Footballphds.com Real NFL and NCAA Spin from LA

TERM

DEFINITION

Strain

Tear of muscle

Sprain

Tear of ligament

Concussion

Traumatically induced altered mental status, with or without loss of consciousness

Pneumothorax

Puncture of the lining surrounding the lung

Meniscus

Cartilage in the knee that provides a cushion between the bones

PLAYER

INJURY

ANTICIPATED RETURN BY DR. RIAZ

COMMENTS BY DR. RIAZ

ADDAI  Joseph, RB, Colts

Hamstring strain, Week 5

Out for Week 6; likely return Week 7

10/14: Addai hasn't been practicing and is going to sit Week 6. 

10/09: Assume two weeks for a hamstring strain, which puts him back in Week 6.  But until he tries to practice this week, it's not known what his status for Week 6 might be.  He didn't reenter the game after injury.

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AMENDOLA Danny, WR, Rams

Dislocated elbow, Week 1

Out for the 2011 season

10/06: Amendola had surgery to repair his triceps tendon this week and is out for the season.  Recovery time is 4 months and he will require dedicated rehabilitation.

09/29: Still out but if he’s available on WW in your league, he’s worth picking up.  He’s getting much closer to a return and will help the Rams offense in the slot.

09/22: Nothing new to report. I still have him returning by Week 5 or 6.

09/15: A dislocated elbow will generally take at least 4 weeks to heal.  A dislocation is always accompanied by partially torn ligaments, which require 4 weeks to fully heal.

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BLOUNT LaGarrette, RB, Buccaneers

Knee sprain, Week 5

Week 6 unlikely

10/14: Expect two weeks for a moderate knee sprain to regain the ability to plant and cut.  He'll be a game time decision but hasn't been practicing this week. 

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AUSTIN Miles, WR, Cowboys

Hamstring strain, Reinjured Week 2

Week 6

10/14: Miles Austin is moving well and will start this week.

10/06: The Cowboys are on bye for Week 5, which means that Miles Austin is set to return for Week 6 at full strength.

09/29: Austin is still out.  If you are playoff bound in your league and can grab him for cheap in a trade, do so.  He’s Romo’s second favorite target after Witten.

09/25: Miles Austin is officially out for MNF.

09/22: It’s unlikely that Miles will play in Week 3 considering that his hamstring strain is a re-aggravation.  Two weeks off of practice will do his hamstring wonders, especially if the Cowboys hope to compete for a playoff spot.

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BRITT, Kenny, WR, Titans

MCL and ACL Tear, Week 3

Out for 2011 season

09/29: It’s official.  He’s done for the year.  He’ll have to rehab in depth.  Nate Washington is the guy to get if he’s still available on waivers.

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CHARLES Jamaal

ACL tear, Week 2

Out for  2011 season

09/22: He won’t be back in 2011. It’s a one year injury that will need extensive rehab but he should be able to have a successful return in 2012, although it may take him time to regain explosion and confidence in his knee.

His backup, Dexter McCluster will get 12-15 carries going forward is a reasonable flex play.

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COLLINS Kerry, QB, Colts

Post-concussive syndrome, Week 3

Week 6 possible but week to week

10/14: Collins has been practicing but at full duty.  He'll ride the bench and your boy Curtis Painter will start again.

10/09: Collins was inactive for Week 5 and is week to week.  Concussions are hard to predict but even if he is active it seems as if the Colts will move on with Curtis Painter, who has a good arm is improving.  His deer-in-the-headlights look isn't as bad as it used to be.

10/06: He's been played to participate in practice but I don't expect him to Week 5, giving Curtis Painter the job again.

09/29: The team hasn’t said that Collins had a concussion but they have said he has had concussion-like symptoms.  It doesn’t matter.  It’s the same.  He has post-concussive syndrome, which can take days to weeks to resolve.  He’s a no-go for Week 4 and week to week thereafter depending on symptoms.  He has to be free of symptoms to play.  But if you have to worry about starting Collins, you have bigger issues to worry about, like what happened to your fantasy team.

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EDWARDS Braylon, WR, 49ers

Knee, meniscus tear, Week 2; status post meniscus surgery

Week 8

10/06: SF has a bye for Week 7, which puts Braylon Edwards as trying to get back by Week 8. 

09/29: He out for Week 4 and 5 and doing rehab.  He’s not flying to Philly for the trip.

09/22: Edwards had knee surgery this week, presumably to repair damaged cartilage in his knee.  Typical recovery time is 4 weeks.

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EVANS Lee, WR, Ravens

Sprained ankle, Preseason

Week 6 possible but unlikely

10/14: Lee Evans is still having pain in his ankle even after 3 weeks of rest.  Consider that a bad sign.  He'll be a game time decision but let's bet that he won't play this week and that something more serious could be going on here.

10/06: Ravens are on bye for Week 5, setting the table for Evans' return in Week 6 but I'll reexamine his injury next week since it has been a severe enough sprain to keep him on the sidelines .

 10/02: As I thought, he did not play in Week 4.  Expect him to come back after the bye.

09/29: This will be a game time decision.  He’s still not practicing and still has pain in his ankle during plants and acceleration.  The Ravens go on bye for Week 5.  I would expect him to rest and try to come back for Week 6,

09/25: After playing the first two weeks of the season, he didn't play in Week 3.

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FLOYD Malcom, WR, Chargers (Go Chargers!)

Shoulder sprain, Week 4

Groin strain, Week 2, resolved

Will play Week 7 after the bye

10/09: He played in Week 5 like I expected and will play in Week 7 as well.  The Chargers are off for Week 6.

10/06: He has practiced this week and I expect him to play Week 5.

10/02: He played in Week 4 and was moving well in terms of his groin strain.  But now he has a shoulder sprain.

09/25: Floyd played in Week 3 so expect him to go in Week 4 as well.

09/22: Floyd suffered a strained groin during the game against the Patriots.  Mild strains usually take 2 weeks to heal. 

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GATES Antonio, TE, Chargers (Bolts!)

Plantar fasciitis, 2010 Season

Possible return Week 7 after bye week

10/09: He inactive as we expected this week.  It's not necessarily looking good for Week7 either but I'll reexamine it after the bye week.

10/06: Consider Gates out until he actually plays.  He's a no go for this week.

10/02: He did not play Week 4 and there is no timeframe for his return.

09/29: It’s unlikely Gates will play in Week 5.  He consulted with his foot surgeon this week as well.  He could be out for an extended period of time.  At this point, rest is not the issue, since he had all of the offseason to rest.  The issue is the buildup of scar tissue due to repeated injury which causes constriction and pain.  Of all the pertinent fantasy injuries right now, this is probably the hardest one to predict.  You need to temper expectations for him for 2011 if you have him on your fantasy team.

09/25: Gates did not play in Week 3 and it's reasonable to expect he could miss consecutive games.

09/22: Gates has had plantar fasciitis since the 2010 season.  It’s an injury that will linger.  It’s painful and extremely hard to play through.  When I spoke to Jaboner during the preseason, I said that I didn’t expect that Gates would play the entire year but rather would miss games here and there since the injury will flare up.  Here comes the flare.  He was obviously limited in Week 2 against the Patriots and has not yet practiced this week.  He’ll be a game time decision but if I had to bet right now, I’d bet he’s not playing Week 3.

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HENNE Chad, QB, Dolphins

Left shoulder separationand ligament tears, Week 4

Out for 2011 season

10/06: Adam Schefter reported that Henne will get surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.  He's done for 2011.

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HERNANDEZ Aaron, TE, Patriots

MCL Sprain, Week 2

Will play Week 6

10/14: Hernandez has been practicing and will play and assume a full role in the Patriots offense in Week 6.

10/09: Hernandez surprised me and suited up and played and moved well.  He's a go from this point onwards.

10/06: As of Wednesday, he still wasn't practicing.  Let's put him as unlikely to play for Week 5 and likely to rest for Week 6 as well with a return aimed for after the Week 7 bye week. 

10/02: He did not play Week 4.  My assessment remains the same.

09/29: Hernandez hasn’t practiced this week and it’s unlikely he’ll pay Week 4. 

09/25: He did not play Week 3.

09/22: Hernandez will be out at least 2 weeks and up to 6 weeks.  An MCL sprain needs time to heal.

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HIXON Domenik, WR, Giants

ACL tear, Week 2

Out for 2011 season

09/22: He’s out for the year.

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JACKSON Vincent, WR, Chargers (I totally disagree with you, Jaboner...The Best QB-WR is NOT Stafford-Megatron...the best combo is Rivers-VJax!)

Groin strain, Week 4

Abdominal strain, early season

Played Week 5 and is not expected to miss any time due to these injuries going fowarrd

10/09: Vincent Jackson started and played in Week 5.  He has a week off during the bye in Week 6.  Consider his injury issues irrelevant at this point.

10/06: He suffered  a groin strain dude to overcompensating for his abdominal strain.  He's going to be out of practice and will be a game time decision.

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JACKSON Tarvaris, QB, Seahawks

Strained pectoral muscle, Week 5

Week 7 after Week 6 bye

10/09: Charlie Whitehurst did a decent job in relief but a strained pectoral that has no tendon detachment is generally a 2 week injury. 

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JACOBS Brandon, RB, Giants

MCL sprain, Week 4

Likely out for 2 weeks; return for Week 8 after bye week a safe bet

10/07: ESPN has reported an MCL sprain.  2-4 weeks is the usual recovery time.  The injury is his right knee, which is different than his left knee meniscus surgery he had in 2009.

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JOHNSON Andre, WR, Texans

Hamstring strain, Week 4

Possibly Week 8; possibly out for season

10/14: There have been rumors of a need for surgical repair, which would sideline him for the year.  Consider him out until he plays and don't rely on him. Trade for a WR if you need to.

10/06:  He's out for at least 3 weeks and possibly longer.  He had platelet-rich plasma therapy done to try to help him heal but the truth is that only rest and time will get him well.  There is no strong evidence that plasma therapy helps injuries although it's worth a shot.

10/02: The official word out of Houston is hamstring injury and Johnson will get an MRI on Monday.  Hamstring injuries take time to heal.  Consider him out for Week 5.

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JOHNSON Chris, RB, Titans

Hamstring strain, Week 5

Will play Week 7 after Week 6 bye

10/09: The injury has been described as "tightness" which in reality is a mild strain.  I would expect him to play in Week 6 if the Titans were playing but they are on bye, setting the stage for full duty in Week 7.  But CJ has looked gassed throughout the season.  The injury is definitely a sign of deconditioning.

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JONES Felix, Cowboys, RB

Separated shoulder, Week 2; sprained shoulder Week 3

Will play Week 6

10/14: He's playing.

10/02: He has been playing through the injury and will continue to do so.

09/29: He practiced this week after re-injuring his shoulder and will play in Week 4.

09/25: He is expected to be active for MNF but will be a game time decision.

09/22: Pop the shoulder in, check  for laxity, and control the pain.  Lace it up and play.

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JONES Julio, WR, Falcons

Hamstring strain, Week 5

Week 6 unlikely; Return Week 7 or possibly after bye week for Week 9

10/14: Consider Julio's hamstring injury a 2 week injury.  With the bye week surfacing in Week 8, Jones might be held out in Week7 as well

KAEDING Nick, K, Chargers (Okie dokie, I changed this since SD4Life put me on blast...so now it's Hell Yeah Chargers!)

ACL Tear, Week 1

Out for 2011-12 Season

Out for entire year.

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MANNING Peyton, QB, Colts

Cervical disc disease, preseason

Out for entire 2011-12 season

Had his third neck surgery in September 2011, which was a 1 level anterior cervical fusion to correct continued instability.  3 months for the bone to heal and months for return of neurological function, if at all.

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MATTHEWS Ryan, RB, Chargers  (Why are all my Chargers injured, WTF!)

Calf strain, Week 5

Will play Week 7 after Week 6 bye

10/09: Matthews was injured, stepped out of the game, and stepped back in, before leaving again.  Calf strains are 1-2 week injuries most of the time.  Don't worry, Jessica.  He will be back after the bye week. 

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MENDENHALL Rashard, RB, Steelers

Groin and hamstring strain, Week 4

Week 6

10/14: Rashard will start Week 6 and is considered a full-go. 

10/09:  Mendhenhall was active in Week 5 but didn't have duties.  Consider him a go for Week 6.

10/06: He didn't practice Wednesday and is shaping up to be a game time decision.  If I had to bet, I'd say he's out for Week  5 since hamstring injuries are limiting for running backs.

10/02: It appears he has a mild strain and will play Week 5 but I will have more information by the Pink Report.

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MILLER Zach, TE, Seahawks

Concussion, Week 5

Week 7 likely after Week 6 bye

10/09: By now, you know the concussion drill.  Wait and see if he's symptom free and passes the concussion testing.  Hardest injury to predict.  But I should have a clearer idea by Week 6, which will be the Seahawks bye week.

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MORENO Knowshon, RB, Broncos

Strained hamstring, Week 1

No ongoing concerns; will play weekly

10/09:  Moreno played and will play from this point onwards.  His role in the offense appears limited though but he has a bye week to be brought back into the fold.  He had no carries in Week 5 but did get involved in the passing game, taking a screen pass in for a TD. 

10/02: Moreno played Week 4 but was limited.  His role will increase at this point onwards.

09/29: Moreno has been practicing and said he feels good, no tightness.  He’s going to play Week 4.

09/25: He was on the active roster but didn't play which makes me think he'll be ready to go for Week 4.

9/22: Sure enough, Moreno didn’t play.  He’s been practicing lightly and will be a game time decision.  I’d put it at 50/50 for Week 3. 

09/15: I would be surprised if Moreno played in Week 2.  Even minor hamstring strains require 7-10 days of rest.

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MURPHY Louis, WR, Raiders

Strained groin, Preseason

Week 6 possible but who knows with this guy?

10/14: He's practicing but until you actually see him on the field, consider him out.  It's not like you'd want to start a guy who has been out since the preseason on his first week anyway.

10/09: Murphy was surprisingly inactive for Week 5.  Until he plays, don't trust that he actually will.

10/06:  Here we go...Murphy finally practiced this week after being out since training camp 8 weeks ago.  He's likely to play but hopefully you don't need him anyway on your team.

09/29: Not practicing, not playing.

9/22: Nothing has changed.  Until he actually plays, consider him out. 

9/15: Murphy has been out for pretty since the start of training camp. I would consider him week to week at this time.

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ROETHLISBERGER Ben, QB, Steelers

Sprained ankle, Week 4

Will play Week 6

10/14: He'll play and have quite a nice game as well.

10/09: Roethlisberger threw 5 touchdowns with a sprained ankle in Week 5

10/06: Big Ben had an MRI that was negative for a fracture and will play.

10/02: Big Ben was in a walking boot after the game and will likely remain in it throughout the week.  An ankle sprain can take 1-4 weeks to heal fully.  Nonetheless, so long as he can bear weight, he'll play Week 5.  And he will be able to bear weight.

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ROMO Tony, QB, Cowboys

Rib fracture and small pneumothorax, Week 2

No ongoing concerns for missed time

10/09: He was on bye week during Week 5 and will be out of his flak jacket in 3 or 4 more weeks.

09/29: He is playing.

09/25: He is expected to start Week 3 MNF.  His pneumothorax resolved on CT scan and he will be wearing a protective jacket made of Kevlar.

09/22: I reviewed this injury with Jaboner this week.  Romo’s pneumothorax should be resolved by game day but then pain control becomes an issue.

I put him at 50/50 for Week 3 and 50/50 for each week until he actually plays.  Broken ribs are incredibly painful and will likely need 2 weeks to heal enough such that when he does get hit, he isn’t in debilitating pain.

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ROYAL Eddie, WR, Broncos

Groin strain, Week 2

Week 7 after Week 6 bye week

10/09: Royal was inactive during Week 5.  Denver is on bye for Week 6, setting the stage for a Week 7 return.

10/02: As I expected, he did not play Week 4.  He should see light duty in Week 5.

09/25: As I expected he did not play in Week 3

09/22: Royal hasn’t practiced this week.  He’s not playing for Week 3.  Expect 2-4 weeks to heal his moderately strained hamstring.

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SHIPLEY Jordan, WR, Bengals

ACL Tear, Week 2

Out for 2011 Season

He’s done for the year.

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STEVENS Craig, TE, Titans

Bruised rib, Week 4

Week 7 after Week 6 bye

10/09: The Titans will be on bye for Week 6, setting the stage for Craig Stevens to be a playing contributor for Week 7.

10/06: He's not practicing but will play.  Like I said, control the pain and get out there.

10/02: Control the pain and get out there.

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TATE Ben, RB, Texans

Groin strain, Week 4

Will play Week 6

10/14: He's been practicing and is set to play this week.  He's solidly a backup now though since Foster is at full strength.

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TOLBERT Mike, RB, Chargers (We are dominating the AFC West!)

Concussion, Week 5

Week 7 possible after Week 6 bye

10/09: You never know exactly how long a concussion can keep someone out.  There's a testing process and players must be symptom free.  Good thing for the Chargers, they're at the bye, which gives Tolbert 2 weeks to get symptom free.  So don't worry, Jessica.  I have a good feeling about this.

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WILLIAMS Mario, OLB, Texans

Torn pectoral muscle

Out for 2011 season

10/14: I don't usually go over defensive injuries but this one is important since many people want to know what to do with the Houston Texans defense for fantasy purposes.  He's done for the year and will require surgery.  It's a serious blow to the defense and was enough for me to drop the Houston defense from one of my own fantasy teams. 

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VICK Mike, QB, Eagles

Bone bruise, non-throwing hand, Week 3

Concussion, Week 2

Not expected to miss any games

10/06: Nothing new here.  He'll play against a decent but not great defense. 

10/02: Best news was that his post-concussive symptoms were completely gone.  He no longer looked foggy.  He is a go from this point on. 

09/29: Vick didn’t have a broken hand after all but does have a deep bruise with significant swelling.  Nonetheless, he will start.  I’m more curious though as to whether his concussive symptoms are truly gone since he looked foggy in Week 3.

09/25: Vick looked a step slow today which could have been a consequence of his concussion in Week 2.  A broken bone in his none throwing hand should not sideline him but it would be a good excuse to continue to let him recover from his Week 2 concussion.  A broken metacarpal bone will require 4 weeks to fully heal and oftentimes will get surgical pin placement to expedite healing.  It's unknown as of now if surgery would be an option.

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WILLIAMS Mike, WR, Seahawks

Concussion, Week 4

Week 7 after Week 6 bye week

10/09: Sure enough, Williams was inactive during Week 5.  The Seahawks are on bye for Week 6.   Expect Williams back for Week 7.

10/06: Carroll has indicated that he will be out for Week 5.  Consider a concussion week to week. 

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WILLIAMS Roy, WR, Bears

Strained groin, Week 1

Will play Week 6

10/02: Yep, he played.  Yep, I said you wouldn't want to start him anyway. 

09/25: He played Week 3 and will play Week 4.  Whether you want to start him is another question altogether.

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