Injury Update
Updated 8/3 by Mark Wimer, Exclusive for Footballguys.com
Professional football players are often injured during the course of an NFL season, and sometimes those injuries can linger to affect a player in the following season. Below is a review of the most significant injuries still affecting fantasy-relevant skill position players as we continue through the 2009 preseason. For further details on the players listed below, check out their player pages here at Footballguys.com or run a search for the person in question on the Footballguys.com News Blogger.
Quarterbacks
CLE QB Derek Anderson (knee) did not have offseason surgery on the knee injury he suffered last season. The injury healed naturally. However, Anderson has missed most of the June OTAs due to a undisclosed injury (he's been spotted with a wrap on his lower right leg, but the team is giving out no specific details), giving Brady Quinn a lot of time under center. Fantasy owners interested in the Cleveland QBs should monitor their practice participation once training camp rolls around.
NE QB Tom Brady is participating fully in the team's offseason workouts and is working without limitations on his surgically repaired knee (ACL, September 2008). He is expected to be at full speed for training camp. On May 21st, Brady commented to the press "I'm feeling great and just excited to be out there on the field, training with my teammates,' Brady said. "It's always fun being back in this competitive environment and working with these guys to try to make 2009 our best season. It's been fun to be back. I think everyone is excited to get back on the field and see what we're capable of." Brady threw passes to Joey Galloway and Randy Moss on May 26th during a light workout (no pads). On June 2nd, the surgeon who repaired Brady's knee commented 'With regard to his recovery of strength, I've never seen anything quite like it. With an average person, it would have taken probably twice as long to get range of motion and strength back,' Dr. Neal ElAttrache said. During morning practice on July 30th, Brady wore a brace on his repaired knee - he may be equipped with that item for the rest of his career, but by all accounts he is moving around well and throwing the ball with authority.
BUF QB Trent Edwards is rehabbing a shoulder injury but should be ready for the start of training camp.
FA QB Brett Favre is reportedly pain-free after surgery to correct his throwing arm shoulder/biceps. Vikings head coach Brad Childress commented on June 19th 'My understanding is that he is pain free right now,' Childress said. 'Does he have the endurance and the stamina in that arm yet? He doesn't know that yet. It's no different than grabbing a golf club for the first time during the year when you rip around 18 holes around and you wake up the next day and your side hurts. You say, 'Geez, I haven't felt that muscle in a while.' So he's got to build some endurance in that and see if he thinks he can get it back to where he wants to get it to.' As of July 30th, Favre has elected to stay retired and coach Childress has stated publicly there is 'no way' that Favre could now join the Vikings.
SEA QB Matt Hasselbeck said his offseason weight-training regimen has been successful (April 7th), and participated fully in the team's first minicamp in April. So far, his injured back looks healed back to 100%. He is reportedly 8 pounds lighter to open training camp this year and in great shape. Hasselbeck commented on July 27th 'I'm not worried about my back at all. The only thing my back cannot do is sit in a three-hour run-game-install meeting without getting up and moving around. Of the things I'm worried about - new coach, new offense, some new teammates - I can promise you that health is not one of them.'
MIN QB Tarvaris Jackson suffered a level 1 MCL sprain during practice on August 1st - the initial diagnosis means that he'll be day-to-day for the next week or so. However, knee injuries are difficult to assess immediately after the event - stay tuned to see how his knee responds to treatment over the next few days.
TB QB Byron Leftwich suffered a minor groin injury on June 11th, and was held out of practice (against his will, evidently). Leftwich commented 'I could have went today. That's Raheem and them. You have to talk to them. They shut me down...I just tweaked my groin a little bit.'
CIN QB Carson Palmer avoided further surgery on his injured right elbow early this year and as of April 26th was said to be ready to participate full speed in offseason OTAs. He's said to have a 'chip on his shoulder' and is eager to prove he's back to 100%. On May 26th Palmer was throwing good passes to his wideouts in practice and continues to look solid in the wind-up to the 2009 season. On June 27th, Palmer commented that his arm needed further strengthening before regular season rolls around - "Throw," Palmer said. "Its just like when a track guy needs to get faster. You don't do 5,000 squats, you run and run some more. To get your arm in shape you throw and continue to throw. So I will be throwing all summer long as well as in training camp." On July 18th, Palmer asserted that his rehab was complete and that his elbow is back to 100% healthy. 'I'm great. I feel great. I'm 100 percent healthy, throwing, lifting, running all that stuff. I'm just thankful I didn't have to go through that (Tommy John surgery). The doctors who said that it would heal were right and it did heal.' he said.
CLE QB Brady Quinn was reportedly near 100% recovered from finger surgery as of February 2009. "It feels great," he said. "It's amazing. This is what I was born to do and it feels great to be throwing again. I'm pain-free and everything was 100 percent successful." Quinn should be a full speed for training camp.
GB QB Aaron Rodgers played through a sprained throwing shoulder since week 4 of 2008, but did not require offseason surgery.
SF QB Alex Smith threw in minicamps during April, but was seen holding his sore throwing arm shoulder (surgically repaired last November). It remains to be seen if he can get to 100% healthy in time for training camp. As of June 23rd, it was reported that Smith has made huge strides during OTAs and is consistently out-throwing and outperforming Shaun Hill. He appears to have pushed through the pain in his throwing arm shoulder and is looking good as of late June. Reports out of San Francisco on July 26th indicate that Smith is seen as having the edge to win the 49ers' starting QB job.
ARI QB Kurt Warner had surgery in mid-March to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. As of May 4th, he was participating in minicamp on a limited basis, and appears to be on schedule to return to full participation by training camp. Warner was cleared to participate in all activities during OTAs as of May 20th - he seems to be on pace for reaching 100% health by training camp.
Running Backs
DEN RB J.J. Arrington was unable to participate in May minicamp as he continues to recover from a torn meniscus cartilage in his knee. He's been released by the Broncos as he needs additional microfracture surgery on his right knee and won't play during 2009.
DAL RB Marion Barber's dislocated pinkie toe (an issue at the end of last season) is apparently healed - he's been doing strenuous offseason workouts with no reported problems.
SD RB Curtis Brinkley (shoulder, back) was released from the hospital Saturday, July 11. He will need at least six to eight weeks of recovery from his gunshot wounds before being able to resume football activities.
NO RB Reggie Bush is said to be recovering well from his late December knee surgery (microfracture surgery/knee cartilage repair). The team hopes he'll be ready to go for the start of training camp.
CHI RB Matt Forte reports that the sore toe that bothered him at the end of 2008 has completely healed during the offseason. However, he tweaked his hamstring in early June and the team was taking the cautious route, holding him out of OTAs until he is fully recovered.
TB RB Earnest Graham suffered a high ankle sprain with ligament damage back in November of 2008, but is expected to be able to participate in OTAs/training camp. On May 8th his agent Drew Rosenhaus asserted that Graham is fully healed.
BUF RB Justise Hairston suffered what appeared to be a season-ending knee injury on July 26th - coach Jauron commented: 'That was so disappointing for the young man to get hurt in literally a walk-through. It was so freakish, it involved no contact at all. It’s a knee injury, and we think it may be a season ending injury. It’s very, very disappointing for us, and extremely disappointing for the young man.'
IND RB Mike Hart is said to be 'on schedule' for returning from a torn ACL (suffered last October). He may be on the bubble with the Colts since they drafted Donald Brown.
DEN RB/FB Peyton Hillis is reportedly fully recovered from the severe hamstring injury that cut short his 2008 campaign. He participated in June OTAs and looks set to fully participate in training camp.
DAL RB Felix Jones is apparently 100% recovered from his surgically repaired turf toe (November 2008 surgery on ligaments attached to his left big toe) - he's been running and cutting in workouts and looks solid.
TEN RB Chris Johnson reported in early April that his injured ankle was 95% healed and that he expects to participate in minicamps and training camp at 100%. He's been working out extensively with a speed and performance expert.
CLE RB Jamal Lewis is recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on his ankle performed in February - no rookie RBs were picked in the first 5 rounds of the draft, so the Browns are presumably comfortable with Lewis’ health, although developmental prospect James Davis was selected in the 6th round (#195 overall). Lewis participated in practice on May 27th, another hopeful sign in his recovery from the ankle problem. He played through the injury most of 2008, and commented in mid-June that the ankle hurt 'A whole lot. But at the same time I worked through it. The trainers were able to keep me rolling. I knew I had to get something done at the end of the season. It wasn't something that would take me out for the whole season.' As of July 6th, Cleveland coaches were optimistic that Lewis could regain his top form during 2009 despite missing spring workouts due to rehabilitating his injured ankle.
NE RB Laurence Maroney believes he is 100% recovered from his troublesome shoulder injury (recently revealed to have been a broken bone in his shoulder) of last October - we'll see when training camp rolls around. As of May 24th the team was talking about putting Maroney on kickoff returns, a clear sign of his lowly position on the depth chart as of late May.
PHI rookie RB LeSean McCoy injured one of his thumbs in early June - the team put a splint on the injury and he returned to practices shortly thereafter. The injury doesn't look like a serious issue.
OAK RB Darren McFadden is said to be 100% recovered from an arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed in January - he should be fine for training camp.
BAL RB Willis McGahee revealed in May he had arthroscopic surgery on an ankle, not on the knee that has been troubling him in the past. He expects to be fully recovered for the start of training camp in late July. McGahee missed practice on May 27th, which could be a warning sign or could be unrelated to the ankle surgery...stay tuned. The team didn't disclose why McGahee was absent. Early in June, it was revealed that McGahee had surgery on both his ankle and his knee, so the team wasn't in error after all. McGahee has been running with the second team during June OTAs - Ray Rice has been playing with the first string during that time period. McGahee started training camp on the PUP list - he's said to be in good shape as far as his conditioning goes, though, and was removed from the PUP list on July 30th.
PIT RB Rashard Mendenhall has participated in offseason sessions and minicamps and looks fully recovered from last September's broken shoulder. He is reportedly much more mature than he was a year ago, and is applying himself diligently to OTAs. Coach Mike Tomlin commented on July 2nd: 'He's got to put himself back into the offense. I am not responsible for Mendenhall's role in the offense... HE IS.'
PIT RB Willie Parker is reportedly training intensely during the weeks leading into training camp in a bid to recover his top form - Parker was nagged by an assortment of injuries last year. Parker asserted on July 21st that he was faster than he'd been in the last two to three years.
CAR RB Jonathan Stewart missed late May OTAs due to an ankle injury - the severity of the injury is unknown and the team is not releasing details regarding Stewart's status.
SD RB LaDainian Tomlinson participated fully in May minicamps and appears 100% recovered from the groin injury that sidelined him during the playoffs at the end of last season. 'No, I wasn't restricted and I did everything. Of course you are always concerned because it is the first time back on the field and especially after being injured. But I wasn't restricted at all and it was great.' Tomlinson commented. Head coach Norv Turner commented on July 26th 'I didn't see any physical limitations at all from his injuries. I liked what I saw in terms of the explosiveness.'
DEN RB Ryan Torain suffered an ACL tear in early November of 2008 (it was surgically repaired) and wasn't able to participate in May minicamps. He did partially participate in June OTAs, but only in individual drills. He fully participated in his first practice on July 28th. Torain commented: 'For me, it's a reward to finally do a full practice and get a bunch of reps and play football again. I look at it as I'm catching up. I'm pretty excited about it.' Torain will have to impress during training camp to stick on the roster as the Broncos have a very full stable of backs as of July 30th.
PHI RB Brian Westbrook talked about his recent arthroscopic knee surgery on April 9th and said for the first time in years, he doesn't feel any pain heading into an offseason. He should be ready for the start of training camp. Unfortunately, he was forced to have ankle surgery early in June to address some bone fragments that were rubbing on tendons and causing problems - the team hopes he'll be ready to play when September rolls around. Westbrook is in the early stages of rehabbing the ankle as of June 30th. Coach Andy Reid commented on June 11th 'When I mention that he was in phenomenal shape, I mean he really was in incredible shape, and that will help him get through this,'. However, Reid also said it was important that the team not rush Westbrook back into action. On July 29th, it was reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Bob Brookover) that Westbrook's repaired ankle responded well to drills with a soccer ball on July 29th. Westbrook looks like he is in the process of successfully rehabilitating the ankle. He was placed on the PUP list on July 30th but his rehabilitation is going well - the move doesn't indicate that Westbrook has had a setback.
TB RB Cadillac Williams was limited by his most recent patellar knee tendon surgery during spring OTAs - however, he is expected to be cleared to resume practices as of Friday, July 31st when the team reports for training camp. He may be in the mix for the team's #3 RB slot, depending on how the knee holds up to the pounding of training camp.
Wide Receivers
NO WR Adrian Arrington, who has been battling a sore hamstring, got good news on Thursday, July 30th when it was announced that he won't start training camp on the PUP. Arrington's recovery seems to be on track as of the end of July.
STL WR Donnie Avery played 2008 with a cracked hip - he was told at the end of the season he'd need 8-10 weeks of rest to heal. He should be ready for training camp. As of July 6th he was running hills as a conditioning exercise and tweeted that 'I finally feel fast!'.
NYG WR Ramses Barden suffered a hamstring injury during minicamp in early May. The injury isn't considered serious, but nagging hamstring injuries have dogged more than one WR - keep an eye on his recovery.
Ex-BAL WR Drew Bennett has retired from the NFL due to a nagging knee complaint. Cross him off your draft lists if he was ever on there in the first place.
ARI WR Anquan Boldin was sent for an MRI after reporting a hamstring injury at the mandatory 3-day minicamp in early May. It appears the 'hamstring' complaint had more to do with his contractual squabble with the team than an actual injury, however.
SEA WR Nate Burleson (knee injury) is running pass patterns again without any problem. Burleson, eight months removed from reconstructive knee surgery, is catching 'everything thrown his way' and is said to be running effortlessly. He should participate fully in training camp.
SEA WR Deion Branch had arthroscopic knee surgery after the 2008 season, and was seen in street clothes at the teams' first minicamps. The team hopes he'll be ready for training camp. Branch commented on his continuing recovery from previous reconstructive knee surgery on June 11th, saying 'You will never be back to normal once you have this type of procedure done. I actually feel stronger, but it's not normal. Something has been done that removed (parts) of my knee. My biggest thing is to continue to strengthen it,' Branch said. 'I'll be OK. I'll never think about my knee once I take the field.' Branch has yet to test the knee in full-contact drills, so we're withholding judgment on his recovery until we see him playing at full speed in pads.
TEN rookie WR Kenny Britt said on July 2nd that his injured hamstring is improving and that he expects to be ready for training camp - 'When training camp starts I'll be full go and ready at 100 percent,' Britt said. 'I'm going to take the time to get treatment and be ready to help the team out.' As of July 20th, Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean wrote 'Britt missed a significant amount of time in minicamps with a hamstring hamstring injury, and when he did practice he didn't stand out stand out much.' It remains to be seen how ready Britt is to play at the NFL level.
SD rookie WR Demetrius Byrd (7th round pick, once considered a 1st round prospect), is recovering from a serious car accident suffered just days before the NFL draft. He's been released from the hospital and continues his rehab.
MIA WR Greg Camarillo is recovering from late-season ACL/meniscus surgery in his knee - he hopes to be ready for training camp, but that goal may be tough only 6 months removed from knee surgery as of mid-May. However, he participated in mid-June OTAs, working with the first team, and reportedly looked pretty good while completing the workouts each day. He's well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. He may actually be fully healthy by late July at his current rate of recovery.
BAL WR Mark Clayton missed practices during late May and early June due to an undisclosed injury. Coach John Harbaugh told players over 30 not to attend the early May session, so Clayton's absence could be due to being excused or due to the undisclosed injury that hampered him in late May (or both). Fantasy owners interested in Clayton should monitor his participation once training camp rolls around.
NO WR Marques Colston (knee) is recovering well from arthroscopic knee surgery. He should be 100% for training camp.
SF WR Michael Crabtree is recovering from a foot injury - he should be ready for training camp. Crabtree is not expected to participate at full speed until training camp, according to a May 19th report - he'll be brought along slowly during OTAs/minicamps. He did start some light running on June 8th and his rehabilitation is on schedule according to reports. However, his contractual status is up in the air as of late July and Crabtree may be on the way to a holdout. Stay tuned.
DAL WR Patrick Crayton had arthroscopic ankle surgery in January, but is expected to be healthy for training camp.
PHI WR Kevin Curtis had sports hernia surgery in mid-April (a follow-up to last year's surgery, performed in August 2008). Curtis is expected to be up to speed by training camp, hopefully. On June 8th it was reported that Curtis has been able to increase his participation in OTAs as the offseason has moved along, and he appears to be on course for full participation during training camp. As of July 28th, reports were that Curtis is near 100% recovered and should be fully participating throughout training camp.
SD WR Craig Davis is expected to be 100% for training camp after rehabbing a groin injury that landed him on IR last year. He has been impressive during the spring workouts, making a lot of catches and generally appearing to be 100% healthy.
CLE WR Braylon Edwards missed mid-June OTAs due to a minor ankle injury (sprained ankle) that he sustained in a pickup basketball game. The injury is not considered serious, but he failed his physical and landed on the non-football injury list due to the ankle injury. He isn't participating in the initial phase of training camp. Keep an eye on his participation during the second week of practices.
BAL WR Yamon Figurs was placed on the PUP to open training camp due to a nagging foot injury.
ARI WR Larry Fitzgerald played with a broken left thumb and torn cartilage in his left hand between his middle and ring fingers during 2008. "My hands are so messed up right now," he said in February of 2009. "I'm just glad I don't have to catch a ball again for a couple months. I can mend up." Fitzgerald is expected to be fine for training camp.
SD WR Malcolm Floyd is reportedly 100% recovered from the collapsed lung that prematurely ended his 2008 season.
IND WR Anthony Gonzalez suffered a right leg injury during OTAs on or about June 6th and subsequently missed practice the following day, June 7th. He spent the time off the field doing stretching exercises to address the injury. As of late June, this looks like a minor issue, but fantasy owners considering Gonzalez should monitor his participation when training camp starts - the Colts are not releasing details as to the exact nature of the injury.
BUF WR James Hardy is coming off a torn ACL suffered last season, and may not be ready for the start of training camp as of mid-May, 2009. He said in March (2 months after knee surgery) that he hopes to play in the last preseason game. Hardy began training camp on the PUP list and has been watching practice from the sidelines.
BUF WR C.J. Hawthorne injured his left foot and had surgery to repair the damage in June - no timetable has been set for his return. He's on the PUP list with James Hardy to begin training camp.
OAK rookie WR Darrius Heyward-Bey sat out of Sunday, May 10th's workout due to a sore hamstring - the injury isn't considered serious but does bear watching as nagging hamstring injuries are the sort of injury that can dog a player. Unfortunately, the hamstring injury has continued to hamper Heyward-Bey, who missed most of the June OTAs/workouts due to the nagging injury. He is falling behind in the learning curve, which is not good for rookies at any position, but is especially troubling for rookie receivers, who often struggle to adapt to the NFL game even with a full set of OTAs and training camp under their belts. Heyward-Bey commented on the injury on July 2nd - 'It's feeling really good right now. It's always frustrating when you're not practicing. All you have to do is stay positive and do what the trainers tell you to do.' Heyward-Bey was signed to a five-year deal on July 30th, and announced after practices on the 30th that he was fully healthy and ready to play. Stay tuned.
DET WR Bryant Johnson suffered an ankle sprain during morning practice on Wednesday, June 24. Head coach Jim Schwartz said the injury is not serious and hopes Johnson will return soon. The team recently traded for Dennis Northcutt (formerly of Jacksonville) to challenge Johnson and the other WRs on the roster for the #2 slot across from Calvin Johnson.
GB WR James Jones battled a torn PCL throughout last season, but is expected to be fine for training camp. On July 6th it was reported that Jones is 100% recovered and back to his 'old self'. He is expected to battle Jordy Nelson for the #3 WR position during 2009.
WAS WR Malcolm Kelly is recovering from offseason (March) knee surgery - he may not be ready for the start of training camp. However, during June OTAs the knee appeared to respond well to the rigors of practice, and Kelly is optimistic that he'll be ready to go when camp opens: 'I knew once I left my feet for the first time, jumping up to get some balls, that I was back to where I needed to be,' Kelly said on June 20th. 'It's reacting well. I just need to take care of it this summer and then go hard when training camp starts.'
BAL WR Derrick Mason underwent surgery to fix the scapula and the labrum in his left shoulder in March, and may miss a portion of training camp as a result: "It turned out to be more than we anticipated," he said in early May. "But great doctors find a way to mend you back." In the wake of Steve McNair's murder, Mason abruptly retired from the Ravens - it is unclear if he intends to remain retired as of July 30th, however. Stay tuned. He was placed on the reserve - did not report list on July 29th, which means he won't count against the 80 man training camp roster unless he returns to the team (they would then have to cut another player to make room for Mason to join the team).
DEN WR Brandon Marshall continues to recover from early April hip surgery - he may not be ready for the start of training camp, although in recent comments he indicated his hip is feeling 'great'. The Broncos are installing a new offense during the offseason and minicamps - Marshall won't get any reps in the new system until training camp. He began running in practice on May 27th but has yet to take a hit. Marshall is reportedly wary of the team doctors and has been rehabbing separately from the team facilities - he is also demanding a trade as of the end of June, but it doesn't appear he'll get his wish. His progress in rehabilitation is unclear as he has been separate from the team during June. When training camp opened, Marshall did report despite his contractual squabble with the team, but soreness in his hip held him out of all practices on Wednesday, July 29th. The team is going slowly with his return to the field - Marshall will be eased back into the lineup.
NO WR Lance Moore tore the labrum and dislocated his left shoulder working out in Mid-April. He had surgery to repair the damage, but may be iffy for the start of training camp as of mid-May. The team is hopeful he'll be ready for the start of regular season. On July 17th, Moore indicated he expects to be 100% healthy by the second or third week of training camp. One positive sign that Moore is progressing well: he was not placed on the PUP list to open training camp, so he must be close to participating in drills during training camp.
NYG WR Sinorice Moss was forced off the field in mid-June by a hamstring injury that occurred during minicamp. Coach Tom Coughlin commented: 'It's unfortunate it's going to keep him out. He was getting a lot of snaps and he was doing something with them.' The injury is not considered serious, but injured hamstrings have a nasty tendency to linger and cause problems down the line. We'll see if Moss is ready to take the field when training camp opens - he is expected to be ready.
MIN WR Sidney Rice is still recovering from a PCL sprain in his right knee that limited him during 2008. He commented on May 15th that he is still feeling pain and isn't 100% yet. On May 22nd he was reportedly looking sharp in practice, though - he seems to be rehabbing his injury successfully. On July 17th Rice commented that his knee was 90% recovered, but that he isn't worrying about his knee while running routes anymore. We'll see how well his joint holds up during training camp.
DAL WR Isaiah Stanback (knee) will undergo surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. He suffered the injury Tuesday, May 19, and tried to participate in practice Wednesday, May 20. He is expected to be ready for training camp despite the injury/surgery. On June 26th the Dallas Morning News reported that he is indeed on track to fully participate in training camp.
STL WR Derrick Stanley suffered an ACL tear and cartilage damage in his knee during mid-December, and underwent surgery to repair the damage. It is unclear if he'll be ready for training camp.
NE WR Brandon Tate (#83 pick in the 2009 draft) is recovering from ACL and MCL (October 2008) injuries in his knee - he may not contribute to the Patriots this season.
Was WR Devin Thomas was coming along nicely in minicamps. (after knee woes during 2008), but then injured his hamstring. Thomas has struggled to stay on the field thus far in his career. As of July 19th he was reportedly ahead of Malcolm Kelly in his knowledge of the team's offense, but how involved Thomas (or Kelly) will be in the Redskins' offense during 2009 remains to be seen.
PIT WR Hines Ward is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery (torn rotator cuff) - he didn't participate in OTA/minicamps, but is expected to be back for training camp.
OAK WR Javon Walker surprised the Raiders in early May by revealing he had further knee surgery on the right knee originally repaired in 2007 (while he was with Denver) - the team didn't know about the procedure until a mandatory minicamp, when Walker was unable to participate. HC Tom Cable doesn't expect Walker to be ready for the start of training camp - Walker looks very dicey for 2009. As of July 30th, Walker indicated to local media that he expects to be out for 2-3 weeks during training camp.
JAX WR Mike Walker is reportedly over the knee injury that shortened his 2008 season and may be able to lock down a starting WR slot with the Jaguars during 2009, according to a report on May 22 in the Florida Times-Union. The recent trade of Dennis Northcutt to the Lions enhances Walker's chances at a slot in the starting lineup. On July 30th head coach Jack Del Rio commented that Walker had 'a real good spring'. He's expected to be a starter for the Jaguars as of July 30th.
BAL WR Demetrius Williams recently indicated his 80% recovered from a late October/early November Achilles/ankle injury/surgery. He has been running in practices, but still walks with a limp - we'll see if he's 100% by training camp. His coaches aren't overly optimistic, as the ankle has been an issue for several years - in mid-June, OC Cam Cameron commented: 'Everybody's seen glimpses of [Williams] the last two years,' said Cameron, the Ravens' second-year offensive coordinator. 'But in reality, in my mind, we've got to be prepared to play without him.' With the retirement of Derrick Mason, Williams may be forced into the starting lineup if he can hold up physically. In mid-July, reports out of Baltimore indicated that Williams has bulked up in an attempt to avoid nagging injuries during 2009.
DAL WR Roy Williams is apparently over his late-season plantar fascia foot injury and the Cowboys are reportedly 'elated' with his progress this past offseason in the team's offensive system.
DET WR Derrick Williams missed the majority of the Lions' late June minicamp due to a hamstring injury sustained on June 24th. The team is concerned that his absence from the final minicamp will negatively impact his development this season.
Tight Ends
NYG rookie TE Travis Beckum suffered a broken leg as a senior in college, but is expected to be fine for the start of training camp. He was signed on June 29th by the Giants and appears set to fully participate in training camp.
CIN TE Chase Coffman, selected #98 in the draft, is coming off a broken foot suffered in the Alamo Bowl. It's up in the air if he can participate in training camp. On July 2nd he commented: 'It's still not quite 100 percent, but I should be 100 percent (for training camp),' Coffman said. 'I can't wait. It was great to get out there for the mandatory minicamp and do some stuff and get to practice and learn the plays a little more.' Coffman did participate in the final minicamp in early July and stated at that time that his foot is almost 100% healed.
BAL TE Davon Drew was placed on the PUP to open training camp due to an undisclosed injury.
SD TE Antonio Gates sat out May minicamp due to soreness in his injured big toe, and lingering effects from a late season high ankle sprain. 'I don't know how I got through last season,' Gates said. 'The toe bothered me for months and then I hurt the ankle. But, somehow, I made it through.' The toe is said to be 'structurally' fine, but pain management is obviously part of the package for Gates with this injury. He should be ready for training camp.
BAL TE Todd Heap was still struggling with his sore back as of minicamps. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to participate fully in OTAs and minicamps, let alone training camp. He missed the second team minicamp that began on May 19th due to the back complaint. Head coach John Harbaugh said "He's not as far along as we all thought he would be."
CLE TE Steve Heiden had ACL and MCL surgery in December of 2008 - he probably won't be ready for training camp and may not contribute much for the first half of the season.
PHI rookie TE Cornelius Ingram did participate in practice on May 27th despite missing all of his senior season in college due to an ACL injury, but he suffered a knee contusion that knocked him out of action. We'll have to wait and see how well he is able to take hits during preseason. According to reports out of Philadelphia during the first week of training camp, Ingram looks fully recovered from his knee injury. 'I know that this is just the beginning. I feel great and I think I'm going to have a lot of opportunities to get better,' Ingram said on July 29th. 'My goal is to keep improving every single day and if I do that, I'll be where I want to be.'
STL TE Randy McMichael, who broke a bone in his lower right leg Sept. 28 vs. Buffalo (also tearing a tendon in his leg), and landed on IR as a result. As of May 8th, agent Drew Rosenhaus asserts that McMichael is 100% recovered and ready to play ball in 2009.
OAK TE Zach Miller had offseason sports hernia surgery (he disclosed this in early May). He may not participate in June practices, but is hopeful to be in action for training camp. Keep an eye on how Miller progresses once training camp begins - groin injuries are notorious for causing continuing problems even after surgical intervention (see PHI Kevin Curtis above, and BAL L.J. Smith, below).
DET TE Brandon Pettigrew had a minor issue with a tight hamstring in his first practices with Detroit, but was held out more due to an abundance of caution rather than an actual injury.
CAR TE Dante Rosario underwent lower back surgery in early May - he may be ready for training camp, but we have yet to see him perform post-surgery.
NO TE Jeremy Shockey is said to be fully healed from last season's sports hernia and is 'anxious' to have a big year with the Saints in 2009. He suffered from dehydration in Las Vegas during the last week of May (he was briefly hospitalized) but is reportedly 100% healthy as of May 27th and ready to participate fully in OTAs during June. He commented on his integration into the Saints' offense on June 6th: 'I still haven't been here a year so I can mature a long way and tune up my game,' Shockey said. 'The most important thing is to know Drew (Brees) and know what we're trying to get accomplished and knowing each other's game. It's still a new offense for me. I'm going to treat it as a rookie like anyone else in this locker room that just got here.'
BAL TE L.J. Smith sat out of early May practices due to ongoing groin problems due to his sports hernia surgery performed a couple of years ago. He's battled pain from the injury/procedure for years now. He tweaked his hamstring on Wednesday July 29th and did not participate in the morning practice as a result. Keep an eye on Smith's practice participation next week as even minor hamstring injuries can become nagging hamstring injuries that often dog players for weeks.
ARI TE Steven Spach had surgery to repair the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his knee in late January of 2009. He'll have a hard time getting on the field for the start of regular season.
BAL Quinn Sypniewski was signed to a 1-year, $1 million contract in early April despite missing last season with an ACL injury (suffered last April). He appears to be recovered from the injury.
Place Kicker
DAL PK Nick Folk underwent hip surgery on May 5th - the team is hopeful he'll be back up to speed for training camp.
IND PK Adam Vinatieri underwent hip surgery on June 4th to relieve nagging pain in his right leg. Initially, the surgery wasn't expected to impact his availability, but reports out of Indianapolis on July 18th cast some doubt on that assessment. People considering drafting Vinatieri will want to pay close attention to his practice participation during the coming weeks.