was said to be due to the coaching staff wanting a long look at the backup candidates, supposedly. However, it came out prior to the 2nd preseason game that Brady has a sore foot (which is unknown) and therefore did not make the trip to play vs. Tampa Bay. Here's what Brady had to say about the injury on Monday, 8/18/08 "Same side of the body, and same leg, but not the same injury," He also stated that it wasn't related to an Aug. 2 bump during practice, when running back Sammy Morris accidentally kicked him during a drill.
New York Giant's Anthony Wright, the backup quarterback, left the 8/18/08 MNF game late in the second quarter with an apparent back injury.
Oakland's JaMarcus Russell injured his throwing arm elbow on Tuesday, July 29 when he banged it against Darren McFadden's helmet in drills. "Just a little soreness from the other day," Russell said. Coach Lane Kiffin said the trainers noticed Russell was struggling a bit, so they took him out of practice on Wednesday July 30th as a precaution. "We'll look at it again in the morning," said Kiffin, adding that Russell did have X-rays that came out negative. "And really with that, it's not something that is about looking at him in the training room. It's about getting him out here." Russell did play in the first 2 drives during the preseason opener, with a lackluster 2/5 for 13 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions in the passing department. He looked better in the 2nd game, with 10/17 for 75 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions to his credit.
Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb indicated in early April that his surgically reconstructed knee is getting "much better" than it was during 2007 and he looks forward to being the starter in Philadelphia for 6 or 7 more years. He has been bothered by tendoinitis in his right shoulder and missed the latter part of mid-June OTAs due to the problem, but a precautionary MRI indicated no structural damage. On July 22nd, McNabb said he was past the tendonitis - "I haven't had any recurrence," he said. "It's fine, and I don't expect to have any recurrence. It took rest and stretching. In this position I play, it's just repetition and continuing to throw the routes and getting that velocity back that you would throw in game speed." McNabb looked sharp in the preseason opener with 10/13 for 97 yards and 1 TD - he seems to be rounding into top shape as training camp progresses. McNabb looked extremely sharp against the Panthers in week 2 of preseason - he appears to be 100% heading as of mid-August.
Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger has been hampered in training camp due to a groin injury, but did start the team's first preseason game on Friday night. It appears the groin injury is improving as of the second week of training camp. He threw 9/11 for 142 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception in the 2nd preseason game.
Pittsburgh's Charlie Batch broke his collarbone during the preseason opener and is out a minimum of 6 weeks due to the injury. Byron Leftwich was signed to help take up the slack at backup QB while Batch is out.
St. Louis' Marc Bulger was rattled by a hard hit in the 2nd preseason game. "He got my shoulder when it was coming through, and it was just a 5-minute thing," Bulger said after the game. "I don't think in the regular season it would have been a big deal."
San Diego's Phillip Rivers is recovering from a torn ACL that he played through in the AFC Championship game. He expects to be 100% for the start of regular season, and the team seems confident that Rivers will be ready to go when the games start counting. He ran the first team offense in an early-June organized team activity - "He's just making great progress." head coach Norv Turner stated on June 2nd. In late July, Rivers claimed he was 100% recovered: "I've been going full-go now for over a month," Rivers said. "There's nothing I can't do. There are times throughout the day I can't tell which knee I hurt." Rivers played several series in the preseason opener and looked unhampered by the previous injury. Rivers was held out of the 2nd preseason game as a precautionary measure.
Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck tweaked his back in the preseason opener vs. Minnesota and missed practice on Sunday and Monday as a result. The team is being cautious with him, but the injury doesn't appear to be anything serious at first blush. Hasselbeck has been troubled by flare ups of back spasms/a tight back since the injury, and didn't play in the 2nd preseason game.
Tampa's Chris Simms is looking for a job with another organization - he's been recovering from a emergency spleen removal over the last 2 seasons and doesn't believe he's in the team's future plans. We'll see where he lands (if anywhere). As of the second week of training camp he's still with the Buccaneers. He played during the second half of the 2nd preseason game.
Tampa's Jeff Garcia missed the preseason opener due to a strained right calf - he is expected to also miss the next preseason contest vs. New England, with a target of playing in the 3rd preseason game vs. Jacksonville. He partially participated in practices on Monday, August 11th. He didn't play in the 2nd preseason game as expected, however he is planning to start practicing fully on Monday and play vs. Jacksonville.
RB
Baltimore's Willis McGahee has a left knee problem entering the first pre-season game, and was not be able to take the field. "Right now, we need to get the fluid out of his knee and get that thing settled down a little bit," coach John Harbaugh said on August 3rd. The team hoped McGahee would be able to return to action, but the determination has been made that he will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee to clean out the loose bodies causing the problem. He will miss the next 2-4 weeks, and may not be available for the season opener vs. Cincinnati. Rookie RB Ray Rice will likely carry the load for Baltimore until McGahee is back to 100%. The left knee is the same knee that has been reconstructed after a college injury, and was also injured in high school, so there is reason for concern about the proposed time frame on McGahee's recovery, depending on what damage the surgeons find when they open up his knee. McGahee didn't play in the 2nd preseason game, as expected.
Carolina's Jonathan Stewart, who joined the team via the 13th pick overall in the draft, is recovering from a toe surgery performed by the Panther's team physician. He did not participate in the teams' first mini-camp on the field (though he was present for the activities) - presumably, the team is comfortable his rehab is going well or they wouldn't have used a first round selection to add Stewart to the team.On June 15th head coach John Fox stated "He's out of his boot and he's on schedule. He will be coming here shortly and will be doing rehab with our medical people and they are telling me he will be ready for July 25 (the start of training camp)." Stewart has been participating in training camp on a limited (once-a-day) basis, but didn't play at either Fan Fest or in the first preseason game due to soreness in his surgically repaired toe. DeAngelo Williams has seized the early lead in the battle for playing time in Carolina. Stewart played a few downs during the 2nd preseason game, but hasn't carried a sizable workload in a game yet this preseason.
Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson was limited during 2007 by a nagging hamstring injury. He is adding weight during the off-season and plans to play more in a power-running style during 2008 - the team doesn't seem concerned about the hamstring heading into training camp. However, Johnson's sore hamstring flared up leading into the preseason opener vs. Green Bay and Johnson didn't make the trip to play. Johnson was a late scratch for Sunday's preseason game. RB Chris Perry started in his place.
Cincinnati's oft-injured Chris Perry is off to a good start this preseason, playing extensively in the first game vs. Green Bay. He started in place of Rudi Johnson in the second preseason game.
Dallas's FB Ronnie Cruz sprained his left shoulder in the 2nd preseason game.
Denver's Ryan Torain suffered a left elbow injury during morning practice on Wednesday, August 6th - he'll be out 6-8 weeks as a result of breaking the radius bone where it meets the elbow. There are rumors that Torain may end up on IR as a result of the injury, with the recovery time estimate being moved up to 3 months or more after surgery was performed on the break.
Denver's Michael Pittman aggravated a left hamstring injury on August 7th as he was stepping in to help fill the void left by Ryan Torain's injury.
Green Bay's Ryan Grant tweaked a hamstring after ending his holdout, and sat out of the preseason opener vs. the Bengals. He also missed the second preseason game vs. San Francisco.
Houston's Ahman Green was limited throughout 2007 due to a balky knee, injured in the first regular season game. He commented on the situation in December, after being placed on IR ""It's frustrating," Green said. "I tried my best rehabbing and running around. I know from practicing and watching film, I felt good, but it's not quite there. That's the frustrating part. And what it boils down to is not knowing what we're dealing with." In early March, Green stated "I just needed the rest. I never put it in my mind that once the offseason training starts that I will be rehabbing. I've already done that. I feel I'll be in the big group running and doing everything. When minicamp comes around, I'll be ready for that as well." The team has their fingers crossed that Green can play effectively during 2008.Coach Gary Kubiak commented on May 22nd, "He looks good. He's had a good offseason...I want to knock on something every time I say that.". As of the preseason opener, Green has again suffered injury - he injured his groin on the first play from scrimmage and limped off the field. Green's injury was initially classified as "not serious" by the team's trainers, but evaluations are ongoing. There are rumors Green may miss 3 weeks as of this past Sunday.
Houston's Chris Brown has struggled with a bad back during training camp, and wasn't able to play in the preseason opener. The team leaned on Steve Slaton and Darius Walker in the preseason opener after Ahman Green's groin injury.
Kansas City's Larry Johnson, who was sidelined for much of the season due to a mysterious foot injury, is said to be fully recovered now. "You can't diagnose something and not know what it is. My foot was so swollen, no one knew what was going on. They thought it was a Lisfranc, they thought it was my heel, they thought it was my ankle," Johnson commented in January. What the injury turned out to be was a cracked bone in his fourth toe - which has since healed. On May 27th, Johnson fully participated in OTAs and stated "It felt good to come out here and still be able to come out and run. Body-wise, I'm 100 percent." Johnson rushed for 8/18/1 during the team's preseason opener. He gained 14/61/0 rushing in the 2nd preseason game - it appears that Johnson is indeed 100% as of mid-August.
Miami's Ronnie Brown had right knee ACL surgery by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham after being injured Oct. 21st, 2007 (vs. New England). The timeframe for recovering from this surgery is 9-12 months, so Brown should be ready for regular season action, though that is not assured as of May, 2008. He's a guy to watch carefully during training camp - the Dolphins' head coach Tony Sparano said in April that he expected Brown and fellow RB Ricky Williams (torn pectoral muscle, surgically repaired November 2007) to be ready for training camp. As of July 2nd, Brown was reported to be optimistic that he will be cleared for contact by the time training camp opens, and back to 100% by the start of the regular season. Brown carried the ball for 3/4/0 in the preseason opener, while Williams posted 5/31/0 in his time on the field, and looked like the strongest back on the field in this particular contest. Williams was the more productive in the 2nd preseason game as well, gaining 10/43/1 rushing while Brown was limited to 2/2/0 rushing and 1/3/0 receiving. Brown also suffered a thumb injury of unknown severity during the game - he has been spotted with a cast (conflicting reports as to the type as of Sunday) of some sort on his right hand after the game. Brown will be evaluated further as the week goes along.
New Orleans' Deuce McAllister is recovering from a torn left ACL. McAllister reported in late March that the rehab was on track for participating in training camp and that he might be able to participate in the final, June mini camp. In early May, McAllister participated in a team weekend minicamp, running pass-routes at full speed. He said after the camp that he'd been cutting and planting for about three weeks and expected to participate in a limited capacity in the late May organized team activities. As of July 4th, McAllister was optimistic he'd be ready for the season opener, saying "I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)..."I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to. As far as getting out there and doing something I haven't done already up to this point, that would just be playing the game." McAllister was held out of the first preseason game as a precautionary measure, so we still have yet to see him in a game situation - stay tuned. McAllister did practice on Saturday August 9th. He played in the team's 2nd preseason game and did well - 4/16/0 rushing and 2/10/0 receiving. “It went well,” McAllister said. “I ran with some toughness, and I put my foot down a couple of times in there. I still have some things to work on, but it’s a good start. I’ve had to stay patient through the whole process, and I’m still trying to make all the effort over the past year pay off.”
New Orleans' Reggie Bush was sidelined by a torn PCL in his left knee from week 14-17 last season. The injury isn't a concern heading into the 2008 season - he appears to have healed fully through rest and recuperation. As of June 2nd, Bush was reported to be moving well in minicamp sessions. Bush played in the preseason opener and posted 7/22/0 rushing and 1/-1/0 receiving before riding the pine. However, he missed Saturday's practice with swelling in the left knee - perhaps due to further issues with the PCL - the Saints hope he'll be back at practice soon. Bush played very well in the 2nd preseason game, gaining 7/24/0 rushing and added a vaulting 12-yard TD catch (he leaped over a defender to score) - his knee didn't look like an issue at game time. "It felt good," Bush said. "No injuries, no problems, no swelling, anything. I felt good enough to go. I felt like I wanted to give a shot, and I also wanted to see where I am in Week 2 of the preseason."
New York Giants' Kay-Jay Harris injured an ankle with just over 2 minutes left in the game on MNF 8/18/08 and was taken off on a cart - evaluations are ongoing.
St. Louis' Steven Jackson, who struggled with nicks and dings during 2007, and who also was nursing a sore ankle and tweaked groin earlier this spring, is reportedly 100% healthy and ready to go for training camp as of July 9th. "I'm looking to have a great year and lengthen my career with St. Louis. Hopefully, I'll retire as a Ram." However, Jackson has been sitting out of camp due to a contract dispute, so we have yet to see him in any sort of meaningful action this year. He still hasn't played a down as of the 2nd preseason game.
St. Louis' Brian Leonard strained his left shoulder in the second half of the game vs. San Diego - he'll be evaluated further as the week goes along.
Tampa Bay's Cadillac Williams continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury (torn patellar tendon), but his status for 2008 is not yet known. Ernest Graham is apparently in possession of the #1 slot on the team. Tampa Bay opens training camp soon and Williams is not ready for contact. As a result, Williams likely will begin this season on the physically unable to perform list (meaning he couldn't be activated until after week 6, if then). At last report in early August, Williams was running "parachute drills" - sprints with a parachute attached behind him - but hasn't been cleared for contact. During the Sunday night game vs. New England, he did not participate, and the NFL broadcasting crew speculated that Williams could be headed for the PUP list to start regular season (out a minimum of 6 weeks).
Tennessee's Lendale White is working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus cartilage (an injury he played through in 2007) and was limited at the team's first mini-camp. White is reported to be "rehabbing like crazy" - "We're just taking our time,'' he said in early May. "I am feeling good. We just don't want to blow it out.'' White rushed for 6/33/0 in the preseason opener vs. St. Louis. He posted 8/30/0 rushing and 1/1/0 receiving vs. the Raiders in the 2nd preseason game.
Washington's Clinton Portis suffered a strained hip flexor during an early May minicamp - the injury hasn't hampered him since, though. In mid June he commented "I feel much better. As much as I didn't want to be here [in the offseason], to go out there and be able to run downfield 100 yards and jog back and turn around and run 100 yards again [without being fatigued], it feels great." Portis tweaked an ankle early in training camp, but the injury is considered minor. Portis posted 7/18/1 rushing and 1/5/0 receiving in the preseason game vs. Buffalo during a shortened appearance.
Washington's LaDell Betts sat out the last few practices during the final week of July due to being kicked in the thigh twice during workouts. The move was precautionary, and the team hopes some time off will allow his contusions to heal up. Betts ran for 5/41/0 and snagged 3/41/1 receiving vs. Buffalo during the first full week of preseason games - his thigh injuries seem to be a thing of the past. However, Betts left after the final play of the first quarter with a slight knee sprain in the 2nd preseason contest vs. the NYJ.
Ex-Lion/Now Chicago's RB Kevin Jones is coming off a torn ACL in his right knee - Jones has signed with the Chicago Bears, and practiced with them for the first time on Saturday, August 10th. "Both guys [Jones included] looked pretty good for the first time out," HC Lovie Smith said after the practice. "We'll just bring them along from there." Jones will battle Matt Forte for playing time in the wake of Cedric Benson's offseason release from the club.
Did they ice it on the sidelines, or did they take him into the locker room?
Did they ice it on the sidelines, or did they take him into the locker room?
