Every year in the NFL, there are a wide array of injuries that have spilled over from last season into the current offseason/preseason. From superstars like Rob Gronkowski (his latest injury woes are a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, suffered Mid-December, 2013, with corrective surgery January 9, 2014 - Gronkowski was cleared to practice last week and avoided opening camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list) to key backups like Kirk Cousins (LASIK eye surgery mid-February, 2014), it is imperative for fantasy owners to be well-informed about the injuries/rehabilitations that players are working through here in 2014 so that injury risk can be assessed before creating a drafting strategy/rankings/projections for the upcoming season. Now that training camps have kicked off around the league and teams have announced their PUP and NFI lists in conjunction with those camps, we have a clearer picture of where players are in the rehabilitation of their pre-existing injuries - and, of course, many new injuries have been incurred now that the players are back on the field competing for jobs. Find below the most recent information on injuries to fantasy-relevant offensive skill position players across the league.
Quarterbacks
BAL: Joe Flacco appeared to be bothered by tightness in his back but did not miss any snaps during practice Saturday, July 26. After practice, offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said Flacco is 'fine'. Keep an eye on Flacco's practice participation during the final week of July.
BUF: EJ Manuel suffered a sprained LCL in December and had surgery to repair the ligament in January. Manuel participated in late-April OTAs and is expected to be full-go for training camp. Manuel showed up to camp with an additional 10 pounds of muscle mass (up to 247) and is reportedly in peak physical condition for the start of training camp.
CAR: On June 4, Panthers head coach head coach Ron Rivera said he believes QB Cam Newton (ankle) is on or ahead of schedule in his four-month recovery schedule. 'We feel pretty comfortable,' Rivera said. 'We feel he's headed in the right direction.' Newton underwent surgery to strengthen his left ankle ligaments in late March, and shed his walking boot in late May. On July 26, Newton said his ankle is not 100 percent at this point, but it is getting better each day.
CLE: Brian Hoyer underwent reconstructive knee surgery (ACL injury) on October 19, 2014. As of April 29, 2014 Hoyer was participating in voluntary OTAs with the Browns, wearing a brace on his repaired right knee. Reports on June 4 indicated that Hoyer likely will be limited during the team's June minicamp. Hoyer said he wanted to be on the field but understands why the team is being cautious with him. On July 26, Hoyer opened camp with a brace on his right knee, but he also took all of the first-team reps in that session. The early word out of Cleveland is that the Browns' coaching staff considers Hoyer their starting quarterback as of late July.
DAL: Five months removed from the second surgical procedure on his back over the last two years, Tony Romo is reportedly doing well in rehab. 'We feel good about Tony's health, first-hand, medically,' team owner Jerry Jones said on May 7, 2014. 'His back is everything that we want it to be at this time.' Romo was throwing the football around with authority at the early-May mini-camp, according to local sources. On May 27, Romo was reported to be right on schedule in his rehabilitation. As of July 24, Romo is expected to be a full participant in training camp: 'He has had no issues,' coach Jason Garrett said on the 24th. 'No obstacles holding him back.'
NYG: Eli Manning underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle in mid-April. He is said to be progressing well in his rehab, but won't practice until training camp to give the ankle time to heal. Manning said on May 28 that he feels like he can do all things in practice, but will be cautious in trying not to overdo anything as he recovers from ankle surgery. 'The last few weeks, I've been doing most things from a practice standpoint,' Manning said. 'We're still being smart about things and not trying to overdo it, but definitely, football activities, I feel like I can do them all full.' In camp the Giants are reportedly focusing on having Manning get rid of the ball more quickly under new OC Ben McAdoo.
PHI: Mark Sanchez had shoulder surgery during October 2013 after rehab failed to cure the injury he suffered during preseason - he also reportedly had a minor arthroscopic knee surgery while the shoulder healed. He is expected to join in Philadelphia's OTAs during the late spring/early summer. Sanchez said on May 30 that he hasn't been limited at all in organized team activities by his surgically repaired right shoulder. 'Maybe this whole shoulder thing and relocation has just been a blessing in disguise,' Sanchez said. 'Maybe that year off was exactly what I needed. Got a little rest for my legs, for my arm, and I feel great.'
STL: Sam Bradford suffered a torn ACL/reconstructive surgery midway through the 2013 season - he is reportedly on track to start throwing the football in June, though he won't fully participate in practice sessions until training camp. Bradford participated in practice Friday June 6. Bradford reportedly looked sharp during seven-on-seven drills and also took part in 11-on-11 drills. Bradford is full-go for training camp: 'Sam is in great shape,' head coach Jeff Fisher said on July 25. 'He’s ready to go. We don’t have (reservations) — right now as we speak, as camp starts — he’s full-go. If we need to back him down here and there, we’ll back him down.'
STL: Earlier during the offseason (date unspecified) Shaun Hill had a relatively minor surgical procedure on his foot to clear up a nagging injury. He is expected to be ready for training camp.
TEN: Jake Locker underwent Lisfranc (foot) surgery in mid-November, 2013 - he is expected to be a full participant in OTA's and training camp, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt on May 1, 2014. Locker said he was good moving around in practice Tuesday, May 27. Locker participated in all 10 of the team's OTAs this spring - the Titans are working on keeping Locker in the pocket more to minimize his chances of injury. Locker should be a full participant in training camp.
WAS: As of April 17, 2014, reports out of Washington indicate that Robert Griffin III III is now fully healed from the knee injury/reconstructive surgery that hampered his 2013 season. Griffin has shed his knee brace and reportedly looks 'amazing' running on the field. A report on June 4 indicated that Griffin looks effortless in his dropbacks and throwing mechanics during organized team activities now that he isn't impeded by his knee brace. Reports on June 5 are that Griffin said the players have done a good job picking up the new offensive system but need more time to master the offense. 'I think it is coming together nicely. The quarterback room is doing really well and we’re ahead on a lot of things. But that’s where we’re supposed to be. We’ve got to have that mastery of the offense. But coming out here to the field... doing some talking at the line, getting some things under control and getting the looks that we need to be in, it’s been good,' On July 24, Washington's coaching staff indicated that Griffin would have very few designed runs during the 2014 season.
WAS: Kirk Cousins had LASIK eye surgery in mid-February, in a bid to improve his passing acumen by improving his vision.
Running Backs
ATL: Steven Jackson suffered ANOTHER hamstring injury in practice on Monday, July 28 - this time it is to his other (left) hamstring. The team is saying he'll be ready for week one of regular season, but we all remember how Jackson's last soft tissue injury worked out...stay tuned to Footballguys.com's training camp reports for updates on Jackson's status.
BAL: Ray Rice was hampered by hip and thigh injuries throughout the 2013 season. Though he is reportedly in great condition as of April 2014, Rice will serve a two-game suspension to open the regular season. Reports out of training camp in late July indicated that Rice is in top condition as of the start of training camp.
BAL: Bernard Pierce underwent shoulder surgery in January of 2014 - he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, and was reported to be on pace in his rehab as of March 29, 2014. On May 29, reports indicated that Pierce may be a little ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Pierce was able to do some light work during organized team activities Thursday, May 29. As of July 25, Pierce is looking good in training camp: 'I'm very confident in Bernard. I've always liked Bernard,' said coach John Harbaugh. 'He's a heck of a player. He's worked very hard, he’s 217 pounds, [and] he's in the best shape of his life. He looked good out here the last couple of days.'
BUF: Fred Jackson played through broken ribs and a sprained knee to appear in all 16 games for the Bills last season. He is a tough competitor, but is 33 years old entering the 2014 season. During May practices Jackson and C.J. Spiller were both on the field in two-running-back sets - Jackson should still see a significant share of the touches in Buffalo during 2014.
BUF: C.J. Spiller (ankle) said on May 30, 2014 that he felt great while taking part in organized team activities the final week of May. Spiller wasn't the same after battling through an ankle injury for most of last season. 'I don’t feel nothing, I feel great,' said Spiller. 'This is the best I’ve felt since 2012 when I had that great year. The ankle feels wonderful. I just have to keep doing what I need to do to stay healthy this whole season and try to go out there and make plays.'Spiller is reportedly healthy as of the eve of training camp.
CAR: Tyler Gaffney will undergo surgery to repair the torn lateral meniscus in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season according to reports on July 26, 2014.
CAR: Jonathan Stewart missed 10 games last season due to ankle and knee problems - he is reportedly engaging in a yoga/stretching regimen to hopefully improve his durability during 2014. Unfortunately, Stewart will miss two-to-four weeks of training camp due to a hamstring injury incurred early in training camp. He is expected to miss at least the first preseason game.
CLE: Dion Lewis fractured his left fibula in mid-August last year, and underwent corrective surgery. Lewis was placed on IR and missed 2013 - he was present and participating in the first day of the Browns' OTA's on April 30, 2014. However, Lewis missed all of June's minicamp due to an unspecified injury - it remains to be seen if he'll participate fully during training camp.
DET: As of May 7, 2014, Joique Bell is rehabbing an unspecified left knee injury (head coach Jim Caldwell refused comment) - Bell posted an Instagram photo of his knee wrapped up and crutches at his side. On May 29, Bell said he should be ready for training camp in late July. Bell was cleared to run full speed on July 8, and is expected to fully participate in training camp.
HOU: Arian Foster underwent back surgery in November of 2013, missing the final eight games of the season. He was medically cleared by the team's doctors March 16, 2014 and participated in May OTAs with the team. Foster appears on track to fully participate in training camp/regular season. He is expected to be a three-down back under head coach Bill O'Brien. However, Foster was sidelined on July 29 due to a 'minor' hamstring injury: 'He's dealing with something,' coach Bill O’Brien said. 'He'll be fine. He'll be back. It's a minor deal. You know, it's a long season. He'll be out there.'
IND: Vick Ballard tore his right ACL the Thursday prior to Week 2 games during 2013 - as of May 5, 2014 he's said to be close to 100% recovered from the injury. However, on Friday, July 24 Ballard tore his Achilles tendon and is now done for the season (again).
IND: Ahmad Bradshaw went on the IR October 8, 2013 due to his injured neck, and subsequently had corrective surgery for the injury. Bradshaw also deals with a chronic foot injury - he was re-signed by the Colts in free agency (March 11, 2014). As of April 24, 2014 Bradshaw reported that his neck 'feels great' but it isn't back to 100% healthy yet. Bradshaw expects to be ready for training camp. Bradshaw was on the field for organized team activities Wednesday, June 4, but he was wearing a no contact jersey. As of July 24 Bradshaw was cleared for resuming full practices during training camp.
IND: As of July 26 and 27 Trent Richardson is sitting out of training camp due to a hamstring injury - he is considered day to day with the tweaked hamstring. Soft tissue injuries can be tricky to rehabilitate - stay tuned to Footballguys.com's Training Camp Reports for the latest details on Richardson's participation (or lack thereof) during camp.
MIA: Knowshon Moreno suffered a back injury in the Super Bowl and missed most of the second half, but is expected to be fine for OTAs. However, as of June 23, 2014 Moreno had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee - he was placed on the active/PUP list as of Thursday, July 24 and is missing the start of training camp while he rehabs the knee. Reports out of Miami also indicate that Moreno's weight is an issue heaing into training camp.
NE: Shane Vereen said on May 2, 2014 that his 2013 wrist fracture still isn't fully healed. 'It’s not going to feel great tomorrow, it's not going to feel awful,' he said. 'It won’t be 100 percent probably for a while, but it's good enough and I'm working on strengthening it and getting it back.' Vereen also battled groin woes during the playoffs last January. As of late May Vereen was considered the top back in the Patriots' committee - we'll see how the wrist holds up during training camp.
NYG: As of June 4, 2014, David Wilson (neck surgery/spinal disk fusion) did not gain medical clearance after a MRI and exam. He'll reportedly undergo another test/exam just before training camp. Wilson was cleared for all phases of practice on July 21 and opened training camp as the team's #2 running back on July 23. He's behind Rashad Jennings on the depth chart but the team is planning a rotation at the running back position with Wilson back in the mix for the Giants. Unfortunately, Wilson suffered a neck injury/burner in practice on Tuesday, July 29 - early reports indicate that the Giants will be 'careful' with him going forwards.
NYJ: Chris Ivory suffered a cracked rib and a hip pointer in the regular-season finale last December. He is expected to be ready for OTAs and training camp this year. On Thursday, July 24 Ivory 'tweaked' his hamstring but he returned to practice on July 25 and it appears the hamsting is not seriously injured.
NYJ: Chris Johnson had late-January arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his knee (torn in week three of the 2013 season), and there have been some reports that the knee is developing arthritis. However, the Jets signed him to a two-year, $8 million deal with a $3 million signing bonus in April, so their concerns over the knee can't be too dire. He was cleared for training camp on July 23 and was reportedly 'flying' during his conditioning run.
PIT: Le'Veon Bell (tweaked hamstring) didn't finish practice Sunday, July 27, due to a tight hamstring.
SD: Ryan Mathews ended last season on a sour note, tweaking a previously injured ankle in the Chargers' Wild Card round victory and then being mostly unavailable during the Divisional round of the playoffs. He is expected to be fine for the start of training camp this year. However, Mathews (elbow, arm) was practicing with his elbow and upper arm wrapped Monday, June 2. No details about the severity of the injury were offered, but as he was on the field practicing the issue must have been relatively minor. Reports during July indicate that Mathews is going to be the lead back in an attack that emphasizes the running game.
SEA: Christine Michael left practice early Sunday, July 27, after dinging his right shoulder. Head coach Pete Carroll said Michael should be able to return Tuesday, July 29.
SEA: Robert Turbin had an arthroscopic procedure on his knee during the offseasn, but as of June 9, 2014 he was reportedly fully recovered. With Marshawn Lynch holding out in Seattle right now, Turbin will be getting plenty of first-team reps (Christine Michael has been sidelined by a right shoulder injury during the first few sessions of training camp).
SF: Kendall Hunter tore his right ACL during practice on Friday, July 24 and is done for the season.
SF: LaMichael James (elbow injury) likely will miss the entire preseason but should be ready for the start of the regular season.
SF: Marcus Lattimore has conceded (May 5, 2014) that he still has not recovered his top form physically or mentally after the catastrophic knee injury (torn right ACL, LCL, and PCL) that ended his college career. He has also torn the ACL in his left knee. On May 22 the 49ers indicated that Lattimore would 'somewhat' participate in rookie minicamp. Lattimore has sat out of the first three training camp session, though GM Trent Baalke is on record (July 27) that Lattimore has not suffered a setback. '"He's coming off, as we all know, a horrific injury.' Baalke said on Saturday, July 27.
TB: Mike James may be on the roster bubble according to reports out of Tampa Bay in June - he is recovering from an ankle injury (week 10, 2013) and James missed chunks of OTAs as he rehabilitated his ankle.
TB: As of March 31, 2014 Doug Martin was medically cleared to resume his football career after suffering a labrum tear in his shoulder Week 7 of the 2013 season. The injury appears to be a thing of the past as of May 2014.
TEN: Shonn Greene has had two right knee surgeries over the past 12 months - he complained of right knee soreness and swelling during the Titans' early-May minicamp and promptly went under the knife for an arthroscopic knee surgery (reported on May 11). Greene did not participate in organized team activities Monday, June 2. Greene was cleared for training camp on July 25, but reports on July 28 indicated that the Titans want him to lose 5-10 pounds during training camp.
WAS: Evan Royster (hamstring injury) did not participate in practice Sunday, July 27.
Wide Receivers
ATL: Julio Jones broke his foot after just five games last season, but his rehabilitation is progressing well. As of April 22, 2014 Jones is expected to be limited during OTAs but ready to participate in full during training camp. On May 18, head coach Mike Smith confirmed that Jones would be limited during OTAs and mini-camp with the intention that he be ready to go in training camp. Smith also indicated that Jones is ahead of schedule on the rehab of his foot. Jones was able to make some cuts on the field during organized team activities Wednesday, June 4. On July 23, coach Smith indicated that while Jones will participate in practices he'll be limited during the first part of training camp. 'Our number one goal is to make sure that we've got everybody as healthy as we possibly can be, but we know that we have to get these guys some work together and reps. Julio will be out there participating in practice right from the start.'
BUF: Kevin Elliott was suffering from concussion-like symptoms due to a blow suffered in practice on Sunday, July 27.
BUF: Mike Williams was stabbed in his thigh on March 23, 2014, after missing the second half of the 2013 season in Tampa Bay due to a torn hamstring. He reported to training camp on July 19 100% healthy - he is reportedly past the leg injuries that bothered him this spring.
BUF: Robert Woods participated in OTAs during late May after having ankle surgery during February, 2014. He opened training camp listed as one of the starting wide receivers across from Sammy Watkins - he is apparently past the ankle issue.
CAR: Kelvin Benjamin underwent a precautionary MRI on Monday, July 28 after bumping knees with a teammate on July 27. 'We want to be smart with it,' head coach Ron Rivera said. 'It could just be one of those things where if he had iced it right away and not finished (Sunday's) practice, maybe it would have been better... I'm optimistic that is what it's going to be.' The MRI revealed a bone bruise in his left knee - Benjamin is considered day-to-day due to the injury, but may miss a week or so.
Ex-CHI: Domenik Hixon was released by the Bears with an injury settlement on June 3 after tearing his right ACL for the third time on May 27, 2014. Hixon appears to be planning on retiring from the NFL after his most recent ACL injury.
CIN: Marvin Jones suffered an ankle injury on July 21 - he is said to be day-to-day due to the relatively-minor injury.
CLE: Miles Austin was (once again) plagued by hamstring woes during 2013, and largely ineffective for Dallas, who released him on March 11, 2014. The wide receiver-hungry Browns took a gamble and signed him to a deal on March 15. Austin participated in practice on Saturday, July 26.
CLE: Nate Burleson Burleson said on June 3 that he did not fracture his arm during an April minicamp and it was just a minor injury. He said the severity of the injury was exaggerated. Because there was no fracture, Burleson was able to run and lift weights with the cast on. Burleson participated in practice Saturday, July 26.
DAL: Dwyane Harris is currently recovering from shoulder surgery that was performed shortly after the end of the 2013 season. He is expected to be 100% by the time training camp rolls around.
DEN: Though rookie wide receiver Cody Latimer missed some spring sessions due to an injured foot, he's played well during the early part of training camp and is reportedly working at full-go as of July 24, 2014.
DET: Ryan Broyles tore his Achilles tendon in October of 2013, but was given a clean bill of health on April 9, 2014 - he has resumed football activities. Reports on June 4 indicated that Broyles has worked on the placement of his feet, knees and hips, and is learning movements and proper form in order to eliminate future injuries. Broyles has already come back from two ACL tears and says the Achilles rehabilitation has been easier than the ACL rehabs. Reports in early July indicated that Broyles has lost some of his acceleration/explosiveness after the litany of injuries.
DET: Calvin Johnson had minor offseason right knee and left finger surgeries - he sat out the late April minicamp as his recovery from the surgeries continues. Johnson is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
DET: T.J. Jones is on the active/PUP list to open training camp due to a shoulder issue.
DET: Golden Tate opened training camp on the active/PUP list due to a sore shoulder dating back to OTAs. Tate is considered day-to-day and should join training camp shortly, although as of late July he is missing sessions.
HOU: Andre Johnson was forced out of practice on July 29 due to a strained hamstring. The severity of the strain isn't currently known.
IND: Reggie Wayne suffered a torn right ACL and meniscus damage in his knee on October 20, 2013. He is said to be recovering well and is reportedly ahead of schedule in rehabilitating the knee. On April 8 Wayne was said to be targeting the end of April to begin training/conditioning work - he appears to be on schedule for participating in the 2014 training camp. On July 23 Wayne was cleared for training camp - he'll likely be eased into training camp with lighter sessions at first. Stay tuned to see if Wayne suffers any setbacks once the pads go on.
JAX: Jaguars WR Marqise Lee (right ankle injury) said on June 5 that he believes he could be ready to return to organized team activities late next week. He said the team doesn't want to rush him back and that he will be ready for training camp. Lee was in a walking boot due to the injury as of June 3. Lee also battled a jammed wrist during OTAs - he's been nicked up a lot during the first month of his pro career. On July 25, Jaguars DM Dave Caldwell stated that Lee could see action at slot receiver while Ace Sanders is out on his suspension.
JAX: Cecil Shorts had a sports hernia surgery in December, 2013 - as of April 23, he expects to be 100% healed very soon. We'll see how quickly the team doctors clear him for football activities. Shorts left the team's practice Wednesday, June 4, due to a minor calf injury, but he was on the field participating which is a positive sign about his recovery from sports hernia surgery. Unfortunately, Shorts suffered a hamstring strain on Friday, July 24 and is out 'several' weeks while his soft-tissue injury heals. He should be able to come back by week one of regular season if he doesn't suffer a setback later in camp.
MIA: Armon Binns tore his ACL and MCL in late July of 2013, and landed on IR for the season. He is reportedly (May 2, 2014) looking good in training sessions and appears to be on track to take part in training camp. Binns took part in spring OTAs and is expeted to be ready for training camp.
MIA: Brandon Gibson suffered a torn left patellar tendon during late October, and was placed on I.R. October 29, 2013, one day after corrective surgery. He has reportedly (May 2, 2014) looked good in offseason conditioning sessions. However, on June 7 local reports indicated that Gibson (knee) has only participated in one of the organized team activities this offseason, because he wants to go slow with his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament - the left knee injury was evidently more serious than initially reported. However, since the start of training camp Gibson has been going full speed and reportedly looks fully healthy as of July 26.
MIA: Brian Hartline suffered a torn PCL in the 2013 regular-season finale, but surgery wasn't necessary to repair the ligament - it healed naturally. As of April 19, 2014 he was reportedly well ahead of schedule in his rehab and is expected to practice during spring OTAs and training camp as usual.
MIN: Cordarrelle Patterson missed the team's first practice July 26 due to a foot injury. He's expected to be out two-to-three more days - the injury is considered minor as of the end of July.
NE: Danny Amendola tore a tendon in his groin early in the 2013 regular season, and the injury was a nagging issue for him all season long. However, reports on May 8, 2014 indicated that he avoided a groin surgery and enters spring OTAs 100% recovered from the injury. Reports in June indicated that Amendola looked outstanding during OTAs - we'll see how he holds up once the pads go on and hitting starts in training camp.
NE: On March 10, 2014 Aaron Dobson underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The timetable for his recovery is said to be two-to-three months, which should put Dobson in good shape for training camp if all goes according to plan. However, Dobson started training camp on the PUP list (July 21), so he isn't ready to play yet.
NE: Jeremy Gallon, a seventh-round draft choice from Michigan, practiced sparingly in spring camps due to an undisclosed injury. He was officially placed on the active/PUP list on Monday July 21.
NE: Kenbrell Thompkins ended the playoffs on the inactive list due to a concussion - he should be fine for training camp, but once a player has suffered a concussion they are more susceptible to future brain traumas.
NO: On March 26, Saints' head coach Sean Payton stated that he doesn't expect Marques Colston's nagging foot injuries to go away in 2014, and indicated that Colston will be limited in practices most weeks. However, on July 4 Colston stated that he has no restrictions due to the foot and that he feels 'really good'. Time will tell if the foot flares up again during training camp.
NO: Saints' Kenny Stills (quadriceps injury) was not practicing Sunday, July 27 after suffering tightness in his quad on Friday, July 25.
NYG: On July 27, Giants coach Tom Coughlin referred to first-round pick Odell Beckham's (hamstring injury dating back to OTAs) continued training camp absences as 'more than a little disappointing.'
NYG: Victor Cruz had arthroscopic knee surgery in December of 2013 and sat out the last two games - as of April 28 he has declared himself 100% recovered from the procedure. Cruz is expected to practice as usual this spring/summer. Cruz is reportedly lining up all over the field early in training camp (July 26) and is apparently past the knee surgery.
NYJ: Clyde Gates was placed on I.R. in mid-October of 2013 due to a separated shoulder. His status for the upcoming 2014 season is cloudy due to his lack of impact in the passing game while with the Jets.
NYJ: Stephen Hill was placed on I.R. December 13, 2013 with a knee injury of unspecified severity. He reportedly avoided knee surgery and is expected to be ready for training camp.
OAK: James Jones suffered a shoulder sprain during mid-June and was expected to sit out until training camp due to the injury.
OAK: Rod Streater suffered a concussion during practice on July 28 - he also had a previous concussion during 2013 preseason. Stay tuned to see how long Streater is sidelined due to his most recent brain trauma. Side effects from concussions can take several days to manifest.
PHI: Jeremy Maclin tore his right ACL (the second time he's done so) during training camp last July and had successful reconstructive surgery on July 30, 2013. As of April 24, 2014 Maclin has indicated that his knee is fully recovered from the injury - he is expected to take part in training camp. On Junr 7, The Eagles' general manager Howie Roseman indicated that the team fully expect Jeremy Maclin (knee) to be ready to go for the start of the 2014 season. 'I think it depends on the player. We saw Adrian Peterson come back after six months, and did he win the MVP award after that? So I think it depends on the genetics. And all I know is what our doctors are telling us, and he’s doing a great job in his rehab. We fully expect him to be ready to go once the season starts.' On July 28, head coach Chip Kelly said Jeremy Maclin looks 'fantastic' so far.
PIT: Markus Wheaton underwent minor offseason finger surgery (revealed on March 25). Wheaton suffered from two broken fingers during his rookie campaign last year and only caught six passes over 12 appearances.
SD: Vincent Brown suffered a calf injury on Friday, July 25, but the sore muscle isn't considered a big concern at this time.
SD: Malcom Floyd injured a disc in his neck during Week Two of the 2013 season and sat out the balance of the year on I.R. Though he has resumed light training activities as of March 2, 2014, there is no consensus on when or if Floyd will resume his football career. Floyd had the majority of passes go his way during organized team activities Tuesday, May 27, and it was his first practice since he suffered a serious neck injury in Week Two of last season. As of July 16, Floyd was reportedly MVP of OTAs and mini-camps. The neck issue seems to be a thing of the past as of late July.
SF: 49ers Steve Johnson (hamstring) has been sidelined during early-June voluntary workouts due to a hamstring issue, but the injury is not believed to be serious. Reports on July 22 indicated that Johnson may be on the roster bubble due to his almost $4 million salary.
STL: Tavon Austin missed the final three games of the 2013 season due to a high ankle sprain, but he is expected to be fine for the upcoming OTAs/training camp. On July 23 he admitted to having trouble absorbing the team's playbook during his rookie season - 'Everything looked like Spanish and sounded like Spanish to me.' - but he says he's up to speed in the system for the 2014 season.
STL: On April 23, 2014 Chris Givens revealed that a nagging ankle injury dogged him for most of last season (though he did appear in all 16 games).
STL: On May 12 the NFL suspended Stedman Bailey for four games for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy. He won't play until week six of the 2014 season.
STL: Kenny Britt battled knee problems throughout the 2013 season and only managed 11/96/0 receiving - he was also in the doghouse in Tennessee for multiple off-field issues. We'll see if he can heal up and play better/keep his nose clean in St. Louis.
TB: Rookie Mike Evans suffered a hamstring pull in late-May OTAs. Head coach Lovie Smith indicated on May 27 that Evans was improving - he should be fine for training camp unless Evans suffers a setback. He noted on July 3 that he is working on losing seven-to-ten pounds and said: '... the workouts I've been doing, I'll be fine. I'll be ready.'
TB: Vincent Jackson suffered a hamstring pull during late-May OTAs. Head coach Lovie Smith indicated on May 27 that the team will be cautious in their approach to Jackson's rehab - he may be limited until training camp.
WAS: Leonard Hankerson ended 2013 on IR due to torn left LCL and ACL knee ligaments - he had corrective surgery on November 21 and is expected to miss 7-9 months due to the injury. His availability for Week One of the 2014 regular season is up in the air. Hankerson started training camp on July 25 by being cleared to start running - he isn't practicing with the team and there is no clear timetable for him to resume full football activities.
WAS: DeSean Jackson suffered a hamstring injury during early June OTAs and as of June 6, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said he is unsure if Jackson will participate in practice during June 9-14. The team does not want to rush him back and make the hamstring injury worse. Keep an eye on Jackson's practice status during training camp as soft-tissue injuries can linger if they are not allowed to fully heal.
Tight Ends
ARI: Third-string tight end Troy Niklas (hand surgery) was cleared to participate in training camp on July 23rd. He broke his hand during OTAs, which set back Niklas' learning curve (he's a rookie and didn't get most of the spring reps).
BAL: On June 7, 2014 Dennis Pitta (hip injury during 2013) said he is feeling healthy but indicated he has things to work out before being 100 percent. 'I feel good. I feel really healthy. I feel 100 percent,' Pitta said. 'But there are still things that I work through. I would say I’m on my way to getting all the way back.'
BUF: Scott Chandler reportedly looked uncomfortable during spring OTAs after having offseason knee surgery earlier this year. Also, Chandler suffered a groin injury on Sunday, July 27, to start out training camp with a new injury to worry about.
BUF: Tony Moeaki suffered a hamstring injury during the first week of training camp, and is reportedly out for 'awhile' (consider him week-to-week) as of July 26, 2014.
CIN: Tyler Eifert was limited during the 2013 playoffs due to a shoulder injury (and also had a neck issue late in the season) - however, he was declared fully healed as of July 25, 2014 and is expected to take all the first-team reps at tight end once training camp starts.
CIN: Jermaine Gresham (hernia surgery spring 2014) was placed on the active/PUP list as of July 23 - he's considered week-to-week as he continues to rehabilitate from the surgery. Gresham also has a back issue that appears in various reports - he is not ready to practice as of late July.
GB: Brandon Bostick missed the majority of OTAs while he recovered from foot surgery. He's in a crowded field of tight ends as the Packers seek to replace the departed Jermichael Finley.
GB: Andrew Quarless sat out of the entire OTA program this past spring, but the reason for that move was undisclosed - it isn't clear if he was rehabbing an injury or not.
HOU: Garrett Graham ended the 2013 season sidelined due to a hamstring injury, but he was re-signed to a three-year deal in March - presumably the injury is not a concern heading into 2014.
IND: Dwayne Allen had hip surgery in early October, 2013. He stated in January of this year that the repair was more intensive than expected. As of April 24 he received full medical clearance and is set for OTAs/training camp. Reports on June 6 indicated that Allen is running at full speed at organized team activities. Colts' LB Erik Walden said Allen still had his burst and speed. As of July 10, tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts said Allen was like a 'brand new player' - his hip seems to be fully healed.
JAX: Clay Harbor suffered a calf injury on July 28, and is out indefinitely (he's considered week-to-week as of July 29).
KC: Travis Kelce is reportedly progressing well after undergoing micro-fracture surgery on his knee last October. As of April 21, 2014 he was participating in the Chiefs' offseason conditioning program and appears set to participate in training camp. However, Kelce was not participating in practice Sunday, July 27 - it is unclear if the knee is the issue now, or some other undisclosed injury.
MIN: Kyle Rudolph has 100% recovered from the foot injury that impacted him during 2013, and on July 27, 2014 he received a five-year, $36.5 million contract extension to play tight end for Norv Turner for the foreseeable future.
NE: Rob Gronkowski tore the ACL and MCL in his knee during Week 14 of the 2013 season, and had corrective surgery on January 9, 2014. As of April 29, Gronkowski was unwilling to project a time frame for his return to the field - his status for the start of the 2014 season is up in the air. Gronkowski worked out on the side of the field at practice Friday, May 30. When training camp opened Gronkowski was NOT on the active/PUP list and has reportedly been cleared to partially participate in training camp - his knee rehab must be proceeding very well. On July 27 he took part in 11-on-11 drills and was reportedly going about 75% speed.
NFL: Free agent TE Jermichael Finley (neck surgery/rehab and concussion issues) has been given full medical clearance as of May 29, 2014 by his doctor, according to his agent, Blake Baratz. Finley has negotiated with several teams since his clearance.
NYJ: Jace Amaro left practice early Sunday, July 27. Amaro had his right knee wrapped in ice, but the severity of the injury wasn't immediately known.
NYG: Adrien Robinson's weight is a big issue as of the start of training camp - he reported on July 24 at 276 lbs. and was as high as 290 earlier in the spring. Coach Coughlin is not amused and Robinson was listed as the #5 tight end on the depth chart July 24.
OAK: David Ausberry had a significant (but unspecified) shoulder injury in the second preseason game last August, and was sent to I.R. on September 23, 2013. He has been working with the first team at times during 2014 OTAs - but he seems to be behind Mychal Rivera entering training camp.
MIN: Kyle Rudolph fractured his left foot in week nine of the 2013 season, and was eventually placed on I.R. December 9, 2013. Rudolph has been running since February and as of April 15 is reported to be on track to fully participate in training camp. Rudolph received a five-year, $36.5 million extension on July 27 - reports on that extension indicated that Rudolph was fully healed fom the foot injury as of the start of training camp.
SEA: Anthony McCoy tore his left Achilles tendon in May of 2013 and spent the season on I.R. - Unfortunately, he reportedly tore the right Achilles tendon during practice on July 29 and is likely out for the 2014 season as well.
TB: On July 28, head coach Lovie Smith said that Austin Seferian-Jenkins is 'behind a lot' due to the ongoing rehabilitation of his surgically-repaired foot and his absence from spring OTAs due to University of Washington's late graduation ceremonies.
TEN: Craig Stevens sustained a concussion in Week 15 of the 2013 regular season - he should be fine for training camp, but once a player has sustained a concussion they become more susceptible to future brain traumas.
WAS: Jordan Reed saw his 2013 campaign cut short due to concussion, but he was participating in mini-camp on May 3, 2014 and should be full-go in training camp this year. On June 5, Reed admitted to hiding a concussion he suffered two weeks before the second one that ended his season. 'I think I had had a concussion two weeks before, but I didn't tell nobody so when I took a shot to the side of my head against the Philadelphia Eagles it made it worse. I was in a bad spot for a long time. I didn't know if they would ever go away, but I'm past it now.' Unfortunately, once a player is concussed they are at heightened risk for future brain traumas.
Place Kickers
TB: Connor Barth is reportedly fully recovered from his Achilles injury (July 17, 2013) - 'I'm making 61-yard field goals' he stated back in March, 2014.
WAS: Kai Forbath played through a groin injury during 2013 and had trouble getting touchbacks on his kickoffs. He's battling challengers Zach Hocker (7th-round draft pick this year) and Jake Rogers during training camp.