Wide Receivers
NO WR Adrian Arrington, who has been battling a sore hamstring, got good news on Thursday, July 30th when it was announced that he won't start training camp on the PUP. However, after Arrington entered this year's training camp he's been unable to practice due to the hamstring tear he suffered earlier this summer. He is not able to go at full-speed as of August 8th. He played well in the second preseason game vs. the Texans, but unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury during the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29. Head coach Sean Payton has pointed to Arrington as being on the bubble to make the team's final roster. Arrington was cut and then resigned to practice squad.
STL WR Donnie Avery played 2008 with a cracked hip - he was told at the end of the season he'd need 8-10 weeks of rest to heal. Unfortunately, though he did start training camp as expected, Avery has suffered a new injury, to his left foot, which will keep him out for 4-6 weeks (that's the initial estimate, at least). Stay tuned. On Monday, August 10th the team disclosed Avery has a stress fracture in his foot. "We'll take it day by day, but it's going to be a lot of time," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said on Monday. Avery was making cuts, catching passes and going through all individual drills without a limp during practice Monday, Aug. 24. Although the team has not set a timetable on his return, it appears likely Avery will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. Avery took part in pre-game warm-ups on Thursday, August 27, and head coach Steve Spagnuolo said he, DT Adam Carriker, and DE Leonard Little are all close to returning to the field. 'If for some reason they felt great (in warmup), maybe we would've went with 'em,' Spagnuolo said. 'But at this point it didn't make sense to put 'em in a situation where they could get injured worse.'Avery returned to action against Kansas City in last Thursday's Governor's Cup game at the Edward Jones Dome. Avery started Thursday and was in for several plays during the first two series of the game, though he had no catches in the contest.
MIN WR Bernard Berrian was carted off after injuring his hamstring in the first quarter of the preseason opener vs. the Indianapolis Colts. He sat out of practices Sunday, August 16th and Monday, August 17th due to the injury. Berrian said on August 24th that he is hoping to return to practice this week, but he admitted his hamstring remains a little sore. He said he did a lot of running Sunday, Aug. 23, in the pool and is encouraged. Berrian missed practice on Tuesday, 8/25. Berrian missed the third preseason game on Monday, August 31st but did partially participate in practices on Saturday, August 29th. He seems to be getting close to returning to the field. Berrian didn't play in the preseason finale.
ARI WR Anquan Boldin suffered a strained right hamstring Tuesday, Aug. 25, and did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 26. He missed the third preseason game, and Boldin did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 31. On September 8th, HC Ken Whisenhunt declined to speculate on the availability of WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring injury) for Week 1. 'We'll see,' Whisenhunt said. 'I know it's going to be tough to keep Anquan out of this game.'
SEA WR Nate Burleson (knee injury) is running pass patterns again without any problem. Burleson, eight months removed from reconstructive knee surgery, is catching 'everything thrown his way' and is said to be running effortlessly. As of August 8th, he is moving and cutting very well in practices. Burleson has not had any knee swelling, nor has he had to take any reps off. He seems to be poised for a bounce-back season. Burleson (knee) played Saturday, Aug. 15, against the San Diego Chargers. He caught one pass for 12 yards during the game. Reports out of training camp have consistently stated that Burleson looks great - his knee injury is apparently a thing of the past. He did skip a morning practice on August 18th due to soreness in his knee, though. Burleson caught 2 passes for 49 yards August 29th, in the game vs. Kansas City. He didn't play in the preseason finale.
SEA WR Deion Branch had arthroscopic knee surgery after the 2008 season, and was seen in street clothes at the teams' first minicamps. The team hopes he'll be ready for training camp. Branch commented on his continuing recovery from previous reconstructive knee surgery on June 11th, saying 'You will never be back to normal once you have this type of procedure done. I actually feel stronger, but it's not normal. Something has been done that removed (parts) of my knee. My biggest thing is to continue to strengthen it,' Branch said. 'I'll be OK. I'll never think about my knee once I take the field.' Branch has yet to test the knee in full-contact drills, so we're withholding judgment on his recovery until we see him playing at full speed in pads. Branch missed the Wednesday, August 5, night practice, the Thursday, August 6, afternoon practice and the Friday, August 7th practice with soreness in his knee, although he did make the Friday afternoon session. He did practice on Tuesday evening, 8/11 but he's still been on and off the field due to soreness in the knee. Branch missed practice on the 18th of August also due to his tender knee. Branch did see some action in the third preseason game, with 2/13/0 receiving to his credit. He didn't play in the preseason finale.
ARI WR Steve Breaston has a sprained PCL in his right knee. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt didn't put a timetable on his return as of 8/16. Breaston missed the team's practice Monday, Aug. 24. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is hopeful Breaston will be able to ease into practice Tuesday, Aug. 25, or Wednesday, Aug. 26. Breaston (PCL sprain) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 31, although he missed the third preseason game on August 28th. Breaston didn't catch a pass in the preseason finale.
TEN rookie WR Kenny Britt said on July 2nd that his injured hamstring is improving and that he expects to be ready for training camp - 'When training camp starts I'll be full go and ready at 100 percent,' Britt said. 'I'm going to take the time to get treatment and be ready to help the team out.' As of July 20th, Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean wrote 'Britt missed a significant amount of time in minicamps with a hamstring hamstring injury, and when he did practice he didn't stand out stand out much.' It remains to be seen how ready Britt is to play at the NFL level. Britt was scratched from the Hall of Fame game roster on Sunday, August 9th due to his sore hamstring, though he was taken off the PUP list as of Friday, August 7th. Britt had five receptions for 89 yards and one score during the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 15, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Monday, August 24th Britt started working with the first team while Nate Washington nursed his sore hamstring. Britt started in the game vs. Cleveland (August 29th) and had one catch for 19 yards. He caught 1 pass for 7 yards in the final preseason game - Britt is good to go for regular season, it appears.
TAM WR Antonio Bryant (knee injury) missed the team's practice Thursday, Aug. 6. He ran a few routes on Wednesday, though, and was expected to be fine by Friday, August 7th. He has been in and out of practices due to swelling in his knee after he banged it two Saturdays ago. On Monday, August 10th the team acknowledged that Bryant will have an arthroscopic surgery on the knee and won't be participating in the rest of training camp, although they hope he'll be ready for week 1 of the regular season. Bryant did practice on Monday, August 31st but did not practice on Tuesday, September 1st. According to reports out of Tampa on September 8th, Bryant (knee injury) appears ready for the team's Week 1 game. Bryant said he is not afraid about developing timing with QB Byron Leftwich. 'Most of the spectacular catches I made last year were bad timing,' Bryant said.
SD rookie WR Demetrius Byrd (7th round pick, once considered a 1st round prospect), is recovering from a serious car accident suffered just days before the NFL draft. He's been released from the hospital and continues his rehab.
MIA WR Greg Camarillo is recovering from late-season ACL/meniscus surgery in his knee - he hopes to be ready for training camp, but that goal may be tough only 6 months removed from knee surgery as of mid-May. However, he participated in mid-June OTAs, working with the first team, and reportedly looked pretty good while completing the workouts each day. He's well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Camarillo has participated since the beginning of training camp and reports no ill effects from his ACL surgery - he appears to be good to go for 2009. Camarillo is rotating in the first team lineup with Davone Bess across from Ted Ginn Jr. As of 8/25 Camarillo has slipped down the depth chart a bit, but is still on the field for practices. Davone Bess is listed as the team's starting wide receiver entering Week 1, but WR Greg Camarillo was working with the team's first-string offense during practice on Monday September 7th.
BAL WR Mark Clayton missed practices during late May and early June due to an undisclosed injury. Coach John Harbaugh told players over 30 not to attend the early May session, so Clayton's absence could be due to being excused or due to the undisclosed injury that hampered him in late May (or both). Fantasy owners interested in Clayton should monitor his participation once training camp rolls around. Unfortunately, Clayton seriously injured his hamstring during the first week of training camp (coach Harbaugh said there is significant bleeding in his hamstring) - he's now expected to miss most or all of training camp and may or may not be ready for the beginning of regular season. Clayton has been running routes and catching passes on the side during last few practices as of August 25th. He is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring injury and encouraged by his progress. 'I'm just thanking God that the healing process has been really smooth. They said it could be into the season or whatnot, and I didn't think I'd be running routes and stuff at this moment. That's not full speed. I still feel pretty slow, but it's coming along. I'm just happy to be back.'He was held out of the team's August 29th preseason game. He's on the roster as of Monday, September 7th (just one of four WRs on the Ravens roster, currently).
TAM WR Michael Clayton's hamstring injury was addressed by head coach Raheem Morris on Thursday, Aug. 6. Morris said, 'The only significant one is Clayton, and it is a lot better than we thought. It is not severe at all. He is probably next week, but he'll get several days, and it may be a blessing in disguise because of hard he was practicing as you guys can see. He has a little bit of a hamstring that is deeper than the other ones. He is week-to-week I should say rather than day-to-day. We'll get him several days.' Clayton missed the first preseason game, but he participated in practice Monday, Aug. 17. Clayton (sore hamstring) left the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22, but head coach Raheem Morris said he would be fine. Clayton could miss some practice time this week. He missed Tuesday, 8/25 due to his sore hamstring. Clayton took part in practice on Monday, August 31st but missed the practice on Tuesday, September 1st. Clayton is expected to play in the season opener as of September 8th.
SF WR Michael Crabtree is recovering from a foot injury - he should be ready for training camp. Crabtree is not expected to participate at full speed until training camp, according to a May 19th report - he'll be brought along slowly during OTAs/minicamps. He did start some light running on June 8th and his rehabilitation is on schedule according to reports. However, his contractual status is up in the air and Crabtree is holding out of practices. Crabtree, who remains unsigned, has now missed 15 practices as of Monday, August 24th. Adam Schefter reports that as of September 1st the two sides are far apart in their negotiations. He has still not signed as of Monday, September 7th.
PHI WR Kevin Curtis had sports hernia surgery in mid-April (a follow-up to last year's surgery, performed in August 2008). Curtis is expected to be up to speed by training camp, hopefully. On June 8th it was reported that Curtis has been able to increase his participation in OTAs as the offseason has moved along, and he appears to be on course for full participation during training camp. As of July 28th, reports were that Curtis is near 100% recovered and should be fully participating throughout training camp. On Friday July 31st, coach Andy Reid said WR Kevin Curtis suffered a thigh contusion in practice - a minor injury that shouldn't linger, hopefully. Curtis had one catch for 12 yards in the second preseason game, and one catch for 14 yards in the third preseason game on August 27th. He tweaked a knee and missed a few practices at the end of August, but looks set to go for regular season.
KC WR Devard Darling's season is over. The Chiefs have announced they have placed Darling (undisclosed, suspected to be a serious knee injury) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.
SD WR Craig Davis is expected to be 100% for training camp after rehabbing a groin injury that landed him on IR last year. He has been impressive during the spring workouts, making a lot of catches and generally appearing to be 100% healthy. Unfortunately, he incurred a quadriceps injury early in training camp, and hasn't been making much of an impact since. He aggravated his sore thigh on August 15th during a preseason contest. He did make the final roster.
ARI WR Early Doucet missed practice on Monday morning, August 10th due to a shoulder injury. Doucet (shoulder) may be able to return to individual drills soon, but the team does not have a real timetable in place for his return as of 8/17. Doucet said last week that he would like to play against the San Diego Chargers in the team's next preseason game. He had one catch for four yards vs. San Diego. Vs. Green Bay, Doucet snagged 5/93/1 receiving. However, he suffered a rib injury (fractured ribs), and is expected to be out for a few weeks as of September 8th.
CLE WR Braylon Edwards missed mid-June OTAs due to a minor ankle injury (sprained ankle) that he sustained in a pickup basketball game. The injury is not considered serious, but he failed his physical and landed on the non-football injury list due to the ankle injury. He isn't participating in the initial phase of training camp. Keep an eye on his participation during the second week of practices. Edwards returned to practice Wednesday, Aug. 5, after the team took him off the non-football injury list. He tweaked an ankle after returning to practices but the injury appears minor as of Monday, 8/17. He led the team in receiving during the second preseason contest with 1/34/0. Edwards had three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown during the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29, against the Tennessee Titans. Edwards (knee) banged his knee during practice Tuesday, Sept. 1. He was checked out by the trainers and was able to return to practice, however.
BUF WR Lee Evans (undisclosed reasons) was not at practice again Tuesday, Sept. 1. He was also held out the previous day, as head coach **** Jauron said the team wanted to rest Evans' legs. He is expected to start as usual for regular season.
STL WR Brooks Foster has a sprained ankle that will keep him out 2-to-4 weeks, according to coach Steve Spagnuolo on 8/17. Unfortunately, he was required to undergo surgery on his foot and is now estimated to be out six to eight weeks as a result. He was placed on IR on September 1st.
DEN WR Jabar Gaffney suffered a fractured thumb during practice Friday, Aug. 28. Gaffney will be out for several weeks while his hand heals.
BUF WR James Hardy is coming off a torn ACL suffered last season, and may not be ready for the start of training camp as of mid-May, 2009. He said in March (2 months after knee surgery) that he hopes to play in the last preseason game. Hardy began training camp on the PUP list and has been watching practice from the sidelines. He continues to miss practices as of 8/27. He was placed on the PUP list on September 5th and won't play until after week 6 (if then).
DAL WR Sam Hurd (quadriceps injury) was held out of practice Tuesday, Aug. 25, as a precaution. However, the injury didn't improve during the week and he missed the preseason game on the 29th as a result. Hurd did practice on Monday, September 7th.
OAK rookie WR Darrius Heyward-Bey sat out of Sunday, May 10th's workout due to a sore hamstring - the injury isn't considered serious but does bear watching as nagging hamstring injuries are the sort of injury that can dog a player. Unfortunately, the hamstring injury has continued to hamper Heyward-Bey, who missed most of the June OTAs/workouts due to the nagging injury. He is falling behind in the learning curve, which is not good for rookies at any position, but is especially troubling for rookie receivers, who often struggle to adapt to the NFL game even with a full set of OTAs and training camp under their belts. Heyward-Bey commented on the injury on July 2nd - 'It's feeling really good right now. It's always frustrating when you're not practicing. All you have to do is stay positive and do what the trainers tell you to do.' Heyward-Bey was signed to a five-year deal on July 30th, and announced after practices on the 30th that he was fully healthy and ready to play. Heyward-Bey (toe) sat out team drills during practice Sunday, Aug. 9, with a toe injury. 'Heyward-Bey's got a sore toe,' head coach Tom Cable said, adding the injury is not considered serious. Heyward-Bey started in the third preseason game on August 29th and had one catch for 12 yards. He's going to be a starter for this team as of September 7th.
SEA WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (general soreness) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 31. Houshmandzadeh missed the team's practice Monday, Sept. 7. He did not practice last week or dress for the team's preseason finale. Head coach Jim Mora said last week that general soreness was the reason for Houshmandzadeh's absence. Keep an eye on this one as the week progresses - check to see if Houshmandzadeh is practicing as the week goes along.
GB WR Greg Jennings (concussion suffered in the third preseason game) will not play in the team's preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3, but he should be ready for Week 1. Jennings practiced Monday, Sept. 7th and is expected to start in the regular season opener.
DET WR Bryant Johnson suffered an ankle sprain during morning practice on Wednesday, June 24. Head coach Jim Schwartz said the injury is not serious and hopes Johnson will return soon. The team recently traded for Dennis Northcutt (formerly of Jacksonville) to challenge Johnson and the other WRs on the roster for the #2 slot across from Calvin Johnson. Johnson sat out of practice on Sunday, August 9th due to a leg injury (lacerations) - he's continuing to miss time in camp. He missed the first and second preseason games. Johnson (leg) returned to practice Monday, Aug. 24, and is expected to play in the team's next preseason game. He had one catch for three yards in the third preseason game. He made the final roster.
DET WR Calvin Johnson was pulled out of the Sunday August 9th practice with a jammed right thumb and he was sporting a temporary cast on his thumb Monday, August 10th. Initial X-rays on Johnson's thumb were negative, but the Lions are going to have their star receiver undergo a more detailed examination. Coach Jim Schwartz told the media the cast is a precautionary move. 'Yeah, when you have a sore thumb it seems like every time one of you guys walk by, you're going to hit it with a camera,' Schwartz said. 'Every time that he walks through the locker rooms somebody's going to bump into him or if he sleeps at night and rolls over, he's going to hit it on the night stand. It's just preventative - the X-rays were negative.' He missed the team's first and second preseason games due to the injury. Johnson (thumb) practiced Monday, Aug. 24, and said his cast is off. Johnson expects to play in the team's next preseason game. Johnson led the team with 4/67/0 receiving on August 29th. In fact, Johnson is the team's only holdover at the receiver position for their 2008 roster entering 2009.
SF WR Brandon Jones will be out for eight weeks because of a fracture in his right shoulder. He made the final roster.
Ex-TEN WR Mark Jones was scratched from the Sunday, August 9th Hall of Fame roster due to a sore hamstring. He didn't play in the team's second or third preseason games due to the sore hamstring. He was cut on cut-down day and is working to be signed by the Panthers, but that has been held up as his hamstring is still acting up. He's a free agent right now.
DEN WR Brandon Marshall continues to recover from early April hip surgery - he may not be ready for the start of training camp, although in recent comments he indicated his hip is feeling 'great'. The Broncos are installing a new offense during the offseason and minicamps - Marshall won't get any reps in the new system until training camp. He began running in practice on May 27th but has yet to take a hit. Marshall is reportedly wary of the team doctors and has been rehabbing separately from the team facilities - he is also demanding a trade as of the end of June, but it doesn't appear he'll get his wish. His progress in rehabilitation is unclear as he has been separate from the team during June. When training camp opened, Marshall did report despite his contractual squabble with the team, but soreness in his hip held him out of all practices on Wednesday, July 29th. The team is going slowly with his return to the field - Marshall will be eased back into the lineup. Marshall (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury Sunday, Aug. 2, which forced him off of the field - the hamstring injury is going to keep him limited for a few days at least, according to initial indications. As of August 9th, he hasn't practiced since the injury and has only been seen walking from the team complex to the weight room . Marshall gave some clarity to the situation after he participated in practice on Sunday, August 16th after missing two weeks of practices: 'The hip is fine. It was my hamstring.' Head coach Josh McDaniels said he absolutely expects WR Brandon Marshall (surgically repaired hip, sore hamstring) to take part in practice with the team when they resume workouts Tuesday, Aug. 25. Marshall did not travel with the team for their last preseason game, and he has expressed his desire to be traded due to his unhappiness with the Broncos. He is now suspended for the rest of preseason due to insolence and insubordination during a practice last week. The team did reinstate Marshall for practices/the start of regular season.
NO WR Lance Moore tore the labrum and dislocated his left shoulder working out in Mid-April. He had surgery to repair the damage, but may be iffy for the start of training camp as of mid-May. The team is hopeful he'll be ready for the start of regular season. On July 17th, Moore indicated he expects to be 100% healthy by the second or third week of training camp. One positive sign that Moore is progressing well: he was not placed on the PUP list to open training camp, so he must be close to participating in drills during training camp. On Saturday, August 1st Moore commented 'I'm going to do what they'll let me,' Moore said. 'They don't want me to have any contact for another two weeks at least, so I won't be in team drills.' Moore moved one step closer to regaining his starting job when Coach Sean Payton removed the player's red jersey Sunday August 16th which has made him off limits to the defense through the first 17 days of training camp. During the 45-7 shellacking of Oakland in the week 3 preseason game, Moore caught 4 passes for 29 yards and 1 TD. 'I feel good and I'm ready to keep moving. There's no more restrictions on me obviously now. The season is fast approaching and I'm ready to go. I felt like I'm not quite where I need to be, but for the most part I'm happy with the progress.' Moore said on Saturday, August 29th. He looks set to play as usual as of September 8th.
NYG WR Sinorice Moss was forced off the field in mid-June by a hamstring injury that occurred during minicamp. Coach Tom Coughlin commented: 'It's unfortunate it's going to keep him out. He was getting a lot of snaps and he was doing something with them.' The injury is not considered serious, but injured hamstrings have a nasty tendency to linger and cause problems down the line. Moss is expected to play vs. Carolina in the first preseason game on Monday Night Football - we'll see how the hammy responds to game-time conditions. He had one catch for one yard during the second preseason game vs. Chicago. Moss played very little in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29. Moss did not make an appearance in the game until the third quarter when he returned a kickoff. Moss did not know why he was held out of the game. "You have to ask the coach. I have no explanation. I really don't know what to say about what happened. When I did step on the field, I went out and did my best." Moss caught 2 TDs in the preseason finale vs. the Patriots and managed to stick on the 53 man roster.
OAK WR Louis Murphy planned to play in the preseason finale, but didn't catch a pass. He is suffering from a sprained foot.
BUF WR Terrell Owens has been in and out (mostly out) of practices over the last week (August 17th - 21st) due to a sore toe that has required treatment and rest. He missed the most recent preseason game as a result of the injury. As of Tuesday, 8/25 Owens has been ruled out of the third preseason game. He is not expected to play in the preseason finale, either - 'We're going to be smart about it,' Owens said on Monday, August 31st. 'We've got the big opener to the season against the Patriots, so that's where my focus is right now.' Owens didn't play in the preseason finale.
SEA WR Logan Payne (sore groin) missed practice on Monday, August 31st. Payne was cut and re-signed to the practice squad.
OAK WR Chaz Schilens is reportedly out for two to three more weeks due to a broken fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot. Schilens did not participate in practice Monday, Sept. 7. He is expected back in 2-3 weeks from the start of regular season.
BAL WR Marcus Smith is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
CAR WR Steve Smith's availability for the preseason schedule is in question after he suffered a shoulder injury during practice Monday, Aug. 10. The team announced that X-ray results on Smith's right shoulder were negative, revealing no structural damage. He should be ready for week 1 according to comments by Jake Delhomme on August 11th, but Smith has his arm in a sling and seems to be slated for several weeks of treatment by the trainers. On August 15th, Smith said his shoulder does not hurt as much. He added, "Sleep is kind of difficult, but it's all right. I wouldn't say I woke up and said, 'OK, I'm healed.' Smith added the injury is a "deep bone bruise" but the receiver went on to say the pain began to decrease after the swelling subsided. Smith has missed the first two preseason games due to the injury. Smith played in the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29. He caught two passes for 37 yards during the first half. He was held out of the preseason game for precautionary reasons.
STL WR Derek Stanley suffered an ACL tear and cartilage damage in his knee during mid-December, and underwent surgery to repair the damage. It is unclear when he'll participate fully in practices. As of August 29th, he's been practicing but not impressing and is reportedly on the bubble to make the final roster. He did make the final roster as of September 5th.
CLE WR Syndric Steptoe is out for the season due to a shoulder (labrum) injury.
NE WR Brandon Tate (#83 pick in the 2009 draft) is recovering from ACL and MCL (October 2008) injuries in his knee - he may not contribute to the Patriots this season. Tate is still on the non-football injury list as of Monday, August 10th. Tate (knee) will start the season on the Non-Football Injury list. He will not be able to participate in practice until after Week 6.
JAX WR Mike Thomas is expected to miss the first preseason game on 8/17 due to his sore hamstring. He also missed the game on August 22nd. Thomas said on September 1st that he still is not 100 percent healthy. He hopes to play in the team's preseason finale, if his hamstring doesn't flare up. He hopes to be able to jump back in the mix at receiver. He did make the final roster.
Ex- NYG WR David Tyree (knee, groin, hamstring) has battled knee, groin and hamstring problems during training camp. His time with the team may be running short, according to reports on Tuesday, September 1st. Tyree was cut, but the Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams have showed interest in him as of September 7th.
OAK WR Javon Walker surprised the Raiders in early May by revealing he had further knee surgery on the right knee originally repaired in 2007 (while he was with Denver) - the team didn't know about the procedure until a mandatory minicamp, when Walker was unable to participate. As of July 30th, Walker indicated to local media that he expects to be out for 2-3 weeks during training camp. Reports from Oakland on August 2nd indicated that Walker is looking good in light workouts with a team trainer - he seems to be bouncing back from the latest knee troubles but we'll have to wait and see how the joint holds up to the pounding of real pads-on practices when Walker finally does get back on the field. Raiders head coach Tom Cable said for the first time on Saturday, August 8th that Walker's offseason knee surgery was 'major' and that he was at least 10 to 14 days away from being taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list. 'There's a protocol that we're following that was set as a date,' Cable said. 'And that is still out there, 10 days, two weeks away. But his progress doesn't go unnoticed. We all know he's really coming on, so we just let it run its course. We don't want to do anything that would set it back. That procedure was a major deal, so we want to take care of it.' Walker commented on 8/11 'Obviously, they're still taking their time with me. I am going to get my chances in preseason. I'm not sure if it's this week or the next week or the week after that. I'm just excited to feel like my old self again, where nothing's really bothering me.' Walker (knee) could see some game action in the team's next preseason game. Walker practiced Monday, Aug. 24 after coming off the PUP list as anticipated. Walker has yet to catch a pass during a preseason game, though. He is listed as the team's #3 WR currently.
JAX WR Mike Walker is reportedly over the knee injury that shortened his 2008 season and may be able to lock down a starting WR slot with the Jaguars during 2009, according to a report on May 22 in the Florida Times-Union. The recent trade of Dennis Northcutt to the Lions enhances Walker's chances at a slot in the starting lineup. On July 30th head coach Jack Del Rio commented that Walker had 'a real good spring'. He's expected to be a starter for the Jaguars as of July 30th. Unfortunately, Walker suffered a lower leg injury in the scrimmage on Saturday, August 8. Head coach Jack Del Rio said "they don't think it's anything serious". X-ray were taken and they came back negative. Walker is expected to miss the first preseason game on Monday night due to the sore ankle. He continues to have trouble with the injury, and missed the second preseason game on the 22nd as well. As of September 1st, Walker has lost his starting job to Troy Williamson, partly due to Walker's continuing injury woes and partly due to Williamson's strong training camp/preseason showing. Walker has spent the past three weeks rehabbing a high ankle sprain. 'I got a curse ever since I was drafted. I feel every time I come out and start playing well and try to get my groove back, something bad always comes down on me,' Sims-Walker said of his numerous injury problems on Tuesday, September 1st. Sims-Walker caught four passes for 63 yards with a touchdown during the team's preseason finale Thursday, Sept. 3.
HOU WR Kevin Walter tweaked his hamstring during the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 31. The severity of the injury isn't currently known. On September 1st, HC Gary Kubiak said WR Kevin Walter (hamstring) is considered day-to-day for the team's Week 1 game.
TEN WR Nate Washington is suffering from a hamstring injury - the severity is unknown at this time (August 24th). He will miss some time, but head coach Jeff Fisher has not ruled him out for the regular-season opener. In Washington's absence, Kenny Britt has been starting. Washington (hamstring) was limited during practice Monday, Sept. 7. His status for Week 1 is uncertain.
NE WR Wes Welker has been missing practices and preseason games due to an undisclosed injury. The word out of New England is that he should be ready for the season opener, but you should keep your eye on the official injury report when it comes out to see what the team says his status is this week. He didn't play in the preseason finale. The situation is unclear as of September 8th.
BAL WR Demetrius Williams recently indicated his 80% recovered from a late October/early November Achilles/ankle injury/surgery. He has been running in practices, but still walks with a limp - we'll see if he's 100% by training camp. His coaches aren't overly optimistic, as the ankle has been an issue for several years - in mid-June, OC Cam Cameron commented: 'Everybody's seen glimpses of [Williams] the last two years,' said Cameron, the Ravens' second-year offensive coordinator. 'But in reality, in my mind, we've got to be prepared to play without him.' In mid-July, reports out of Baltimore indicated that Williams has bulked up in an attempt to avoid nagging injuries during 2009. On Friday, August 7th Williams returned to afternoon practice after missing the morning session with a minor concussion. 'Demetrius landed on his head, and they held him out for the concussion issue,' Harbaugh said. 'They have to pass those tests.'He missed practice on the 18th due to a sore hamstring but returned to sessions on the 19th. Williams had four catches for 43 yards during the third preseason game. He was one of four WRs to survive cutdown day in Baltimore.
DAL WR Roy Williams is apparently over his late-season plantar fascia foot injury and the Cowboys are reportedly 'elated' with his progress this past offseason in the team's offensive system. On Wednesday, August 5th he and Romo had a solid practice session and Williams commented 'It's feeling real good,' Williams said. 'It's only a matter of time before it starts clicking. You'll look and see and we'll have turned the page.' He banged up a wrist last week, but as of 8/16 X-rays on Williams' injured wrist were negative. He should be fine soon. Williams was targeted seven times, and caught five balls for 36 yards in the second preseason game. 'We're still a work in progress. He's still getting to know me, and I'm still getting to know him,' Williams said of his chemistry with Romo after the game. Williams missed the third preseason game due to a bruised shoulder, although reports out of Dallas are that he could have played had the game been in regular season - he is expected to be ready for week 1 of the regular season. Williams participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Tight Ends
PHI TE Brent Celek partially separated his left shoulder during the team's preseason game Thursday, Aug. 13. Head coach Andy Reid said Celek would be fine in "a couple of days." Hopefully, the injury doesn't recur on down the line. Celek didn't catch a pass in the second preseason game. Celek caught two passes for 20 yards during the third preseason game.
IND TE Dallas Clark (concussion) did not practice Monday, Aug. 10, in order to give him some rest, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. 'It was just to give him a little break in the action,' Caldwell said. 'We're constantly trying to evaluate all of our guys, and if we need to rest them, we'll rest them. I expect him to be back in a little bit. He's doing OK.' However, Clark missed the preseason opener and did not practice on Monday August 17th due to a concussion sufficiently serious to keep him out of any activity. Clark did play in the second preseason game and snagged 2/25/0 while on the field. He is reported to be over the concussion. Clark had 6/63/1 receiving in the third preseason game. As is usual in the NFL, he was held out of the final preseason game for precautionary reasons - Clark looks ready to go for regular season.
CIN TE Chase Coffman, selected #98 in the draft, is coming off a broken foot suffered in the Alamo Bowl. It's up in the air if he can participate in training camp. On July 2nd he commented: 'It's still not quite 100 percent, but I should be 100 percent (for training camp),' Coffman said. 'I can't wait. It was great to get out there for the mandatory minicamp and do some stuff and get to practice and learn the plays a little more.' Coffman did participate in the final minicamp in early July and stated at that time that his foot is almost 100% healed. However, Coffman wasn't able to work out for teams before the draft because of the injury and according to a recent report out of Cincinnati the foot is still slowing him down as of the first week of training camp. However, on Monday September 7th reports out of Cincinnati indicated that Coffman has progressed more than any other player on the team during training camp. He will probably see time in two-tight end sets this season.
TEN TE Jared Cook (ankle) was limited during practice Monday, Sept. 7. His status for Week 1 is uncertain.
BUF TE Derek Fine missed the practice on Tuesday, September 1st for undisclosed reasons. He missed practices on the 2nd, 6th and 7th of September, too.
DET TE Casey Fitzsimmons missed practice on Sunday, August 9th due to a sore ankle. He also sat out of the first preseason game due to this injury. FitzSimmons worked with the scout team Thursday, Aug. 20. It was his first team work since his ankle injury. FitzSimmons left the team's preseason game Thursday, Sept. 3, with a knee injury. His status as of September 7th is unclear.
GB TE Devin Frischknecht underwent season-ending surgery for a broken tibia and fibula on August 24th.
SD TE Antonio Gates sat out May minicamp due to soreness in his injured big toe, and lingering effects from a late season high ankle sprain. 'I don't know how I got through last season,' Gates said. 'The toe bothered me for months and then I hurt the ankle. But, somehow, I made it through.' The toe is said to be 'structurally' fine, but pain management is obviously part of the package for Gates with this injury. Gates said on Sunday August 2nd, 'When you're carrying muscle instead of fat, you just carry it better. I'm stronger and faster and feel more dominant.' Gates saw limited work Saturday, Aug. 15, against the Seattle Seahawks. He caught three passes for 17 yards during the team's first preseason game, moving well and appearing to be back to his top form. He snagged one catch for 13 yards in the second preseason game. Gates (soreness) was held out of the team's preseason game Saturday, Aug. 29, against the Atlanta Falcons. He missed three practices during the week with general soreness. Gates didn't play in the preseason finale.
BAL TE Todd Heap was still struggling with his sore back as of minicamps. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to participate fully in OTAs and minicamps, let alone training camp. He missed the second team minicamp that began on May 19th due to the back complaint. Head coach John Harbaugh said "He's not as far along as we all thought he would be." Heap did finally return to practices on June 9th - but Heap did not practice very much Monday, Aug. 10, because of his injured back. It looks like the back injury is still nagging heap as of the second week of training camp. Heap did not catch a pass in the first preseason game. He was in and out of practices at the end of last week, but played in the Monday Night Football game and caught one pass for 11 yards. Heap caught a TD pass from Joe Flacco in the third preseason game and seems to be getting back into top form at the end of preseason. On September 2nd, coach Harbaugh said 'Todd has really worked hard to get to the point he's at right now. That helps us.'
CLE TE Steve Heiden had ACL and MCL surgery in December of 2008 - however, he took part in practices starting Monday, August 3rd. Heiden (knee) was cleared for contact drills. Head coach Eric Mangini is said to be excited to have him back - the Browns are looking to fill in the hole caused by the loss of TE Kellen Winslow. Mangini said he likes Heiden because he has soft hands, the ability to read defenses to the point where he knows where to sit down in the zone and that he can be an effective blocker. He was sidelined on August 5th due to soreness in the knee. As of August 20th, Heiden (knee soreness) is working his way back into the rotation. 'I like his toughness. I like his aggressiveness. There's a lot to like about him,' Mangini said. Heiden didn't catch a ball in the third preseason game. He made the final roster.
PHI rookie TE Cornelius Ingram tore his left ACL (again) during the first week of training camp, exactly one year after having the same ACL torn in his knee - his season is now over. Brent Celek figures to get a lot of passes now that Ingram is done for the season.
CIN TE Reggie Kelly left practice on Monday August 3rd with what some were calling a serious Achilles injury. He has since been placed on IR - his 2009 season is over.
NO TE Billy Miller is now on IR due to an Achilles tendon injury.
JAX TE Zach Miller suffered a knee injury of unspecified severity on Tuesday, 8/18. He has been lost for the season, it was revealed on Tuesday, 8/25.
MIN TE Jake Nordin missed practice on Sunday, August 9th while with Detroit due to an undisclosed injury. He was released and has since been signed by the Minnesota Vikings (8/16). Minnesota cut him September 5th.
DET TE Brandon Pettigrew had a minor issue with a tight hamstring in his first practices with Detroit, but was held out more due to an abundance of caution rather than an actual injury. Unfortunately, he injured his thigh during the first week of training camp - Pettigrew was limited in practice Sunday, Aug. 9th. Pettigrew had missed nine straight practices prior to Sunday. He took part in some individual drills at the start of practice, but he was only going about half speed according to reports. Head coach Jim Schwartz would not rule out Pettigrew for the team's preseason opener Saturday, Aug. 15, though. Pettigrew (thigh) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 17 after missing the preseason opener. He missed the second preseason game, too, and may continue to miss time due to his sore quadriceps. Pettigrew did play in the third preseason game and caught 2/24/0 during the contest. He caught 1/9/0 in the final preseason game.
BAL TE L.J. Smith sat out of early May practices due to ongoing groin problems due to his sports hernia surgery performed a couple of years ago. He's battled pain from the injury/procedure for years now. He tweaked his hamstring on Wednesday July 29th and did not participate in the morning practice as a result. Keep an eye on Smith's practice participation next week as even minor hamstring injuries can become nagging hamstring injuries that often dog players for weeks. Smith did return to practices on Tuesday, August 4th. Smith did play in the preseason opener and snagged one pass for 35 yards in his time on the field. Smith (hamstring) left the team's preseason game Monday, Aug. 24, with a pulled hamstring - again, these types of injuries tend to become nagging. Smith is now expected to miss the rest of preseason due to the sore hamstring. His status for week 1 is unclear as of September 8th.
ARI TE Stephen Spach had surgery to repair the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his knee in late January of 2009. He was cleared to participate in one of the two practices each day as of July 30th - we'll see how his repaired knee holds up to contact as training camp goes along. He's missed a few practices here and there during the opening weeks of training camp but hasn't missed a lot of time. As of the 18th of August, Spach is still in the fight to become the starting TE. Spach appears to be at the top of the depth chart entering regular season due to Ben Patrick's 4-game suspension.
CIN TE Ben Utecht (concussion) was released from the hospital Thursday, Aug. 6. Tests at the hospital showed no structural damage to his spine, but he will meet with a spine specialist and concussion specialist for further review of his situation. He didn't practice over the weekend. There are speculations out of Cincinnati that Ben Utecht could be out for the year or potentially even end his career due to his serious concussion/neck injury. As of 8/24 the team had already announced Utecht will not play in the third preseason game. Utecht was placed on IR August 31st, ending his season.
Place Kicker
TB PK Matt Bryant was held out of practice on Tuesday, 8/25 due to a sore hamstring. Head coach Raheem Morris called Bryant into his office Monday, Aug. 31, and informed him he needed to practice this week and play in the final preseason game to have any chance of remaining with the team. Bryant, however, says he needs another week for the injured hamstring on his right kicking leg to completely heal. Rather than jeopardize his career, Bryant said Monday, Aug. 31, that his release by the team might be better than rushing back. Bryant was released on cutdown day.
DET PK Jason Hanson - head coach Jim Schwartz said he is uncertain at this point (September 7th) whether PK Jason Hanson (knee injury) will be available for Week 1.
IND PK Adam Vinatieri underwent hip surgery on June 4th to relieve nagging pain in his right leg. Initially, the surgery wasn't expected to impact his availability, but reports out of Indianapolis on July 18th cast some doubt on that assessment. People considering drafting Vinatieri will want to pay close attention to his practice participation during the coming weeks. Vinatieri said on August 2nd that he expects to be ready for the start of the regular season. Vinatieri said they are taking it slow to make sure everything is on schedule for the start of the season. Vinatieri (hip, knee) missed the team's evening practice Tuesday, Aug. 18 due to pain in his hip/leg. On Monday, August 31st Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said PK Adam Vinatieri is making progress in his rehab from hip and knee injuries. Vinatieri is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. Vinatieri kicked an extra point in the preseason finale.
