Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

NFL Injury Roundup - Week 5

October 5, 2007 @ 07:31:36

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

Already off to a horrendous start, the St. Louis Rams were dealt another blow this week when they decided quarterback Marc Bulger (ribs) could no longer play with the broken ribs he incurred back in Week 2. The team plans to sit Bulger for at least a week or two to allow the injury to heal. Journeyman quarterback Gus Frerotte is set to make the start in Bulger's place in Week 5.

The Buffalo Bills have ruled out quarterback J.P. Losman (knee) for Week 5, which means rookie quarterback Trent Edwards should get his second straight start Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. Edwards led the team to their first victory of the season last week, and if he plays well again this week there could be a full-blown quarterback controversy in Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (elbow) has not practiced this week, and season-ending surgery remains a possibility. Delhomme is optimistic the injury will heal itself through rehabilitation, but he is almost certainly out for this Sunday. Backup quarterback David Carr figures to make his second consecutive start in Delhomme's place.

The San Francisco 49ers' promising 2-0 start seems like a distant memory with the team dropping its last two games and losing quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) to a third-degree shoulder separation in their Week 4 loss. Smith has been ruled out for this week and is targeting Week 7 as a return date. San Francisco is expected to turn to veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer while Smith recuperates.

The Rest of the Field...

To the surprise of no one, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) is once again on the injury report. According to our calculations it is now only six more weeks before we can add his inclusion on the weekly injury report to the list of life's certainties right alongside death and taxes... Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (groin) played the entire game in Week 4 after splitting time with backup quarterback Kyle Boller the previous week. McNair should start again this Sunday... Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart (back) has a bruised back but is not expected to be limited by the injury in Week 5... Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (groin) is projected to return to the starting lineup in Week 6 following the team's Bye this week. Backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb started the last two games in Jackson's place.

Running Backs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams (knee) suffered a horrific knee injury during the team's Week 4 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Williams sustained a torn patella tendon in his right knee, and he will miss the remainder of the season. With Williams out, look for running backs Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham to get the yeoman's share of the carries.

Another player whose season could be over for very different reasons is Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry (knee, ankle). Already a question mark for Week 5 due to knee and ankle injuries, Henry is now facing a one-year suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy after reportedly testing positive for marijuana. Without Henry the team would likely turn to running backs Selvin Young and Mike Bell to fill the void.

It appears as though Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis (knee) will have the green light this Sunday after completing a full practice Thursday, Oct. 4. Portis has been suffering from tendonitis in the same knee since the preseason, but he has not missed a regular-season game in 2007.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai (shoulder, back) got roughed up in Week 4, and he has been held out of practice this week. The injuries are not considered to be overly serious, however, and he should start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.

Houston Texans running back Ahman Green (knee) has been limited in practice this week, though the team remains hopeful he will be able to play in Week 5. Green did not play last Sunday, and if he cannot go this week anticipate veteran running back Ron Dayne to once again get the starting nod in his stead.

New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney (groin) did not play in Week 4 and was limited in practice both Wednesday, Oct. 3, and Thursday, Oct. 4. If Maroney can't help play in Week 5 look for running back Sammy Morris to make another start.

The condition of Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (abdomen, ribs) remains a bit of a mystery. Head coach Andy Reid shot down reports that the running back had a small tear below his rib cage, but a Week 6 return to the lineup is anything but a certainty for Westbrook at this time. The Eagles are off this week.

The Rest of the Field...

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Oct. 4, and is expected to make his return to the lineup this week. Jacobs has not played since Week 1... St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (groin) has been ruled for Week 5 due to a groin injury that kept him out of action last week as well... Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) has not been practicing with the team during their Bye week. His status will be reevaluated leading up to their next game in Week 6... Green Bay Packers running back Brandon Jackson (shin) did not practice Thursday, Oct. 4, and is not likely to play this Sunday... Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (back) suffered an injured back in Week 4, though X-rays came back negative. The Raiders are on Bye this week.

Wide Receivers

The Indianapolis Colts got a scare in Week 4 when superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) was injured in the second quarter of their win over the Denver Broncos. Harrison did not return to the game, and he has not practiced this week. Head coach Tony Dungy thought Harrison might return to practice Friday, Oct. 5, and his status for this week's game remains up in the air.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hip) was unable to play in the team's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday due to soreness in his injured hip. Boldin has not returned to practice this week and seems likely to miss a second straight game.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker (knee) sat out the team's Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts and looks to be a game-time decision this Sunday. Walker has said that the fluids in his knee need to drain before he can return.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson (ankle) was seen wearing a protective walking boot on his left foot as a result of an ankle injury he sustained in Monday night's loss to the New England Patriots. Neither Johnson nor wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) have practiced this week, though neither is expected to miss any game time. The Bengals have their Bye this week.

The Houston Texans are expected to be without the services of No. 1 wide receiver Andre Johnson (knee) once again in Week 5. Johnson did not practice Wednesday, Oct. 3, or Thursday, Oct. 4, but he has not been officially ruled out for this Sunday. Johnson has not played since the fourth quarter of Week 2 due to the injury.

The Rest of the Field...

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) is not practicing again this week in an attempt to rest his injured ankle. He is expected to start once again in Week 5... Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (back) ran drills during practice Thursday, Oct. 4, and appears as though he will return to the lineup this week after being inactive in Week 4... Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (knee) did not practice Thursday, Oct. 4, due to a knee injury and could be a game-time decision in Week 5... Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Oct. 3, but should start against the Chicago Bears this Sunday night... Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison (hamstring) has returned to full practice this week, and he is expected to play this Sunday for the first time since Week 1... Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward (knee) did not practice Thursday, Oct. 4, but hopes to play in Week 5... St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce (hamstring) injured his hamstring last Sunday and is unlikely to suit up this week... Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (groin) has not practiced this week, and his status is undetermined for this Sunday. Moss suffered the groin injury in team's Week 3 loss to the Giants.

Tight Ends

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Oct. 4, and his status for Week 5 is cause for concern. Heap injured the hamstring in Week 4, and the team was eventually left with only third-string tight end Quinn Sypniewski available after backup tight end Daniel Wilcox (foot) was also injured. If Heap cannot play this Sunday, look for Wilcox to make the start.

It looks like it's going to take more than an injured shoulder to stop Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow (shoulder) as the fourth-year tight end had four receptions for 96 yards last week despite the injury. Winslow was limited in practice Thursday, Oct. 4, but is expected to play this Sunday. However, the team does feel it is the type of injury that could linger throughout the season.

The Rest of the Field...

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (illness) did not practice Thursday, Oct. 4, due to an illness but should start in Week 5... San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (knee) has been ruled out once again for Week 5, which will be the second game he has missed since suffering a sprained right knee in Week 3.

Place Kickers

New Orleans Saints place kicker Olindo Mare (groin) did not practice Thursday, Oct. 4, because of a groin injury. However, he should still handle the kicking duties this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Josh Scobee (quadriceps) is still unable to kick, and he is expected to miss at least two more weeks. Veteran place kicker John Carney continues to fill in for the sidelined Scobee.

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.

Alex D. Smith | Quarterback | San Francisco 49ers | Separated Shoulder | Status: Season in Question
The acromioclavicular joint connects the collarbone (clavicle) to the shoulder (scapula) by three ligaments, the AC ligament and two coracoid ligaments. A complete AC separation (third degree) means all three ligaments are torn. A third-degree separation means season-ending surgery for a quarterback, especially if it is his throwing shoulder, which is the case here. Tendon damage usually involves the rotator cuff tendons. This can be repaired at the same time as the AC repair. The team continues to say Smith will not need surgery, which is a bit peculiar.

Javon Walker | Wide Receiver | Denver Broncos | Fluid on Knee | Status: Day-to-Day
Fluid on the knee (water on the knee) indicates some form of injury has occurred inside the knee. It can be diagnosed by a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and if it is deemed necessary after the results are learned, corrective treatment of arthroscopic surgery likely would be instituted. In the meantime, the knee can be drained and injected before the game but at some risk of further injury to the knee. The correct treatment will depend on the MRI results, which was determined to be negative.

Cadillac Williams | Running Back | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Torn Patella Tendon | Status: Season Over
A torn or ruptured tendon means the same injury, but varying degrees come into play. The patella tendon connects the thigh muscle (quadriceps) and kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia). It is the most powerful muscle mechanism in the body, responsible for running and jumping activity. The re-attachment surgery needs prolonged post operative protection and time to heal (three to six months). It has a potential to re-tear under stress and could be considered a career-threatening, especially at the running back position. It remains a possibility that Williams is not ready for the start of the 2008 NFL season, but it is too early to make that judgment, and his rehabilitation will be the determining factor.

Lemar Marshall | Linebacker | Cincinnati Bengals | Ruptured Achilles' Tendon | Status: Season Over
The Achilles' tendon attaches the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) to the heal (calcaneus). It is responsible for the foot to push off the ground. It is the second most powerful muscle in the leg. It takes six months to heal, requiring protection by casting and bracing. It also requires prolonged rehabilitation. The injury is season-ending, but he may return next season without any disability.

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.