All our week 20 content
Week 20 Early Injury Report
by Mark Wimer, Exclusive to
Footballguys.com
Quarterback
QB Philip Rivers - SD - Rivers' head hit the turf hard when the quarterback was slammed to the ground on a sack during the 4th quarter. "It was a good hit," Rivers said after the loss. "I got my bell rung. I was never out but certainly a little cuckoo for a few seconds...These guys are a physical, relentless defense. You expect when you play them you're going to take some of those blows."
QB Ben Roethlisberger - PIT - Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers didn't suffer any significant injuries yesterday vs. San Diego. Asked how Roethlisberger played two weeks after sustaining a concussion, Tomlin said: "Like I said leading up to the game, it was a non-issue for us."
Running Back
RB Chris Johnson - TEN - Johnson injured his ankle during the first half vs. Baltimore and couldn't return to action after the injury. He'll be evaluated further and receive appropriate treatment as the off-season rolls on - his absence was a huge blow to the Titans as Johnson was effective in his time on the field prior to the injury.
RB LeRon McClain - BAL - McClain left the game briefly with an ankle injury, but returned to action shortly thereafter. "I just told the trainer give me whatever, tape it up," he said. "I wasn't coming out of the game. That last drive, I wanted to finish strong and do anything I could to help the team." McClain will be monitored and receive treatments as the week goes along.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson - SD - "What I'm looking forward to is proving I can play every game again," Tomlinson said after the Chargers' playoff loss to Pittsburgh. "I've always prided myself more than anything on being there every game. For me, I want to get back to that point where I'm playing every game...I'm not getting any younger," he said. "I can't go back to being 21 or 22...I'm questioning myself. Over the last two years getting hurt and not being able to play, you start to question yourself whether you can play a full season." Tomlinson is expected to try and heal up his groin injury/torn tendon without surgical intervention - dynasty fantasy owners with Tomlinson on their roster will want to pay attention to how he progresses during the off season.
Wide Receiver
WR Jason Avant - PHI - Avant was the only player listed on the injury report after the game vs. New York. Avant left in the 3rd quarter with a sprained knee and did not return to action. He'll be evaluated further as the week goes along.
WR Anquan Boldin - ARI - Boldin was forced to sit out the divisional playoff game against Carolina due to his injured left hamstring after being listed as questionable to play on Friday. He tried some running drills about 3 hours before the game, but the injury hadn't improved to the point where he could be effective.
Tight End
TE Antonio Gates - SD - Gates went to bed Saturday night thinking he would not be playing the next day. Reportedly, he took two shots to numb his right ankle, which has a high sprain, and did not participate in the pregame warmups. "I just felt so much pressure," he said after the contest. "I had to play." Gates had an MRI Saturday and will have another this week to see if he did any further damage that might require surgery. Gates owners in dynasty leagues will want to keep their eye on his progress recovering from the high ankle sprain as the off season rolls along.
TE Ben Patrick - ARI - Patrick was forced to sit out of the game vs. Carolina due to his injured knee after being listed as questionable to play on Friday.
Kicker
Offensive Line
OL Philadelphia Eagles - PHI - As usual, G Shawn Andrews was inactive on Sunday due to his injured back (listed as out on Friday). OT Jon Runyan continued to play on Sunday despite suffering from a sprained right knee. Afterwards, he was asked how difficult it had become to take the field. "It's a challenge to do anything at this point," Runyan said in response. Runyan and Andrews will continue to receive treatment for their injuries this week leading into the NFC Championship game in Arizona.
OL Baltimore Ravens - BAL - OT Willie Anderson left the game in the 1st quarter on Saturday due to a shoulder stinger, but he shook it off and returned to action after a brief stay on the sidelines.
Defensive Tackle
Defensive End
DE Terrell Suggs - BAL - Suggs strained his right shoulder while sacking Kerry Collins on Saturday and had to be helped off the field. He eventually made his way to the sidelines while holding his right arm against his body and didn't return to action. Suggs will be evaluated further as the week goes along.
Inside Linebacker
Outside Linebacker
OLB Antwan Barnes - BAL - Barnes missed the game on Sunday as expected after being listed as "out" on Friday (chest injury).
Cornerback
CB Samari Rolle - BAL - Rolle left the game vs. Tennessee with a groin injury and didn't return to action. He'll be evaluated further as the week goes along.
CB Asante Samuel - PHI - Samuel was detained in the locker room at half-time on Sunday due to needing intravenous fluids, but returned to action - he isn't hurt.
Safety
S Jim Leonhard - BAL - Leonhard suffered a concussion toward the end of the game and didn't return to action. He'll be evaluated further as the week goes along and will need to pass the NFL baseline test before rejoining the team's practices. Stay tuned to his practice participation later this week - sometimes complications from concussions take several days to manifest.
S Quintin Mikell - PHI - Mikell tweaked a knee during the game vs. New York, and was late getting back in the action after half-time. However, he did return to the field and the injury is considered minor as of Monday morning.
