NFL Week 5 Injury Report

Photo Credit: USATSI

Injury Updates

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is optimistic that running back Marshawn Lynch will be back after missing consecutive games. “He had a good workout today, and he should be back on track for Thursday,” Carroll said. Even with Lynch’s return, Carroll said that back up rookie Thomas Rawls will still be part of the offense.

Last week, Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine left it up to cornerback Joe Haden to decide if he wanted to play. Haden returned to play in week five’s victory over division rivals the Baltimore Ravens, but suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter. Haden is currently undergoing the NFL’s concussion protocol and will most likely sit out for the upcoming game against the undefeated Denver Broncos.

Quarterback Andrew Luck fully participated in the Indianapolis Colts’ practice on Monday. Luck has missed two games with a right shoulder injury and is listed as day-to-day. Coach Chuck Pagano still has not given any indication whether or not the starter will be back for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

Season Ending Injuries

An MRI confirmed the Kansas City Chiefs biggest fear. Running back Jamaal Charles has in fact torn the ACL in his right knee. Charles was injured without contact in Sunday’s 18-17 loss to the Chicago Bears. In 2011, Charles missed most of the season because of a torn ACL in his left knee. Chiefs coach Andy Reid is confident that Charles will eventually make it back.

The Ravens, already crippled from injuries, just took another hit to the defense. Recently acquired cornerback Will Davis tore his ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Browns and will miss the remainder of the season.

Key Injuries

DeMarcus Ware is expected to miss two weeks due to a back injury. The Broncos pass rusher was carted to the locker room early in Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport spoke to Ware and reported that his injury has been described as a strain. Ware will definitely miss Sunday’s game against the Browns.

The Buffalo Bills are down another running back. Cierre Wood was placed on injured reserve after being carted off the field with a knee injury. Wood joins LeSean McCoy and rookie Karlos Williams on the list of injured running backs. However, Williams is still undergoing the league’s concussion protocol. Moving Wood to IR created a space for defensive end IK Enemkpali.

“He is beat up right now.” That’s how Bills coach Rex Ryan described his quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor has been nursing a few injuries, including one to his ankle. There have been reports that backup quarterback EJ Manuel may get the start Sunday, but the Bills also signed quarterback Josh Johnson on Tuesday.

Other Injuries to Watch

Wide receiver Odell Beckham suffered a hamstring injury after scoring a touchdown in the New York Giants’ Sunday night win over the San Francisco 49ers. Bechkam sat out for a series then returned for his team’s final, game-winning drive. This hamstring injury has been a lingering issue for him. The second-year receiver missed the first four games of his rookie season because of a hamstring strain. Beckham will be limited in practice this week.

The Ravens saw many defensive injuries on Sunday that took out several players. One being linebacker Elvis Dumervil who sustained a groin injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Dont’a Hightower, linebacker for the New England Patriots, was sidelined early in Sunday’s 30-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Hightower sustained a rib injury but was able to walk on his own to the bench and cheer his team on.

Bobby Wagner could miss some time for a strained pectoral muscle. The Seahawks linebacker left Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but returned to finish the game. Still no word on if he’ll play this week against the Carolina Panthers.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles suffered a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his shoulder during the team’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback managed to play through the injury but it is still unknown if the injury was to his throwing shoulder. Coach Gus Bradley said that he thinks Bortles will “be in good shape.”

Also in that game, Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon suffered a groin injury and had to exit the game. Yeldon’s injury came after he rushed his first 100-yard game.

St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long suffered a right knee injury and was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rams coach Jeff Fisher reported that Long is dealing with a hyper-extended knee, and luckily avoided any ligament damage. “We got good news,” Fisher said. “It’s not an ACL or MCL, so that’s good.” Long is now listed as week-to-week.

Good News

After weeks without their star linebacker, the Panthers will finally get Luke Kuechly back for week six. Kuechly suffered a concussion in the season opening win over the Jaguars, but he’s finally been cleared by an independent neurologist.

After being inactive for two straight weeks, it looks like Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins could be back this week. Watkins has been out due to a calf injury but worked out on the field during pre-game warm ups on Sunday. “We thought it was best to just hold him out of that game and get him really ready for this one. I feel good about Sammy,” coach Rex Ryan told the media.

Be sure to check the comments section for updates throughout the week!