Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

NFL Injury Roundup - Week 14

December 7, 2007 @ 10:25:44

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 Green Bay Packers had a scare in Week 13 when quarterback Brett Favre (elbow, shoulder) was knocked out of the game with an elbow injury that left his throwing hand feeling numb. He also sustained a separated shoulder, though that is in his non-throwing arm. Favre was replaced by quarterback Aaron Rodgers (hamstring), but ironically it looks like it will be Rodgers who is going to be unavailable for this Sunday's tilt with the Oakland Raiders after he injured his hamstring in practice. As for Favre, the veteran appears ready to make his 250th consecutive start this Sunday.

Barring a setback, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (thumb, ankle) is expected to start this week. McNabb practiced in full Wednesday, Dec. 5, and Thursday, Dec. 6, after missing the team's previous two games. Quarterback A.J. Feeley, who started in McNabb's absence, should reassume his role as the backup.

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (shoulder) dislocated his left shoulder in Week 13, and the team is likely to start quarterback Sage Rosenfels this week. However, they remain hopeful Schaub will be able to return at some point this season.

The St. Louis Rams look to be getting quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion) back this week after he passed a neuropsych exam Tuesday, Dec. 4. Barring any complications he should start for the team this week. However, backup quarterback Gus Frerotte (shoulder) suffered a partially torn labrum while filling in for Bulger last Sunday and is expected to miss at least a week.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (shoulder) went under the knife this week, undergoing season-ending rotator cuff surgery. The veteran was placed on Injured Reserve, and his days in Baltimore may have come to an end. Quarterback Kyle Boller is expected to start the team's remaining four games.

After watching from the sidelines during last Sunday's game, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia (back) will likely return to the starting lineup in Week 14. The team is leery of rushing him back given their position in the division coupled with the play of quarterback Luke McCown last week, but it still looks as though Garcia will be under center when they take on the Texans in Week 14.

The Rest of the Field...

After missing last Sunday, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle (back) looks to be ready to resume his starting duties this week against the Denver Broncos. Were Croyle to suffer a setback, veteran quarterback Damon Huard (hand) would likely get the start ... New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) was limited in practice this week, as always, but we have a sneaking suspicion he'll suit up for Sunday's showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers ... Oakland Raiders quarterback Daunte Culpepper (quad) did not play last week and has not practiced this week. Head coach Lane Kiffin has yet to name a starter, but both Culpepper and quarterback Josh McCown (finger) are banged up heading into Week 14 ... San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) has done some light throwing in practice this week but appears to be nowhere near ready to return.

Running Backs

Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron is optimistic he'll have running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) back this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The rookie has missed the team's last three games. The news was not as good for veteran halfback Anthony Thomas (calf) as he was placed on Injured Reserve Thursday, Dec. 6, and is done for the year.

It looks as though the Denver Broncos will have their full complement of running backs this Sunday as halfbacks Travis Henry (knee), Andre Hall (ankle) and Selvin Young (elbow) all practiced; each should be available against the Kansas City Chiefs.

New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (leg) is done for the season after breaking his left fibula against the Chicago Bears last week. Ward's injury means the team may have to turn to veteran running back Reuben Droughns this week with halfback Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) still nursing a hamstring injury. Jacobs has made some progress, but look for the team to be cautious with them two games up in the Wild Card scramble and virtually eliminated from the NFC East race.

The Rest of the Field...

Houston Texans running back Ahman Green (knee) has played in just three of the team's last nine games and will miss the rest of the season. Meanwhile, running back Ron Dayne (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Dec. 6, after missing the previous day with an ankle injury. He should be available this week and is expected to assume the full-time starting role ... Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (foot) did some individual work in practice this week but remains out for Week 14 ... Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (knee) has been sitting out of practice to rest his sore but should start this Sunday ... Miami Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman (ankle) has been unable to practice this week after aggravating an ankle injury last Sunday. He is not expected to play, which means running back Samkon Gado will likely make his first start with the club ... The Minnesota Vikings are being cautious with rookie running back Adrian Peterson (knee) by limiting his work in practice, but he should play in Week 14 ... San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 6, but is expected to start this Sunday ... Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White (finger) dislocated and lacerated his finger last week against the Texans, but he is expected to play in Sunday's critical game versus the San Diego Chargers ... Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 6, and appears to be in danger of missing Sunday's game.

Wide Receivers

Detroit Lions wide receiver Roy Williams (knee) sustained a sprained posterior cruciate ligament this past Sunday and could miss the rest of the season. Williams is definitely out for Week 14, but he has said he is hoping to return for the team's season finale. With Williams out, look for wide receivers Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey to assume bigger roles.

The Arizona Cardinals could be extremely short-handed this Sunday if wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald (groin) and Anquan Boldin (toe) are unable to suit up against the Seattle Seahawks. Fitzgerald missed the team's Week 13 game and is considered day-to-day. He has done some work in practice this week but still figures to be a game-time decision. As for Boldin, he suffered a dislocated toe last Sunday and has been unable to practice this week. He remains hopeful that he can play in Week 14, but like Fitzgerald he will likely be a game-time decision.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (ankle) should be back in the lineup this Sunday when the Steelers try to spoil the New England Patriots' perfect season. Holmes had missed the Steelers' last two games with a high ankle sprain but was able to return to practice Wednesday, Dec. 5.

New York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (finger) has not practiced since undergoing surgery on his injured finger Nov. 26, and he is not expected to play this Sunday. In fact, Cotchery could be shut down for the rest of the season. Teammate receiver Laveranues Coles (ankle) has been limited in practice this week and is expected to play, though he may end up being a game-time decision.

The Rest of the Field...

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) continues to do some limited work during practice but remains unlikely to play this week. In fact, the smart money might be on Harrison not returning to the field before January ... Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans (illness) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 6, due to a stomach virus but is expected to play this Sunday ... Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn (knee) has started doing some running and still hopes to return this season ... Miami Dolphins wide receiver Marty Booker (knee) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 6, with a knee injury and may not play this Sunday ... New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) continues to not practice in an effort to rest his ankle, but he has yet to miss a game due to the injury ... Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) remains out for this Sunday, but the team is optimistic he can return in the next couple of weeks ... San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Arnaz Battle (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, Dec. 6, after missing practice the previous day. He should play in Week 14.

Tight Ends

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) continues to be limited in practice this week, and while it is possible he could play in Week 14 it is not expected. The team did actually get some good news at the position though as fellow tight end Daniel Wilcox (foot) was back in the lineup last Monday for the first time since Week 4.

The Rest of the Field...

Tennessee Titans tight end Bo Scaife (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 5, but practiced in full the following day and is expected to be play this Sunday ... Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Dec. 6, and could return this Sunday. Franks has missed the team's last six games.

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.

Roy Williams | Wide Receiver | Detroit Lions | Grade 2 PCL Sprain | Status: Likely Done for the Year
A posterior cruciate ligament strain is a stretch injury to the major restraint to the knee ligament that controls backward and rotational stability of the knee. A Grade 2 strain, depending on if it is in the ligament itself, will lead to some instability even after it heal. If it is off its attachment point in the knee, usually the femur (upper thigh bone), it will heal. The necessary time to heal is two to three months. During this time, motion must be restricted with a brace. I would not expect he would make the playoffs should the team clinch a berth.

Anquan Boldin | Wide Receiver | Arizona Cardinals | Dislocated Left Index Toe | Status: Uncertain for Week 14
A dislocated second toe usually occurs at metatarsal-phalangeal joint (where the toe meets the foot bones). It is usually easy to reduce and hold in position with taped "buddy splint." An orthotic insert will protect the toe during running activity. It heals in three to four weeks. Surgery is necessary if the toe cannot remain in position (reduced).

Jason Campbell | Quarterback | Washington Redskins | Dislocated Left Patella | Status: Likely Season-Ending
The kneecap (patella) is out of its normal position in the middle of the knee. It results in a tear of the inner muscle (quadriceps) attachment of the kneecap. It may also create a loose body (bone and cartilage), which needs to be removed arthroscopically. The healing time requires four to six weeks. The athlete may require future surgery if the kneecap remains unstable after healing occurs.

Author Bio

Herija C. Green

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

Author Bio

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.