NFL Injury Roundup - Week 1

September 7, 2007
16:00:00

By Ryan R. Bonini
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Welcome to KFFL.com's Injury Roundup. Each week, we keep you up to speed on all the latest injury news from around the NFL. Whether it's a minor injury or a season-altering catastrophe, we're on top of it. Which players may be sitting out of this weekend's key games? Which ones are ready to step back between the white lines?

Quarterbacks

Surprise, surprise! Quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) finds his way on the injury report again this year. While he reportedly missed a portion of practice Thursday, Sept. 6, he is expected to start. If previous years are any indication, don't be surprised to see him on the injury report for the next 15 weeks.

New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (pelvis) took part in practice Thursday, Sept. 6, and is expected to start during Week 1.

Running Backs

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (hand) wasn't seen during the preseason but should be in the starting lineup for Week 1. Gore is expected to wear extra padding on his previously broken hand, but sources close to the situation feel it won't hinder his ability to catch the football. He took part in practice Thursday, Sept. 6.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis (knee) has been a question mark the past month, but he has practiced during the week and appears ready to play during Week 1. If he is limited or slowed, the team would rely more on Ladell Betts this weekend.

New York Jets running back Thomas Jones (calf) missed the majority of the preseason but declared he is ready to return for Week 1. Jones, however, was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6, so don't be surprised to see a healthy dose of backup running back Leon Washington this weekend, too.

Green Bay Packers rookie running back Brandon Jackson (concussion) is still dealing with the after affects of a concussion he suffered near the end of training camp. He should, however, be ready to start in Week 1 despite being limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. Running back Vernand Morency (knee) appeared to do even less during workouts Thursday than he had earlier in the week, according to sources close to the situation. As a result, the team could be asked to rely on running back DeShawn Wynn a bit more this weekend.

Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones (foot) has continued to practice this week while trying to return from a Lisfranc injury. Jones spent all of training camp on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list and is still working at getting his football legs under him. Whether he will be active for the game is yet to be determined; look for running back Tatum Bell to get the starting nod for the Lions versus the Oakland Raiders.

The Rest of the Field...

San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner (ankle) is expected to serve as the team's primary backup to LaDainian Tomlinson after going through a full practice Thursday, Sept. 6.

Wide Receivers

New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (hamstring) has to cause some concern entering this weekend's game. After missing most of training camp due to a hamstring injury, the team decided to keep him out Thursday, Sept. 6, due to a "team decision." More hamstring problems? Nobody knows, especially with the Patriots, but he was able to practice Wednesday, Sept. 5. If he cannot play, wide receivers Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney and Kelly Washington would see extra time.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt (knee) is not being listed on the team's injury report and was able to go through most of the work during practice Wednesday, Sept. 5. While he is not expected to be 100 percent healthy, he is expected to be in the starting lineup during Week 1. Teammate Drew Bennett (quadriceps) was limited Thursday, Sept. 6, but is expected to play.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 6, but head coach Marvin Lewis said he would be able to play during Week 1. If he is less than 100 percent, it could lead to more playing time for receiver Tab Perry. Antonio Chatman (hamstring) is expected to miss possibly a month or more of time due to a hamstring injury.

The Green Bay Packers' running backs aren't the only position dealing with injuries, as wide receivers Donald Driver (foot) and Greg Jennings (hamstring) also are not 100 percent. Both were limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6, but should be able to tough it out this weekend. If either were to suffer a setback or be limited, rookie James Jones would see additional time.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn (knee) experienced some swelling in his surgically repaired knee after taking part in practice Wednesday, Sept. 5, and it has been reported he will miss at least the next two weeks while he continues to recover. Look for Patrick Crayton to serve as the team's starter opposite Terrell Owens with Sam Hurd working in as the third receiver.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (ankle) took part in most of practice Thursday, Sept. 6. He was, however, sporting a taped ankle. He suffered the injury Aug. 19 and missed the remainder of the preseason but should be able to play in Week 1. If he is slowed or suffers any setbacks, the team would have to rely on Demetrius Williams to carry a larger load.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (back) took part in practice Thursday, Sept. 6, and is expected to start during Week 1. If he were to suffer any setbacks, receivers Steven Smith and Sinorice Moss would be asked to pick up the slack opposite Amani Toomer.

The Rest of the Field...

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Darrell Jackson (hamstring) practiced Thursday, Sept. 6, and is expected to start... Miami Dolphins wide receiver Marty Booker (knee) is expected to play after practicing Thursday... Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Bobby Wade (ankle) practiced Thursday and should be able to go this weekend.

Tight Ends

Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler (knee), as he has done in past years, is taking it easy during practice at times. He took Thursday, Sept. 6, off to rest his lingering knee issues but is expected to start in Week 1.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith (groin, hernia) is a question mark entering this weekend. While the coaching staff believes he will be able to play during Week 1, Smith has been reluctant to say the same. He was able to practice Wednesday, Sept. 5, and Thursday, Sept. 6. 

The Rest of the Field...

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Greg Olsen (knee) took part in practice Thursday, Sept. 6, and is a game-time decision for Week 1; look for tight end Desmond Clark to see the majority of the playing time.

Place Kickers

Cincinnati Bengals place kicker Shayne Graham (hip) will play in Week 1, according to head coach Marvin Lewis. Graham practiced during the week.

 

Ryan R. Bonini

Founding KFFL in 1996, Bonini serves as KFFL's General Manager and VP of technology for KFFL's parent company, USA TODAY SPORTS Media Group. Bonini was named the 2009 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the FSWA and received honors with the Best Fantasy Football Series in '10, making him the first two-time FSWA football award winner.

His work has been found in USA Today, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, NFL.com, and many others. He has also been featured on numerous radio programs around the country. Bonini is a member of the PFWA, FSWA and FSTA.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanbonini

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