Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
Washington - Jason Taylor carted off with a knee injury.
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Pre-Season Injury Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Jeff Pasquino
- Start date
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Footballguy
Intial sideline report afterwards called it a right knee sprain twice and then a knee strain...
Shooter McGavin
Down the middle
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
Osi Umenyiora injured knee and was carted off the field. He could not put any weight on it. He was sent for X-rays.
PennStater77
Footballguy
I have no idea how bad they are, but Bush and Colston were both hurt tonight.
Colston was taken for X-Rays and Bush was hurt returning a punt. Why have him doing that in a PS Game?
Colston was taken for X-Rays and Bush was hurt returning a punt. Why have him doing that in a PS Game?
Lobary
Footballguy
Per saintsreport.com, Bush has a charley horse and Colston has bruised ribs.
Chachi
Footballguy
Got a bad feeling when I see the quote about not being able to put weight, isn't that what we usually hear before the dreaded torn ACL?Osi Umenyiora injured knee and was carted off the field. He could not put any weight on it. He was sent for X-rays.
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
From the Raider game last nite, not that many care who wins the #2 WR job in Oakland, D.Carter left the field w/ a knee injury that didn't appear to be from collision or rollover, but more of a cleat caught in the grass as he was going down. I'm not a doc, and have read no reports, but it looked very similar to Ronnie Brown's knee last year.
Now confirmed - likely done for the year.
Also, same game, same team. Oren O'Neil looks like he may be done for the season and had been an anvil-head of a FB by all TC reports. He would have taken a top 5 rushing O and made them a stellar unit on the ground. Griffith is faster, and a better reciever from the FB spot, but Fargas/McFadden would have benefited tremendously by O'Neil's presence.
Now confirmed - likely done for the year.
Also, same game, same team. Oren O'Neil looks like he may be done for the season and had been an anvil-head of a FB by all TC reports. He would have taken a top 5 rushing O and made them a stellar unit on the ground. Griffith is faster, and a better reciever from the FB spot, but Fargas/McFadden would have benefited tremendously by O'Neil's presence.
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Manster
Footballguy
havent seen anything on here about the Kyle Kosier injury. looks like he'll be out for 6 wks, hairline fracture in his foot. this could be a sizable blow to the Cowboys O-line. this group has achieved good chemistry. Pat McQuistan might be the most athletic backup OL Dallas has. he's been playing LG and RT in the preseason.
Sulla
Marius hates me
Umenyiora done for the season.Got a bad feeling when I see the quote about not being able to put weight, isn't that what we usually hear before the dreaded torn ACL?Osi Umenyiora injured knee and was carted off the field. He could not put any weight on it. He was sent for X-rays.
fasteddie_21
2006 NM Poker Champ
Dallas starting LG Kosier out at least a month w/ sprained foot.
MCguidance
Footballguy
Justin Miller, CB Jets could miss the opener. He was looking solid this camp, and possibly fulfilling the promise he showed while at Clemson.
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Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
Rotoworld is very current on updates:
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Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
From PFT.com
Final preseason compilation - post week 3 preseason contests:
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. However, Leinart had a horrid game during the 3rd week of preseason and may have lost his job to Kurt Warner.
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. He is said to have possibly won the starting job in Arizona.
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. Matt Ryan and Chris Redman took all the snaps in the 3rd preseason game.
Baltimore's Troy Smith missed the critical 3rd preseason game due to a viral illness that left him confined to the team hotel. "He just couldn't do anything," coach John Harbaugh said. "It pushes us back. You had a hope or a thought that it could get answered tonight with Troy, but he didn't have an opportunity to prove that, so we're still looking to make that decision as we go." Joe Flacco was pressed into service and played the whole game in Smith's absence. Smith is still ill at midweek and may miss the preseason finale as well.
Baltimore's Kyle Boller injured his throwing shoulder in the second preseason game and didn't practice at all last week. He couldn't throw in warm-ups before Saturday's game because of the injury. Coach John Harbaugh said he didn't know whether Boller would be healthy enough to play in the preseason finale or be ready for the regular-season opener. Current rumors out of Baltimore are that Boller is in serious danger of missing at least part of the season due to this injury - he can't lift his throwing arm above his head very well (sounds like an A/C joint problem in the shoulder - MW).
Buffalo's Trent Edwards sat out of the 3rd preseason game due to a sore thigh. J.P. Losman started and played well. Edwards reportedly practiced on Tuesday 8/26 and could participate in the preseason finale. He is on track for starting regular season, to be sure.
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. He has lost the starting job to Kyle Orton as of the final week of preseason.
Cincinnati's Carson Palmer suffered a broken nose in the 3rd preseason game - the injury isn't considered serious and he should be ready for the start of regular season (he'll probably sit out the 4th and final preseason game, as most starters only play a series or two anyway).
Cleveland's Derek Anderson suffered a concussion and bruised right hand in the MNF game on 8/18/08 and it was thought he'd miss the 3rd preseason game as a result. Anderson did sit out of the 3rd preseason game due to the concussion/post-concussion after effects.
Denver's Patrick Ramsey suffered an injury to his throwing arm during the game on Friday. He'll be evaluated further as the week goes along.
Detroit's Drew Stanton hit his right thumb on a helmet during a morning practice last week and had his thumb wrapped in ice after the workout. Stanton said X-rays had already been taken and it wasn't believed to be broken.
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. He has missed all 3 preseason contests so far, and concerns are increasing that Manning may not be ready for the start of regular season. There are rumors that he needed a second procedure on the knee to clean out infection (this is denied by the team, however) - Manning has only been seen walking to date, and even then he hasn't shown full mobility. The word on Monday is that Manning will be activated for practice on Tuesday, but coach Dungy wouldn't specify if Manning would play in the preseason finale: "I think we'll ease him in and see how he practices and what he's able to do," Dungy said. "We'll see from there."
Indianapolis' Jim Sorgi missed the 3rd preseason game due to a sore knee - he may be the regular season starter if Manning is out. The knee flared up during pregame warmups, causing him to be scratched from the game.
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. As expected, Jackson missed the 3rd preseason game due to the MCL sprain. Jackson partially participated in practice on Monday, but isn't expected to appear in the preseason finale. He practiced on Tuesday and appears on track to start the regular season opener.
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. Brady did not play in the 3rd preseason game, and coach Belichick wasn't forthcoming with any additional details relating to Brady either before or after the game. On Monday, Brady stated in an interview that he will be ready for the season opener, and that he looks forward to answering questions other than "When will you play?".
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. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
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. Russell managed 14/28 for 140 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception in the 3rd preseason game - his elbow doesn't appear to be a problem entering the final week of preseason.
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." "My confidence comes from how the team feels and I think the team is really on a high right now," McNabb (13/17 for 180 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions) said after the 3rd preseason game. He appears to be ready for regular season.
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. Roethlisberger took several hits in the 3rd preseason game vs. Minnesota and ended the night with 10/17 for 65 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions. He appears to be past the tweaked groin as of the final week of the preseason.
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. Leftwich played extensively in the 3rd preseason game.
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. He didn't make the trip or play in the 3rd preseason game, either - the back problem hasn't come around as quickly as the team would have liked it to. The team held him out for precautionary reasons, according to reports on ESPN's pregame show - Hasselbeck stated that his back is good after receiving a cortisone shot, according to Michelle TaFoya.
Seattle's #3 QB Charlie Frye was knocked out of the game on Monday Night Football with a tweaked knee during the second half. Frye threw for 19/29 for 219 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions before being forced from the game. Further evaluations indicated that the injury is not a serious worry as of Wednesday 8/27.
Tampa's Jeff Garcia missed the preseason opener due to a strained right calf - he also missed 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 Garcia did play in the 3rd preseason game - he looked rusty.
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. However, Leinart had a horrid game during the 3rd week of preseason and may have lost his job to Kurt Warner.
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. He is said to have possibly won the starting job in Arizona.
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. Matt Ryan and Chris Redman took all the snaps in the 3rd preseason game.
Baltimore's Troy Smith missed the critical 3rd preseason game due to a viral illness that left him confined to the team hotel. "He just couldn't do anything," coach John Harbaugh said. "It pushes us back. You had a hope or a thought that it could get answered tonight with Troy, but he didn't have an opportunity to prove that, so we're still looking to make that decision as we go." Joe Flacco was pressed into service and played the whole game in Smith's absence. Smith is still ill at midweek and may miss the preseason finale as well.
Baltimore's Kyle Boller injured his throwing shoulder in the second preseason game and didn't practice at all last week. He couldn't throw in warm-ups before Saturday's game because of the injury. Coach John Harbaugh said he didn't know whether Boller would be healthy enough to play in the preseason finale or be ready for the regular-season opener. Current rumors out of Baltimore are that Boller is in serious danger of missing at least part of the season due to this injury - he can't lift his throwing arm above his head very well (sounds like an A/C joint problem in the shoulder - MW).
Buffalo's Trent Edwards sat out of the 3rd preseason game due to a sore thigh. J.P. Losman started and played well. Edwards reportedly practiced on Tuesday 8/26 and could participate in the preseason finale. He is on track for starting regular season, to be sure.
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. He has lost the starting job to Kyle Orton as of the final week of preseason.
Cincinnati's Carson Palmer suffered a broken nose in the 3rd preseason game - the injury isn't considered serious and he should be ready for the start of regular season (he'll probably sit out the 4th and final preseason game, as most starters only play a series or two anyway).
Cleveland's Derek Anderson suffered a concussion and bruised right hand in the MNF game on 8/18/08 and it was thought he'd miss the 3rd preseason game as a result. Anderson did sit out of the 3rd preseason game due to the concussion/post-concussion after effects.
Denver's Patrick Ramsey suffered an injury to his throwing arm during the game on Friday. He'll be evaluated further as the week goes along.
Detroit's Drew Stanton hit his right thumb on a helmet during a morning practice last week and had his thumb wrapped in ice after the workout. Stanton said X-rays had already been taken and it wasn't believed to be broken.
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. He has missed all 3 preseason contests so far, and concerns are increasing that Manning may not be ready for the start of regular season. There are rumors that he needed a second procedure on the knee to clean out infection (this is denied by the team, however) - Manning has only been seen walking to date, and even then he hasn't shown full mobility. The word on Monday is that Manning will be activated for practice on Tuesday, but coach Dungy wouldn't specify if Manning would play in the preseason finale: "I think we'll ease him in and see how he practices and what he's able to do," Dungy said. "We'll see from there."
Indianapolis' Jim Sorgi missed the 3rd preseason game due to a sore knee - he may be the regular season starter if Manning is out. The knee flared up during pregame warmups, causing him to be scratched from the game.
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. As expected, Jackson missed the 3rd preseason game due to the MCL sprain. Jackson partially participated in practice on Monday, but isn't expected to appear in the preseason finale. He practiced on Tuesday and appears on track to start the regular season opener.
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. Brady did not play in the 3rd preseason game, and coach Belichick wasn't forthcoming with any additional details relating to Brady either before or after the game. On Monday, Brady stated in an interview that he will be ready for the season opener, and that he looks forward to answering questions other than "When will you play?".
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. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
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. Russell managed 14/28 for 140 yards, 0 TDs and 1 interception in the 3rd preseason game - his elbow doesn't appear to be a problem entering the final week of preseason.
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." "My confidence comes from how the team feels and I think the team is really on a high right now," McNabb (13/17 for 180 yards, 1 TD and 0 interceptions) said after the 3rd preseason game. He appears to be ready for regular season.
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. Roethlisberger took several hits in the 3rd preseason game vs. Minnesota and ended the night with 10/17 for 65 yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions. He appears to be past the tweaked groin as of the final week of the preseason.
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. Leftwich played extensively in the 3rd preseason game.
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. He didn't make the trip or play in the 3rd preseason game, either - the back problem hasn't come around as quickly as the team would have liked it to. The team held him out for precautionary reasons, according to reports on ESPN's pregame show - Hasselbeck stated that his back is good after receiving a cortisone shot, according to Michelle TaFoya.
Seattle's #3 QB Charlie Frye was knocked out of the game on Monday Night Football with a tweaked knee during the second half. Frye threw for 19/29 for 219 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions before being forced from the game. Further evaluations indicated that the injury is not a serious worry as of Wednesday 8/27.
Tampa's Jeff Garcia missed the preseason opener due to a strained right calf - he also missed 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 Garcia did play in the 3rd preseason game - he looked rusty.
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 or 3rd 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. Stewart laid injury worries aside and rushed for 10/100/1 during the 3rd preseason game vs Washington - he looks set to be a significant part of the Carolina running back by committee this year entering the final week of preseason - we'll see how the toe responds to a heavy workload in the coming week.
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.Coach Lovie Smith recently commented that Jones looks near 100% after a solid outing vs. the 49ers.
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 the 2nd preseason game. RB Chris Perry started in his place. Johnson missed the 3rd preseason game as well due to the hamstring problem. The team hopes to get him some reps in the final preseason game - if the hamstring calms down. Johnson did practice on Monday against a backdrop of trade rumors concerning him going elsewhere in exchange for a "legitimate receiver".
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 and third preseason games.
Cleveland's Jamal Lewis missed the 3rd preseason game due to a pulled hamstring suffered vs. the Giants. He's expected back for the start of regular season.
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. He played extensively in the 3rd preseason game.
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, and didn't play vs. Denver either. He is expected to make his 2008 debut in the preseason finale, assuming he doesn't have a setback this week in practice.
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. Green did practice with the team in a non-contact conditioning workout on Sunday August 24th, the first practice since he tweaked his groin.
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. Brown sat out the 3rd preseason game and missed a conditioning workout on Sunday, August 24th due to a bad back that has dogged him throughout training camp.
Houston's Steve Slaton suffered a turf toe injury in the 3rd preseason game and didn't participate in a non-contact conditioning drill on Sunday, August 24th due to the problem.
Kansas City's Jamaal Charles has been struggling with a shoulder injury during preseason and didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
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. It now appears that Ricky Williams has landed in the #1 RB job due to Brown's injury woes. Brown is expected to play some during the 4th preseason game, so the coaching staff can further evaluate his progress (also, he's not the starter, so he's playing in the 4th preseason game - MW).
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.” McAllister played in the 3rd preseason game, with 6/9/0 rushing and 1/7/0 receiving.
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." In the 3rd preseason game Bush left after a few snaps due to what coach Sean Payton called a "Charley Horse" injury. The new injury isn't considered serious, though. "He's fine," coach Payton said after the game.
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."Jackson ended his holdout just prior to the 3rd preseason game, but sat it out as he has had zero practice time in training camp to date.
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. He didn't carry the ball in the 3rd preseason game.
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). The team did indeed put Williams on the PUP list - he's out for at least the first 6 weeks of 2008.
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. White was held out of the 3rd preseason game due to sore ribs.
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. He played in the 3rd preseason game and appears to be on pace to start regular season as usual.
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. Betts played in the 3rd preseason game and looks set to go during regular season.
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 or 3rd 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. Stewart laid injury worries aside and rushed for 10/100/1 during the 3rd preseason game vs Washington - he looks set to be a significant part of the Carolina running back by committee this year entering the final week of preseason - we'll see how the toe responds to a heavy workload in the coming week.
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.Coach Lovie Smith recently commented that Jones looks near 100% after a solid outing vs. the 49ers.
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 the 2nd preseason game. RB Chris Perry started in his place. Johnson missed the 3rd preseason game as well due to the hamstring problem. The team hopes to get him some reps in the final preseason game - if the hamstring calms down. Johnson did practice on Monday against a backdrop of trade rumors concerning him going elsewhere in exchange for a "legitimate receiver".
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 and third preseason games.
Cleveland's Jamal Lewis missed the 3rd preseason game due to a pulled hamstring suffered vs. the Giants. He's expected back for the start of regular season.
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. He played extensively in the 3rd preseason game.
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, and didn't play vs. Denver either. He is expected to make his 2008 debut in the preseason finale, assuming he doesn't have a setback this week in practice.
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. Green did practice with the team in a non-contact conditioning workout on Sunday August 24th, the first practice since he tweaked his groin.
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. Brown sat out the 3rd preseason game and missed a conditioning workout on Sunday, August 24th due to a bad back that has dogged him throughout training camp.
Houston's Steve Slaton suffered a turf toe injury in the 3rd preseason game and didn't participate in a non-contact conditioning drill on Sunday, August 24th due to the problem.
Kansas City's Jamaal Charles has been struggling with a shoulder injury during preseason and didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
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. It now appears that Ricky Williams has landed in the #1 RB job due to Brown's injury woes. Brown is expected to play some during the 4th preseason game, so the coaching staff can further evaluate his progress (also, he's not the starter, so he's playing in the 4th preseason game - MW).
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.” McAllister played in the 3rd preseason game, with 6/9/0 rushing and 1/7/0 receiving.
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." In the 3rd preseason game Bush left after a few snaps due to what coach Sean Payton called a "Charley Horse" injury. The new injury isn't considered serious, though. "He's fine," coach Payton said after the game.
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."Jackson ended his holdout just prior to the 3rd preseason game, but sat it out as he has had zero practice time in training camp to date.
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. He didn't carry the ball in the 3rd preseason game.
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). The team did indeed put Williams on the PUP list - he's out for at least the first 6 weeks of 2008.
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. White was held out of the 3rd preseason game due to sore ribs.
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. He played in the 3rd preseason game and appears to be on pace to start regular season as usual.
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. Betts played in the 3rd preseason game and looks set to go during regular season.
WR
Arizona's Anquan Boldin, who was slowed by a dislocated toe late in the 2007 season, avoided surgery on the digit as rest and time off the foot allowed the injury to heal naturally. Boldin is embroiled in a contract dispute with the team, though, and skipped voluntary workouts as a result, so we haven't seen him performing much since the injury occurred. Once he arrived to training camp, Boldin tweaked a hamstring in practice, and it hasn't healed well. The team performed a MRI on the injury at the end of July to assess why the injury was lingering - keep an eye on Boldin's progress returning from this injury, as a hamstring injury is the sort of item that can dog a player for months if not allowed to heal properly. "I think we're going to try to do some things with Anquan, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with him going into the game without having done a lot of reps," coach Whisenhunt said on August 4th, explaining why Boldin would sit out the first preseason game. Boldin did practice with the team on Sunday August 10th, and appeared to be past the hamstring strain - he ran crisp routes and didn't look slowed during drills. Stay tuned to see how the hamstring reacts to being tested as the week goes along, but right now Boldin appears to be on the road to playing in the next preseason game. He didn't catch a pass in the second game, however. He did play in the 3rd preseason contest.
Baltimore's Mark Clayton didn't practice during the initial week of training camp because of a sprained right shoulder. He is no longer wearing a protective sling and took part in some exercises on the side on Saturday August 2nd - he returned to practices on August 3rd. However, he did not play in the season opener due to continuing concern over the shoulder. He didn't have a catch in the second preseason game. Clayton did play in week 3 and logged 1 rush for 2 yards and 1 catch for 9 yards.
Baltimore's Demetrius Williams couldn't play in the first preseason game due to a sore leg. He also missed the second game due to his sore left Achilles. He didn't catch a pass in the 3rd preseason game.
Buffalo's James Hardy aggravated a left hamstring injury during the team's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was held out of practice on Sunday while he recovers from the injury. Hardy sat out of the 3rd preseason game due to his sore hamstring.
Buffalo's Roscoe Parrish missed the 3rd preseason game due to his sore knee (he didn't practice all week long prior to the game).
Carolina's D. J. Hackett struggled with a high right ankle sprain throughout 2007 and aggravated the injury in January during the Seahawk's playoff run. He was signed by Carolina despite the ankle problem during the off-season, so the team evidently believes that the injury is a thing of the past. Hackett fully participated in the Panthers' May mini-camp. He had some problems with a sore knee early in June, but returned to practices on June 4th after getting the swelling in the joint under control. Hackett has been fully participating in training camp but didn't catch a ball in the first preseason game due to a sore toe (Jake Delhomme only threw 1 pass with the first team before taking a seat on the bench, though, so don't read too much into the first preseason game). Hackett missed the second preseason game as the toe continues to be a problem. He also missed the 3rd preseason game due to the toe injury.
Carolina's Steve Smith missed the team's Monday practice after sustaining a concussion in the first preseason game vs. the Colts. The team characterizes Smith as "day to day" with the injury - it's not considered a major problem as of Monday, but concussions have a tendency to cause complications days after the initial injury. Smith missed the second preseason game as a precaution over the concussion - the game came early on Thursday. Smith did practice over the weekend. Smith played in the 3rd preseason game, and though he had to be helped off the field after banging his right shoulder into the turf during the contest, he returned to action and appears to be fine.
Carolina's Muhsin Muhammad had his bell rung and is suffering from sore ribs after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Brian Dawkins on Thursday night, and he sat out of practices over the weekend due to his sore ribs. He missed the 3rd preseason game.
Carolina's Dwayne Jarrett played in the 3rd preseason game after missing the 2nd preseason game with a bruised leg.
Carolina's Jason Carter suffered a torn ACL in his knee in the game vs. Washington and has been lost for the season. He was placed on IR on Monday.
Carolina's Ryne Robinson missed the 3rd preseason game due to a nagging leg/knee injury that hasn't responded well to treatment.
Cincinnati's Chad Johnson had arthroscopic surgery on both ankles in mid-June. He is running and working on rehabbing the joints as of early July. "He feels a lot better than when he first had (the surgery), but we're not going to push it. The key is not to let him do too much too soon," said Charles Collins, who is helping coach the Bengals receivers this offseason. "He's got to build up his ankle first. Then the closer we get to camp, we'll let him time up some things in the last couple of workouts." On August 4th, less than a month after June 18 arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle, Chad Johnson looked sharp in one-on-one drills as he returned to practice. So far, so good. However, Johnson appeared to injure his left shoulder in the 2nd preseason game, and was taken to the locker room for further evaluations. The severity of the injury isn't known as of Sunday night, although initial reports describe the injury as a sprain and the word is that Johnson won't play in the 3rd preseason game. The shoulder evidently popped out of, and then back into, the joint. Johnson asserted after the game, "I'm going to play next week. I'm going to be fine." Johnson left the locker room with his arm in a sling. Johnson didn't play vs. New Orleans. On Monday, it was revealed that Johnson has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder, and will play the season wearing a harness on his shoulder - Johnson is expected to play in the regular season opener and beyond despite the injury, according to ESPN's John Clayton.
Cincinnati's T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been missing practice time due to a sore hamstring. He did not participate in the preseason opener vs. Green Bay on Monday Night Football, August 11th. He also missed the 2nd preseason game vs. Detroit. He also missed the third preseason game vs. New Orleans.
Cincinnati's Marcus Maxwell suffered a season-ending thigh injury thigh injury last week.
Cincinnati's Andre Caldwell suffered a foot injury that kept him out of the 3rd preseason game.
Cleveland's Joe Jurevicius is recovering from a staph infection in his knee that was contracted about 2 weeks after an off-season surgery to clean out the knee. He has had at least one additional procedure on the knee to treat the staph infection. The team has signed Donte Stallworth to be the team's #2 WR behind Braylon Edwards (Jurevicius requested to be demoted to #3 on the depth chart prior to Cleveland signing Stallworth, in order to save wear-and-tear on his aging knees, according to reports out of Cleveland). After a fourth surgery ("...a further clean out to help him in his recovery and control his symptoms.") on his knee in early July there were rumors swirling in Cleveland that Jurevicius was going to need yet another, additional procedure on the knee (perhaps microfracture surgery), but neither the team nor Jurevicius commented on the whispers. Jurevicius' status for 2008 is very dicey - he didn't participate in the first preseason game vs. the Jets. He hasn't been seen in preseason this year, and has landed on PUP/reserve to start the season, meaning he'll miss at least the first 6 weeks of the 2008 regular seaason.
Cleveland's Braylon Edwards suffered a gash on his right heel during a photography session on Saturday, when Donte Stallworth's cleat accidently cut Edwards during a run downfield. Edwards had stiches to close the wound and stayed in an area hospital overnight for precautionary reasons. Edwards will probably miss the second preseason game vs. the New York Giants on August 18th as a result of the injury. He had 1 catch for 2 yards and a TD in the preseason opener vs. the Jets Thursday August 7th prior to getting cleated by Stallworth. Edwards missed the 2nd and 3rd preseason games. He may or may not practice with the team on Tuesday and Wednesday, and may sit out the preseason finale on Thursday as well. The team wants to be sure he'll be ready for the first game of regular season.
Cleveland's Kevin Kasper suffered a concussion and neck injuries in the 3rd preseason game - he's on IR now.
Cleveland's Josh Cribbs has a high ankle sprain in his left ankle. He isn't expected back until the season opener vs. Dallas.
Ex- Cowboy Dallas' Terry Glenn battled through knee pain/rehab from 2 right knee surgeries throughout the 2007 season, and was reported to be considering micro-fracture surgery on his right knee during January of 2008. He is believed to have postponed the surgery until after his retirement from the NFL - but it isn't a comforting sign for Glenn owners that he is still having pain issues in the knee, which limited his time on the field last year. Glenn was released by Dallas in a dispute over an injury waiver and hasn't latched on with another team as of the end of week 3 preseason.
Dallas' Isaiah Stanback hurt his left shoulder during the 3rd preseason game - evaluations are ongoing.
Denver's Edell Shepherd tore his ACL on the first day of training camp, and is done for the season.
Denver's Darrell Jackson missed the last 2 preseason games due to a sprained ankle - he is expected to also miss the preseason finale. However, Jackson has healed "tremendously" (according to Jackson) and he expects to start the regular season opener across from Eddie Royal while Brandon Marshall serves his league suspension.
Detroit's Shaun McDonald is recovering from knee surgery, and did not take part in an early-May mini-camp, but was on the field to observe. The team hopes he'll be ready to play when training camp rolls around. The Lions expected to remove McDonald from the PUP list on Monday, August 11th - he should start practices soon thereafter. McDonald caught 2/27/0 during the 3rd preseason game.
Green Bay's Greg Jennings sat out of Saturday, August 9th's practice due to tweaking a knee, and the injury has dogged him since. He did miss the preseason opener vs. Cincinnati due to the injury, and also sat out of the 2nd preseason game vs. San Francisco. Jennings did play in the 3rd preseason game vs. Denver, and appears to be getting back to top form entering the final week of preseason.
Green Bay's James Jones was forced out of the 3rd preseason game after he suffered a knee contusion. As of Monday, the Packers were concerned that Jones might miss the season opener due to the injury. As of Wednesday, 8/27 it seems increasingly likely that Jones will be out for the first week of regular season as he tries to get his knee healthy again.
Houston's Andre Johnson had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in mid-May, and missed a month of OTAs as a result. We'll see if he is in the lineup when the Texans open training camp in late July - he is supposed to be recovered by then. On Saturday August 2nd, while running a deep pass route, Johnson pulled up and limped to the sidelines, noticably favoring his left groin area. “I just tweaked my groin a little bit,” Johnson said after practice. “That’s about it. Nothing really major. I’ll go in and get some treatment over the next two days and I’ll be fine. I didn’t tear anything or anything like that. It’s hot out here. Sometimes those things happen. You have little tweaks and stuff like that. Other than that, I’m fine. It’s no big deal. I didn’t tear anything. I slowed down actually when I felt it tighten up on me. That was a good thing. Other than that, I don’t think it will be a problem.” However, Johnson was unable to play in the preseason opener due to the groin injury - the team is approaching his return to full action with caution. He also missed the 2nd preseason game, although coach Kubiak felt that Johnson was improving: "I think he could; he could push. We went through an individual with him today, and he actually did a little bit more. But I don't think it makes sense right now to push him to that point this week." Johnson didn't make a catch in the 3rd preseason game.
Houston's Harry Williams will miss the season after injuring his spine - a severe injury that will require extensive surgery.
Jacksonville's Jerry Porter suffered a hamstring injury in late May, which didn't heal properly. He had surgery on Friday, July 18th to repair a torn hamstring tendon, and is now expected to be out until at least week 1 of regular season, which means he'll miss all of training camp. Porter's fantasy prospects as the #1 in Jacksonville take a significant hit due to this ongoing injury/rehab - he could be hampered for a significant portion of the regular season unless his recovery goes very well. He has yet to play in the preseason game due to the injury. "It's my belief we'll need two weeks of practice with Jerry before he can play in a game," Del Rio told reporters on Monday. "If he doesn't practice this week, I would say I would hold him out of the opener."
Jacksonville's Reggie Williams suffered a right knee injury during training camp and had to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on the injured joint (torn cartilage). The team has not announced a time table for William's return to the field - they are hoping he'll be available for regular season. "He is going to need a little clean-out with some cartilage," coach Jack Del Rio said. "He should return to form. I'll give you a timeframe once I get one. I don't want to guess, but he will need to have that procedure done and then rehab and get back to full speed." Williams caught 1 pass for 9 yards in the third preseason game and is working himself back into the lineup. "It felt good to get out there," Williams said. "Physically I felt fine. The knee was excellent, and my wind was good."
Jacksonville's Troy Williamson sat out of practice on Wednesday August 6th, although at the time coach Del Rio asserted he “could have gone” – Williamson also sat out of practices on Thursday due to an unspecified injury. The reason given for Williamson not playing vs. Atlanta on Saturday the 9th was that he had put in limited practice time. He did practice on 8/16/08 but didn't catch a pass in the preseason game vs. Miami, though he did play in the contest. Williamson played in the 3rd preseason game, but didn't have a catch.
Kansas City's Kevin Robinson missed the 3rd preseason game due to a knee injury.
Kansas City's Will Franklin, who injured his right knee in practice last Thursday, had arthroscopic surgery and will miss at least two weeks it was revealed on Monday.
Minnesota's Bernard Berrian missed the 3rd preseason game due to a sore toe. He has returned to practice as of the final week of preseason.
Minnesota's Sidney Rice missed the 3rd preseason game due to an illness. He did return to practice on Monday, 8/25.
Minnesota's Robert Ferguson suffered a bruised right calf in the 3rd preseason game and didn't return to action after the injury. Ferguson sat out of practice again on Monday with a wrap on his injured right leg.
New England's Wes Welker opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list for unexplained reasons. He was removed from the list on August 2nd, but did not catch a pass in the first preseason game vs. Baltimore. Welker played in the 2nd preseason game and laid a big block on a Tampa Bay DB, Eugene Wilson, during the contest. However, in the 3rd preseason contest he left the game with an apparent rib injury and did not return to action - the severity of the injury isn't known at this time.
New Orlean's Marques Colston is experiencing swelling in a knee a required drainage on the joint as training camp opened. He had a minor arthroscopic procedure in February but had experienced no problems during spring workouts - this situation looks relatively minor as of late July. However, Colston missed the first preseason game due to his ongoing recovery from the knee injury. Colston played and caught a TD pass in the second preseason game (4/22/1). Colston left the 3rd preseason game with bruised ribs - X-rays were negative for a break, but he'll most likely sit out of the preseason finale. Colston said on Monday that he's "100 percent" after leaving Saturday night's game at Cincinnati with bruised ribs.
New Orlean's Devery Henderson suffered a hamstring injury early on in training camp and missed the team's first preseason game as a result of the injury. The team hopes he will return to action soon. He caught 2/13/0 in the second preseason game, and appears to be on track to play during the regular season. He also had 1/11/0 receiving in the 3rd preseason contest.
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress struggled with ankle (torn ligaments in his right ankle suffered in week 2) and knee pain throughout the season and played through a separated shoulder (suffered in the NFC title game vs. Green Bay) and a sprained MCL in his left knee (incurred by slipping in the shower a few days before the Super Bowl). On July 7th he insisted that he was almost 100% healthy and excited about the 2008 season ""I'm close to 100 percent," Burress said. "The knee is 100 percent healthy. The shoulder is 100 percent healthy. The ankle is probably about 90 percent. I played on it so long with it hurt that's why it took so long to heal up. I'm looking forward to it being 100 percent in a few weeks." Burress didn't play in the team's second preseason game on MNF 8/18/08. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game. Burress practiced fully on Monday for the first time in many weeks. "I decided to pull the old car out of the garage and see how I felt today - get some of the dust off of it. I felt pretty good. I'm feeling a lot better - a hundred percent. I didn't have any limitations going either way, right or left. I jumped up and made a few catches. I'm just trying to get back to my old self - getting off the line full speed and being able to accelerate when the ball is in the air. I'm trying to get all the kinks out of the armor," Burress said. "It's just good to get out there and run around again. I'm happy I can go out there and run without any pain. I'm basically trying to get into the best playing shape that I can and get my cardio up. I hope I feel pretty good tomorrow." Stay tuned, but don't expect Burress to be on the field much (if at all) in the preseason finale.
New York Giants' David Tyree had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Mid April and will be out of action at least until training camp begins in late July. He may begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. On June 10th, Tyree commented "Whether I'm on the roster, off the roster, the fifth receiver or the third receiver, they're going to make decisions based on what's best for the team," Tyree said. "My job is to go out there and make the plays when I'm given the opportunity. When you look back at what I've done when given the opportunity, I've showed up. I can't do any more than that." He didn't participate in the first preseason game vs. Detroit, or in the second contest on 8/18/08. Tyree is headed for the PUP list to start the season - he won't play until at least week 7 of the regular season.
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Mario Manningham (quad injury with internal bleeding in the muscle) is not close to returning and is frustrating his head coach. "Just speculation," coach Tom Coughlin said of the date of a possible Manningham return. "It's not worth even talking about." Manningham didn't participate in the second MNF game on 8/18/08. Manningham did play in the 3rd preseason game, with 3/41/0 receiving.
New York Giants' Amani Toomer missed the MNF game on 8/18/08 due to a knee injury. He did play in the 3rd preseason game, snagging 1/13/0.
New York Giants' Steve Smith missed the MNF game on 8/18/08 due to a continuing groin complaint that has hampered him in training camp.He did play in the 3rd preseason game, with 4/37/0 receiving.
New York Jets' Laveranues Coles missed the preseason opener due to a sore leg, and couldn't complete the team's practice on Friday, August 8th. He also sat out of the 2nd preseason game due to his ache - Coles hasn't looked very motivated to play since Chad Pennington departed for Miami. He didn't catch a pass in the 3rd preseason game, and has yet to appear in the exhibition season.Coles did practice fully on Monday, which is a hopeful sign.
Oakland's Javon Walker was beaten up during a robbery in Las Vegas during the offseason, and suffered a concussion, an orbital bone fracture (around the eye socket) and a broken jaw. He is expected to be ready for training camp, although his conditioning wasn't optimal even prior to the beating. He has also been working to rehab the knee injury that dogged him during 2007. He may not be 100% for the opening sessions, depending on how quickly he can return to training after recovering from his most recent injuries. Stay tuned. Addressing his flirting with retirement, Walker stated on August 9th "But people need to know I am fully committed to this team. I will not leave. I am very excited about the season." Coach Lane Kiffin called Walker out for poor play after the 2nd preseason game, indicating that Walker needs to earn his pay. Walker did improve in the 3rd preseason game, catching 4/60/0 to lead the team in receiving. He may be rounding into form now that regular season is approaching.
Oakland's Ron Curry had left foot surgery in early May - he is expected to be just fine for training camp, but we'll have to see how the limb holds up to the pounding of two-a-days. He returned to practices in mid-June, saying "Regardless of who was here, I felt like I always been productive, whatever they ask me to do. And it's not going to change this year ...You know, Javon, he's going to be the guy, and I'm just going to be out there making the plays when they go to me." Curry sat out of the preseason opeener vs. San Francisco due to a sore hamstring. He did grab 3/19/0 during the 2nd preseason game.
Oakland's Drew Carter has been lost for the season due to a left knee injury suffered in the 3rd preseason game. He went on IR Monday.
Philadelphia's Reggie Brown hopes to get back on the field after nursing a sore Achilles during the first weeks of training camp and missing the preseason opener. However, Brown strained a hamstring in the game vs. Carolina and was unable to return to the field. Brown did not play in the 3rd preseason game as a result of the injury. Brown is not expected to practice during the final week of preseason, but the team hopes he'll be ready for the season opener on September 7th.
Philadelphia's Kevin Curtis will miss extensive time after suffering a sports hernia and having corrective surgery - the team isn't setting a timetable for his return to the field yet. "I can't give you a time on that. I don't know that. When I do, I'll tell you," said coach Andy Reid over the weekend. "It wasn't the worst one we've seen and it wasn't the simplest one we've seen. They felt like they went in and did a pretty good job with it, so we'll see how he does here. These next couple of weeks will be pretty important and we might have a better idea after a few weeks here."
Pittsburgh's Hines Ward did not practice on Saturday after suffering a twisted ankle during the team's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Ward did play in the game vs. Minnesota in week 3 - he caught 1 pass for 6 yards.
Pittsburgh's Limas Sweed tweaked his knee in practice last week, but it wasn't a serious injury.
San Diego's Vincent Jackson has been hampered by a hamstring injury during the opening weeks of training camp. The team expects him back at workouts soon, though. He did not catch a pass during the 2nd preseason game, though.
St. Louis' Donnie Avery has been battling a pelvis injury (stress fracture) during the first weeks of training camp, and couldn't get on the field for the preseason tilt vs. Tennessee, nor for the game vs. San Diego. However, he played well in the 3rd preseason game, with 5/65/0 to his credit.
St. Louis' Drew Bennett tweaked his groin in the 3rd preseason game - the team hopes he can play in the season opener.
St. Louis' Dante Hall hurt an ankle in the 3rd preseason game - the team hopes he can play come week 1 of the regular season.
San Francisco's Bryant Johnson was unable to play in the preseason opener due to a sore hamstring incurred on August 4th. He also missed the 2nd preseason game. He didn't catch a pass or play in the 3rd preseason game either.
San Francisco's Ashley Lelie didn't play in the first preseason game due to a calf injury. He also missed the 2nd preseason game. He also missed the 3rd preseason game. Lelie practiced with the team on Monday and is expected to get some reps in the preseason finale.
San Francisco's Arnaz Battle sat out of the 3rd preseason game - due to a sore hamstring that has dogged him during training camp.Battle practiced with the team on Monday and should see some action during the preseason finale.
Seattle's Deion Branch may be on IR during 2008 due to a torn left ACL that was surgically repaired in January. The earliest he might be expected back would be 9 months after the surgery (which is after the start of regular season) - Branch wouldn't be expected to be at 100% until after 12 months or more of rehab work with this sort of injury/surgery. "When you throw Branch's injury into the situation and Bobby's situation, our wide receiver group, I couldn't tell you how we're going to line up right now," said coach Holmgren in mid-June "I think the running backs and the wide receivers are talented, but it's the two positions I have the most questions about going into training camp. We're a little bit young, we're new here and those types of things." Branch hasn't participated in training camp, as expected.
Seattle's Bobby Engram will miss 6-8 weeks after cracking a bone in his shoulder, the team revealed on Monday, August 11th. Nate Burleson figures to be the team's #1 WR in Engrams' absence.
Tampa Bay's Joey Galloway was spotted running parachute drills during the first week of training camp, a sign that he is almost healthy after battling a groin injury earlier this spring. He partially participated in practice on August 4th, but was not in pads - he's still working his way back into "football shape". Galloway sat out of the team's first preseason game, and didn't go in the 2nd contest either. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
Tampa Bay's Antonio Bryant did not play in the team's most-recent preseason game as the result of swelling in one of his knees.
Tennessee's Roydell Williams is recovering from a broken right ankle/surgery to repair the break (suffered last January during the playoffs), and will not participate in the team's May organized team activities as he continues to recover from the injury. He also missed the June workouts, commenting on June 23rd "It has been really tough," Williams said. "I've had to sit and watch the guys at practice and I have to sit and watch guys run the new offense. So I have to learn the offense from on the sideline. And usually after the season I do a lot of speed work and I'll get a jump on conditioning. But I can't do any of that now, so I have a big challenge ahead." Williams was expected to begin working with the team on Monday, August 11th. Soreness in his ankle knocked him back out of practice, however.Williams had limited time vs. the Falcons in the 3rd preseason game and didn't stand out. He has stated publicly that he expects the ankle to "bother" him throughout the coming season.
Tennessee's Justin McCareins was expected back at practices on Monday, August 11th after nursing a sore hamstring during the first part of training camp. He didn't catch a pass in the second preseason game, although he was in practices this past week. McCareins grabbed 2/17/0 in the 3rd week of preseason.
Tennessee's Lavelle Hawkins sprained his left ankle during the team's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday. He was seen wearing a walking boot on Sunday. He is likely to miss the team's third preseason game while he recovers from the injury.
Washington's Antwaan Randle El had a minor arthroscopic right knee surgery to remove bits of floating cartilage from his knee in early May. The team expected the knee to fully recover in 3-4 weeks and said at the time that Randle El should be ready for OTAs later in the summer, before training camp. As of June 13th, head coach Jim Zorn expected Randle El to be fully participating at the start of training camp. "It's coming along," Randle El said at that time. "I've been doing some jogging and a little sprinting, so it has been feeling better than what it had been [the first few weeks after the procedure], and that's a good sign.Would I rather be out there right now? No question about it, but we said we were going to be smart about it. We're going to take our time to make sure it's right for the season. That's the most important thing." Randle El played in the second preseason game vs. Buffalo (3/30/0 receiving), and suffered a minor right wrist injury during the game. X-rays were negative - he'll be monitored as the week goes along. He suffered from a sore hamstring last week and missed the second preseason game.
Washington's rookie WR Devin Thomas suffered a hamstring pull early in training camp. Thomas missed the preseason opener, the Hall of Fame game against the Colts on August 3. Head Coach Jim Zorn said, "We don't know the extent of it yet. We'll get it calmed down and after we evaluate it what it means for getting him back out there." Thomas did not have a catch in the second preseason game vs. Buffalo. He returned to practice on Monday, August 11th for the first time since injuring his hamstring. Head coach Jim Zorn is hopeful that Thomas can make his preseason debut vs. the Jets. Thomas did play vs. the Jets, but didn't catch a ball. He was 1/4/0 receiving vs. Carolina.
Washington's rookie WR Malcolm Kelly underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on August 5th, and was initially expected to miss two weeks recuperating from the surgery. He has yet to return to practice. Kelly didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
Arizona's Anquan Boldin, who was slowed by a dislocated toe late in the 2007 season, avoided surgery on the digit as rest and time off the foot allowed the injury to heal naturally. Boldin is embroiled in a contract dispute with the team, though, and skipped voluntary workouts as a result, so we haven't seen him performing much since the injury occurred. Once he arrived to training camp, Boldin tweaked a hamstring in practice, and it hasn't healed well. The team performed a MRI on the injury at the end of July to assess why the injury was lingering - keep an eye on Boldin's progress returning from this injury, as a hamstring injury is the sort of item that can dog a player for months if not allowed to heal properly. "I think we're going to try to do some things with Anquan, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with him going into the game without having done a lot of reps," coach Whisenhunt said on August 4th, explaining why Boldin would sit out the first preseason game. Boldin did practice with the team on Sunday August 10th, and appeared to be past the hamstring strain - he ran crisp routes and didn't look slowed during drills. Stay tuned to see how the hamstring reacts to being tested as the week goes along, but right now Boldin appears to be on the road to playing in the next preseason game. He didn't catch a pass in the second game, however. He did play in the 3rd preseason contest.
Baltimore's Mark Clayton didn't practice during the initial week of training camp because of a sprained right shoulder. He is no longer wearing a protective sling and took part in some exercises on the side on Saturday August 2nd - he returned to practices on August 3rd. However, he did not play in the season opener due to continuing concern over the shoulder. He didn't have a catch in the second preseason game. Clayton did play in week 3 and logged 1 rush for 2 yards and 1 catch for 9 yards.
Baltimore's Demetrius Williams couldn't play in the first preseason game due to a sore leg. He also missed the second game due to his sore left Achilles. He didn't catch a pass in the 3rd preseason game.
Buffalo's James Hardy aggravated a left hamstring injury during the team's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was held out of practice on Sunday while he recovers from the injury. Hardy sat out of the 3rd preseason game due to his sore hamstring.
Buffalo's Roscoe Parrish missed the 3rd preseason game due to his sore knee (he didn't practice all week long prior to the game).
Carolina's D. J. Hackett struggled with a high right ankle sprain throughout 2007 and aggravated the injury in January during the Seahawk's playoff run. He was signed by Carolina despite the ankle problem during the off-season, so the team evidently believes that the injury is a thing of the past. Hackett fully participated in the Panthers' May mini-camp. He had some problems with a sore knee early in June, but returned to practices on June 4th after getting the swelling in the joint under control. Hackett has been fully participating in training camp but didn't catch a ball in the first preseason game due to a sore toe (Jake Delhomme only threw 1 pass with the first team before taking a seat on the bench, though, so don't read too much into the first preseason game). Hackett missed the second preseason game as the toe continues to be a problem. He also missed the 3rd preseason game due to the toe injury.
Carolina's Steve Smith missed the team's Monday practice after sustaining a concussion in the first preseason game vs. the Colts. The team characterizes Smith as "day to day" with the injury - it's not considered a major problem as of Monday, but concussions have a tendency to cause complications days after the initial injury. Smith missed the second preseason game as a precaution over the concussion - the game came early on Thursday. Smith did practice over the weekend. Smith played in the 3rd preseason game, and though he had to be helped off the field after banging his right shoulder into the turf during the contest, he returned to action and appears to be fine.
Carolina's Muhsin Muhammad had his bell rung and is suffering from sore ribs after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Brian Dawkins on Thursday night, and he sat out of practices over the weekend due to his sore ribs. He missed the 3rd preseason game.
Carolina's Dwayne Jarrett played in the 3rd preseason game after missing the 2nd preseason game with a bruised leg.
Carolina's Jason Carter suffered a torn ACL in his knee in the game vs. Washington and has been lost for the season. He was placed on IR on Monday.
Carolina's Ryne Robinson missed the 3rd preseason game due to a nagging leg/knee injury that hasn't responded well to treatment.
Cincinnati's Chad Johnson had arthroscopic surgery on both ankles in mid-June. He is running and working on rehabbing the joints as of early July. "He feels a lot better than when he first had (the surgery), but we're not going to push it. The key is not to let him do too much too soon," said Charles Collins, who is helping coach the Bengals receivers this offseason. "He's got to build up his ankle first. Then the closer we get to camp, we'll let him time up some things in the last couple of workouts." On August 4th, less than a month after June 18 arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle, Chad Johnson looked sharp in one-on-one drills as he returned to practice. So far, so good. However, Johnson appeared to injure his left shoulder in the 2nd preseason game, and was taken to the locker room for further evaluations. The severity of the injury isn't known as of Sunday night, although initial reports describe the injury as a sprain and the word is that Johnson won't play in the 3rd preseason game. The shoulder evidently popped out of, and then back into, the joint. Johnson asserted after the game, "I'm going to play next week. I'm going to be fine." Johnson left the locker room with his arm in a sling. Johnson didn't play vs. New Orleans. On Monday, it was revealed that Johnson has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder, and will play the season wearing a harness on his shoulder - Johnson is expected to play in the regular season opener and beyond despite the injury, according to ESPN's John Clayton.
Cincinnati's T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been missing practice time due to a sore hamstring. He did not participate in the preseason opener vs. Green Bay on Monday Night Football, August 11th. He also missed the 2nd preseason game vs. Detroit. He also missed the third preseason game vs. New Orleans.
Cincinnati's Marcus Maxwell suffered a season-ending thigh injury thigh injury last week.
Cincinnati's Andre Caldwell suffered a foot injury that kept him out of the 3rd preseason game.
Cleveland's Joe Jurevicius is recovering from a staph infection in his knee that was contracted about 2 weeks after an off-season surgery to clean out the knee. He has had at least one additional procedure on the knee to treat the staph infection. The team has signed Donte Stallworth to be the team's #2 WR behind Braylon Edwards (Jurevicius requested to be demoted to #3 on the depth chart prior to Cleveland signing Stallworth, in order to save wear-and-tear on his aging knees, according to reports out of Cleveland). After a fourth surgery ("...a further clean out to help him in his recovery and control his symptoms.") on his knee in early July there were rumors swirling in Cleveland that Jurevicius was going to need yet another, additional procedure on the knee (perhaps microfracture surgery), but neither the team nor Jurevicius commented on the whispers. Jurevicius' status for 2008 is very dicey - he didn't participate in the first preseason game vs. the Jets. He hasn't been seen in preseason this year, and has landed on PUP/reserve to start the season, meaning he'll miss at least the first 6 weeks of the 2008 regular seaason.
Cleveland's Braylon Edwards suffered a gash on his right heel during a photography session on Saturday, when Donte Stallworth's cleat accidently cut Edwards during a run downfield. Edwards had stiches to close the wound and stayed in an area hospital overnight for precautionary reasons. Edwards will probably miss the second preseason game vs. the New York Giants on August 18th as a result of the injury. He had 1 catch for 2 yards and a TD in the preseason opener vs. the Jets Thursday August 7th prior to getting cleated by Stallworth. Edwards missed the 2nd and 3rd preseason games. He may or may not practice with the team on Tuesday and Wednesday, and may sit out the preseason finale on Thursday as well. The team wants to be sure he'll be ready for the first game of regular season.
Cleveland's Kevin Kasper suffered a concussion and neck injuries in the 3rd preseason game - he's on IR now.
Cleveland's Josh Cribbs has a high ankle sprain in his left ankle. He isn't expected back until the season opener vs. Dallas.
Ex- Cowboy Dallas' Terry Glenn battled through knee pain/rehab from 2 right knee surgeries throughout the 2007 season, and was reported to be considering micro-fracture surgery on his right knee during January of 2008. He is believed to have postponed the surgery until after his retirement from the NFL - but it isn't a comforting sign for Glenn owners that he is still having pain issues in the knee, which limited his time on the field last year. Glenn was released by Dallas in a dispute over an injury waiver and hasn't latched on with another team as of the end of week 3 preseason.
Dallas' Isaiah Stanback hurt his left shoulder during the 3rd preseason game - evaluations are ongoing.
Denver's Edell Shepherd tore his ACL on the first day of training camp, and is done for the season.
Denver's Darrell Jackson missed the last 2 preseason games due to a sprained ankle - he is expected to also miss the preseason finale. However, Jackson has healed "tremendously" (according to Jackson) and he expects to start the regular season opener across from Eddie Royal while Brandon Marshall serves his league suspension.
Detroit's Shaun McDonald is recovering from knee surgery, and did not take part in an early-May mini-camp, but was on the field to observe. The team hopes he'll be ready to play when training camp rolls around. The Lions expected to remove McDonald from the PUP list on Monday, August 11th - he should start practices soon thereafter. McDonald caught 2/27/0 during the 3rd preseason game.
Green Bay's Greg Jennings sat out of Saturday, August 9th's practice due to tweaking a knee, and the injury has dogged him since. He did miss the preseason opener vs. Cincinnati due to the injury, and also sat out of the 2nd preseason game vs. San Francisco. Jennings did play in the 3rd preseason game vs. Denver, and appears to be getting back to top form entering the final week of preseason.
Green Bay's James Jones was forced out of the 3rd preseason game after he suffered a knee contusion. As of Monday, the Packers were concerned that Jones might miss the season opener due to the injury. As of Wednesday, 8/27 it seems increasingly likely that Jones will be out for the first week of regular season as he tries to get his knee healthy again.
Houston's Andre Johnson had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in mid-May, and missed a month of OTAs as a result. We'll see if he is in the lineup when the Texans open training camp in late July - he is supposed to be recovered by then. On Saturday August 2nd, while running a deep pass route, Johnson pulled up and limped to the sidelines, noticably favoring his left groin area. “I just tweaked my groin a little bit,” Johnson said after practice. “That’s about it. Nothing really major. I’ll go in and get some treatment over the next two days and I’ll be fine. I didn’t tear anything or anything like that. It’s hot out here. Sometimes those things happen. You have little tweaks and stuff like that. Other than that, I’m fine. It’s no big deal. I didn’t tear anything. I slowed down actually when I felt it tighten up on me. That was a good thing. Other than that, I don’t think it will be a problem.” However, Johnson was unable to play in the preseason opener due to the groin injury - the team is approaching his return to full action with caution. He also missed the 2nd preseason game, although coach Kubiak felt that Johnson was improving: "I think he could; he could push. We went through an individual with him today, and he actually did a little bit more. But I don't think it makes sense right now to push him to that point this week." Johnson didn't make a catch in the 3rd preseason game.
Houston's Harry Williams will miss the season after injuring his spine - a severe injury that will require extensive surgery.
Jacksonville's Jerry Porter suffered a hamstring injury in late May, which didn't heal properly. He had surgery on Friday, July 18th to repair a torn hamstring tendon, and is now expected to be out until at least week 1 of regular season, which means he'll miss all of training camp. Porter's fantasy prospects as the #1 in Jacksonville take a significant hit due to this ongoing injury/rehab - he could be hampered for a significant portion of the regular season unless his recovery goes very well. He has yet to play in the preseason game due to the injury. "It's my belief we'll need two weeks of practice with Jerry before he can play in a game," Del Rio told reporters on Monday. "If he doesn't practice this week, I would say I would hold him out of the opener."
Jacksonville's Reggie Williams suffered a right knee injury during training camp and had to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on the injured joint (torn cartilage). The team has not announced a time table for William's return to the field - they are hoping he'll be available for regular season. "He is going to need a little clean-out with some cartilage," coach Jack Del Rio said. "He should return to form. I'll give you a timeframe once I get one. I don't want to guess, but he will need to have that procedure done and then rehab and get back to full speed." Williams caught 1 pass for 9 yards in the third preseason game and is working himself back into the lineup. "It felt good to get out there," Williams said. "Physically I felt fine. The knee was excellent, and my wind was good."
Jacksonville's Troy Williamson sat out of practice on Wednesday August 6th, although at the time coach Del Rio asserted he “could have gone” – Williamson also sat out of practices on Thursday due to an unspecified injury. The reason given for Williamson not playing vs. Atlanta on Saturday the 9th was that he had put in limited practice time. He did practice on 8/16/08 but didn't catch a pass in the preseason game vs. Miami, though he did play in the contest. Williamson played in the 3rd preseason game, but didn't have a catch.
Kansas City's Kevin Robinson missed the 3rd preseason game due to a knee injury.
Kansas City's Will Franklin, who injured his right knee in practice last Thursday, had arthroscopic surgery and will miss at least two weeks it was revealed on Monday.
Minnesota's Bernard Berrian missed the 3rd preseason game due to a sore toe. He has returned to practice as of the final week of preseason.
Minnesota's Sidney Rice missed the 3rd preseason game due to an illness. He did return to practice on Monday, 8/25.
Minnesota's Robert Ferguson suffered a bruised right calf in the 3rd preseason game and didn't return to action after the injury. Ferguson sat out of practice again on Monday with a wrap on his injured right leg.
New England's Wes Welker opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list for unexplained reasons. He was removed from the list on August 2nd, but did not catch a pass in the first preseason game vs. Baltimore. Welker played in the 2nd preseason game and laid a big block on a Tampa Bay DB, Eugene Wilson, during the contest. However, in the 3rd preseason contest he left the game with an apparent rib injury and did not return to action - the severity of the injury isn't known at this time.
New Orlean's Marques Colston is experiencing swelling in a knee a required drainage on the joint as training camp opened. He had a minor arthroscopic procedure in February but had experienced no problems during spring workouts - this situation looks relatively minor as of late July. However, Colston missed the first preseason game due to his ongoing recovery from the knee injury. Colston played and caught a TD pass in the second preseason game (4/22/1). Colston left the 3rd preseason game with bruised ribs - X-rays were negative for a break, but he'll most likely sit out of the preseason finale. Colston said on Monday that he's "100 percent" after leaving Saturday night's game at Cincinnati with bruised ribs.
New Orlean's Devery Henderson suffered a hamstring injury early on in training camp and missed the team's first preseason game as a result of the injury. The team hopes he will return to action soon. He caught 2/13/0 in the second preseason game, and appears to be on track to play during the regular season. He also had 1/11/0 receiving in the 3rd preseason contest.
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress struggled with ankle (torn ligaments in his right ankle suffered in week 2) and knee pain throughout the season and played through a separated shoulder (suffered in the NFC title game vs. Green Bay) and a sprained MCL in his left knee (incurred by slipping in the shower a few days before the Super Bowl). On July 7th he insisted that he was almost 100% healthy and excited about the 2008 season ""I'm close to 100 percent," Burress said. "The knee is 100 percent healthy. The shoulder is 100 percent healthy. The ankle is probably about 90 percent. I played on it so long with it hurt that's why it took so long to heal up. I'm looking forward to it being 100 percent in a few weeks." Burress didn't play in the team's second preseason game on MNF 8/18/08. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game. Burress practiced fully on Monday for the first time in many weeks. "I decided to pull the old car out of the garage and see how I felt today - get some of the dust off of it. I felt pretty good. I'm feeling a lot better - a hundred percent. I didn't have any limitations going either way, right or left. I jumped up and made a few catches. I'm just trying to get back to my old self - getting off the line full speed and being able to accelerate when the ball is in the air. I'm trying to get all the kinks out of the armor," Burress said. "It's just good to get out there and run around again. I'm happy I can go out there and run without any pain. I'm basically trying to get into the best playing shape that I can and get my cardio up. I hope I feel pretty good tomorrow." Stay tuned, but don't expect Burress to be on the field much (if at all) in the preseason finale.
New York Giants' David Tyree had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Mid April and will be out of action at least until training camp begins in late July. He may begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. On June 10th, Tyree commented "Whether I'm on the roster, off the roster, the fifth receiver or the third receiver, they're going to make decisions based on what's best for the team," Tyree said. "My job is to go out there and make the plays when I'm given the opportunity. When you look back at what I've done when given the opportunity, I've showed up. I can't do any more than that." He didn't participate in the first preseason game vs. Detroit, or in the second contest on 8/18/08. Tyree is headed for the PUP list to start the season - he won't play until at least week 7 of the regular season.
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Mario Manningham (quad injury with internal bleeding in the muscle) is not close to returning and is frustrating his head coach. "Just speculation," coach Tom Coughlin said of the date of a possible Manningham return. "It's not worth even talking about." Manningham didn't participate in the second MNF game on 8/18/08. Manningham did play in the 3rd preseason game, with 3/41/0 receiving.
New York Giants' Amani Toomer missed the MNF game on 8/18/08 due to a knee injury. He did play in the 3rd preseason game, snagging 1/13/0.
New York Giants' Steve Smith missed the MNF game on 8/18/08 due to a continuing groin complaint that has hampered him in training camp.He did play in the 3rd preseason game, with 4/37/0 receiving.
New York Jets' Laveranues Coles missed the preseason opener due to a sore leg, and couldn't complete the team's practice on Friday, August 8th. He also sat out of the 2nd preseason game due to his ache - Coles hasn't looked very motivated to play since Chad Pennington departed for Miami. He didn't catch a pass in the 3rd preseason game, and has yet to appear in the exhibition season.Coles did practice fully on Monday, which is a hopeful sign.
Oakland's Javon Walker was beaten up during a robbery in Las Vegas during the offseason, and suffered a concussion, an orbital bone fracture (around the eye socket) and a broken jaw. He is expected to be ready for training camp, although his conditioning wasn't optimal even prior to the beating. He has also been working to rehab the knee injury that dogged him during 2007. He may not be 100% for the opening sessions, depending on how quickly he can return to training after recovering from his most recent injuries. Stay tuned. Addressing his flirting with retirement, Walker stated on August 9th "But people need to know I am fully committed to this team. I will not leave. I am very excited about the season." Coach Lane Kiffin called Walker out for poor play after the 2nd preseason game, indicating that Walker needs to earn his pay. Walker did improve in the 3rd preseason game, catching 4/60/0 to lead the team in receiving. He may be rounding into form now that regular season is approaching.
Oakland's Ron Curry had left foot surgery in early May - he is expected to be just fine for training camp, but we'll have to see how the limb holds up to the pounding of two-a-days. He returned to practices in mid-June, saying "Regardless of who was here, I felt like I always been productive, whatever they ask me to do. And it's not going to change this year ...You know, Javon, he's going to be the guy, and I'm just going to be out there making the plays when they go to me." Curry sat out of the preseason opeener vs. San Francisco due to a sore hamstring. He did grab 3/19/0 during the 2nd preseason game.
Oakland's Drew Carter has been lost for the season due to a left knee injury suffered in the 3rd preseason game. He went on IR Monday.
Philadelphia's Reggie Brown hopes to get back on the field after nursing a sore Achilles during the first weeks of training camp and missing the preseason opener. However, Brown strained a hamstring in the game vs. Carolina and was unable to return to the field. Brown did not play in the 3rd preseason game as a result of the injury. Brown is not expected to practice during the final week of preseason, but the team hopes he'll be ready for the season opener on September 7th.
Philadelphia's Kevin Curtis will miss extensive time after suffering a sports hernia and having corrective surgery - the team isn't setting a timetable for his return to the field yet. "I can't give you a time on that. I don't know that. When I do, I'll tell you," said coach Andy Reid over the weekend. "It wasn't the worst one we've seen and it wasn't the simplest one we've seen. They felt like they went in and did a pretty good job with it, so we'll see how he does here. These next couple of weeks will be pretty important and we might have a better idea after a few weeks here."
Pittsburgh's Hines Ward did not practice on Saturday after suffering a twisted ankle during the team's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Ward did play in the game vs. Minnesota in week 3 - he caught 1 pass for 6 yards.
Pittsburgh's Limas Sweed tweaked his knee in practice last week, but it wasn't a serious injury.
San Diego's Vincent Jackson has been hampered by a hamstring injury during the opening weeks of training camp. The team expects him back at workouts soon, though. He did not catch a pass during the 2nd preseason game, though.
St. Louis' Donnie Avery has been battling a pelvis injury (stress fracture) during the first weeks of training camp, and couldn't get on the field for the preseason tilt vs. Tennessee, nor for the game vs. San Diego. However, he played well in the 3rd preseason game, with 5/65/0 to his credit.
St. Louis' Drew Bennett tweaked his groin in the 3rd preseason game - the team hopes he can play in the season opener.
St. Louis' Dante Hall hurt an ankle in the 3rd preseason game - the team hopes he can play come week 1 of the regular season.
San Francisco's Bryant Johnson was unable to play in the preseason opener due to a sore hamstring incurred on August 4th. He also missed the 2nd preseason game. He didn't catch a pass or play in the 3rd preseason game either.
San Francisco's Ashley Lelie didn't play in the first preseason game due to a calf injury. He also missed the 2nd preseason game. He also missed the 3rd preseason game. Lelie practiced with the team on Monday and is expected to get some reps in the preseason finale.
San Francisco's Arnaz Battle sat out of the 3rd preseason game - due to a sore hamstring that has dogged him during training camp.Battle practiced with the team on Monday and should see some action during the preseason finale.
Seattle's Deion Branch may be on IR during 2008 due to a torn left ACL that was surgically repaired in January. The earliest he might be expected back would be 9 months after the surgery (which is after the start of regular season) - Branch wouldn't be expected to be at 100% until after 12 months or more of rehab work with this sort of injury/surgery. "When you throw Branch's injury into the situation and Bobby's situation, our wide receiver group, I couldn't tell you how we're going to line up right now," said coach Holmgren in mid-June "I think the running backs and the wide receivers are talented, but it's the two positions I have the most questions about going into training camp. We're a little bit young, we're new here and those types of things." Branch hasn't participated in training camp, as expected.
Seattle's Bobby Engram will miss 6-8 weeks after cracking a bone in his shoulder, the team revealed on Monday, August 11th. Nate Burleson figures to be the team's #1 WR in Engrams' absence.
Tampa Bay's Joey Galloway was spotted running parachute drills during the first week of training camp, a sign that he is almost healthy after battling a groin injury earlier this spring. He partially participated in practice on August 4th, but was not in pads - he's still working his way back into "football shape". Galloway sat out of the team's first preseason game, and didn't go in the 2nd contest either. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
Tampa Bay's Antonio Bryant did not play in the team's most-recent preseason game as the result of swelling in one of his knees.
Tennessee's Roydell Williams is recovering from a broken right ankle/surgery to repair the break (suffered last January during the playoffs), and will not participate in the team's May organized team activities as he continues to recover from the injury. He also missed the June workouts, commenting on June 23rd "It has been really tough," Williams said. "I've had to sit and watch the guys at practice and I have to sit and watch guys run the new offense. So I have to learn the offense from on the sideline. And usually after the season I do a lot of speed work and I'll get a jump on conditioning. But I can't do any of that now, so I have a big challenge ahead." Williams was expected to begin working with the team on Monday, August 11th. Soreness in his ankle knocked him back out of practice, however.Williams had limited time vs. the Falcons in the 3rd preseason game and didn't stand out. He has stated publicly that he expects the ankle to "bother" him throughout the coming season.
Tennessee's Justin McCareins was expected back at practices on Monday, August 11th after nursing a sore hamstring during the first part of training camp. He didn't catch a pass in the second preseason game, although he was in practices this past week. McCareins grabbed 2/17/0 in the 3rd week of preseason.
Tennessee's Lavelle Hawkins sprained his left ankle during the team's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday. He was seen wearing a walking boot on Sunday. He is likely to miss the team's third preseason game while he recovers from the injury.
Washington's Antwaan Randle El had a minor arthroscopic right knee surgery to remove bits of floating cartilage from his knee in early May. The team expected the knee to fully recover in 3-4 weeks and said at the time that Randle El should be ready for OTAs later in the summer, before training camp. As of June 13th, head coach Jim Zorn expected Randle El to be fully participating at the start of training camp. "It's coming along," Randle El said at that time. "I've been doing some jogging and a little sprinting, so it has been feeling better than what it had been [the first few weeks after the procedure], and that's a good sign.Would I rather be out there right now? No question about it, but we said we were going to be smart about it. We're going to take our time to make sure it's right for the season. That's the most important thing." Randle El played in the second preseason game vs. Buffalo (3/30/0 receiving), and suffered a minor right wrist injury during the game. X-rays were negative - he'll be monitored as the week goes along. He suffered from a sore hamstring last week and missed the second preseason game.
Washington's rookie WR Devin Thomas suffered a hamstring pull early in training camp. Thomas missed the preseason opener, the Hall of Fame game against the Colts on August 3. Head Coach Jim Zorn said, "We don't know the extent of it yet. We'll get it calmed down and after we evaluate it what it means for getting him back out there." Thomas did not have a catch in the second preseason game vs. Buffalo. He returned to practice on Monday, August 11th for the first time since injuring his hamstring. Head coach Jim Zorn is hopeful that Thomas can make his preseason debut vs. the Jets. Thomas did play vs. the Jets, but didn't catch a ball. He was 1/4/0 receiving vs. Carolina.
Washington's rookie WR Malcolm Kelly underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on August 5th, and was initially expected to miss two weeks recuperating from the surgery. He has yet to return to practice. Kelly didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
TE
Atlanta's Martrez Milner ended the 2007 season on IR due to a November 2007 ankle injury - Milner returned to practice on Monday August 25th after missing weeks as the result of right toe, ankle and knee injuries.
Baltimore's Todd Heap was healthy and able to participate in May's mini-camp, but his backups Dan Wilcox (recovering from toe surgery) and Quinn Sypniewski (knee injury) were both unavailable. The team hopes that Heap can stay healthy this year (something he couldn't do all last season - he tore his left hamstring during the season and couldn't get the injury healthy). Heading into training camp, Heap has managed to stay healthy and atop the depth chart. However, on August 2nd Heap was injured during practice, limping off the field Saturday morning with a right calf injury. He had the calf wrapped, but otherwise the injury didn't appear to be serious at first glance. "I think his is more of a fatigue thing," coach John Harbaugh said on August 3rd. "He's got some kind of a tweak in there, but he's fine." However, Heap was bothered enough by the injury to miss the preseason opener vs. the Patriots, and didn't play in the game vs. Minnesota either. Heap missed the 3rd preseason game due to his calf injury - he hasn't bounced back into the lineup yet.
Baltimore's Quinn Sypniewski will miss the entire 2008 season following a serious knee injury he suffered in minicamp, according to coach John Harbaugh. "It looks like now we're not going to have him back", Harbaugh said. "He had surgery. The ligament tore off the bone, and the piece of the bone that came off the ligament shattered, which made it a situation where it's going to be 6-9 months [to recover]."
Buffalo's Derek Schouman is likely out for the remainder of the preseason while he recovers from a strained left knee. "It's not good, but it could have been worse," head coach **** Jauron said.
Chicago's Desmond Clark sprained his knee after being hit in the preseason game vs. Seattle. HC Lovie Smith said that Clark 'should be OK." Clark missed the 3rd preseason game due to his injury, though.
Cleveland's Kellen Winslow had offseason knee and shoulder scopes after his Pro Bowl appearance - he should be fine for the start of training camp. In mid-June, he was participating in team drills, and sprinting long distances. "He's feeling better, so he's doing a little bit more," head coach Romeo Crennel said on June 12th. However, Winslow has strained a hamstring during training camp, and sat out of the preseason opener vs. the New York Jets. Hopefully, he'll be able to rehabilitate the hamstring in time for regular season. He did play in the 3rd preseason game, with 4/26/0 receiving.
Detroit's Dan Campbell is currently recovering from a third surgery on his right elbow. He expects to be ready for camp, but the coaches will monitor his progress carefully. Campbell played in two games during 2007 before going on injured reserve. He started practicing with the team on August 11th after completing his rehabilitation of the elbow surgery. He didn't catch a pass in the 2nd preseason game, though. Campbell was also absent from the boxscore in week 3 of the preseason, vs. Cleveland. He has been nursing a hamstring injury that hasn't healed up just yet.
Indianapolis' Tom Santi is recovering from surgery to remove an infected bursa sack (similar to Peyton Manning's surgery) - Santi is expected back at practices soon. Santi missed the Hall of Fame game, and didn't make a catch vs. Carolina in the second preseason contest. Santi didn't catch a pass in the 3rd preseason game either.
Jacksonville's George Wrighster continues to miss games and practices due to an ongoing knee problem. He hasn't played in the preseason at all to date.
Kansas City's Brad Cottam missed the 3rd preaseason game due to a shoulder injury.
New Orlean's Jeremy Shockey is recovering from a broken leg suffered late in the '07 season, and was unable to play in the Saints' preseason opener after being traded early in training camp. He didn't catch a pass in the 2nd preseason game. Shockey didn't participate in the 3rd preseason game either - the team said they wanted him to get additional practice time before playing Shockey.
New England's Ben Watson underwent surgery on his left ankle during early March, a procedure that revealed cartilage damage and scar tissue, but the team refuses to give further details on the situation. He participated in practices on July 24th (after rumors he might start the season on the PUP), but did not have a catch in the preseason opener vs. Baltimore or in the gaem vs. Tampa Bay. Watson didn't catch a ball in the 3rd preseason game.
San Diego's Antonio Gates had left foot/big toe surgery in late February to repair an injury suffered during the 2007 playoffs. He is expected to be ready for the start of regular season, although he may miss part of training camp. "It's just determining when I'm going to be ready," Gates said in early May. "I know I'm going to be ready. It's just when." As of July 23rd, Gates said his foot was 65-70% healed and that he was starting to do simple running drills. He also stated he had no time table for a return to action - it looks like Gates may miss all of training camp and regular season is becoming dicey. Scott Chandler has been working with the first team extensively in Gate's absence, and is expected to continue to do so during the opening weeks of training camp. Gates did not play in the preseason opener, as expected. He warmed up prior to the preseason contest vs. the Rams, running various routes (he didn't play in the game) - "He looked really good," QB Philip Rivers said. "That's encouraging for us, and for him." Gates ran short and deep, full speed, cutting across the field and came in and out of breaks extremely strong. He walked off the field without a limp and less-than-usual discomfort afterward. "I'll tell you what, it's starting to feel close to normal," Gates said later on in the day. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
Washington's Tyler Ecker is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp due to a mid-June groin surgery - he'll be out for at least 8 weeks, meaning he'll miss all of training camp.
PK
Detroit's Jason Hanson strained his thigh and may miss up to 2 preseason games - for now, the team has signed Dave Rayner to fill in for Hanson.
New York Giants' PK Lawrence Tynes hurt his leg/tweaked his knee earlier this week during practice, and now has competition in the form of Josh Huston, who was signed to kick at least until Tynes can return to action. Huston kicked in the MNF game on 8/18/08. Huston is expected to continue handling kicking duties as Tynes rehabs his knee after corrective knee surgery that he underwent last week.
Seattle's Brandon Coutu missed the 3rd preseason game due to a groin injury - Olindo Mare missed a 50-yard attempt in the first quarter - Mare is locked in a camp battle with Coutu.
Tennessee's Rob Bironas is nursing a groin injury - the Titans signed John Vaughan to help out while Bironas heals. Bironas isn't expected back until the regular season opener on 9/7/2008. "The last thing we can afford to do is have a setback," head coach Jeff Fisher said.
Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski has an injured left hamstring - the Raiders have added Aaron Elling to the team to handle kicking duties while Janikowski rehabs his hamstring.
Atlanta's Martrez Milner ended the 2007 season on IR due to a November 2007 ankle injury - Milner returned to practice on Monday August 25th after missing weeks as the result of right toe, ankle and knee injuries.
Baltimore's Todd Heap was healthy and able to participate in May's mini-camp, but his backups Dan Wilcox (recovering from toe surgery) and Quinn Sypniewski (knee injury) were both unavailable. The team hopes that Heap can stay healthy this year (something he couldn't do all last season - he tore his left hamstring during the season and couldn't get the injury healthy). Heading into training camp, Heap has managed to stay healthy and atop the depth chart. However, on August 2nd Heap was injured during practice, limping off the field Saturday morning with a right calf injury. He had the calf wrapped, but otherwise the injury didn't appear to be serious at first glance. "I think his is more of a fatigue thing," coach John Harbaugh said on August 3rd. "He's got some kind of a tweak in there, but he's fine." However, Heap was bothered enough by the injury to miss the preseason opener vs. the Patriots, and didn't play in the game vs. Minnesota either. Heap missed the 3rd preseason game due to his calf injury - he hasn't bounced back into the lineup yet.
Baltimore's Quinn Sypniewski will miss the entire 2008 season following a serious knee injury he suffered in minicamp, according to coach John Harbaugh. "It looks like now we're not going to have him back", Harbaugh said. "He had surgery. The ligament tore off the bone, and the piece of the bone that came off the ligament shattered, which made it a situation where it's going to be 6-9 months [to recover]."
Buffalo's Derek Schouman is likely out for the remainder of the preseason while he recovers from a strained left knee. "It's not good, but it could have been worse," head coach **** Jauron said.
Chicago's Desmond Clark sprained his knee after being hit in the preseason game vs. Seattle. HC Lovie Smith said that Clark 'should be OK." Clark missed the 3rd preseason game due to his injury, though.
Cleveland's Kellen Winslow had offseason knee and shoulder scopes after his Pro Bowl appearance - he should be fine for the start of training camp. In mid-June, he was participating in team drills, and sprinting long distances. "He's feeling better, so he's doing a little bit more," head coach Romeo Crennel said on June 12th. However, Winslow has strained a hamstring during training camp, and sat out of the preseason opener vs. the New York Jets. Hopefully, he'll be able to rehabilitate the hamstring in time for regular season. He did play in the 3rd preseason game, with 4/26/0 receiving.
Detroit's Dan Campbell is currently recovering from a third surgery on his right elbow. He expects to be ready for camp, but the coaches will monitor his progress carefully. Campbell played in two games during 2007 before going on injured reserve. He started practicing with the team on August 11th after completing his rehabilitation of the elbow surgery. He didn't catch a pass in the 2nd preseason game, though. Campbell was also absent from the boxscore in week 3 of the preseason, vs. Cleveland. He has been nursing a hamstring injury that hasn't healed up just yet.
Indianapolis' Tom Santi is recovering from surgery to remove an infected bursa sack (similar to Peyton Manning's surgery) - Santi is expected back at practices soon. Santi missed the Hall of Fame game, and didn't make a catch vs. Carolina in the second preseason contest. Santi didn't catch a pass in the 3rd preseason game either.
Jacksonville's George Wrighster continues to miss games and practices due to an ongoing knee problem. He hasn't played in the preseason at all to date.
Kansas City's Brad Cottam missed the 3rd preaseason game due to a shoulder injury.
New Orlean's Jeremy Shockey is recovering from a broken leg suffered late in the '07 season, and was unable to play in the Saints' preseason opener after being traded early in training camp. He didn't catch a pass in the 2nd preseason game. Shockey didn't participate in the 3rd preseason game either - the team said they wanted him to get additional practice time before playing Shockey.
New England's Ben Watson underwent surgery on his left ankle during early March, a procedure that revealed cartilage damage and scar tissue, but the team refuses to give further details on the situation. He participated in practices on July 24th (after rumors he might start the season on the PUP), but did not have a catch in the preseason opener vs. Baltimore or in the gaem vs. Tampa Bay. Watson didn't catch a ball in the 3rd preseason game.
San Diego's Antonio Gates had left foot/big toe surgery in late February to repair an injury suffered during the 2007 playoffs. He is expected to be ready for the start of regular season, although he may miss part of training camp. "It's just determining when I'm going to be ready," Gates said in early May. "I know I'm going to be ready. It's just when." As of July 23rd, Gates said his foot was 65-70% healed and that he was starting to do simple running drills. He also stated he had no time table for a return to action - it looks like Gates may miss all of training camp and regular season is becoming dicey. Scott Chandler has been working with the first team extensively in Gate's absence, and is expected to continue to do so during the opening weeks of training camp. Gates did not play in the preseason opener, as expected. He warmed up prior to the preseason contest vs. the Rams, running various routes (he didn't play in the game) - "He looked really good," QB Philip Rivers said. "That's encouraging for us, and for him." Gates ran short and deep, full speed, cutting across the field and came in and out of breaks extremely strong. He walked off the field without a limp and less-than-usual discomfort afterward. "I'll tell you what, it's starting to feel close to normal," Gates said later on in the day. He didn't play in the 3rd preseason game.
Washington's Tyler Ecker is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp due to a mid-June groin surgery - he'll be out for at least 8 weeks, meaning he'll miss all of training camp.
PK
Detroit's Jason Hanson strained his thigh and may miss up to 2 preseason games - for now, the team has signed Dave Rayner to fill in for Hanson.
New York Giants' PK Lawrence Tynes hurt his leg/tweaked his knee earlier this week during practice, and now has competition in the form of Josh Huston, who was signed to kick at least until Tynes can return to action. Huston kicked in the MNF game on 8/18/08. Huston is expected to continue handling kicking duties as Tynes rehabs his knee after corrective knee surgery that he underwent last week.
Seattle's Brandon Coutu missed the 3rd preseason game due to a groin injury - Olindo Mare missed a 50-yard attempt in the first quarter - Mare is locked in a camp battle with Coutu.
Tennessee's Rob Bironas is nursing a groin injury - the Titans signed John Vaughan to help out while Bironas heals. Bironas isn't expected back until the regular season opener on 9/7/2008. "The last thing we can afford to do is have a setback," head coach Jeff Fisher said.
Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski has an injured left hamstring - the Raiders have added Aaron Elling to the team to handle kicking duties while Janikowski rehabs his hamstring.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
More on Saturday:
Frank Black
Footballguy
Matt Moore down with some type of knee injury. That would not bode well for the Panthers if he goes down, considering that the Panthers woefully neglected to pursue an upgrade @ backup QB during the offseason.
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
How bad did it look?
omally
Footballguy
Right now they are saying it's a lower leg contusion. They don't think it's serious.
fierce_corgi
Footballguy
Sam Hurd with an ankle sprain early in the game against Minnesota, following previous injuries to Austin and Stanback. Owens to sideline reporter: "We don't know who our third receiver is right now."
UPDATES:
Matt Moore - XRAYs negative .... in the lower leg/shin area
Sam Hurd - High ankle sprain
Matt Moore - XRAYs negative .... in the lower leg/shin area
Sam Hurd - High ankle sprain
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
RB Brian Calhoun suffered a quad injury after only two carries. His chances of making the roster are slim to none.
PewterFan
Footballguy
The pecking order for the Lions RB's is now Kevin Smith, Tatum Bell & Artose Pinner.
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
As of right now, Smith and Cason are locks. Bell did not play last night, which means he is pretty much assured of a spot. Bell also has been with Smith in some 2 back sets in practice, but not in games. No other RBs ran those plays in practice. It appears they are likely to only keep 3, and if they keep a 4th, it would probably be Pinner. But right now, it seems to be Smith, Bell, and Cason. Cason is a lock, but he will be the #3 RB. He is one of the primary returners.
Donnybrook
Footballguy
Per KFFL:
So much for my sleeper.
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
per ESPNDetroit recently replaced both running backs Brian Calhoun and Aveion Cason on the IR, so Thomas will have a chance to provide depth on a team with very little experience at running back behind only Kevin Smith and Tatum Bell.Aug. 31, 6:04 PM ET
is there a list anywhere of top rated players that are on IR? specifically for my dynasty league i can hold 2 players on my IR only if they are actually IR'ed for real, does anyone else pick a player to stash in your IR? i had drew stanton in there last year...that type of deal, with maybe a better outlook than stanton
FootBallin
Footballguy
LT seems to have bounced back from that torn ACL (as a chargers fan I should know this for sure, but I think it was his acl) amazingly. I saw him do a spot for vizio on ESPN last night, he actually got a chance speak for awhile and give some awesome game time insight . . . if there are any chargers fans out there it is on again tonight.
I was also wondering if anyone has seen the latest LT interview on youtube or some video site? I was trying to show my buddy and the ESPN site was difficult to navigate. . . I found a zillion LT clips, but not the most recent from last night.
I was also wondering if anyone has seen the latest LT interview on youtube or some video site? I was trying to show my buddy and the ESPN site was difficult to navigate. . . I found a zillion LT clips, but not the most recent from last night.
