Season Ending Injuries
After losing Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead to torn ACLs in weeks one and two, respectively, the San Diego Chargers bad luck continues. They saw linebacker Manti Te’o go down with a non-contact injury in Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Not only did the Chargers lose the game, but head coach Mike McCoy confirmed that Te’o suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will be out for the rest of the season.
The New York Giants backfield will be without running back Shane Vereen for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old sustained a torn triceps in Sunday’s loss to the Washington Redskins. Giants’ coach Ben McAdoo announced in a press conference on Monday that Vereen will undergo surgery.
That was not the only season-ending injury of the 29-27 battle between the Redskins and the Giants. Redskins’ cornerback DeAngelo Hall tore his ACL in the win. Head coach Jay Gruden reported on Monday that he is also finished for the rest of the season.
Key Injuries
It raised some eyebrows when veteran defensive end J.J. Watt missed practice on Monday. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien told reporters that it was a regular day off. Tuesday evening, NFL Network reported that the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year re-injured his back, most likely during Thursday night’s loss to the New England Patriots. Experts are saying that Watt could miss the remainder of the season.
Other Injuries to Watch
Keeping an eye on concussions, Chargers’ cornerback Brandon Flowers, Miami Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd have all been placed in the league’s concussion protocol. This is Cameron’s fourth concussion in four years, but Dolphins’ coach Adam Gase said “if anybody had any concerns in this organization, that would have been brought to me.”
Gase also announced that running back Arian Foster will likely not play in Week 4’s Thursday night match up in Cincinnati, due to a groin injury.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews had just two carries before he left Sunday’s game against the Steelers with stiffness in his left ankle. While this may create an opening for younger players like Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner, Eagles’ coach Doug Pederson said that Mathews will still be the team’s top running back, once he’s healthy again.
Seattle Seahawks’ head coach Pete Carroll confirmed on 710 ESPN Seattle, on Monday that Russell Wilson has an MCL sprain. The quarterback should return to practice on Wednesday and Carroll expects him to play Sunday on the road against the Jets.
Carroll also announced that running back Thomas Rawls could be out a few weeks to one month with a fibula injury. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the second-year player suffered a hairline fracture during Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers.
In a true test of strength, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas and running back Chris Ivory sustained injuries in Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but stayed in the game. Thomas suffered an elbow injury while Chris Ivory sustained a sprained knee and sprained ankle. No word yet on their current status.
Atlanta Falcons star receiver Julio Jones also played through his injury. Earlier last week Jones was listed as questionable and was limited in practice due to a calf injury. He had one reception for 16 yards in Monday night’s win over the New Orleans Saints.
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett announced on Wednesday that wide receiver Dez Bryant will be day-to-day with a hairline fracture in his knee. Garrett is hopeful that Bryant will play Sunday against the 49ers.
Good News
While the Giants lost Vereen in the backfield, it looks like they’ll have Rashad Jennings back for Week 4. Jennings missed Sunday’s game due to a thumb injury, but will return for the game in Minnesota.
Texans’ coach Bill O’Brien told reporters on Monday that offensive lineman Duane Brown looked good in practice and could “possibly” play this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. The veteran underwent season-ending surgery for a quad injury in January.
Chiefs Head coach Andy Reid announced that “there’s a chance” for running back Jamaal Charles to return for this week’s game in Pittsburgh. Charles has spent the last year recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee.
