NFL Injury Roundup - Week 13

November 30, 2007
09:53:56

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

After Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback A.J. Feeley nearly led the club to victory over the New England Patriots last Sunday night it appears he will get another start as quarterback Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb) continues to mend from ankle and thumb injuries. McNabb has been unable to practice this week and is unlikely to play in Week 13.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia (back) is looking like a game-time decision for the team's Week 13 showdown with the New Orleans Saints. Garcia has not practiced this week and appears not likely to play, though head coach Jon Gruden has yet to even name who would start between quarterbacks Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski if Garcia were indeed unable to go.

The St. Louis Rams will have to take the field this Sunday without starting quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion), who has been ruled out after sustaining a concussion in the team's Week 12 loss. Bulger was replaced in the game by quarterback Gus Frerotte, who will likely get the start this week.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle (back) was unable to practice Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29; he is unlikely to play this weekend. If he can't go, look for veteran quarterback Damon Huard to reassume the starting duties.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (ribs, quad) is dealing with not only sore ribs but also a tender quad. Nonetheless, Hasselbeck has practiced all week and should start against the Eagles.

Despite taking part in some limited practice this week, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) remains out of action as he tries to rehab his right shoulder in the hopes of avoiding surgery. Veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer is in line for another start in Smith's stead.

The Rest of the Field...

Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde (back) is back at practice this week after being inactive last Sunday. The veteran should garner the starting nod in Week 13 ... Oakland Raiders quarterback Daunte Culpepper (quad) was limited in practice Thursday, Nov. 29, but head coach Lane Kiffin believes Culpepper will play this Sunday ... Atlanta Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich (tailbone) is expected to be available this week after missing the team's Week 12 game. However, quarterback Joey Harrington is slated to get the start ... Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (shoulder) remains out of action and no return date has been set ... Now the one you've been waiting for, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) was limited in practice this week but should play against the Ravens this Monday night.

Running Backs

It looks as though the Minnesota Vikings will have running back Adrian Peterson (knee) in their backfield this Sunday after he missed the team's previous two games recovering from a knee injury. Expect to see Peterson share carries with running back Chester Taylor this week given it would be the rookie's first game back from injury.

Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry (knee) is back at practice this week and will likely return to the lineup this weekend. However, the NFL is finally expected to rule on his appeal Friday, Nov. 30, so the possibility for suspension still exists. The team also believes running back Selvin Young (knee) will be available in Week 13 after both he and Henry missed last week's game. However, running back Andre Hall (ankle), who made his first career start last Sunday, is unlikely to suit up this week because of a bad ankle.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (knee) suffered some soreness in his knee following the team's Week 12 loss and has not practiced Wednesday, Nov. 28, or Thursday, Nov. 29. Despite missing two days of practice, it is anticipated that Westbrook will start this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Buffalo Bills could be in a bad way in the backfield this week as running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) has been unable to practice and is unlikely to play in Week 13. Adding to their misery, running back Anthony Thomas (calf) has already been ruled out after suffering a calf muscle injury last week. Barring an unexpected recovery by Lynch, look for running back Fred Jackson to see most of the carries this Sunday.

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (ankle) sustained a season-ending left ankle injury in Week 12 and was subsequently placed on Injured Reserve. Benson was replaced in the game by running back Adrian N. Peterson, who should now serve as the team's starter going forward.

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) has been able to do some individual work in practice this week, but he still appears highly unlikely to play this Sunday. Veteran running back Reuben Droughns will probably make the start, though the team could also get running back Derrick Ward (groin, ankle) back after he has missed the last four games.

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to have running back Shaun Alexander (wrist, knee) back in the lineup this week after he was able to practice both Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29. It should be interesting to see how well Alexander acclimates himself back into a Seattle offense that has had a very different philosophy of late.

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams (chest) had a short-lived return to action, tearing a pectoral muscle in his first game back after being reinstated. Williams has been placed on Injured Reserve, thus officially ending his 2007 season. Meanwhile, running back Jesse Chatman (ankle, neck) has been limited in practice this week but is expected to start in Week 13.

The Rest of the Field...

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (foot) is expected to miss another game this Sunday, which means running back Kolby Smith will likely make his second straight start ... Houston Texans running back Ahman Green (knee) did some work with the scout team Thursday, Nov. 29, but his status remains uncertain for the team's Week 13 contest ... New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (shin) has been a full go this week in practice and should play Sunday ... San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (ankle) has been limited in practice this week but is expected to start in Week 13 ... Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis (back) was held out of practice Wednesday, Nov. 28, and was limited Thursday, Nov. 29, but he should suit up this week against the Buffalo Bills.

Wide Receivers

The New York Jets could be without their top two receiving options this Sunday as wide receivers Laveranues Coles (ankle) and Jerricho Cotchery (finger) are both nursing injuries. After sitting out in Week 12, Coles has only been able to practice on a limited basis this week, and his status remains uncertain for their game with the Miami Dolphins. In addition, Cotchery injured his right index finger during practice Monday, Nov. 26, and is unlikely to play in Week 13.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards (hamstring) missed practice both Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29, as he is trying to rest his sore hamstring. Edwards will likely play this Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) re-injured the same ankle that sidelined for more than a month earlier this season, and he will likely miss at least the next two weeks. Look for wide receiver Nate Burleson to see an increased role in Hackett's absence.

It looks as though the Indianapolis Colts will once again be without wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) for this Sunday's divisional showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has not practiced this week and is not expected to play.

The Rest of the Field...

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin) was limited during practice both Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29, though he is expected to play this Sunday as a game-time decision ... Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker (knee) returned to the field in Week 12 after missing seven consecutive games due a knee injury. He should play this week ... New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) continues to sit out of practice each week, but he is likely to play in Week 13 ... Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (ankle) looks to be in danger of missing his second consecutive game after being unable to practice this week ... Washington Redskins wide receivers Santana Moss (heel) and Antwaan Randle El (hamstring, clavicle) have both been limited in practice this week, but both are expected to play come Sunday.

Tight Ends

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) practiced with the team for the first time in weeks Thursday, Nov. 29, and could actually be back in the lineup this Monday night. Heap has played in just one of the team's last five games.

The Rest of the Field...

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost tight ends George Wrighster(knee) and Greg Estandia (shoulder) to season-ending injuries this past week, which means tight end Marcedes Lewisshould see an increased role within the Jacksonville offense.

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

Dr. Alan Knopf has been a clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Implant Service at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is an attending staff member of the school's County General Hospital - Keck School of Medicine. He specializes in knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and trauma surgery. Dr. Knopf is board certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Board of Arthroscopic Surgery.

For more information regarding Dr. Knopf's work, please click here.

Ricky Williams | Running Back | Miami Dolphins | Torn Pectoral Muscle | Status: Place on Injured Reserve
A pectoral muscle is the major chest muscle (pectoralis major). It arises from the rib cage and attaches to the upper arm (humerus). It brings the arm across the chest and assists in lowering the arm from a horizontal position. It is usually torn from its attachment at the upper arm. Whether it is partial or complete tear, it needs to be surgically reattached, especially in an athlete. It takes 8-12 months for an athlete to become competitive after surgery.

Lofa Tatupu | Linebacker | Seattle Seahawks | Strained Oblique Muscle | Status: Expected to Play
A strain can be incomplete (Grade 1 or 2) or complete (Grade 3). Incomplete strains are usually in the muscle belly. Complete strains are usually torn off at the attachment on the pelvis (rectus abdominis). This requires surgical repair. The abdominal oblique (external and internal) muscles are usually incomplete. They require rest and time to heal. Twisting and bending is painful. Even with an abdominal support it seems doubtful that the athlete can return to competition at a high level before three or four weeks as a linebacker.

Samari Rolle | Cornerback | Baltimore Ravens | Epilepsy | Status: Playing Through Disorder
Epilepsy is a rather common disorder in society today. It is estimated that three million Americans are affected by epilepsy. That being said, it is extremely important for all coaches, athletic trainers and other school personnel to know about the cause, treatment as well as contraindications of the epileptic athlete.

Epilepsy is characterized as a seizure disorder. A seizure is the result of a discharge of electricity within the brain. They way the electricity is discharged determines how the seizure will appear. Seizures may be generalized (grand mal) or localized (petite mal). It can be controlled by medication, and an athlete can participate in full contact sports, although head trauma can facilitate seizure activity. The medication may slow an athlete's reaction time. If repeated head trauma (concussions) occur the athlete's future may be affected. There are many factors that may cause seizures, but traumatic head injuries are the most common.

 

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.

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