NFL Injury Roundup - Week 15

December 14, 2007
01:09:36

By Herija C. Green and Alan Knopf, M.D.
Edited by Ryan Dodson and 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 Pittsburgh Steelers have been without the services of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) in practice this week, but it is highly unlikely that their field general would miss the club's Week 15 showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A week after the St. Louis Rams had to turn to quarterback Brock Berlin to lead them, the Rams are hoping to have both quarterbacks Marc Bulger (concussion) and Gus Frerotte (shoulder) available this Sunday. Bulger has been taking the snaps with the first team in practice and is expected to start.

Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (knee) could miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a sprained medial collateral ligament during the team's loss last Thursday to the Washington Redskins. The Bears are set to start quarterback Kyle Orton Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Orton has not played since the 2005 season.

The San Diego Chargers may be forced to turn the offense over to veteran backup quarterback Billy Volek this week as quarterback Philip Rivers (knee) missed the team's practice Wednesday, Dec. 12, and was limited the following day. The team remains hopeful he can play, but that is anything but a certainty at this point.

Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (knee) is likely done for the year after he suffered a dislocated left kneecap during the club's Week 14 game against the Bears. Veteran backup quarterback Todd Collins played well in relief and could start the team's final three games. Collins' last start was more than 10 years ago, which would make this the longest gap in between starts in NFL history since the 1970 merger. Just as a bit of trivia, the record is held (at least until Sunday) by quarterback Tommy Maddox as he went nine-plus years between his final start with the Denver Broncos and his first start at the helm of the Steelers.

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for the San Francisco 49ers they head into their Week 15 contest with quarterbacks Alex D. Smith (shoulder) and Trent Dilfer (concussion) both out of action, which means third-string quarterback Shaun Hill is set to get his first NFL start. Smith underwent season-ending shoulder surgery Thursday, Dec. 13, while Dilfer's season may be over as well after sustaining a concussion last Sunday.

The Rest of the Field ...

The Carolina Panthers have held quarterback Vinny Testaverde (undisclosed) out of practice Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Thursday, Dec. 13, but they say he is not injured. However, the team has not announced a starter for this Sunday, and it should be a game-time decision ... New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) has been limited in practice this week, but don't expect him to be limited this Sunday in a grudge match with the New York Jets ... Oakland Raiders quarterback Daunte Culpepper (quad) is expected to be inactive this week with quarterback Josh McCown (finger) likely to start. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the top pick in this year's draft, has been named the backup by head coach Lane Kiffin ... Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young (ribs) suffered bruised ribs during the team's Week 14 loss to the Chargers. He has practiced all week and should start Sunday.

Running Backs

It appears that the New Orleans Saints will be without the services of running back Reggie Bush (knee) for the duration of the season, though Bush himself has said he hopes to be back in time for the team's Week 17 contest. Without Bush in the lineup the Saints are expected to start veteran running back Aaron Stecker and also give some carries to first-year tailback Pierre Thomas (kidney).

The Kansas City Chiefs will once again be without running back Larry Johnson (foot) this Sunday, but it appears that rookie halfback Kolby Smith (knee) will be available after returning to full participation at practice Thursday, Dec. 13. There had been some concern earlier in the week after he suffered the injury last Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (knee) has been limited in practice this week but should play. However, backup running back Correll Buckhalter (concussion) has been unable to practice and is not expected to suit up.

The Rest of the Field ...

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee (foot) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Dec. 13, and should start this week ... Miami Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman (ankle) said he expects to return this week after missing the team's Week 14 game with an ankle injury. If Chatman can't go, look for running back Samkon Gado to get another start ... Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (ribs) has practiced without limitations this week and is likely to be the team's starter in Week 15 ... San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (ankle) has been limited in practice this week but should start Saturday night.

Wide Receivers

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin) returned to the field in Week 14 after missing the team's previous game, but fellow wide receiver Anquan Boldin (toe) was held out of the team's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Both men have been limited in practice thus far this week, but the team hopes to have both available for this Sunday. If either missed the game, wide receiver Bryant Johnson would likely slide into the starting lineup with wideout Jerheme Urban set to take over in the slot.

The New York Jets head into Sunday's game against the New England Patriots with a banged up receiving corps. Starting receivers Laveranues Coles (ankle) and Jerricho Cotchery (finger) have both been limited in practice this week, as has wideout Justin McCareins (thigh). All three are expected to suit up in Week 15, but it remains to be seen how effective they can be.

The Rest of the Field ...

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (knee) missed practice Thursday, Dec. 13, because of a knee injury but is expected to play this Sunday ... Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (knee) has been unable to practice this week due to a knee injury, and his status for Week 15 is unknown ... Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) has not practiced this week and is not likely to play come Sunday ... The Miami Dolphins expect to have wide receiver Marty Booker (knee) back in the lineup in Week 15 after he sat out of last Sunday's affair ... As has been the case for nearly the entire 2007 season, New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) has not participated in practice this week but should play in Week 15 ... Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Reggie Brown (shin) returned to practice Thursday, Dec. 13, and will likely start this week against the Dallas Cowboys ... San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Arnaz Battle (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, Dec. 13, after missing the previous day. He should start this Saturday ... Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Joey Galloway (toe) has been dealing with a toe injury for the last week-plus but is expected to be ready to play in Week 15.

Tight Ends

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (back) took a beating against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, getting knocked out of the game before coming back to catch the game-tying touchdown. He has not practiced this week and could be out this Sunday. However, Gates still feels he will be able to play.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 12, but was able to practice in full Thursday, Dec. 13, and is expected to play in Week 15.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 13, and is not expected to play in Week 15. Given that the Ravens no longer have any hope of reaching the postseason the team is unlikely to take any chances with Heap's health.

The tough season for Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith (knee, ribs) continues as the fifth-year veteran appears as though he will miss his fourth game of the season this Sunday. Smith missed three of the team's first six games but had played in their last seven.

The Rest of the Field ...

Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 13, but the team is hopeful he will return to action after a seven-game absence ... New Orleans Saints tight end Eric Johnson (groin) has not practiced this week, and his status for Sunday remains undetermined ... Arizona Cardinals tight end Leonard Pope (ankle) is done for the season after fracturing and dislocating his right ankle last Sunday.

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.

Alex D. Smith | Quarterback | San Francisco 49ers | Shoulder Reconstruction | Status: Placed on Injured Reserve
Smith underwent surgery to repair Grade 3 (complete) tears to two major ligaments (acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular) in his throwing shoulder. This injury involves the attachment of the collarbone (clavicle) to the shoulder (scapula). The collarbone rests on the chest (ribcage). The entire shoulder is supported by this method of attachment by ligaments and muscles.

There are three major ligaments from the AC joint. There is one ligament atop of the acromioclavicular joint (AC). A first-degree AC separation, which a very minor can be handled with a splint and rest for two to three weeks. There are two ligaments under the AC joint, the conoid and the trapezoid, which attach the end of the collarbone to the shoulder. A complete tear of these two ligaments may not heal with a splint alone, which is worn 24 hours a day for up to eight weeks. Patients usually will not tolerate this harness. Most people function well without any treatment. Athletes are different! They definitely require the support system of the ligaments to generate the power to reach and to throw forward. This results in surgical repair, especially with a complete tear of all three ligaments, resulting in elevation of the collarbone.

Surgical repair requires recreation of the function of this ligament complex. This can be done with muscle tendon graft or ligament reconstruction with removal of the diminutive AC joint (where the collarbone at its outer point meets the acromion process, or the outer point of the shoulder blade). This requires at least six to eight weeks healing time with a shoulder harness, if only ligament reconstruction is used without screws or pins. Athletes require removal of the metal fixation prior to engaging in contact.

Rehabilitation will require an additional six to eight weeks after surgery to restore range of motion and power of the shoulder. The resulting power of a throwing shoulder may be decreased and may be prone to re-injury.

 

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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