Two weeks Before Week 1 practice
There is always detective work to be done on a new injury or recovery timetable in mid-August. What's really happening with Andrew Luck's left leg? How concerned should we be about Antonio Brown's feet? Can an accurate timetable be provided on A.J. Green's ankle injury?
But the majority of questions I get this time of the preseason are about veterans who have seemingly minor injuries who aren't practicing. Unlike the regular season, where players have less than a week to recover from minor injuries, teams have much more time to rest players and rehab to near full strength. Most of these situations are day-to-day recoveries that become weeks of missed practice because team medical staffs recognize there is no upside in pushing the limits of recovery to allow a return for camp practices a month before the season begins or to participate in a single series of an early preseason game.
(Unless you're the Giants and are seemingly comfortable clearing a player with a thumb splint to catch meaningless camp passes in traffic.)
That doesn't mean every veteran is healthy, however. It's possible that "muscle tightness" is a mid-grade strain. Thankfully, we're getting closer and closer to when teams have to show their cards on their injured players. At some point, players expected to be on the field for 60+ snaps need to show they're in football condition. They need to return to individual and team drills far enough in advance to pass through the all-important 7-14 day window when they're at highest risk of aggravating a prior injury.
That time is now.
We're less than two weeks from teams deciding on their final 53 player roster. We're two weeks from teams officially installing a game plan for Week 1.
So you'll see most of the veterans return to practice over the next ten days. They may not participate in a preseason game -- the days of using the third preseason game as a full "dress rehearsal" where the starters play the entire first half and the first series of the second half are over. If a player believed to be resting with a minor injury isn't participating in practice by next weekend, it's time to get concerned.
Injury Rounds
Keenan Allen | Ankle injury | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1
At first glance, Allen's injury did not sound any alarms. Adam Schefter reported Allen was likely to miss the team's final three preseason games but was expected back for the Chargers' regular-season opener. Anthony Lynn didn't seem worried about the injury when first questioned, noting Allen was dealing with "soreness" and was cleared to be on the sideline during practice. However, Lynn then told reporters he was "not going to say if he's going to need surgery or not because I think we'll wait and rehab it, then see what happens."
While that sounds ominous, it does not sound like a case where a coach slipped and hinted that there is a worse injury than previously reported. There's no indication of a walking boot for immobilization, no reports of an upcoming specialist visit, and Schefter's specific report of an expected return for Week 1 is reassuring.
Allen's injury warrants close follow up here but it's too soon to read too much into Lynn's statement.
Amari Cooper | Heel contusion | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1
Cooper has missed over two weeks of practice with a heel injury. A report last week described Cooper's injury as a "very small muscle strain of the plantar fascia." Plantar fascia strains and inflammation are painful but are not necessarily long-term injuries. There's no report of a higher-grade tear or rupture. Jerry Jones denied Cooper's injury was a soft tissue strain, saying the condition was more of a contusion. Regardless of the specifics, there are no indications Cooper is at risk of missing Week 1. If he hasn't returned to practice by the end of the week -- or returns and suffers an aggravation -- there will be more reason for concern. Tuesday Update: Cooper confirmed today he's suffering from plantar fasciitis, saying he's dealt with it before and would play through the injury if necessary.
Kenyan Drake | Right foot injury | Preseason Week 2 | week-to-week | Questionable Week 1
Drake left practice early last week with a foot injury and was seen on the sideline in a walking boot. He told local writers his injury was "nothing crazy" but would keep him out for an undetermined period. Head coach Brian Flores called Drake day-to-day but Flores hasn't been forthcoming with injury information on any player this preseason. Count Drake among the many players who will declare themselves fit for Week 1 or questionable in the coming 7-10 days.
DK Metcalf | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Preseason Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1
Late Sunday night, the Seahawks announced Metcalf would have surgery on his knee this week. Pete Carroll told reporters the surgery was "minor" and was optimistic Metcalf could return by opening weekend. That's unlikely. Even a relatively straightforward procedure to remove a meniscus fragment usually requires 3-4 weeks of rehab. There have been players who have had a knee scope as they enter a bye week who recover in time to play in two weeks. But those instances are rare and shouldn't be considered the norm. Week 2 is a more likely target than Week 1.
***Odell Beckham missed multiple practices last week with a hip injury. Beckham says the injury is minor and won't keep him out of any regular-season games. Expect him to return to practice soon.
***Aaron Rodgers was held out of the Packers' second preseason game with ongoing back tightness. We may see him recover in time for the final preseason game. More likely, he'll return to practice but not take any live game reps until the Thursday night opener in Chicago.
***Derwin James has a stress fracture of his fifth metatarsal (foot) bone. He will have surgery this week and the early timetable reports -- 3-4 months -- suggest this is different than the typical fifth metatarsal fixation. Expect the Chargers to put James on injured reserve after setting their final 53 player roster and hoping he'll be ready to return when eligible mid-season. Monday Update: Adam Schefter confirms James' injury was more than a typical fifth metatarsal injury. A screw in James' bone has bent and will need to be replaced. The 3-4 month timetable is a reasonable goal. IR-return remains the most likely outcome at the end of the preseason.
Follow Up Appointments
Andrew Luck | Calf strain | offseason | week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1
I wrote extensively on Luck in a separate feature last week.
The article summarizes everything that was reported about Luck's calf/ankle injury from March through last week and highlights where I believe there remain unanswered questions. Follow the link above to read the full details but here's the executive summary on where I stood last week:
- Andrew Luck has not practiced on consecutive days since late May.
- Despite varied reports and speculation, the Colts are not yet certain about Luck's diagnosis.
- Chris Ballard wouldn't confirm Luck's availability for Week 1.
- It's impossible to project a timetable for Luck's effective return until he returns to practice.
- Consider Luck questionable at best for Week 1 and beyond.
Since publishing that feature, there were two somewhat reassuring developments.
First, Chris Mortensen reported there was "guarded optimism" Luck could be ready for the season opener. Second, Luck was seen observing practice throughout the weekend and was doing pocket drills on the sideline.
Frank Reich has strongly hinted that Luck would not play Week 1 unless he was able to return to practice and prove himself fit to play. Luck's individual work suggests he intends to work toward that goal. The precise nature of Luck's injury is still unknown and there are still rehab hurdles to clear, but the trend through the weekend was much better than early last week.
antonio brown | Foot condition | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1
Brown's feet are healed and he briefly returned to practice last week. However, his preferred helmet repeatedly failed NFL safety tests last week and Brown left Raiders' camp upset and is reportedly again considering options. From a medical standpoint, Brown's feet are a non-issue. I've listed him probable for Week 1 but the helmet saga continues.
***Julio Jones is participating in individual drills and running routes at full speed. He is likely to be cleared for team drills and contact soon but may not participate in the final two preseason games.
***Players returning to practice last week include: Jamaal Williams (hamstring), Marquise Lee (knee), Bobby Wagner (PRP injection for knee inflammation), Cam Robinson (knee)
INJURED PLAYERS ON ACTIVE ROSTER
Quarterbacks Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Aaron Rodgers | GB | Back stiffness | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Andrew Luck | Ind | Left calf strain | Offseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Alex Smith | Was | Right leg fracture / Post-surgical infection | November 2018 | Active - PUP | Unlikely to Return to NFL | Expect Inseason PUP or IR |
Colt McCoy | Was | Right fibula fracture fixation / Follow up procedures | Early December 2018 | March & April 2019 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
Robert Griffin III III | Bal | Right thumb fracture | Early preseason | 4-8 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
Nate Sudfeld | Phi | Left forearm fracture | Preseason Week 1 | 6 Weeks | 6-8+ Weeks | Out Week 1 |
Running Backs Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
LAR
|
Left knee inflammation
|
Chronic
|
Active Roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 | |
NE
|
Knee inflammation
|
Chronic
|
Active Roster | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 | |
Ten
|
Left calf strain
|
Early preseason
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
SF
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
September 2018
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 | |
SF
|
Concussion
|
Preseason Week 1
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
Mia
|
Right foot injury
|
Preseason Week 2
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 | |
Den
|
Shoulder fracture
|
Preseason Week 1
|
6-8 Weeks | Week 3+ Return | Out Week 1 | |
Hou
|
Hamstring strain |
Early preseason
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 | |
Jac
|
Concussion |
Preseason Week 1
|
Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
Was
|
Hamstring strain |
Offseason
|
Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 | |
Was
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
December 2018
|
Active - NFI | Inseason return possible | Doubtful Week 1 | |
DOnta Foreman
|
Ind
|
Biceps tendon tear
|
Preseason Week 2
|
Injured reserve likely | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
Cin
|
Right ACL reconstruction
|
September 2018
|
Passed physical | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 1 | |
Cin
|
Left foot injury
|
Preseason Week 1
|
Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 | |
Wide Receivers Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Odell Beckham | Cle | Hip injury | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Antonio Brown | Oak | Foot condition | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Julio Jones | Atl | Foot soreness | June 2019 | Day-to-Day | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
A.J. Green | Cin | Left ankle injury | Early preseason | 6-8 Weeks | Week 4+ return | Out Week 1 |
John Ross | Cin | Hamstring tightness | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Keenan Allen | LAC | Ankle injury | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Julian Edelman | NE | Left thumb fracture | June 2019 | 4-6 Weeks | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
Josh Gordon | NE | Conditioning | Preseason Week 2 | Active - NFI | Day-to-Day | Questionable Week 1 |
Demaryius Thomas | NE | Left Achilles repair | December 2018 | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
Amari Cooper | Dal | Heel injury | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Keke Coutee | Hou | Right high ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Sterling Shepard | NYG | Left thumb fracture | Early preseason | 4-6 Weeks | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
DK Metcalf | Sea | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Preseason Week 3 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
Anthony Miller | Chi | Right ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Parris Campbell | Ind | Hamstring strain aggravation | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Marquise Brown | Bal | Left Lisfranc joint reconstruction | January 2019 | Active Roster | Limited practice | Questionable Week 1 |
Antonio Callaway | Cle | High ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | 3-4+ Weeks | Suspended four games |
Dede Westbrook | Jac | Groin strain | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Marqise Lee | Jac | Left ACL reconstruction / PCL repair | August 2018 | Active roster | Limited practice | Questionable Week 1 |
Trent Taylor | SF | Right fifth metatarsal fracture | Preseason Week 1 | 4-6 Weeks | 6-8 Weeks | Doubtful Week 1 |
Jakeem Grant | Mia | Right hamstring injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Tight Ends Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
George Kittle | SF | Calf strain | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
David Njoku | Cle | Knee injury | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Dallas Goedert | Phi | Calf strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Tyler Kroft | Buf | Right foot fracture fixation revision | May 2019 | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Doubtful Week 1 |
Dawson Knox | Buf | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Josh Oliver | Jac | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Garrett Celek | SF | Back surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely inseason PUP | Doubtful Week 1 |
Offensive Linemen Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Tyron Smith | Dal | Back stiffness | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Russell Okung | LAC | Pulmonary embolism | June 2019 | Active - NFI | Could return during camp | Doubtful Week 1 |
Lane Johnson | Phi | Knee injury | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Kaleb McGary | Atl | Cardiac ablation | Early preseason | 6-8 Weeks | Likely early season return | Questionable Week 1 |
Donovan Smith | TB | Achilles injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Jonah Williams | Cin | Labrum repair | June 2019 | Active - PUP | Likely inseason PUP | Out Week 1 |
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Zack Martin | Dal | Disc irritation | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Quenton Nelson | Ind | Ankle injury | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Marshall Yanda | Bal | Foot / ankle soreness | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Gabe Jackson | Oak | Left MCL sprain | Preseason Week 1 | 6-8 Weeks | Week 3+ Return | Out Week 1 |
Mike Iupati | Sea | Calf strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Justin Pugh | Ari | Shoulder injury | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Brian Winters | NYJ | Shoulder injury | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Kelechi Osemele | NYJ | Pectoral strain | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Tytus Howard | Hou | Finger fracture | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Brandon Brooks | Phi | Achilles tendon repair | January 2019 | Day-to-Day | Limited practice | Probable Week 1 |
Mike Person | SF | Left foot strain | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Josh Garnett | SF | Recurrent finger dislocation | Early preseason | 3-4 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Weston Richburg | SF | Knee surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
Mitch Morse | Buf | Concussion | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Russell Bodine | Buf | Oblique strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Kelechi Osemele | NYJ | Pectoral strain | Preseason Week 2 | Day-to-Day | Awaiting Information | Questionable Week 1 |
Nick Martin | Hou | Hamstring injury | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Greg Mancz | Hou | Left low ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Defensive Players Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Demarcus Lawrence | Dal | Shoulder labrum repair | April 2019 | Active - PUP | May return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
Robert Quinn | Dal | Left hand fracture | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Suspended two games |
Dee Ford | SF | Knee tendinitis / PRP injection | Chronic | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Nick Bosa | SF | Right high ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Ezekiel Ansah | Sea | Shoulder labrum repair / Groin strain | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Jabaal Sheard | Ind | Knee inflammation | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Jason Pierre-Paul | TB | Neck fracture | May 2019 | Active - NFI | Likely inseason PUP | Out Week 1 |
Maxx Crosby | Oak | Hand fracture | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Defensive Linemen
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Vita Vea | TB | LCL sprain | Preseason Week 1 | 4-8 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Sheldon Rankins | NO | Achilles repair | January 2019 | Active - PUP | Likely inseason PUP | Doubtful Week 1 |
L.J. Collier | Sea | Ankle injury | Early offseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Tyrone Crawford | Dal | Hip surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
Jeffery Simmons | Ten | ACL reconstruction | February 2019 | Active - NFI | Likely inseason NFI | Out Week 1 |
Robert Nkemdiche | Mia | ACL reconstruction | December 2018 | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Linebackers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Lavonte David | TB | Knee meniscectomy | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | 3-6 Weeks | Questionable Week 1 |
Nigel Bradham | Phi | Toe injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Kamu Grugier-Hill | Phi | MCL sprain | Early preseason | 6-8 Weeks | Early season return | Questionable Week 1 |
Haason Reddick | Ari | Left knee meniscectomy | Early preseason | 3-4 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Todd Davis | Den | Calf strain | Early preseason | 3-4 Weeks | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Josey Jewell | Den | Oblique strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Quincy Williams | Jac | Knee meniscectomy | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Oren Burks | GB | Torn pectoral muscle | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Sean Lee | Dal | Right MCL sprain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Defensive Backs
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Derwin James | LAC | Fifth metatarsal stress fracture | Preseason Week 2 | 3-4 Months | Inseason IR-return | Out Week 1 |
Byron Jones | Dal | Hip surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
Justin Evans | TB | Toe surgery | June 2019 | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
Reshad Jones | Mia | Right foot injury | Early preseason | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Kevin King | GB | Hamstring strain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Robert Alford | Ari | Tibia fracture | Preseason Week 2 | 6-8+ Weeks | Inseason IR-return | Out Week 1 |
Jason Verrett | SF | High ankle sprain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
K'Waun Williams | SF | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Trumaine Johnson | NYJ | Hamstring strain | Preseason Week 1 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Joe Haden | Pit | Ankle injury | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Week-to-Week | Probable Week 1 |
Darqueze Dennard | Cin | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Jalen Mills | Phi | Foot injury | October 2018 | Active - PUP | May return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
Cre'von LeBlanc | Phi | Foot sprain | Early preseason | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Tavon Young | Bal | Herniated disc | Preseason Week 1 | Awaiting Information | Injured reserve | Out Week 1 |
Mike Hughes | Min | Left ACL reconstruction + | October 2018 | Active - PUP | May return during camp | Questionable Week 1 |
DeAndre Baker | NYG | Left knee sprain | Preseason Week 2 | Week-to-Week | Week-to-Week | Questionable Week 1 |
Kickers Injured | On the Active Roster
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Adam Vinatieri | Ind | Knee inflammation | Preseason Week 1 | Day-to-Day | Day-to-Day | Probable Week 1 |
Ryan Succop | Ten | Arthroscopic knee surgery | Offseason | Active - PUP | Likely return during camp | Probable Week 1 |
Injured Players Not on Active Roster
Notable Quarterbacks on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Notable Running Backs on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Oak
|
Achilles repair
|
May 2019
|
Injured Reserve
|
IR | Ineligible to return
|
2020 return
|
|
Ind |
Ankle surgery
|
Early preseason
|
Reserve - PUP | Reserve - PUP | Eligible to return W7, seeking settlement | |
Notable Wide Receivers on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Corey Coleman | NYG | ACL reconstruction | Late July 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
Jermaine Kearse | Det | Left ankle fracture / dislocation | Early August 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
Notable Tight Ends on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Player
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Notable Offensive Linemen on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Tackles
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
LaAdrian Waddle | Buf | Quadriceps strain | Early August 2019 | Injured reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
Guards
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Centers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Notable Defensive Players on PUP or NFI or IR
|
||||||
Edge Rushers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Defensive Linemen
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Linebackers
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
Avery Williamson | NYJ | Right ACL tear | Mid-August 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
Defensive Backs
|
Team
|
Injury
|
Date
|
Player/Team Says
|
FBG Expects
|
Notes
|
J.J. Wilcox | Atl | Right ACL reconstruction | July 2019 | Injured Reserve | IR | Ineligible to return | 2020 return |
DECIPHERING THE ALPHABET SOUP OF INJURY LISTS
Players not ready for camp practices are placed on one of two lists – Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) or Non-Football Injury/Illness (NFI).
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP)
Active/PUP – Preseason only list. Once a player participates in any part of a scheduled training camp practice, they are ineligible for this list. Players can be activated from this list at any time. This list is commonly used for veterans still recovering from injury and those who fail conditioning tests before camp begins.
Reserve/PUP – Regular season only list. Players still on Active/PUP at the end of camp are eligible to move to Reserve/PUP. Players cannot practice with the team until after Week 6. Teams then have six weeks to evaluate the player before moving to the active roster or to season-ending injured reserve.
Non-Football Injury / Illness (NFI)
Active/NFI – Preseason only list. Once a player participates in any part of a scheduled training camp practice, they are ineligible for this list. Players can be activated from this list at any time. Only veterans with a non-football related injury or rookies injured before the NFL draft are eligible for this list.
Reserve/NFI – Regular season only list. Players converted from the Active/NFI list to the Reserve/NFI list are out for the entire season.
Injured Reserve – Return Designation
Each NFL team can return two players to the active roster from injured reserve. Teams are not forced to designate this player at the time of the move to injured reserve. Players designated to return can begin practicing six weeks after being placed on injured reserve and are eligible to return to the active roster eight weeks after being placed on injured reserve. This rule allows a team to continually evaluate the rehab and recovery of their injured players and provides roster flexibility should teams have multiple key injuries early in the season.
Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the off-season.