Z - From The Sidelines...

NFL Injury Roundup - Week 8

October 26, 2007
08:24:59

By Herija C. Green
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 Tennessee Titans survived a wild Week 7 contest without quarterback Vince Young (quad) at the helm, but they figure to have him back under center in Week 8. Young, who was replaced by quarterback Kerry Collins last Sunday, has taken all his usual snaps in practice this week and is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders.

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (ankle, thigh, hip, back) took a pounding in the team's Week 7 loss, getting knocked from the game on two separate occasions. Schaub has been splitting reps with backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels this week, and Schaub could either start or serve as the backup this Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to give quarterback Quinn Gray his first NFL start this Sunday after quarterback David Garrard (ankle) suffered a badly sprained ankle during the team's Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Gray struggled in relief last week, completing just nine passes and tossing a pair of interceptions.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) is expected to return to the starting lineup in Week 8 after missing the team's previous two games because of a separated shoulder. Quarterback Trent Dilfer had been starting in his place.

Carolina Panthers quarterback David Carr (back) practiced Thursday, Oct. 25, and head coach John Fox has indicated that Carr would be the starter this week if he is healthy. That, however, isn't the case as veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde is scheduled to make his second straight start.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich (ankle) sustained a severe ankle sprain in Week 7, and he underwent surgery to stabilize the injury this week. Leftwich is expected to miss up to four weeks. Quarterback Joey Harrington, who was benched in favor of Leftwich, should reassume the starting role while Leftwich heals.

The Rest of the Field...

A broken right index finder will likely sideline Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (finger) this week with veteran backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb expected to get the start... In another installment of what is sure to be remembered as a hilarious running joke at some point in the future, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) is again on the team's injury report this week. We sure hope he pulls through... New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington (ankle) has been limited in practice this week but is expected to start this Sunday... Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (back) did not play last Sunday but should be back under center as the starter in Week 9... Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (elbow) made it through the team's Week 7 game without further injury, but he is not expected to be fully healed for at least a month.

Running Backs

The Miami Dolphins' nightmarish 2007 season took yet another turn for the worse last Sunday when star running back Ronnie Brown (knee) suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament. Brown is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by running back Jesse Chatman.

The winless St. Louis Rams look as though they will finally get some good news this weekend as running back Steven Jackson (groin) is expected to see the field for the first time since Week 3. Jackson has missed the past four weeks due to a partial tear in his groin, but he has returned to practice and should start this week.

After being knocked out of Sunday night's win, Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry (ribs) has been held out of practice this week as the team prepares for their Monday night showdown with the Green Bay Packers. Running back Selvin Young would figure to see a lot of carries if Henry could not suit up. However, Henry has not been ruled out and could still play.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (ankle) injured his ankle during the team's Week 7 loss, but X-rays taken after the game came back negative. He did not practice Wednesday, Oct. 24, and was limited the following day. He remains confident that he will be able to suit up against the New Orleans Saints this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (knee) sustained a sprained left knee in Week 7 and was limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 25. The team remains hopeful he will be able to play this week. With a backup quarterback already in place look for a lot of running back Fred Taylor in Week 8 if Jones-Drew is unable to play.

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis (foot) has been limited in practice this week after missing Cleveland's Week 6 contest before last Sunday's Bye. Head coach Romeo Crennel has previously intimated Lewis would return this week, but if he can't go look for running back Jason Wright to get the starting nod.

While New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (ankle) appears to be a go for this Sunday in London, backup running back Derrick Ward (ankle) is unlikely to play this week. Look for veteran running back Reuben Droughns to see an increased role in Ward's absence.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) did not play in Week 7, and he has been held out of practice this week. Considering how well running back Kenny Watson performed in his stead last Sunday there would appear to be no rush to get Johnson back on the field.

The Rest of the Field...

Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster (toe) returned to practice Thursday, Oct. 25, after missing the previous day due to turf toe. He should start this Sunday... Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (knee) suffered a knee injury in Week 7, but he has been able to practice this week and is expected to play in Week 8... Green Bay Packers running back DeShawn Wynn (neck) missed practice Tuesday, Oct. 23, due to neck spasms. However, he has since returned and should start this Monday... Minnesota Vikings running back Chester Taylor (groin) has been limited in practice this week, but the injury is not considered serious. Look for Taylor to play this week... Tennessee Titans running back Chris Brown (ankle) has not practiced this week and is considered questionable for this Sunday. If Brown is inactive, expect running back Chris Henry to see some action.

Wide Receivers

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (knee) has been participating in practice on a limited basis this week, but he is not expected to play this Sunday. Johnson could return in Week 9 or he could be held out until after the team's Week 10 Bye.

The sagging San Francisco 49ers offense looks as though they will be short one weapon this Sunday with wide receiver Darrell Jackson (quad) not expected to play because of a quadriceps injury. Speedy wide receiver Ashley Lelie will likely get the start in place of D-Jax.

The Rest of the Field...

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) missed practice both Wednesday, Oct. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 25, to rest his sore knee but is expected to start this week... As has been his custom this season, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) has sat out practice this week to give his bum ankle a respite. He should start in Week 8... New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles (calf) was listed as limited participation in practice for both Wednesday, Oct. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 25. He was able to play through the pain last week and should do so again this Sunday... Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (shoulder) dinged his shoulder in Week 7 but is expected to play in Week 8... Tennessee Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Oct. 25, but remains questionable for this week.

Tight Ends

New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson (ankle) was inactive last weekend, and it appears as though he could miss another game this Sunday after missing practice all week. Veteran Kyle Brady would likely see increased playing time were Watson out once again.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith (groin) has missed three of the team's last four games due to a lingering groin injury. However, he has practiced with the team all week, and it appears as though he will give it a go this Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) was inactive last week but is expected to be back in the starting lineup when the team returns from their Bye in Week 9. The news is not as good for backup tight end Daniel Wilcox (foot) as his season could be over due to a foot injury he suffered back in Week 4.

The Rest of the Field...

Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow (shoulder) has said his partially dislocated shoulder is fine, but his surgically repaired right knee is experiencing lingering discomfort. That is something to keep an eye on... Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks (knee) is out for this Monday night and likely beyond due to a knee injury... Atlanta Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle) did not play in Week 7, but he will reportedly not need surgery on his right knee. He hopes to return to Atlanta's lineup in Week 9 after their bye week... Miami Dolphins tight end David Martin (groin, ankle) has been unable to practice this week and is expected to be a game-time decision this Sunday.

Editor's Note: Dr. Alan Knopf's expert medical analysis will return in Week 10.