Injury Expectations | Thursday Update | Week 13

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Thursday News and Notes

***After mostly reassuring reports through yesterday's practice, it was reported today that Rob Gronkowski's back injury is more than just spasm. Gronkowski has a herniated disc and will have surgery soon to address the injury. The early recovery timetable reported is 6-8 weeks. That's a common estimate for players who undergo microdiscectomy -- i.e. removal of the herniated fragment of the disc to relieve pressure on and inflammation around the nerve at the level of injury. It's also only half the story.

Players may be cleared for contact at 6-8 weeks but it's rare for a player to have recovered their core strength and conditioning. We've seen it with J.J. Watt this year and many other players in the past -- including Gronkowski, who needed nearly four months to recover from his last surgery to address a herniated disc. Gronkowski could recover in time to contribute in a small role late in the NFL playoffs but won't be himself until next season.

***Sammy Watkins returned to a limited practice today. Rex Ryan continues to be optimistic in his comments while offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn continues to temper that optimism. Ryan believes Watkins will play this week and the practice participation today suggests the same. Lynn again told reporters that Watkins has yet to fully heal and will be a limited part of the offensive game plan. 

I think the Bills and Watkins are now in "do the best you can for as long as you can and we'll shut it down and have a revision procedure when you're no longer able to physically compete." Whether Watkins ends his 2016 season next week or plays through January remains to be seen.

***Jordan Reed again missed practice today. Tomorrow will be important. If Reed can get a limited practice in, it's a sign Washington is considering him in the game plan. If not, it's very possible he rests at least one week.

***Mark Ingram (toe -- DNP x 2), Tyrell Williams (DNP x 2), DeVante Parker (DNP x 2), Jeremy Maclin (limited x 2), and Jordan Matthews (limited today) are questionable heading into Friday workouts. Ingram has a toe injury of unknown severity, always a concern for a running back. Williams says he's going to play but some labral injuries include shoulder instability and an increased risk of dislocation and further injury. The tone on Parker changed significantly today and local writers are wondering if he'll be able to play. Maclin has managed two consecutive limited practices and could return but a Week 14 divisional showdown with Oakland next Thursday night looms and could push the Chiefs to be cautious. Matthews was very limited according to observers after not finishing Monday night's game. More on these and all the other game-time decisions this weekend.

MIDWEEK PRACTICE PARTICIPATION REPORT AND EARLY EXPECTATIONS

The Wednesday and Thursday practice participation reports are our first chance to see which players each NFL team are limiting in practice after the previous week's games. Players limited in mid-week practice aren't necessarily in danger of missing that week's game. But they all need to be watched closely.

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday

*Note: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday

Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.