NFL Injury Roundup - Week 17

December 28, 2007
02:06:55

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 will apparently look to secure the No. 3 seed without the help of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (ankle), who is not expected to play in Week 17. Assuming he sits out, quarterback Charlie Batch would likely get the call.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle (hand) was knocked out of the team's Week 16 loss and replaced by veteran quarterback Damon Huard. However, Croyle was able to practice Thursday, Dec. 27, and is likely to get the starting nod this Sunday.

New York Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens (rib, shoulder) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 27, but is expected to start this week after veteran quarterback Chad Pennington got the call in Week 16.

The San Francisco 49ers could start their fourth quarterback of the season in Week 17 as quarterback Shaun Hill (back, ribs) has not practice this week and quarterback Trent Dilfer (concussion) has already been ruled out. If Hill can't play the starting role would fall to quarterback Chris Weinke.

The Rest of the Field...

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (thumb) appears to be throwing better this week as he recovers from a sprained thumb. However, given that the team has nothing to play for this Sunday it could be a short outing for Romo ... Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (knee) took part in limited practice Thursday, Dec. 27, and will likely serve as the team's No. 3 quarterback this Sunday. Quarterback Kyle Orton is in line to make his third consecutive start ... Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 26, but practiced in full the following day and should play this week ... Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (shoulder) has done some work in practice this week but is unlikely to play in Week 17 ... Don't expect New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's (shoulder) troublesome shoulder to keep him from trying to break the touchdown record held by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning this Saturday ... Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17 and is unlikely to play again this season even if the Redskins make the playoffs.

Running Backs

The New Orleans Saints were missing running backs Reggie Bush (knee) and Aaron Stecker (toe) in practice Thursday, Dec. 27. Stecker injured his toe in Week 16 but returned to the game, while Bush has not played since Week 13 due to a torn posterior cruciate ligament. Both are likely to be game-time decisions this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. If neither can play, look for rookie tailback Pierre Thomas to see a lot of action.

Pittsburgh Steelers halfback Willie Parker (leg) broke his leg in Week 16 and has been placed on Injured Reserve. Parker was replaced in the game by running back Najeh Davenport, who is set to serve as the team's starter going forward. The Steelers also signed running back Verron Haynes to handle the backup role behind Davenport.

Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones (knee) sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Week 16 and is done for the season. It has not been determined as to whether or not the injury will require surgery. With Jones sidelined, veteran halfback T.J. Duckett has been announced as the starter for this week. Running back Tatum Bell (foot) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 27, which puts his status for Sunday in doubt. If healthy, Bell could be active for the first time since Week 5 and serve as the backup to Duckett.

A brutal season full of injuries continued for the Baltimore Ravens last week when running back Willis McGahee (ribs) suffered fractured ribs, causing him to be ruled out for Week 17. Halfback Musa Smith should start and get the majority of the work with running back Mike Anderson (leg) also nicked up.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) has not practiced this week after being inactive for the team's Week 16 contest and appears as though he will miss his fifth game of the season. The team already knows it will be without tailback DeDe Dorsey (ankle) for Week 17, which means running back Kenny Watson could see almost all of the carries against the Miami Dolphins.

Tennessee Titans halfback LenDale White (ankle) is once again struggling with an ankle injury this week, missing practice Wednesday, Dec. 26. However, he has played through the injury of late and is expected to start in Sunday night's must-win affair with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Rest of the Field...

The Kansas City Chiefs placed running back Larry Johnson (foot) on Injured Reserve this week, which officially ended his season ... Houston Texans running back Ron Dayne (ankle), who was active last week but did not play, was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 27. However, he is expected to play this Sunday ... Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai (back) took a hard hit in Week 16 but is fine and should play on a limited basis this week ... Miami Dolphins halfback Jesse Chatman (ankle) has practiced in full all week and is likely to start for the 'Fins in Week 17 ... New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (ankle) is expected to start this Saturday even though he is nursing a sprained ankle and the team has locked up the fifth seed ... Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (knee) was placed on Injured Reserve this week ... San Francisco 49ers halfback Frank Gore (knee) has been limited in practice this week but should start come Sunday ... Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 27, but he will likely be available to play in some capacity this Sunday.

Wide Receivers

The Dallas Cowboys got a major scare when wide receiver Terrell Owens (ankle) injured his ankle in Week 16, but an MRI revealed it was only a sprain. With Dallas already having locked up the top seed in the NFC they will likely sit Owens this Sunday, which would give him until the team's second-round game to recover. On the flipside, receiver Terry Glenn (knee) could make his 2007 debut and start in Week 17 depending on the field and weather conditions.

It looks as though Indianapolis Colts wideout Marvin Harrison (knee) could actually return to the lineup for limited snaps in the team's Sunday night matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Harrison completed an entire practice Thursday, Dec. 27, marking the first time in months he had taken part in a full practice. The team would like to get him some game action to shake off a bit of the rust. Also of note, rookie receiver Anthony Gonzalez (foot) has not practiced this week and is uncertain to play this week.

Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald (groin) and Anquan Boldin (toe) continue to be limited during practice this week, though both were able to suit up in Week 16 and are expected to be in uniform this week for their season finale against the St. Louis Rams.

Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings (ankle) sustained what is believed to be a mild ankle sprain last week, but with Green Bay set as the No. 2 seed his status for Week 17 is in doubt. If he doesn't play, rookie receiver James Jones could get the start.

The New York Giants got a rare sight Wednesday, Dec. 26, as wideout Plaxico Burress (ankle) took part in practice for the first time since the week leading up to the team's Week 9 game. He should be available this Saturday, but with a playoff game looming the following week it remains to be seen how much he plays.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch (calf) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 27, and could be a game-time decision. Given that the Seahawks have secured the third seed it is possible they will rest him for next week's playoff game. However, wide receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) is expected to return to the field this week after missing the team's previous four games with a high-ankle sprain.

The Rest of the Field...

Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, Dec. 27, after missing the previous day. He is expected to start in Week 17 ... New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (chest) sustained a chest injury in Week 16 but has been able to practice this week and should start Sunday ... Chicago Bears wideout Bernard Berrian (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 27, but hopes to play this week. However, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (ankle) has not practiced at all and appears unlikely to see the field in Week 17 ... Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley (knee) has missed the team's last two games, and his status remains uncertain for the season finale ... Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday, which will be the eighth game he has missed this year ... Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins (quad) missed practice Thursday, Dec. 27, and is unlikely to play this Sunday ... Miami Dolphins wideout Marty Booker (tailbone) practiced Thursday, Dec. 27, and should start in Week 17 ... Minnesota Vikings wideout Sidney Rice (ankle), who did not play in Week 16, has been limited in practice this week. His status remains unknown for Sunday ... The New York Jets placed wide receiver Laveranues Coles (ankle) on Injured Reserve this week ... San Francisco 49ers receiver Arnaz Battle (knee) is expected to start this week despite being limited in practice.

Tight Ends

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) did not practice this week and looks as though he will not return in 2007. Making matters even worse, tight ends Quinn Sypniewski (concussion) and Daniel Wilcox (hamstring) could be out as well, potentially leaving fourth-string tight end Lee Vickers to see most of the playing time this Sunday.

New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson (ankle) missed his second straight game in Week 16, but he has done some work in practice this week and could play against the New York Giants this Saturday.

The Rest of the Field...

Cleveland Browns tight Kellen Winslow (knee) has been limited in practice this week but is likely to start in Week 17 ... Denver Broncos tight end Daniel Graham (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 26, or Thursday, Dec. 27, and could miss the team's finale ... Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith (knee) was unable to practice Thursday, Dec. 27, and is not likely to play this week.

Place Kickers

San Diego Chargers place kicker Nate Kaeding (leg) suffered a bruised lower leg in Monday night's win over the Denver Broncos. He is expected to continue kicking field goals and extra points this week, but the team has worked out some other kickers and is considering signing someone to handle the kickoffs.

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.

Willie Parker | Running Back | Pittsburgh Steelers | Fractured Fibula | Status: Season Over
The fibula is the long thin bone adjacent to the tibia (shin bone). It contributes only 20 percent of the force transmission of weight bearing. The fibula does contribute to the stability twisting (torque) forces to the knee (lateral collateral ligament) and the ankle (tibio-fibular) ligaments. The fibula attaches to the tibia along the entire bone by along sheath or ligament (interosseous membrane). The tear of this membrane is known as "high ankle sprain" and is usually associated with a fracture or tear of the ankle ligaments. If the ankle joint is stable this strain will heal without surgery in four to six weeks with a brace or cast. A fracture of the fibula not associated with knee or ankle joint will usually heal slowly in three months due to thick bone and slow blood supply. In order to promote anatomic and rapid healing a plate with screws are applied. This may be removed after healing has occurred in two months. Contact sports activity should be avoided. The total time for a complete recovery is three to four months. The athlete may return to full running capacity after that time, so it shouldn't affect him at all going into the 2008 season.

Terrell Owens | Wide Receiver | Dallas Cowboys | High Ankle Sprain | Status: Uncertain
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber creates an environment of increased pressure, which forces greater amounts of oxygen into the body. This higher concentration of oxygen reaches the blood supply, organs, injured muscle, bone tissue, damaged tendons and joints, supporting the body's natural healing process at a much faster rate. In effect, recovery times are reduced, performance is improved, and endurance is enhanced. In fact, the effectiveness of hyperbaric therapy has been well-documented. Consequently, professional NBA, NHL and NFL teams (including the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys) currently utilize hyperbaric chambers for player therapy. The high ankle sprain is discussed in detail above with fibula fracture. Hyperbaric chamber treatment in sports is a relatively new, a somewhat controversial and expensive treatment.

 

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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