NFL Injury Roundup - Week 4

September 28, 2007
10:42:11

By Herija C. Green and Alan Knopf, M.D.
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

The Carolina Panthers could be without quarterback Jake Delhomme (elbow) this Sunday after he suffered a strained right elbow in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. Considering that the initial worry was that he had broken his arm the team and Delhomme seem to have gotten off lucky with the relatively mild extent of the injury. Delhomme has not practiced this week, and he could be replaced in the lineup this week by former Houston Texans quarterback Matt Carr.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (groin) returned to the lineup last Sunday after sitting out in Week 2, but his return was relatively short lived as backup quarterback Kyle Boller took over for McNair in the fourth quarter. McNair is expected to get the start once again this week, but don't be surprised to see Boller if McNair tweaks the injury or feels fatigued.

It took just one play last week for Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman (knee) to sustain a sprained medial collateral ligament on a questionable hit by New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, one in which he was fined some $12,500. Losman has not practiced since the injury and is expected to miss one or two weeks. Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards should get the nod this Sunday for his first NFL start.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Josh McCown (foot) has finally succumbed to his myriad of injuries and is out for Week 4. That means quarterback Daunte Culpepper is set to make his first start of the season, which fittingly would come against his former club the Miami Dolphins.

The Rest of the Field...

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (ankle) is feeling the effects of a sprained ankle but is still expected to start in Week 4... Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (groin) continues to be hampered by a groin injury and is not expected to play this week. Veteran quarterback Kelly Holcomb will likely get his second straight start in Jackson's place... New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) is again on the injury report, making us wonder if it's all just a cruel ploy to get backup quarterback Matt Cassel's hopes up... New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 26, but should start this week... St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (ribs) has been taking an absolute pounding behind a makeshift offensive line, but he is gutting it out and should be under center in Week 4.

Running Backs

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (groin) suffered a partial tear in his left groin during the Rams' Week 3 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has already been ruled out for this Sunday and could miss a total of two to three weeks recovering from the injury. In his absence, look for rookie running back Brian Leonard to receive most of the carries.

A heavy workload in the early going looks to be wearing down Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (ribs) as the diminutive back has missed practice all this week with a rib injury after missing two practices last week with knee issues. Westbrook was able to gut it out and play last Sunday; he is expected to do the same this week. However, keep an eye on this situation and make sure nothing changes in that regard between now and kickoff.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) added injury to insult last week as a hamstring injury forced him from the game with just nine yards on 17 carries. Johnson is already been officially ruled out for Monday's showdown with the New England Patriots, which means running back Kenny Watson should get the start in his place.

The New Orleans Saints' already miserable season went from bad to worse in Week 3 when they lost running back Deuce McAllister (knee) for the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Saints have their Bye this week, but running back Aaron Stecker is expected to see an increased load to help ease the loss of McAllister. Rookie running back Pierre Thomas could also figure into the mix.

Houston Texans running back Ahman Green (knee) was removed after one quarter in their Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and he has not practiced this week. An MRI revealed nothing serious, but the running back remains day-to-day. If Green can't play look for running back Ron Dayne (ribs) to get the bulk of the carries this Sunday after sitting out last week's game himself due to bruised ribs.

The New York Giants witnessed a welcomed sight Thursday, Sept. 27, as running backs Brandon Jacobs (knee) and Derrick Ward (ankle) both returned to practice. Jacobs has not played since injuring the knee in Week 1, while Ward sat out Wednesday, Sept. 26, with an ankle sprain he endured during the team's Week 3 win over the Washington Redskins. Ward is definitely expected to play this week, whereas Jacobs' status remains more uncertain. If Jacobs does play, look for him and Ward to split the carries in Week 4.

It appears as though Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor (hip, oblique) will be back in the starting lineup this Sunday, relegating rookie running back Adrian Peterson to backup status. Taylor reportedly experienced some discomfort during practice Thursday, Sept. 27, but is still expected to start in Week 4.

The Rest of the Field...

Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (wrist) has a broken left wrist but is not expected to miss any game time due to the injury... New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney (groin) has been limited in practice this week, but given the rather suspect nature of New England's injury reports he is still expected to play in Week 4... Green Bay Packers running back Brandon Jackson (shin) is plagued by a shin injury and did not practice Thursday, Sept. 27. While his status is up in the air for Sunday, running back Vernand Morency (knee) practiced both Wednesday, Sept. 26, and Thursday, and he could see his first action of the season this week versus Minnesota.

Wide Receivers

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hip) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 27, and his status for this Sunday is becoming more in doubt. If the team feels Boldin isn't ready to suit up look for wide receiver Bryant Johnson to get the start in his stead.

An MRI on the knee of Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker (knee) revealed nothing more than inflammation, but Walker has been held out of practice both Wednesday, Sept. 26, and Thursday, Sept. 27, which may not bode well for his chances to play in Week 4. Head coach Mike Shanahan has indicated Walker will be a game-time decision this week against the Indianapolis Colts.

A serious right ankle sprain has kept New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) out of practice this week, but it is not expected to keep him out of the lineup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Nonetheless, the lingering nature of the injury has to be a concern for the team.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (back) suffered a bruised lower back last Sunday, and he was only able to run on the side during practice Thursday, Sept. 27. The team is approaching it as a day-to-day injury, and they believe he should be ready to play in this week's divisional clash with the Chicago Bears.

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (knee) continues to make progress in recovering from a knee injury but is not expected to play in Week 4. Adding to Houston's receiving woes, rookie wideout Jacoby Jones (shoulder) is now expected to miss two to three weeks with a separated shoulder.

The Rest of the Field...

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward (knee) has not practiced this week due to a knee sprain and is expected to be a game-time decision in Week 4 despite being classified as doubtful by head coach Mike Tomlin earlier in the week... Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (calf) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 27, and he could be limited to playing on passing downs in Week 4... Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (hamstring) was held out of practice Thursday, Sept. 27, but the move is thought to be purely precautionary, and Jennings should be a go in Week 4... Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison (hamstring) returned to practice in a limited capacity this week but is not expected to see game action this Sunday... New England Patriots wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 27, but is expected to play Monday... Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (groin) strained his groin during the team's Week 3 loss and said he would have been unable to play this weekend were the team not on their Bye week.

Tight Ends

Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow (shoulder) partially dislocated his left shoulder during the team's Week 3 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Winslow did not practice Thursday, Sept. 27, as he tries to rest the injured shoulder. No determination has been made on his status for this weekend, and he could end up being a game-time decision.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (concussion) suffered a mild concussion late in their Week 3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, but he was back at practice Wednesday, Sept. 26, and is expected to start in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns.

The San Francisco 49ers sputtering offense received another blow when they learned tight end Vernon Davis (knee) would miss at least the next two weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The team hopes to get Davis back on the field for their game against the New York Giants following their Week 6 Bye. Tight ends Billy Bajema and Delanie Walker are expected to fill in while Davis recovers.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday night's tilt with the New York Giants after undergoing groin surgery last week. Tight end Matt Schobel should start in Smith's place again in Week 4.

The Rest of the Field...

Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 27, but he is expected to play this Sunday... Injury-prone Miami Dolphins tight end David Martin (toe, illness) was limited in practice Wednesday, Sept. 26, due to the toe injury and then missed practice entirely the following day because of an illness. His status is unknown for Week 4.

Place Kickers

Dallas Cowboys place kicker Nick Folk (ankle) has reportedly been playing with a sore left ankle since injuring it in Week 1 against the New York Giants. It's apparently not bothering him on game day, though, as the rookie has made all 14 of his extra points and his lone missed field goal came on a block in Week 3.

The Fantasy Sports Doc - Expert Analysis - Dr. Alan Knopf's Take

Dr. Alan Knopf has been a clinical professor of orthopedic reconstructive surgery and joint implant service at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He worked for 30 years at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Los Angeles, where he specialized in knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and trauma surgery. Dr. Knopf is board certified in arthroscopic surgery.

Deuce McAllister | Running Back | New Orleans Saints | ACL Tear | Stuats: Season is Over
The repaired knee should be at full capacity for next season. Rehabilitation starts immediately after surgery, and he should be running on the field in six to eight weeks with full cutting ability in four to six months. McAllister previously tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in 2005, but this should have no affect on the left knee if it is a stable right knee during the rehabilitation process. In summary, Deuce should be nearing 100 percent late next season.

J.P. Losman | Quarterback | Buffalo Bills | MCL Sprain | Status: Out 2-4 Weeks
A second degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament means partial tear of major inside knee ligament. Four to six weeks to heal and will need to be protected with a brace for four to six weeks after return to sport. This will effect his mobility. Expect full mobility in eight to 10 weeks.

Marc Bulger | Quarterback | St. Louis Rams | Broken Ribs | Status: Expected to Play
The location of the two rib fractures is the key in this injury. Upper rib fractures are more stable than lower rib fractures. All rib fractures are extremely painful even with simple breathing. A throwing motion would increase the pain if it is on the fracture side. Contact, even with a protective vest, would be painful, and the possibility of lung perforation remains a risk. Ribs take three to six weeks to heal.

Steven Jackson | Running Back | St. Louis Rams | Groin Tear | Status: Out 2-4 Weeks
First- and second-degree tears will heal in four to six weeks with protected weight bearing. It will hurt with any hip or knee motion. The risk of coming back to play before four to six weeks, even with a thigh wrap, is a complete tear (third degree) and season-ending surgery, depending on the location of the tear. A groin tear involves the attachment of the inner hamstring muscle to the pelvic rim. This injury will limit the ability to run and jump.

Kellen Winslow | Tight End | Cleveland Browns | Shoulder Subluxation | Status: Expected to Play
A subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint. Usually in the shoulder it can be forward (anterior), downward (inferior) or backward (posterior). This means that the restraining structures, or ligaments, are stretched or partially torn and will require four to six weeks of immobilization to heal. Use of a restraining harness during football will limit the range of motion in the shoulder to catch a pass. The result of a blocking assignment may cause a complete dislocation, resulting in season-ending surgical repair.

 

Herija C. Green

Herija is a graduate from California State University - San Marcos. He was a contributing writer and editor with KFFL.com

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Alan Knopf, M.D.
Dr. Alan Knopf has been a clinical professor of orthopedic reconstructive surgery and joint implant service at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He worked for 30 years at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Los Angeles, where he specialized in knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and trauma surgery. Dr. Knopf is certified in arthroscopic surgery.

See More Articles by Author

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