Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

NFL Injury Roundup - Week 20

January 18, 2008 @ 02:06:00

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 San Diego Chargers may have to turn to quarterback Billy Volek in Sunday's AFC Championship Game if quarterback Philip Rivers (knee) is unable to play. Rivers suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in the team's upset victory over the Indianapolis Colts last weekend, and he has been unable to practice this week. Rivers remains optimistic that he will be ready, but he will likely be a game-time decision.

For the 18th time this season, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) finds himself on the team's injury report with a shoulder injury. Of course, barring something unforeseen - like an actual injury - he should be under center as the Pats look to reach their fourth Super Bowl under the stewardship of head coach Bill Belichick.

Running Backs

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) returned to the practice field Thursday, Jan. 17, and he is expected to start this Sunday. Tomlinson sustained a hyperextended knee during last Sunday's tilt with the Indianapolis Colts and watched the entire second half from the sidelines. In addition, fullback Lorenzo Neal (fibula) has practiced all week and should play for the first time since breaking his leg back in Week 14, though he may not start.

Wide Receivers

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Greg Jennings (groin) and Koren Robinson (knee) have both been limited during practice this week but primarily for precautionary reasons. Jennings is expected to start in Sunday's NFC Championship tilt with the New York Giants, while Robinson should assume his kickoff return duties and be available when Green Bay goes to their four- or five-receiver sets.

As has been the case for much of the 2007 season, New York Giants wideout Plaxico Burress (ankle) was limited in practice both Wednesday, Jan. 16, and Thursday, Jan. 17. However, he should be in the starting lineup against the Packers this weekend.

New England Patriots receiver Donte' Stallworth (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Jan. 16, but he was not listed on the team's official injury report the following day and is likely to be available for this weekend's matchup with the San Diego Chargers.

Tight Ends

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (toe) surprised many by being active for the team's Divisional Round win over the Indianapolis Colts last weekend despite suffering a dislocated toe the previous Sunday. Gates has not practiced this week and is expected to be a game-time decision once again this week.

Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks (knee) was limited in practice both Wednesday, Jan. 16, and Thursday, Jan. 17, but should be available for Sunday's showdown with the New York Giants.

Place Kickers

San Diego Chargers place kicker Nate Kaeding (fibula) has spent time working on kickoffs for the first time since suffering a leg injury in Week 16. Place kicker Dave Rayner has handled the kickoffs the last three weeks, but Kaeding looks as though he might do all the kicking during the AFC Championship Game.

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.

LaDainian Tomlinson | Running Back | San Diego Chargers | Hyperextended/Bruised Right Knee | Status: Expected to Play
The knee joint has two inner knee ligaments (cruciates). These ligaments cross each other as they extend from the top of the knee (femur) to the bottom bone (tibia). They provide anterior thrust protection (anterior cruciate) and posterior thrust protection (posterior cruciate).

When the knee joint is hyperextended the posterior cruciate is stretched. There for causing a partial to complete tear of this structure. Clinically, a first-degree strain is stable but painful. Second- and third-degree sprain may lead to bleeding into the joint as well as instability. An MRI can outline this ligament complex an specifically how much of the ligament remains intact.

A first- and, maybe second-degree sprain, may heal without surgical reconstruction but may require bracing for a period of four to eight weeks. It is highly doubtful a running back can perform well with this brace protection. It can also lead to a complete tear, which will require posterior cruciate reconstruction. The results of posterior cruciate reconstruction are not as good as anterior cruciate reconstruction. Tomlinson has been wearing an elastic sleeve on his leg during practice this week and is expected to start.

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.